Sanctuary of calm – Nativo
Luxury meets sustainability at Nativo – a hidden gem of a Ibiza boutique hotel in Siesta. Relish the barefoot vibes, gourmet fare and breathtaking views, all nestled within a tranquil and forested coastal community just outside of Santa Eulalia.
As its name suggests, Siesta is a sweet and sleepy stretch of coast and forest, located on the outskirts of Santa Eulalia. Even the most seasoned Ibiza visitor might not know about this secluded community – a charming little pocket of the island that hides a truly beautiful secret. In 2021, the team that brought luxury to Santa Eulalia via Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe opened a sister hotel just across the bay. Nativo is everything clued-up travellers look for in an island holiday. Boutique by design, the hotel is imbued with a carefree, barefoot casualness bookended by eco-conscious hospitality and a chic beachy style.
A soothing, earthy colour scheme encourages an instant exhale of stress and a deep inhale of relaxation. Each space within and without the hotel draws inspiration from nature and in return, Nativo upholds a strong environmental commitment, positioning itself as one of the most eco-friendly hotels on the island. The elimination of plastics and commitment to the sparse use of even recycled paper is just one of the many ways Nativo shows up for the environment, in addition to offering guests free use of semi-electric bikes (with prior reservation). Every aspect of the hotel reflects thoughtful attention to detail, prioritising inclusivity, a health-conscious dining philosophy and the overall well-being of its guests.
Each bright and airy room features luxurious Ortigia personal products, plush bedding and a modish style with a touch of retro glamour. Dreamer suites come with deluxe double platform beds and sliding windows opening to the lush, tropical courtyard, while the Bohème suites offer king-sized beds, deep tubs for dreamy bubble baths, and balconies overlooking the central pool area. Second-floor suites boast private terraces and outdoor hot tubs, creating tranquil sanctuaries with views over the sparkling sea. For the pinnacle of cool, the Swim-Up suites provide private decks with double daybeds and direct pool access, blending luxury with effortless convenience.
Whether you are a guest at the hotel or just stopping by for a bite to eat, lunch at Nativo is a cornucopia of fresh, organic, homestyle cuisine. Sharing plates include perennial favourites like fried squid with tartar sauce and sweet and sour short ribs with corn on the cob. There are four hearty salads and a super tasty poke bowl, plus burgers, pastas, pizzas and the classic Nativo Club Sandwich. While lunch is a true island delight, it’s Humo, the hotel’s signature evening restaurant, that attracts visitors from far and wide for delectable dinners on sultry summer nights.
After opening under the guidance of revered Peruvian chef (and culinary director for both Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe and Nativo), Omar Malpartida in August 2023, Humo is now helmed by executive chef Alberto Bermejo, who has matched the stunning sea views of this rooftop gem with a selection of new offerings on the avant-garde menu. Open from 7.30pm until 11pm each evening, Bermejo takes diners on a journey through the jungles of Latin America, using local ingredients and the potent flavours provoked by an open flame. As the stars begin to twinkle, so too do the tastebuds with delicious morsels – perfect for sharing – such as grilled marrow with sirloin steak, pickles, mustard and egg yolk, or carob-wood grilled mushrooms with provoleta and sun-dried tomato pesto.
Moving onto mains, the botanical realm is represented by lavish veggie dishes such as a grilled cauliflower steak with broccoli chimichurri and masala curry; and leeks with ajoblanco, carrot, galangal, black olive powder, wild asparagus and apple. Flame-grilled meats include succulent 21-day matured steak and churrasco nacional, while the taste of the sea appears in the market fresh whole fish or octopus with olive aioli, beets and puy lentils. The wine list at Humo is exceptional, but with views like this, it’s strongly recommended to start (and perhaps finish) with a tropical cocktail, best enjoyed around Nativo‘s second swimming pool, located on the beautiful rooftop.
Taking in the most extraordinary views on the island’s east coast, the Nativopool terrace and bar is bathed in a golden light reflected off sparkle of theMediterranean Sea. Open to adults only, this secretive spot is designed for maximum relaxation. Morning yoga classes take place here every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30am – another free activity for all hotel guests who pre-register – as a beautiful way to welcome the sun. Sunbeds and a scattering of tables sit along the wood decking. Palm trees and flourishing birds of paradise plants lend a balmy ambience, and the bar supplies icy drinks to accompany the stunning views for toasting the sunshine or rising moon.
With its blend of stylish design, thoughtful amenities, and a commitment to sustainability, Nativo is a sanctuary of calm and a testament to the harmonious balance between modern comfort and environmental stewardship. Whether lounging by one of its inviting pools, indulging in the hotel’s gourmet pleasures by day or by night, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of its surroundings, every moment at Nativo is crafted to provide a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Come for the tranquil ambience, stay for the extraordinary hospitality, and leave with a renewed sense of peace and connection.
Larrea also recommends sharing the locally caught fish of the day (salt-baked or grilled), or for those seeking something a little meatier, he suggests the spicy grilled country chicken served with homemade kimchi or the Menorcan beef steak. There are luxe rice dishes and pastas – with the lobster linguine is always a winner – and vegetarian options aplenty, alongside a variety of fresh fish and seafood. Guests are so spoilt for choice they could spend an entire day and night dipping in and out of the menu, but there’s one thing Larrea says you simply cannot leave Experimental Beach Ibiza without trying. “Our Torrija [a local bread pudding] puts the icing on the cake,” he declares with pride.
Sunbeds call, once again, to sleep off all that feasting, before the sun’s golden rays begin to glint off the sea and the sky transforms into a kaleidoscopic array of colours. There’s no denying just how iconic the Experimental Beach Ibiza sunset experience is, and if you happened to arrive just in time for nature’s incredible spectacle and missed the opportunity for lunch, never fear! The kitchen remains open, non-stop, throughout sunset and onto dinner until midnight, with Larrea’s impressive menu perfectly suited to both day and night alike, with the exceptionally curated wine list providing the perfect accompaniment.
Whether you come for lunch and stay for the sunset or come for sunset and stay for the food (or perhaps, as many Experimental Beach Ibiza lovers have been known to do, stay for all three), one thing is for sure. This is an Ibiza beach club that is well-deserving of its reputation for exceptional cuisine, exquisite cocktails, unrivalled service and incredible style. And speaking of style? Don’t forget to exit through the boutique, where an array of Ibiza-inspired fashion and jewellery make the ultimate souvenir to commemorate your escape to paradise.