Bold and Balearic

As of late, Ibiza has been experiencing a growth spurt of sorts. Much like the 20-something youths that descend onto the island for its world-renowned clubbing scene, it is now acquiring a taste for the finer things in life with the passage of time. We are witnessing Ibiza’s glow-up, particularly along the municipality of Vila d’Eivissa, where a cluster of high-end marinas set a distinguished tone for the area. But there is another bastion of good taste along the promenade. Visitors can look forward to the recent renovation of the Gran Hotel Montesol, now rebranded as Montesol Experimental. Once again, Experimental Group have entrusted design extraordinaire Dorothée Meilichzon with the building’s interiors, who’s given this neo-colonial building a surrealist revamp.

Since its opening in 1933 as the first hotel on the island, the Gran Hotel has been a magnet for celebrities and renowned artists from all over the world. From the 50s to the 80s, it ushered in movers and shakers such as Orson Welles, Carolina of Monaco and Pink Floyd, so the Gran has always been a sanctuary for the bohemian community, both global and local. It was therefore no surprise that Meilichzon’s work would present itself so effortlessly in the space.

It must be noted that Ibiza’s architectural landscape is immensely saturated, rendering it a challenging terrain on which one may stand out aesthetically. But as always, Dorothée Meilichzon has made her mark, breathing new life into this bastion of old-school glamour with Ayurvedic principles woven into her methodology. Taking up an entire corner at the end of the atmospheric Passeig de Vara de Rey, the façade of Montesol Experimental dominates with its grand neo-colonial windows and columns, and its honey-hued colour palette is an overture to what now lies inside.

If you’re into all things interior and design, Montesol Experimental will instantly seduce you, beckoning you inside through the airy and earthy Café Montesol on the ground floor. The running lunar theme can be experienced from this point onwards, with crescent moons carved and hollowed out into walls for you to catch a glimpse of what lies behind. Café Montesol is a restaurant that promises refuge from the summer sun, and fabulous flavours to go with your respite. Chef Alex Larrea gives a whimsical twist to local delicacies through an all-day tapas menu, allowing you to sample his Catalonian heritage and a piquant taste of Spain.

Upon entering the hotel, you’ll be instantly cooled down by the calming environment of the interior, designed to lower your temperature by a few degrees to relieve you from the Balearic heat. Looking at Meilichzon’s signature style at closer inspection, some may notice that her work here is reminiscent of Joan Miro’s surrealist lines and shapes. Nevertheless, the overall feel of the design is undoubtedly rooted in the free and joyful energy of the island itself, as well as its Moorish history through lush fabrics bursting with patterns, and eye-catching fringes and pompoms as an interior garnish. Cosmic motifs will keep you starry-eyed as you explore the space, with brass suns and even more moon carvings in the furniture. Note how the pastel hues with the light greens and celestial greys maintain an aura of calm throughout. Another cooling factor within the Montesol Experimental can be seen in the Zellige tile pieces in hues of orange, brown and ecru.

Every little detail within the hotel is a reminder that there is nothing ordinary about this space. From the ceramic wall plugs and lights switches crafted in the old way, to the iron chairs especially customised for each room, to the masks created by Anna Alexandra from Mallorca and the playdough stools provided by Diego Faivre, there is a quirky opulence that will appeal to a bohemian Ibiza. Most of the hotel’s thirty-three rooms form part of its façade, so you can throw open a window to let the Mediterranean sun stream in and shed some Instagrammable light onto the splendid features of the room, such as the funky wardrobes with jigsaw-cut doors and glossy lacquer finish. And just because this hotel is steeped in bohemian vibes doesn’t mean that they’ve shirked on luxurious comfort. The plush beds promise a miraculous respite to your weary back, and the superior rooms all come with double sinks for couples who wish to share in a convivial teeth-cleaning in the morning.

If the view from your window isn’t enough, head upstairs to the renowned rooftop terrace for a breath-taking view of the island’s Dalt Vila, accompanied by a superb cocktail menu. It is a postcardperfect sight at sunset, giving you an unrestricted view of Ibiza’s old town and picturesque terracotta homes atop a tree-adorned hill.

With Dorothée Meilichzon’s magic touch, a single glimpse into Montesol Experimental will ruin all other hotels in Ibiza for you.