BEACHOUSE Chic

Words: Amanda O’Riordan
Images: La Skimal.

Playa d’en Bossa, the longest stretch of sand on the white isle, can feel like walking through the many faces of Ibiza. The complete length of the beach is lined with restaurants, lounges and beach clubs, offering a variety of perspectives, from laid back and family-friendly, to ultra trendy beach bars. The clear waters and golden sands make Bossa an ideal choice for children. But it’s not just the kids who get to play – there is also the greatest selection of water sports, boats and fun water toys on offer anywhere on the island. Bossa beach enjoys scenic views all around: a lonely watchtower at one end and Dalt Vila (Ibiza’s old town) in the distance at the other. All set to the sparkling backdrop of the Med in between. By day, the focus is on endless sand and chill-out space with luxe daybeds and parasols. The far end of the beach (away from Ibiza Town, towards the watchtower) is calmer and quieter than the Ibiza end, with fewer people and much less house music.

Playa d’en Bossa has enjoyed a recent resurgence after years of having a reputation of being the rather unfashionable and commercial side of the island. The arrival of beach lounges like Nassau (formally Sands) and the mega hotels of Ushuaia and Hard Rock, with a daily roll call of A list talent performing live on outdoor stages, have propelled Bossa into a wholly new direction. Two summers ago, BEACHOUSE Ibiza opened in Playa d’en Bossa and rapidly made its mark as one of the most stylish and effortlessly cool venues on the island. As well as fantastic cuisine and relaxing afternoons on the beach listening to the resident DJs spin ambient world music by day that goes up a notch by night, BEACHOUSE tops it all off with an eclectic, bohemian and chic boutique.

The entrancing shop offers a divine and dazzling selection of swimwear, beachwear, clothing and accessories from local and international designers. Owned by Jonathan Thorogood and Olivia Fleury of El Chringuito, BEACHOUSE Ibiza is often called the cheeky little sister of El Chiringuito and the couple have managed to recreate the same magic on the southeast coastline. Nadia, from Madrid, has been the manager of the boutique since its launch, having relocated to Ibiza after working for Yves Saint Laurent and Dolce & Gabbana in London. She was sick of the weather and yearned for life in the sun.

Nadia guides me around the shop and its countless captivating rails of women’s and menswear ranges from designers like YONA, 98 Coast plus pure cotton and silk kaftans by Miss K and U Shine. As well as clothing and accessories, French artist Benjamin Joseph showcases his graffiti style artwork, all available to buy. Possibly the most eye-catching pieces on display are the Mexican hand-made Native American Indian headdresses. At 850 euros each, they must be the most expensive fashion items on this side of the island, but they are timeless works of art. An impressive range of sunglasses by cool Australian label Supa Sundays and traditional Ecuadorian Panama hats, in at around €140, mean you can kit yourself out with an entire quality summer wardrobe at the BEACHOUSE Boutique. Open every summer from May to October, it’s no wonder that this little piece of paradise attracts a celebrity clientele. Especially footballers’ wives with extravagant tastes, I’m told by Nadia. So, next time you find yourself at this idyllic spot, do indulge in some retail therapy after enjoying lunch or dinner, and find the perfect memento of your BEACHOUSE Ibiza experience.