Isla Sa Ferradura is an ultra-luxury private island off the North Coast of Ibiza that has become a celebrity hotspot. Since its multi-million Euro top-to-toe refurbishment in 2016, it has attracted everyone from famous football players such as Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas to tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk. Considered the most unique property on the island, Sa Ferradura is a rare gem that has no competition.
Isla Sa Ferradura is a unique 3.5-hectare islet offering an extraordinary Mediterranean escape that redefines luxury and privacy. The property boasts uninterrupted views that stretch to the distant horizon, framed by rugged coastal cliffs and bathed in the golden Mediterranean light. Strict local regulations preventing coastal developments ensure its exclusive and pristine character, making it a truly one-of-a-kind sanctuary that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The villa’s management, led by the attentive Ulf Karow, provides an exceptional, personalised experience that goes beyond traditional hospitality. They carefully anticipate guests’ desires, from preferred culinary delights to subtle personal comforts, while being ready to immerse visitors in the property’s rich and fascinating history. Every detail is meticulously curated to create an unforgettable retreat that offers not just accommodation but a complete sensory journey through one of Ibiza’s most remarkable hidden gems.
Keywords
Ibiza Spirit
On the beautiful shores of Ibiza, architects have designed an incredible villa that redefines luxury at Isla Sa Ferradura. Their vision transforms a simple property into a stunning retreat that captures the modern Balearic style with a unique Ibizan feel. The villa breathes a cool, calm atmosphere with carefully chosen neutral colours and local artwork that bring each space to life, creating an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Every detail of the villa speaks of carefully considered luxury, from delicate Japanese chairs to a remarkable dining table crafted by an Amish community in New York. These unique touches transform the interior from a mere living space into a canvas of global craftsmanship and design. The property offers an impressive array of spaces designed for total relaxation and enjoyment, featuring a 23-metre swimming pool that dominates the terrace, a free-form pool nestled among lush tropical plants, and a serene spa with an elegant Oriental design that promises ultimate tranquillity....
The central patio serves as the heart of the villa, connecting three sitting rooms and a dining area through expansive windows that beautifully blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. These floor-to-ceiling windows invite Mediterranean sunlight to dance across the rooms, making the landscape an integral part of the living experience. A master suite and five additional bedrooms provide luxurious accommodation, with some rooms designed to have an open-air feel that brings the stunning natural surroundings directly inside. Every corner of Isla Sa Ferradura is meticulously designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience that balances comfort, style, and an intimate connection to the extraordinary Ibizan environment. From the carefully curated artwork to the thoughtfully placed furniture, the villa tells a story of design, culture, and exceptional hospitality.Bay of Sant Miquel
Nestled in northern Ibiza, the Bay of Sant Miquel offers a captivating landscape that Lonely Planet calls a hidden treasure. Located four kilometres north of Sant Miquel de Balansat, this area surrounding Isla Sa Ferradura presents a unique coastal experience far from the island’s typical tourist trails.
The horseshoe-shaped peninsula features a secluded two-sided beach that embodies tranquillity and natural beauty. Sheltered by pine-covered hills and rocky terrain, the bay provides an ideal setting for water enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy waterskiing, canoeing, and snorkelling along the rocky shoreline, exploring a marine environment that remains largely untouched.
...
What makes this location so special is its preserved character. Unlike Ibiza’s bustling southern beaches, the Bay of Sant Miquel retains the essence of an old fishing village. Retro 70s architecture dominates, creating a nostalgic atmosphere where time seems suspended. A handful of restaurants and bars line the beach without disrupting the area’s natural charm.
The bay’s protective geography makes it one of the most sheltered beaches in Ibiza. Surrounded by hills and featuring a hidden cave, it presents a different kind of coastal experience—more intimate, more authentic, and decidedly more exclusive. This is a place that attracts those seeking a quieter side of Ibiza, a retreat favoured by those who appreciate understated luxury and natural beauty.
“What Happens on Sa Ferradura Stays on Sa Ferradura”
At Sa Ferradura, luxury isn’t about making sacrifices—it’s about going all in. Nothing is left out, and no details are overlooked. It’s all about pure indulgence and offering an experience that goes beyond your expectations.
Culinary Excellence: Indulge in Spanish tapas and paella on the rooftop, or visit a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant, set amidst a pine forest with views of the Mediterranean. The meals at Sa Ferradura are a creative blend of Mediterranean traditions, sustainability, and innovation. Everyone on the culinary team actively participates in preparing the food, contributing their expertise to create inventive dishes influenced by Mediterranean practices. Specialists in history, biology, and food production also play a role, ensuring each dish reflects the region’s rich heritage. The dining experience is elevated by a tasting menu served alongside a variety of fresh sourdough bread.
...
Unmatched Relaxation: Rejuvenate in the spa, featuring a Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam-style steam room, and cold plunge pool. The hammam’s eastern-inspired pendant lights and serene blue hues create a luxurious atmosphere. Enjoy a massage in the spa, by the pool, or in the peaceful yoga pavilion—a tranquil spot to watch the sunrise. For fitness enthusiasts, the fully equipped gym includes a dedicated yoga area.
Exclusive Adventures: Discover Ibiza’s hidden treasures. Begin the day with a private hot air balloon ride over the island’s interior, or explore secluded coves by jet ski and dive into turquoise waters far from the crowds.
...
Celebrate in Style: The 750-square-metre roof terrace is the ultimate venue for private gatherings. With a bar, dance floor, DJ decks, and Bose speakers, guests can host rooftop cocktails for up to 60 people, alfresco dinners, or private concerts. A dedicated team of 24 ensures every detail is flawlessly executed, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment.
Effortless Luxury: Find your perfect retreat on the estate. A hidden hammock offers a quiet escape for lazy afternoons, while the grounds’ thoughtful design ensures privacy and serenity. Whether relaxing or celebrating, Sa Ferradura’s meticulous attention to detail ensures a seamless and luxurious experience.
Interview: Ulf Karow, Managing Director Isla Sa Ferradura
What is one unique aspect of Isla Sa Ferradura?
Situated in a nature reserve for endangered Puffinus mauretanicus, this luxury private island near Ibiza is an extraordinary retreat. Twice awarded Europe’s Best Private Villa—in 2021 and 2023—the property offers an exclusive experience with a unique small land connection to Ibiza’s main island via a hidden beach. This allows guests full island seclusion while maintaining the ability to come and go without boats or helicopters.
Also, rental fees for uneven weeks are calculated pro-rata, meaning guests pay exactly for their stay duration—for instance, an 11-night stay is charged for precisely 11 nights, not rounded up to two full weeks.
...
What inspired the architectural design of Isla Sa Ferradura?
Originally built in the 1970s, the island property had an unremarkable past, and a recent change in ownership triggered a multi-million-dollar, top-to-toe refurbishment. The result is a modern, whitewashed villa characterised by clean lines and cool Mediterranean chic. The design embraces an understated, discreet luxury with a tempered colour palette, embodying a “contemporary luxury hippy” style.
The villa’s concept transcends traditional commercial rentals, aiming to create an experience of being “a guest in a friend’s home” - intimate, personal, and far from a standard hospitality environment. This approach transforms the space from a simple accommodation to a deeply personalised retreat that feels both exclusive and warmly inviting.
...
How do you assemble and manage a team of staff to maintain such a high standard of luxury and service?Our team is the heart of Isla Sa Ferradura. You can have the most amazing, luxurious rental villa, but if the team is not efficient, motivated and service-minded, then the entire experience will be spoiled. Within our Team of 24 internationally experienced staff, we have almost no fluctuation, which is very unusual these days when there is a shortage of service staff everywhere. Led by our Operations Management couple, Lorena Castillo and Willy Paye, who have been managing Isla Sa Ferradura for 19 years, our team has an in-depth understanding of our guests’ requirements, their likes and dislikes. One of our guests once commented that we work together like Swiss clockwork whilst providing a level of professionalism and flexibility that you won’t find in any other luxury villa in the Mediterranean. Another most important point is the discretion of our team and their uncompromising commitment to our credo “what happens on Sa Ferradura stays on Sa Ferradura”.
...
What’s a benefit of the villa’s location that is completely unexpected or quirky?
Whilst most of the parties and club life is happening in Ibiza’s south, Isla Sa Ferradura is located in the quiet north. Our guests enjoy the quiet location and peaceful atmosphere of their private island after a party night.
How do you handle guests’ requests for additional services?
Sometimes, we say to ourselves: If this place could talk … Let me say that everything is possible and anything goes, as long as it is legal. And we did have quite a few challenging special requests.
Can you share the most memorable feedback you’ve received from guests?
Our guests are usually full of praise and superlatives about their stay on Isla Sa Ferradura and the team.
...
What dish do you crave the most at Isla Sa Ferradura?We don’t have a specific signature dish on Isla Sa Ferradura. Our internationally experienced, French-born Executive Chef Karl Gulotta is skilled in all types of cuisine, including gastronomic and Michelin star level. He is very flexible and happy to adapt his cooking to any specific food preferences. We had guests who stayed on Isla Sa Ferradura, just the two of them on a 10-day diet, and we’ve had guests who enjoyed full meals, barbecue parties, or a gourmet dinner with silver service on a glass platform in the pool.
...
From your perspective, what would a perfect day or weekend look like for a guest at Isla Sa Ferradura?Upon arrival at ISF, guests will be personally welcomed by the Managing Director and Operations Manager, greeted by a lineup of 24 staff members, and treated to a champagne reception with delightful finger food. Following the initial welcome, a comprehensive tour of the island will introduce them to the stunning location, which can take up to 1.5 hours. Guests can then indulge in relaxing massages by the pool, in the spa, on the roof terrace, or in the privacy of their rooms. As evening approaches, a romantic candlelight dinner on the pool terrace sets the mood, followed by an exciting nighttime spa party featuring a private DJ. The next morning begins with a breathtaking hot air balloon flight, after which guests will enjoy a poolside breakfast. The day continues with a thrilling jet ski excursion to nearby caves in the Bay of San Miguel, followed by a chauffeur-driven excursion to either the UNESCO World Heritage fortified old town of Ibiza or the famous Las Dalias Hippy Market. Lunch features an authentic paella served on the rooftop for panoramic sea views. The evening promises entertainment with a private pre-dinner performance by an internationally known illusionist, succeeded by a sumptuous barbecue seafood dinner. At midnight, guests will be escorted to one of Ibiza’s most exclusive clubs, where the concierge will have secured a private VIP table for an unforgettable night out.
...
How do you infuse local culture and traditions into the guest experience at your villa?
We have our own Isla Sa Ferradura art collection. Each bedroom and our guest areas are decorated with precious paintings and objets d’art by local and international artists who have spent some time working in Ibiza in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
If you could offer guests one piece of advice for making the most of their stay, what would it be?
Very often, prior to arrival, our guests request lunch and dinner bookings in different restaurants and VIP tables in the most exclusive clubs almost every day. And we already know what is going to happen: once the guests arrive on Isla Sa Ferradura, see the beauty of our hideaway and experience our exceptionally high service standard, they would come to us on the second day and ask to cancel everything as they don’t want to move but rather enjoy this unique paradise. So our advice is to book a maximum of one lunch or dinner restaurant and club every second day.
...
What are the most interesting experiences that you can offer to guests?Our resort transforms the typical Ibiza experience by offering unexpected and memorable activities. A particularly unique attraction is our early morning hot air balloon flight, which provides guests with a stunning aerial perspective rarely associated with the island. We further surprise visitors with pre-dinner performances by an internationally known illusionist, whose baffling and mind-bending shows leave audiences truly amazed. Recognising that Ibiza can be a fantastic destination for families, we’ve designed exceptional children’s entertainment, including large jumping castles and water slides by the pool, as well as an exciting treasure hunt throughout our expansive tropical gardens, ensuring that guests of all ages have an unforgettable experience.
Ready to dive deeper!
Let’s talk!
Schedule a personalised video call with our team to discuss your questions and explore how we can help you further. We look forward to connecting with you!