Mr & Mrs Smith

After dark, Moroccan candles around the pool flicker dramatically alongside creeping fairy lights, up-lit cacti and ambient lighting. The air is warm, the forest is still; the effect is magical. Billowing white curtains flutter next to sofas in the outdoor living room, whilst the aroma of a barbecue floats through the air, along with music from the house. Homely and comfortable, yet cutting-edge stylish, Sa Prunera is the perfect secluded-but-sociable forest retreat.

The master bedroom really sets itself apart from the three bedrooms in the house, which is why this 120-year-old finca is ideal for a couple with kids – or for friends who don’t mind watching two of their number bag by far the best room. A large, modern space, it boasts a huge suntrap terrace with lounge curtains across the front and comfortable white seats, a walk-in wetroom, which offer teeth-brushers great views of the pool, and a huge dressing room with a hidden terrace that’s ideal for secret sunset-spotting.

The owner is an artist, so expect to see lots of creative ideas to steal and recreate once you’re at home. Toe-refreshingly polished grey concrete floors run under old Ibizan antiques (look out for the 250-year-old chest), while orchids and bamboo tangle with unique pieces of African art.
The living room – containing huge daybeds just made for lolling on, a slate-grey fireplace that guests love to stoke during cosy winter breaks, olive-green feature walls and sliding doors that lead to the garden – is the hub of the house. But why hang out inside? Life at Sa Prunera revolves around sunshine: the outdoor living area to the back of the house has floaty white curtains and a hanging wicker chair, whilst the outside dining room under the shade of a hanging sail is a wonderful spot for fresh coffee and croissants, or a barbecue. Take a walk round to the pool, and you’ll see that even the teak ‘catwalk’ diving board has cushions – ideal should you want to dive into a poolside cocktail session.

Surrounded by pine trees and perched on a hillside, Sa Prunera feels like an exclusive retreat treat. Secluded, yet just a short drive from the island’s action hubs; minimalist, yet beautifully cosy; spacious, yet with only three bedrooms – this finca is a mass of glamorous contradictions and surprises. And that’s what makes this vacation rental so drop-dead stylish and special.

Reviewed by Charlotte Crisp