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.
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- Image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza
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- Image credit: Marriott International/W 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 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.
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- Image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza
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- Image credit: Marriott International/W Ibiza
The food and beverage offerings are naturally infused as anchoring bays rather than destinations.
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.
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
