IN PICTURES: W Ibiza sheltering some serious summer vibes

730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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IN PICTURES: W Ibiza sheltering some serious summer vibes

New images have been released of the recently opened W Ibiza, which was designed by Tel Aviv design and architecture studio BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG. The result: a very different approach to W on an island full of soul… 

The opening of W Ibiza, following months of teasing, has been one of the most anticipated arrivals of 2020.

Previously a beach front Balearic structure from the 1980s, BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG (B+K) has completely transformed the existing building into a social hub that connects with guests, sets an apt ‘W’ scene and sparks imagination, while incorporating the bold and playful theme characteristic of W Hotels. The practice has set out to design a hotel to match the relaxed pace and cosmopolitan attitude of Santa Eulalia; the result is an idyllically escape injected with the playful charm of Ibiza.

Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, Co-Founders of Baranowitz + Kronenberg said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with W once again. It was important to us to capture the spirit of Ibiza within this project. ‘Flower Power’ lead our design strategy; laid back, colourful, simple, transparent, engaging and letting the sun shine in are notions which flow throughout the public and private spaces of the hotel.”

Setting foot at the W Ibiza esplanade, a field of masts welcomes the guests with a captivating sense of arrival. One cannot escape their magnetising energy, which pulls guests inside and towards the Azul water of the Mediterranean on the horizon.

Image caption: An original sketch of the hotel's public area

Image caption: An original sketch of the hotel’s public area | Image credit: B+K

Inside, B+K has meticulously modified the existing structure to introduce a dramatic ascending section of the entire ground floor that follows from the main entrance esplanade to the outdoor pool and sea; a tour de force of ascending amphitheatre platforms that entice to connect and engage, celebrate life or just exist alone together. This spatial arrangement is set between a concrete floor and steel-wired hand-woven laced ceiling; two dominating features which define an inspiring stage for self-expression. Amongst these two dominating surfaces, colours and textures inspired by the Balearics and Ibiza’s culture appear and define the different platforms to connect, relax and play.

Image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza

The bohemian theme which is synonymous with the island, is handled with a refined sophistication, amplified through the spatial arrangement and choice of materials and finishes. The overall impression is of a refreshing engaging simplicity expressed by a minimum of means: colour, sun and shade.

Consisting of 162 guestrooms and suites, the hotel boasts a jaw-dropping rooftop swimming pool and picturesque sunset bar boasting spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as a 4,000 square foot spa and gym.

The food and beverage offerings are naturally infused as anchoring bays rather than destinations.

A light and airy F&B area that boasts stunning sea views

Image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza

The pool and rooftop bars, La LLama restaurant, Ve Café and Chiringuito Blue set on the white sands of the beach, make for cutting-edge individual F&B concepts that spark hearts and minds and bring people together. Each with its own character and mind-set, the venues cater for any mood from sunrise to sunrise.

A red neon mix of colours inside the gym area

Image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza

Through bold and innovative design, the practice has paid homage to the island’s heritage and captured the free spirit of Ibiza whilst elevating the five-star hotel experience to a new level. The state-of-the-art furnishings, expertly curated street art and spectacular lighting, combined with the subtle references to the past makes for a truly unique experience for the first International hotel brand in Ibiza.

Main image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza

Hamish Kilburn / 25.08.2020

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