This simple, luxurious Ibiza villa with a spectacular 22-metre saltwater pool is owned by a cool Danish couple. And it shows. This style-savvy husband and wife team have lavished so much thought and planning into the subtle-but-striking styling of Can Ananja that it feels minimalist yet shouts 'make yourself at home'. She commissioned the striking cadiz-shell chandelier especially for the light and airy hallway, he took paintbrush to canvas for the pop-arty piece that grabs your attention in the lounge. And so sweet are your hosts, they have generously left in the cupboards lots of the Royal Copenhagen crockery and kitchenware from their wedding gifts for guests to use. As for those Y-chairs in the dining room, they are Hans Wegner, as are some of the design-classic seats in the bedrooms.
And this is a vacation rental that is not just easy on the eye, Can Ananja is also utterly eco-conscious. The Algreen-Ussings have ensured the property is as environmentally friendly as possible thanks to installing solar panelling which heats the water and under-floor heating. As for the pool – no nasty chlorine here – you'll be spashing about in saltwater while you look across to that magnificent Med view.
What also makes Can Ananja so special is that it is set in a verdant nature reserve in the mountains above Cala Jondal. So guests will enjoy the 20-minute walk to the beach through pine-packed woodland. But as alluring as that white sand below may be, you may find the privacy of all this low-key luxury keeps you anchored at Can Ananja. Especially with that dazzling saltwater pool which becomes a centrepiece when it is lit up at night, steeped in stylish changing colours. And it is as practical as it is pretty – floating steps separate the child-friendly shallow end from the deeper azure water.
Best of all, you don't have to share the property or even the atmosphere with anyone. And with dining and lounging areas aplenty both indoor and out, you need never leave. This chic but simple villa and lovely landscaped grounds are utterly secluded. Who'd believe pine-shrouded Can Ananja is only a short drive from Ibiza Airport let alone within close reach of the restaurants and bars of San José or the vibrant nightlife and postcard-prettiness of Ibiza Town? Low-key luxury, iconic design flourishes and a fabulously intimate ambience – our favourite Mr & Mrs Smith villa formula.
Reviewed by Juliet Kinsman
