Villa review: El Observatorio, Santa Eulalia, Ibiza
AOL Travel reviews villa El Observatorio on the relaxed east coast of Ibiza in Santa Eulalia
Written by: Ruth Doherty
El Observatorio
Date published: 01/03/2012
3.5 / 5 stars
The pool at El Observatorio. Owners Direct
What's to love?
A modern two-bedroom apartment with amazing views perched at the top of a secluded country road in the outskirts of Santa Eulalia on the beautiful east coast of the island.
First impressions
Having been met by the larger-than-life owner in a local café, we followed him the three kilometres to his impressive property, where our apartment sat adjacent to the main house, level with the infinity pool. First thoughts? What a stunning view. Beyond the forest of pine trees the Mediterranean sea gave us a sparkling welcome wink, and provided a magnificent backdrop for the gazpacho and monkfish lunch waiting for us on the terrace.
This place is perfect if you...
Are a couple with young children, or two couples looking to enjoy a sun-soaked holiday at an affordable price.
Best room in the house
The main bedroom has a glass divide next to the bed, through which you can see a luxurious round bath. The rest of the house is reasonably basic, but well equipped and clean. It's outside, where the comfy sunloungers sit next to the gorgeous pool overlooking that stunning view, that the luxury element enters the equation.
The lounge and terrace at El Observatorio. Owners Direct
Where to eat
The villa is just a five-minute drive to Santa Eulalia town, where you'll find everything from Spanish tapas (stop in at Rincon de Pepe), and delicious harbourside pizzas. Head the opposite direction into the countryside for luxe fine-dining at the hip Thai-inspired haven, Bambuddha Grove.
Top tip?
Take a bottle of bubbles out to the dome temple daybed and watch the sun go down and the stars come out from your stylish spot. This house was originally built for an astronomer, hence its name, and is a prime position for skywatchers.
Things to do, places to see...
This was our first trip to Ibiza and it was the complete antithesis of what we were expecting; rather than being a honeypot for drunken clubbers, we found a haven for gastronomes, stunning scenery, and secret coves. Our favourite restaurant, El Bigotes, was located in one such hidden gem, and if it's authentic Ibizan cuisine you're looking for, you can't miss this. The family that runs it cook up one huge pot of freshly-caught fish and, when it runs out, they finish the service, so it's first come, first served. Quick hint: get there early if you don't want to be disappointed. And, while you're waiting, take a dip in the sea right next to the restaurant. For a true treat-yourself pamper, spend the day at the nearby agrotourismo hotel, Atzaro - it's pinch-yourself-pretty. And, to get a taste of local life, head to the quaint village of Santa Gertrudis, where'll you'll find art galleries dotted along the cafe-clad streets and hard-to-resist jewellery shops, like Angels.
The beach at Formerntera
Don't miss
One of the highlights of the holiday was undoubtedly the boat trip we took to Formentera; a real treasured-memory moment. You can hire a yacht with a skipper from between 400 and 1,000 euros a day, depending on the size of the boat, which can be 7.5 to 13 metres. Grab eight to ten of your friends and head over to the island that boasts white sand worthy of the Caribbean. Stop in for lunch at the place-to-be, Juan y Andrea - a glorious beachside restaurant with seafood that'll have your tastebuds tinglng - as well as your wallet feeling a little light - for months to come. Book your yacht at nauticasantaeulalia.es or call 971 33 94 72.
Need to know
Car hire is essential for a stay at this villa. We booked through independent price comparison website carhiremarket.com (0800 2794445) in conjunction with hiperrentacar.com, who offer seven days' car hire from Ibiza airport, from £70.
Also, the owner of the villa, while really helpful and friendly, is on-site quite a lot, so if it's total privacy you're after, this particular spot might not be for you.
Price
From £1,000 per week.
Details
The apartment (ref B6132) sleeps four adults and two infants, and is the perfect base for exploring the delights of Ibiza. Ownersdirect.co.uk has over 37,000 holiday properties throughout Europe and all over the world.
