DESIGN EXPERIENCES: Sleepover Ibiza 2019 Highlights
Upperworth directors Kristy and Karen attended Sleepover Ibiza in May, an invitation-only event curated by Sleeper Media. This exclusive annual gathering of who’s who in hotel development and design takes place in a different location each year, specifically chosen for their reputation of innovating hotel and F&B concepts. Attendees are guaranteed an intensive and immersive two days.
Arriving a day ahead of the event, we checked into the OD Talamanca, a contemporary new-build hotel just a few steps from the beach with spectacular views of the azure Mediterranean and the old town, a UNESCO world heritage site. The evening kicked off by catching up with industry friends over dinner in a traditional local restaurant, then onto a night of dancing at Pacha Ibiza with veteran DJ John Digweed on the decks – considered a rite of passage for first-time visitors to Ibiza!
Day 1:
In small groups we were taken on guided tours of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay (opened in 2017) followed by the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach hotel. The Nobu was as stylish, luxurious and modern as you’d expect from this exclusive brand, with exquisite finishes and details inspired by the island’s heritage. At a larger scale, the Ushuaïa offers a whole different experience, aimed at would-be hedonists and including rooms that look directly onto the central stage of the hotel’s open-air club so that guests never have to miss a beat when they’re away from the dancefloor. Here the décor is bold, sexy - and fun!
An afternoon boat tour along the coastline was spectacularly scenic, if a little rocky! Back on dry land, we were transported to the west of the island for an evening of dinner and a DJ-set at the newly opened 7Pines Resort. Located far from the bustle of Talamanca Bay, the resort is a wellness retreat with a menu of experiences to help guests unwind, re-energise or connect with nature. We could so easily have stayed here a few days, or longer…
Day 2:
Started with the serious business of ‘Design Talks’ at Ibiza Gran Hotel, where Irene Kronenberg & Alon Baronowitz shared their experience of designing Sir Joan hotel, and how existing site constraints required them to come up with innovative solutions, resulting in an improved, more imaginative design. This completely resonated with us! Then, without revealing too many secrets, the pair discussed their design concept for the forthcoming W Hotel, overlaying the brand’s global spirit with an Ibizan vibe.
We were then treated to a presentation by Jonathan Leitersdorf, CEO of Beach Box Ibiza, who revealed his plans for the Six Senses Ibiza, opening in 2020. Leitersdorf explained his vision for the luxury resort as “capturing the authentic Ibiza experience of community, spirituality and celebration” – we can’t wait to see this.
Our final afternoon and evening was an excursion to La Granja, a 10-hectare farmstead hotel in the Ibizan heartland. Here we spent an amazing day learning about sustainability issues in Ibiza, the farm’s ongoing process of and long-term ambition to become completely self-sufficient. Alongside this is a focus on health and wellness, such as the quality food from locally-grown produce, mindfulness and meditation, etc. A series of guest speakers lent us their expertise on all this and more, communicating the holistic approach practiced by hotel owners and operators when creating memorable guest experiences.
We spent an incredible two days on this beautiful island, making great connections and expanding our awareness of how our industry continues to evolve in order to stay exciting and relevant.