The Pleasure Principle at Pikes Ibiza

Laura Henderson follows the chill-party-repeat regime with Music Club supremos Dawn and Andy Hindle at Ibiza’s ultimate hostelry of hedonism – Pikes Hotel.

Nestled a few miles away from the drink-party-repeat clubbing scene of San Antonio - Pikes has played host to many a fast-living celebrity Mick Jagger, George Michael, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Grace Jones... I could go on. As absurdly decadent destinations go – the hotel is hard to equal.

Think dazzling disco balls above the pool, walk-in costume closet and wall-mounted zebras. Did I mention the hot-pink tennis court or Freddie Mercury karaoke bathroom?

Having been lovingly restored in 2011 since its takeover by Ibiza Rocks founders Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle – the couple have successfully created a modern incarnation of an old school classic, completely returning the estate to its former glory.

The story of the let-your-hair-down establishment however wouldn’t be complete without reference to the former owner of the 15th century finca Tony Pike - a one-time yachtsman, model, actor, and raffish gigolo who converted the property into a resort synonymous with Hawaiian Tropic tanning days and wild nights that live long in the memory.

Fast forward to present day and the property’s new life chapter hasn’t diminished any of its push the boundaries personality. For the third year running, the hotel has scooped prestigious awards at the 2017 ‘White Ibiza Best Of Ibiza Readers’ Choice Awards including Best Boutique Hotel 2017.

Accommodation has a whimsical character and rustic Balearic feel, with décor that gives a nod to the hotel’s party on roots with added extras such as vintage record players and sunken bathtubs. Rooms are dotted around the estate, linked by a web of paths and gardens where you might encounter a garden gnome or inflatable crocodile.

The Ca Pietra Spanish tiled floors have been glammed up with cowhide rugs and guests can keep the boho vibe going by day by lounging on the porch in 70s style rattan peacock chairs or by the pool on over-sized sun loungers. Foodies are unlikely to go hungry either.

Head chef Lee Milne who has worked at award-winning restaurants including ‘Restaurant Gordon Ramsay’ and ‘The Vineyard at Stockcross’ has established ‘Room 39’ as one of the best restaurants in Ibiza, with daily mouth-watering ‘House specials’ along with an extensive à la carte menu and sublime individually chosen wine list.

A weekend institution drawing those in-the-know is the ‘Sunday Roast’ - starting with poolside Bloody Mary’s followed by a traditional English-style roast with all the trimmings. The hotel’s next stage outing is certainly in safe and creative hands - Dawn and Andy co-founders of Manumission, the biggest and most famous club night in the world that launched in 1993, boasted over 1.5 million visitors.

In 2005, they spotted the shift in youth culture and launched the Ibiza Rocks brand that many argue - has pioneered the social rejuvenation of the island. Says Andy: “The hotel is one of the few places that still represents the authentic, carefree, Balearic spirit of the Ibiza. As we so often say to guests - the only danger of booking Pikes is that once you check in, you’ll never want to check out…

PIKES HOTEL – FAST FACTS

• The hotel is named as one of the ‘Top 100 Hotels in the world’ by Sunday Times Travel.
• There are 25 comfortable and spacious rooms and junior suites to the gorgeous vast apartment ‘La Residencia’, with walls hung with stunning photographic images by Victor Spinelli and other artists.
• For the Zen-minded - there’s a whirlpool tub, a variety of massages, fitness and yoga classes offered in the ‘Rockovery’ tent.
• Rates in May start from £130 and from £265 in July per room per night. www.pikesibiza.com