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Ibiza's ultimate stylish agrotourism, Atzaro has become a watchword for island glamour since it opened in 2003. Loving conceived and nurtured, it is owned and run by an Ibicenco family, with the design and creative input of partner Philip.

More than just a boutique hotel, Atzaro has an inimitable air of elegance and is a party hot spot (when we visit everyone is still chattering about recent Vogue party and its guest of honour, Brazilian bombshell Gisele). Set on 10 hectares of land in the heart of the campo, the hotel boasts just 24 rooms - each designed to the hilt - plus a restaurant, bars, spa, gym and chillout area, all surrounded by tranquil gardens.  Philip's first career as pilot took him around the world and the many influences he picked up along the way are scattered through the resort's luxurious grounds. He kindly invited the Voice over for a guided tour and pointed out some of the features…  

The Finca
The spectacular main entrance sets the tone for what lies within. The original finca, which houses the main reception area, restaurant, bar and some of the rooms, is 300 years old. The walls trail vines and bright pink bougainvillea.

Philip explains he tries to "allow nature to participate in the architecture." Most of the original features remain, as Philip wanted to contrast the simplicity of the finca with manicured gardens reminiscent of colonial South Africa. This fusion - plus a touch of British the manicured lawns - provides an elegant backdrop for the many champagne receptions are hosted here.

The Buddha
Shipped from Indonesia (at eye-watering expense, we can only assume) the one-tonne Buddha keeps a watchful eye over the chillout area. Philip this gigantic statue is his favourite feature of the resort, enhancing the Zen feel of the space. The symmetry of the still, mirror-like black marble and volcanic stone fountain, near the Buddha add an air of calm while dashes of red brighten the black, creating a Japanese minimalist feel.

The pili pilis (day beds) that surround the chill out area were designed by Philip and made of teak in Indonesia. They provide not just a sumptuous place for fortunate guests to recover from a heavy day in the spa, but also a squishy backdrop to the strutting and posing of VIP parties. 

Philip assures us that even when 400 delegates from the International Music Summit descend the place will remain a haven of tranquillity. Either he's never partied with dance music industry wonks, or he's a determined optimist. Either way, it's a lovely spot and undoubtedly their cleaning crew will be able to restore it to post-party order. 

The Lap-pool
"On a sunny day the lap-pool looks like a running stream," Philip says, explaining the particular appeal of this green-marble lined pool. Part of the scheme of Atzaro, including this pool, is designed to echo the verdure of nature, he adds. (Or the colour of money, one might suggest.) For those who prefer to lounge, not swim laps, there is another pool for that, with a bar and a sundeck to boot.  

"The [lounge] pool is the heart of the hotel," Philip says. "Everyone hangs out here. You can see across the whole area, over the spa, the chillout, the campo, the orange groves." Best of all, the Atzaro now offers day passes, so even if you can't afford to stay there you can still lounge by the pool like a VIP for the afternoon.  

The Tented Pavilions
From the restaurant there is an odd, engaging view: Egyptian pyramids. Not quite the same scale, obviously, but a row of sandy-coloured, tent-like pavilions that do a good impression of the Giza plateau. Philip waxes lyrical, saying that "at sunset, when the heat of the day remains you can imagine it's another land, like watching sunset over the pyramids." We wouldn't go that far (unless we'd had a few of the bar's strong cocktails) but the pavilions add a savoury dash of African style, while the earthy design keeps the connection to nature. And they provide a flexible space for anything from art shows to elegant dinners to exclusive parties.  

The Fruit Trees
Citrus trees lining the path to the spa remind us Atzaro is a working agrotourismo. There are 3500 orange trees, which produce over 300 tonnes of oranges each year, plus satsumas, mango, kiwi, banana, peaches, plums, figs and apples - even chickens.

The produce is used in Atzaro's restaurant kitchens and there are bowls piled high with oranges throughout the grounds. (Help yourself! They are the tastiest oranges ever.) The abundance of trees also adds to the dominant green of Atzaro.

Philip praises this as welcome contrast, and alternative, to the other shades Ibiza has to offer, "the blue of the sea and the sky, and the white of the beach."  

The Spa
As you walk to the spa your senses are suffused with the scent of rosemary, thyme and orange blossom, inviting you into a world of symmetry and simplicity. Philip wanted the spa to be "non-clinical" and created it with a blend of Arabic and Asian influences. There is plenty of marble and mosaic, with bathrooms done in Arabic motifs. Contrasting tones of black and white add dramatic flair.  

In the end Atzaro is slightly dizzying, like a posh version of Disney's Small World (though obviously with a heap more style). Philip's passion for eastern influences is clear and even if the result has a whiff of boho pretension about it the place is undeniably stunning and infinitely peaceful. It offers a perfect escape from the hectic Western world… which is, perhaps, the point.  

www.atzaro.com - www.internationalmusicsummit.com