Agroturismo Can Lluc Ibiza – Rural Escape and Local Luxury For The Conscious Traveller
The Agroturismo Can Lluc, a recently renovated estate in the heart of rural Ibiza, is a must-visit for any conscious traveller. Family-run, cleverly designed and fully committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, Can Lluc is a frontrunner in the agrotourism wave sweeping the island. Across Ibiza, traditional farmhouses are being converted into stylish rural hotels – specifically this agrotourism movement, which originated in Italy, relates to working farms booking out rooms to support income. As a fully functioning hotel and luxury estate, Can Lluc goes well beyond this, and is a standalone restoration space for guests – farm activities aside. In fact, guests do not participate in farming activities, as is commonplace with agrotourism these days, though benefit from enjoying locally grown food (including olive oil), wine and other fruits of the soil.
As more and more issues around sustainability come to the surface in the hospitality sector, and as it becomes an area the conscious traveller is increasingly vocal about, the authentic experience, cuisine, farming practises and philosophy of Can Lluc offers something truly refreshing, and slightly ahead of the mainstream times.
Peaceful. Away. Finally. These were the first three words to cross my mind when I arrived at Can Lluc late one evening to amber lights illuminating the rustic walkway up to the main hotel. The entrance – once you manoeuvre the winding roads to the secret hotel – leads to one of the best kept secrets in the countryside of San Rafeal valley. Can Lluc is conveniently located, a mere 15 minutes away from the centre of the island – this places you close to everything from private beaches and bars to restaurants and clubs are a stone’s throw away (San Antonio and historic Ibiza Town can be found 10 km away respectively). Distances worth noting are that Can Lluc can be found 3 km from San Rafael; 10 km from Ibiza old town and a mere 17 km from airport. As an island, Ibiza is is only 50km by 20km so most of the action will always only be a short drive regardless of your base. Ibiza can give you the best of partying (been there, done that) but it can also give you rural luxury and downtime in abundance. In fact, it might be one the most ideal spaces for the latter; the infamous White Isle experience can actually be relaxing if that’s what you are after… If you want a peaceful location and place to unwind, release and reflect, then Can Lluc is definitely the best place for you – chill-seekers, yogis, jet-setters, seasoned-travellers and families alike, will find a home here quite easily.
These days, hotels must offer guests more than a fold out map with which to circle ‘go-to’ spots, instead an in depth knowledge of the surrounding attractions, and ‘go above and beyond’ approach is needed. Not only to ensure that a guests’ experience outside the hotel is as rewarding as their stay, but to remain competitive. Luckily, husband and wife team Lucas Prats and Tina Soriano respectively hold a wealth of information when it comes to their local stomping grounds and willingly help you to plan extra activities throughout your stay, including insider tips you simply cannot find online, regardless of your proficiency with Google. Situated in an idyllic rural setting, but well connected to San Antonio, Ibiza, Santa Eulalia and all other points of the island thanks to an excellent network of roads, Can Lluc is a rare find run by a passionate and engaging couple.
Can Lluc is about the intimate, relaxing experience, it’s about the recharge you need before you go out again to face the buzzing town. With its rustic charms it also reminds you that aside from world-renowned clubs and bars, Ibiza has some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenes of natural wonder to behold this side of the globe. When staying at Can Lluc you will find this delivered to your doorstep with a stunning sunset from East-facing secret gazebos (ideal for sunset watching) to boot, and stretches of land to gaze upon whilst reading, eating, sleeping in no particular order. The farm is surrounded by clear walking trails which not only ensures that you do not wander off in the wrong direction for too long – though the views are so stunning that should not be a problem – but also prevent soil erosion. The hotel is carefully considered design – complete with full wheelchair access to the sparkling swimming pool to the spread and range of decking suitable for all – from families to couples enjoying a romantic getaway.
By sunrise on my first day, the splendour of Can Lluc Boutique Country Hotel & Villas became obvious; indeed, following recent renovations – formerly a country ranch now transformed into a boutique hotel by architect José Torres – the hotel, generously dressed with thousand-year-old pine, carob, fig and olive trees, simply beams with beauty. The country house setting boasting 20 rooms – double, superior and villas. The double and superior rooms are based on a rustic “Ibicenco” style décor, and villas are spacious and modern open-plan double rooms with generous terraces, situated around a sun-drenched swimming pool with outdoor jacuzzi and Balinese beds. New additions to the recently expanded layout include Garden & Sunset halls.
My advice? Spend a day exploring the grounds before you even think of venturing out because so much of what makes solar-powered Can Lluc magic is actually hidden. Take the small spa – where massages can be arranged, plus a steam room and Jacuzzi – which can be found discreetly tucked away between the private villas, or the detail – authentic, woody and original. You could happily spend all day languishing under the palms, dividing blissful time between jacuzzi and saltwater pool. Carefully preserved and skillfully renovated, the hotel has skillfully balanced the necessary modern furnishings for the worldly traveller – wifi, bathrooms with Jacuzzis or water massage jets) and more than enough mod cons – with the need for less flash and more quality firmly met. Rooms are extremely good value for money, with exposed stone walls, beamed roofs – thankfully Can Lluc has retained its original stone walls and wooden roofs and rather wonderfully, by holding close that earthy character and homliness Can Lluc is able to put you at ease as soon as your bags hit the floor.
Next up…food, and the history and future of Can Lluc!
