While we like to think of ourselves as protectors of the obscure and guardians of island heritage here at Pikes, we’re also the first to admit that as we grow older (if not wiser), we do also crave a little luxury with our holiday hedonism. Roughing it is not really our style these days, and although we’ve long adhered to the old adage if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, we couldn’t help but notice some of our older rooms were in need of a little extra loving.
We enlisted the help of interior designer Lucinda Swayne and made a beeline down the garden path to breathe new life into some of the oldest of spaces. We’re not just talking about a little lick of paint and some new décor here – rather, we upgraded everything old (plumbing, electrics, fixtures, fittings and furniture!) and made way for all things shiny and new, as always, with respect to the hotel’s heritage and history, as lovingly created by Tony Pike. Those of you who’ve come through the Pikes doors in 2023 will have noticed a difference in the appearance of Rooms 1 to 9, starting with classic Ibiza whitewashed finca walls (as it originally was in the 80s), tall wooden fences and private entrances with charming swinging gates that act as the entry into your own world within a world.
Once inside each suite, you’ll find dwellings that are ultra-high-end, contemporary and stylish, but still with a wink to the Pikes eccentricities that you’ve come to know and love over the years. There are still plenty of home comforts and functionality, of course, with a sprinkling of timeless rock’n’roll thrown in for good measure (all our favourite Steve Emberton photos remain in situ), and the irresistible inclusion of classically quirky British style. Think mid-century modern fittings and furnishings from a combination of brands, combined with a merry celebration of emerging and established British designers and local Ibicencan craftsmen. Make no mistake, the bonny new King Charles (or perhaps his hipster hijo Harry) would be frothing if he could see it.
He probably won’t. But you can! Naturally, we’ve provided super king size beds and crisp white bedding, with the added bonus of regal blackout velvet curtains to ensure not a sliver of sunlight can sting your eyes during shut eye after a night in Freddies. Backed by velvet scalloped headboards and flanked by bespoke fringed lamps, let your Garden Suite become your sanctuary during your stay. Up above and the original finca-style Sabina beams so prominent in Ibiza have been kept intact, while down below, the cool Ibizan stone floors topped with soft Nordic Knot rugs are a dream to step onto in summer. In between are matt white walls that echo the essence of an island summer – and did we mention the amazing new air conditioning?
Get cosy under one of the printed throws by SlowDown Studio, laze in the Scandi-inspired, gem-coloured low chairs or simply laze on the plush bed as you start to truly feel at home. In terms of gadgets, we’ve installed every mod-con you could need. Wall-mounted Samsung TVs are a new addition should you need to Netflix and chill, and each suite boasts a vintage-style, Bluetooth compatible Roberts Radio, USB charging points, straighteners and hairdryers – you can pack light! There’s a well-equipped, rattan-fronted, LED-lit mini bar with a gorgeously glossy stone countertop, as well as mini SMEG fridges loaded with drinks and snacks, plus all the bits and bobs you need to shake and stir your own cocktails. We’ve stocked the bathrooms with luxe Aesop toiletries too, so that you can freshen up with the best of them and then stride out to the pool – no matter what time of day or night!
Speaking of bathrooms, the newness continues inside the completely remodelled spaces (that now boast endless, free-flowing hot water!), where gold metallic sinks and mid-century brass taps and fittings complement glossy metro wall tiling that’s been finished with colour matched, printed wallpaper by cutting edge design duo Divine Savages. In Room 1, kittens gaze at parakeets while you’re brushing your teeth, while in Room 2, peacocks and leopards preside over the sink. In Room 3, dinosaurs shade beneath palm trees… and the quirky details continue through to Room 9 (though fear not fans of Room 4, everything’s just as we left it!). Silk kimonos from Silk Flavours are hung and waiting to be worn, so you can waft from bathroom to bed, bed to garden and back again, sans purpose, the morning after the night before.
And finally, let us introduce you to perhaps our favourite part of the refurbishment — the Garden Suite exteriors, which have been pimped up and privatised for your personal pleasure. A selection of suites now feature giant two-to-four person wooden-clad baths for splashing about beneath the Balearic stars, slip sliding over friends, and general alfresco (and Instagram-worthy) revelry. There’s also some delightfully subtle mood lighting enhanced by outdoor disco balls and more Silken Favours printed deck chairs to recline on when you need that all-important respite. In short, we’ve created little outdoor havens for rest, relaxation and anything else that you’re inspired to indulge in in the moment – bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out in true Ibiza style.
Now, we can’t promise what kind of adventure you’ll go on at Pikes before it’s time to hit the pillow, but we can guarantee that once you check in, you will never want to check out. It’s Pikes, with a sophisticated twist – we think we’ve done Tony Pike proud.
