“It’s the food,” says Jeddah-raised Bader Kabbani, when asked why he returns to Ibiza each and every summer.
“I used to like it for the nightlife, but as I went more often, I realised its charm lies in the seafood and the atmosphere.” Having recently completed his acting training at Juilliard in New York, the 26-year-old currently describes himself as a nomad, in the process of reassessing his geographical coordinates. His next home, he says, might be “Madrid, New York again, or back to Jeddah. Depending on which door knocks.”
He’s in the right place to consider his options – on this trip, anyway.
Now in a more settled phase of his life, regular party-hopping isn't on his radar anymore. Kabbani's current trajectory favours intentional living over impulse; consequently, he shares: “Whenever I’m in Ibiza, it triggers an automatic subconscious release of stress. I always set my intention to declutter my thoughts when I’m here and enjoy myself a little." “Every time I’m here with my friends, we hop on a different wave – whether that’s days out in [the nearby island of] Formentera, celebrating an occasion, or simply just existing with good company and good music.”
Here are the places Kabbani feels strongly enough about to leave his special, secluded hotel cocoon for, whether solo or with said great mates.
The Ideal Ibizan Bolthole
In previous years he has stayed at a long-time Ibizan friend’s place closer to the island’s action, “when we were driven by the chaos”, but now he takes up residence in Can Toni Xumeu, a renovated 19th-century farmhouse owned by the same friend’s family.
Located in the Cala Llonga (long bay) neighbourhood near Santa Eulalia del Rio, it’s far from the centre, perched on a mountaintop, and surrounded by more than 160,000 square metres of agricultural land, sweet-smelling pine forests, and orchards. “It only has five rooms,” Kabbani explains. “Whether I’m screenwriting or rehearsing a script, this tranquil hotel gives me that space to explore and tap into my inner self at ease. I like to come back here whenever the world gets overwhelming to escape, recharge, recreate, and connect with nature.”
Foodie Finds
“I love how wholesome and high-quality the food is and how connected restaurants are to authentic Spanish cuisine,” Kabbani says of the dining scene. He’s quick to rattle off his top three: “La Escollera Ibiza for the Spanish classic, paella; The Fish Shack for las gambas y calamar (prawns and squid); and Can Toni Xumeu for the brioche steak tartare.”
@laescolleraibiza
@cantonixumeu
Boutiques & Bargains
“I really like to style sunglasses and re:VOLVER has lots of cool collections,” Kabbani says. Alternatively, if he’s seeking a little something for someone else, he hits up MAYURKA, where “there’s an exclusive collection of clothes”.
For a Taste of Home
“I’m from Jeddah, so I really like nice waters,” he says. “I would say Formentera’s appeal to me is related to the calmness and beauty of the waters we have in the Red Sea.” For a landscape that feels close to home, he also recommends Sa Torreta, the island’s highest point at 416 metres, part of the rugged Serra de Sant Vicent hills.
The Great Ibiza Outdoors
A big fan of alfresco gyms, Kabbani recommends CLAP HOUSE: “It’s a really good one – and a franchise they also have in Dubai.” But being outside doesn’t always have to include working out. Watching the sunset by Es Vedrà, the small rocky island off Ibiza’s south-west coast, is Kabbani’s most unique Ibiza experience, while Dalt Vila, the island’s Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where he takes many visiting friends and family, “depending on the vibe”. Cala Xarraca, meanwhile, in the north, is his top cove, popular with snorkellers and photographers, a clear indication of the clarity and beauty of the sea there.
Only in Ibiza
Kabbani’s local friend, Marc Clapes, also started Marea Boiler Club, aimed at growing a community of like-minded creatives through events and dinner parties. “This is a community I enjoy investing my time in because of the artistic frequency we all hop on collectively,” Kabbani says. “It’s these kinds of groups that keep me coming back every year.”
Bader Kabbani wears LOEWE and Ripa Ripa summer wear, with sunglasses by The Gentleman’s Community
@baderkabbani
