THINK of Ibiza and most of us will be imagining cool clubs and dancing until dawn.
It’s probably the last place you’d think of as the setting for the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific.
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Yet the island’s unspoilt north coast and its secluded sands were the perfect location when the stars filmed the 1958 South Seas romance.
And it’s easy to see why. Formerly a small fishing village, tranquil Portinatx is a sun-lover’s paradise, with three beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and lush, green hillsides fringing cobalt blue Mediterranean waters.
The many coves and calm seas make it a fabulous place to swim and enjoy the sunshine, while its hippy culture attracts free spirits and those in search of a laidback lifestyle.
It may be just 40 minutes from Ibiza Town but the chilled atmosphere and stunning scenery is a world away from the DJ scene and its frenetic partying.
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Here, nature is the star with hiking and cycling the best ways to explore the headlands and sailing or surfing ideal to enjoy the calm seas.
Its clear waters are also a huge hit with snorkellers and scuba divers.
Heading to the northern most point of the island won’t mean missing out on all that Ibizan charm though.
The adults-only Barceló Portinatx lies on a pure sandy beach next to a sheltered cove with gentle waves lapping the shores.
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Its 134 rooms are set in low-rise dazzlingly white Ibizan-style villas that tumble down the hillside and surround two sparkling pools.
Inside, it’s a design-led delight with washed wood floors, oversized rattan pendant lights and floaty voiles creating a calm, relaxing vibe.
Guest rooms are spacious and many benefit from sea views and a hot tub, with rainfall showers, luxurious beds to sink into and light and airy schemes that are a joy to relax in.
My only negative would be that perhaps there isn’t enough storage for a couple staying for more than a week — a girl needs to hang her dresses!
As well as the pools, there’s a wellness centre where you can treat yourself to a massage or spa therapy, while inviting Balinese beds are dotted along the terrace.
Guests are encouraged to take part in one of the daily yoga classes or get active with some cycling or water sports.
There’s a variety of places to eat and drink — and you can opt for B&B, half-board or all-inclusive.
The El Faro pool bar is the perfect spot for a sunny snack, and you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail from the lobby bar before heading outside to the Noray Beach Club, with its picture-postcard ocean setting or the Posidonia buffet restaurant.
PHILIPPE DEGROOTE
While the food was good and there was a large choice, I’d go for a half-board option to give you the chance to explore the local area and ring in the changes with a few meals away from the hotel.
If the glittering sea and idyllic beaches won’t hold your attention all day, there’s plenty of exploring to be done.
This part of Ibiza has some of the most spectacular scenery with little having changed over the centuries, and there are walks a plenty — I’d recommend hiking to the nearby lighthouse, with its stunning cliff-top scenery.
Across the road from the hotel, Los Enamorados has a bar and store, and can also organise for you to explore the northern landscape via a guided horseback tour (complete with a stop on the beach for a swim), or a spot of fishing.
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Don’t miss the hippy markets either.
The San Juan market is held in the square every Sunday and offers live music, handmade arts and crafts, locally-grown organic fruit and veg and a friendly vibe.
Venture further afield by hopping on one of the small ferry boats that will take you down to Puerto de San Miguel and the surrounding coves, or opt to do a day trip over to Formentera, where you can rent bikes, snorkel and sail with a pretty backdrop of dunes and pine trees.
Ibiza town is around a 40-minute drive from Portinatx, and if you haven’t hired a car there are regular buses you can take.
Meander along the cobbled streets, see the castle and soak up Ibiza’s rich culture and authentic flavours before returning to romantic Portinatx, away from the hustle and bustle.
GO: Ibiza
GETTING /STAYING THERE: There are daily flights to Ibiza with British Airways, easyJet, Vueling, Jet2 and Ryanair.
Ryanair flights from £26pp.
Double rooms at the Barceló Portinatx start from £102per night, B&B, based on two sharing.
To book, visit barcelo.com.
