Adventures In The Campo With Rockid Ibiza & Es Cucons

No matter how long you have been visiting this island, or in my case, now living on it, Ibiza has a seemingly never ending ability to surprise, especially out of season. We were invited by Ismael, who, along with Daan, is the driving force behind Rockid Ibiza – an 8-year-old concept that specialises in tailor made adventures and activities that includes cliff diving, kayaking and bespoke days out – to join him and his crew on an island walk, in search of the almond blossom trees of Santa Agnes.

It was a joint day out with Rockid Ibiza and Es Cucons Hotel Rural, the hotel providing the meeting and eventual finishing point, where we could mull over the events of the day and chat with our fellow participants, over a sumptuous feast, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, first, to the adventure! The cost of participation is just 35 euros and approximately 40 keen explorers amassed to take on the challenge, along with Ismael and his two dogs. It would be an 8k round trip to Saint Agnes and back and there were people of all ages, from kids to more experienced walkers to those of us that are used to walking to the car and back! The walk itself was not too challenging so perfect no matter what your fitness level.

Having spent more and more time over the years in Ibiza, I’m ashamed to say that I have very rarely gone off the beaten track and never without the help of four wheels and an engine. Getting out into the Ibiza countryside, feeling the sun on your face, the breeze through your hair and smelling the various parts of nature that surround us is an eye opener. Yes, we can all appreciate the pretty countryside as we drive along the main roads but to get out into it, to feel it and to immerse yourself in it, with a group of like-minded people, is positively liberating. Our group meandered along the winding roads that run through the campo, each choosing their own pace, conversation flowing, jaws dropping at the natural beauty that surrounded us and none more so than the stop at much loved cliff top eatery, Las Puertas Del Cielo, where the panoramic view is sensational.

The walk itself was perfect for beginners like me, mainly on flat ground with a few gentle slopes, ideal for a debut walk and one that certainly inspires a more active social life. We reached our destination, Santa Agnes, to find over 200 people with the same idea as us; the normally sleepy village was overrun by walkers, out enjoying the stunning winter sunshine. The almond blossom trees were well worth the effort, similar to the Japanese cherry blossom, they made for a welcome sight, not to mention more than a few selfies. The whole experience was refreshing, it has changed my already positive perception of the island and has made me rethink how I spend my free time. With so much natural beauty on our doorstep and regular walks to be joined and new people to meet, I plan to make this a regular part of my routine from now on.

After two hours on the trail, we arrived back at Es Cucons, where a glass of pink champagne awaited. Originally built in 1652 as a farmhouse, it was lovingly restored as a rural hotel in 1997. Located in the Valley of Almonds in Santa Agnes, it offers a tranquil refuge for those that appreciate nature. The hotel puts a premium on interior design and boasts some of the most charming rooms on the island. The welcome is warm and genuine, showcasing the very best of the Ibiza spirit, with a Mediterranean menu that is bursting with local produce. The hotel is very much a family affair and guests become a part of that extended family, making Es Cucons the ultimate home away from home.

Tables are laid out amongst the fruit trees in the garden, where nature is the backdrop and a subtle ambiance is created by a singer/ keyboard duo that soundtracks the afternoon perfectly with a mixture of modern jazz and classical composition. We hadn’t noticed it before now, too engrossed on our walk, but we had worked up quite an appetite. Trays of lamb samosas are offered round, with the crispiest parcels giving way to some tender and delicious meat inside. The feast continued, courtesy of the barbecue, where a range of delicious dishes – new season spring onions in Romero sauce, made with almond nuts, red peppers and olive oil (early season harvest tradition that dates back hundreds of years); an array of tender, juicy meats from chicken to beef, lamb and pork; Spanish sausages cooked to perfection and a range of sides including cous cous salad with feta cheese, sliced potatoes in oil, lemon and herbs, stacks of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread. The feast was completed with silky crème brûlée served with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries, offering a sweet and delightful end to a fantastic day.

Sitting outside in February, sun on our faces, surrounded by acres of lush Ibiza countryside, sharing a delicious meal with new friends after our earlier exertions, with the memories of the walk and all that it unveiled still fresh in the mind is possibly one of the most fulfilling afternoons I have ever experienced. Thank you Rockid Ibiza and Es Cucons for not only delivering a memorable afternoon in the heart of the country but for changing my perception of this amazing island we share. I can’t wait until the next adventure!

More Info:
RockID: www.rockidibiza.com
Es Cucons: www.escucons.com/en/