Journal

Holidays

Choosing joy at Can Vistabella

Choosing joy at Can Vistabella

Words Sonia Espinosa

Photos Can Vistabella

Secluded in the Benimussa hills near San Antonio, Ibiza boutique hotel Can Vistabella exudes the charm of a sophisticated summer camp.

White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella
White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella

These days, the concept of family can take many forms. We have our families by birth, and then there are our chosen families – the eclectic mix of people gathered along life’s journey. Regardless of how your chosen family is composed, one thing is for sure: their presence always feels like home. This is precisely the sentiment that Zuzana Floreková, manager of charming Ibiza boutique hotel Can Vistabella in the hills of Benimussa, has intricately woven into the fabric of the property, where she has created a sanctuary for her guests and staff alike.

The ambience at Can Vistabella can be attributed to Zuzana’s own experiences in Ibiza; it is as much her way of life as it is her life’s work. “I came to Ibiza six years ago, completely alone,” she explains. “I was a bit lost and without a family. It was like starting from scratch. When I began developing Can Vistabella, I instantly felt at peace. The hotel felt like an oasis of tranquillity to me, and I wanted to transmit that warmth to everyone who came through its doors.” Channelling the loneliness she felt in her early days in Ibiza and transforming it into a positive source of inspiration, Zuzana began to build what can now be described as an ever-growing global family.

White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella

The result can be felt from the very first moment you catch a glimpse of the magical hotel, tucked away within the lush folds of the Benimussa hills near San Antonio. This serene escape from the hustle and bustle is comprised of 15 independent bungalows, ranging from cosy studios to spacious cottages, each designed with a blend of traditional Ibizan architecture and modern touches. It’s almost like a sophisticated summer camp, where guests wander in and out of their private spaces throughout the day, joining up at Can Vistabella‘s signature restaurant, Essència Ibiza, for delicious poolside breakfasts, delectable lunches, afternoon aperitivos and tapas, or decadent dinners beneath the stars.


One of the best things about a chosen family is the opportunity for travelling with guilt-free privacy. At Can Vistabella, there are plenty of discreet places dotted around the hotel’s discreet gardens where you can retreat with a book, take nap in a hammock or just quietly catch some sunshine before re-joining the scene to take a yoga class, indulge in a massage, watch a movie at the outdoor cinema, enjoy a live music session or even head out to discover the island. It really is like you’re on one big family holiday, with the added benefit of Zuzana and her team being on-hand to organise everything from boat trips and birthday cakes to beauty treatments and restaurant bookings.

White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella

It’s this very essence that has guests coming back year after year, so much so that the Can Vistabella team have become less facilitators of holiday fun and more like dear friends along for the ride. “Our philosophy is to create an atmosphere where you can feel completely at home,” Zuzana says. “We always welcome you with a hug.” In a world that is constantly changing, it’s comforting to know there’s a place in Ibiza where you can always be yourself, and this warmth and familiarity extends to the staff too. From housekeeping and the kitchen – led by always-smiling chef Francisco Moreno – to gardeners, everyone at Can Vistabella is considered part of the family.

White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella
White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella

The broad smiles and relaxed yet attentive service that guests experience throughout their stays are evidence that the philosophy is a success. “Everyone who steps through our doors leaves feeling rejuvenated and cared for, as well as part of our little community,” Zuzana says. Her story is a testament to the power of choosing joy. By transforming loneliness into belonging, she and her team have made Can Vistabella a place where people feel welcome, nurtured and truly at ease.

White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella

Whether it’s through a warm hug upon arrival, a favourite homemade meal, or a heartfelt conversation, the Can Vistabella team is committed to ensuring that everyone who stays at here leaves with a feeling of connection, making the hotel much more than just a holiday destination – it’s a home away from home.

White Ibiza Boutique Hotels Guide: Can Vistabella

On a mission to prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring, everything on the shelves at Ben’s Bio Market is carefully selected for its quality, and can be picked up post-workout, on the go, or delivered straight to your door by local runners, Alfred Ibiza. For Ben, it’s simply another way to encourage Ben’s Gym members to keep building on the incredible work they’ve already put in this year, even during the testing summer months. In a full circle moment, Ben and his dad love seeing parents bonding with their kids as they work out together, carrying on the tradition. “I love seeing people of all ages take the initiative,” Ben says. “It’s been so rewarding to create something that’s so beneficial and watching members keep up their great work. We also love welcoming new people too – there’s no better time to start than now!”