Casa Maca , Our Secret Hideaway
“Imagine a hideaway haven in the hills of Ibiza; brimming with authentic country charm and yet just minutes from all the magic and action the white island has to offer.”
Casa Maca ia a beautiful rural hotel with spectacular views across the Dalt Vila skyline, it is in the amazingly tranquil and peaceful Can Palau hills, with aromatic lavender fields surrounding it and spacious open planning.
The main building is a 300-year-old farmhouse that has been lovingly refurbished with the original oil mill left in place in the lobby, quite a feature when you go to check in. They have a large and small (children’s) swimming pool, room service facilities, everything you would expect in a high-rise hotel.
There are just 8 Junior Suites and 2 Suites at Casa Maca, which makes this getaway even more intimate and low key. Each of the junior suites has a king size bed, a pull-out sofa bed (for two) in the living room area which also boasts a log fire, an outdoor area which varies from a small terrace or garden area. Each of the bathrooms is almost spa like with whirlpool tubs, rain effect showers and Grown Alchemist organic botanical products. There is all the usual mod-cons as well, LCD TV’s, Wi-Fi, telephone, in room sound systems, a mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities. The 2 suites differ in that they are more spacious, have a whirlpool tub big enough for two, a garden with Pergola for those balmy evenings and complimentary water and soft drinks.
‘In the local Ibicencan dialect, maca translates to beautiful and there couldn’t be a more apt description for this unique Ibiza hotel.’
Hotel Review
We were fortunate enough to stay at Casa Maca in March and it is unique, you could have heard a pin drop it was that peaceful, the views are magnificent and watching the sunrise in the morning was special to say the least. All the staff we came across were friendly and accommodating to our needs. Our junior suite was clean and spacious, with ‘Rustic chic’ furnishings, there was plenty of space in the large dark wooden wardrobe and we didn’t feel cluttered at all. Everything was exactly as described in the description of the room and we made use of the log fire in the evening which gave the suite a cosy feeling.
If you are looking for a quiet getaway to unwind, then this is the place for you, an absolute pleasure to stay in and somewhere we will be returning.
Restaurant Review
If I must sum up Casa Maca’s menu in one word, it would be luxurious. They have, in creating their menu, achieved not only a rich and lavish menu, but utilised the ingredients to their maximum potential. The restaurant boasts stunning elevated views across Ibiza town and yet a peaceful tranquillity that calms your senses, allowing the superb food to shine out.
Upon being welcomed quite late into the restaurant we were seated, drinks orders taken and advised that the fish starter had sold out – a good sign in its popularity and a word of warning to arrive earlier if you wish all menu options would be available to you. The lack of a fish starter wasn’t a problem for us as in seeing steak tartare and chips on the starter menu was extremely fortuitous and absolutely didn’t disappoint. What would you pay for a steak tartare? To be included in a menu del dia at 18€ is revolutionary and daring to say the least and itcould make you question the quality, well here all doubts can be cast aside.
Starters
Steak Tartare and Chips
The steak itself was tender and light, a guacamole side dressing an alternative touch, and a sprinkling of freeze-dried raspberries added a different zing to such a classic dish. The chips served separately on the side kept the tartare light, with no feeling of heaviness in the starter.
Vegetable Cream with Stracciatella
The soup was rich, deep and flavourful. The Stracciatella left to melt into the hot soup added a salty almost sour taste which worked perfectly with the sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables. A little rich for some as one of our guests admitted, but for others it was a soup triumph.
Mains
Sea Bass with Babaganush and Watercress
The sea bass was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the babaganush creamy in texture and packed with flavour.
Pork ‘Bondiola’ with Sweet Potato Parmentier and Ginger
The serving of pork would get a meat lovers heart racing, particularly for a menu del dia. The pork was tender and plentiful, the sweet potato side a perfect texture balance and a deep sauce that brought all elements together in a hearty winter warming style dish.
Creamy Rice with Spinach and Goats’ Cheese
It’s great to see an interesting vegetarian option on a menu del dia and this caught my eye from the first moment I saw the menu. Unassuming in it’s looks, I’m not sure you can wax lyrical at the sight of a risotto, everything is in the eating/taste. The rice was cooked perfectly, just a touch al dente, the sauce thick and creamy with plenty of spinach and chunks of goat’s cheese melting slowly into the bowl. The creaminess and well thought through ingredient combination were such that I found myself searching for the oozy melted goats’ cheese to add a salty kick.
Desserts
Bread with Chocolate and Olive Oil
The menu gives you no clue as to this dessert, the title and description vague and intriguing, but it’s definitely worth a try. Chocolate mousse with a sprinkling of salt, olive oil and thin crispy slices of bread. A savoury and sweet masterpiece, a cholate lover’s dream.
Mandarin Sorbet with Prosecco
For me the perfect way to end a decadent meal, light and fruity, with those prosecco bubbles fizzing in your mouth. Simple and sparkling.
Cheesecake, Framboise and Parmesan
Deconstructed and delicious in its design. A small spoon of the fruit, add a touch of cream cheese and a dab of crunchy biscuit base, delectable. We will all approach it differently, but the fact is, we all keep coming back for more – it’s decadent, rich and luxurious, a fitting end to such a special menu.
Our visit to Casa Maca coincided with a birthday and we did not observe our usual ‘photographing food’ standards. But do not be disappointed as their website has some and the food is quite simply as delicious as it looks. We hope you will agree.
