Press
Luxurious living
In Ibiza, a new real estate project for families, its private villas and integrated facilities promise a luxurious living experience that enhances connection with nature and instils a sense of belonging to a safe community.
Anton Bilton describes himself, saying, “I am a son of England, but I am a man of the world.” In an honest translation of this description, the third-generation real estate developer and real estate entrepreneur roamed the world in search of an ideal plot of land on which to build his dream of a very luxurious yet environmentally friendly complex. Ultimately, Bilton found his way in a patch of land resting brilliantly on the west coast of Ibiza.
His majestic new real estate project, made up of private villas, benefits from a location marked by lush greenery, turquoise sea, majestic mountains, red soil, and stones, as well as captivating sunset views and an almost perfect climate. Upon completion, Sabina’s eco-friendly project will host 50 villas designed by 18 internationally renowned architects and designers, including some of the most sought-after names in this field such as David Chipperfield, Rick Joy and Tara Bernerd, which is a significant achievement even in the case of Bilton, the co-founder of Sabina Estates, the owner of the unconventional vision.
The villas in the gated community vary between 5,490 square feet and 22,600 square feet, and all feature bespoke elements, private swimming pools, landscaped gardens brimming with local flora, advanced security protection systems, as well as captivating views of the sea and sunset. The complex’s highest level of luxury imposes between 18 million dirhams and 89 million dirhams for one of the unique villas that are scattered in Ibiza across a hillside whose position enhances a sense of well-being. The first thirteen villas have been completed in the initial phase of the project, called Maestral, paving the way for the second phase of Gregal, which will enrich the project upon completion in 2021 with eleven additional villas. As for the third and fourth phases, it will include the implementation of a group of bespoke villas.
It is clear that the makers of this achievement are the many architects and designers, each of whom has been entrusted with the task of employing his personal approach in a way that embodies his individual interaction with the land itself. Nor is it better than the expression put forward by the pioneering Spanish architect Borja Ferrater: “These homes allow them to enjoy their outdoor space for more than eight months a year. So it is absolutely necessary that we build a dialogue between them and the horizon.” Of course, natural colour palettes, understated buildings, understated interior design elements, abundance of natural light, and the dissipation of the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces are well-established features of the Sabina Ibiza project.
But the beating heart of the project is its unconventional club that provides its services around the clock and houses a junior club, a bowling alley, tennis courts, a spa, a yoga pavilion, as well as an office, amphitheatre and restaurant. The iconic The Sabina Clubhouse restaurant opens during the day for residents only, while welcoming guests from outside in the evening hours. It has also succeeded in cementing its position as the “leading destination” within the island’s restaurants. The innovative dishes under the direction of chef Shahar Tamir, who previously worked at Copenhagen’s famous Noma restaurant, reflect a modern approach to the traditional foods for which Ibiza was once known.
Perhaps the most interesting thing is that Bilton drew inspiration from the club, as well as the entire Sabina project, from families, especially children. Bilton, a father of five, wanted to create an oasis that not only allows children to roam freely and safely, but also provides them with ample opportunities to meet other children. This will eventually lead to their parents coming together as well. The club is therefore designed to serve this purpose, allowing families to spend time together outside the confines of their own villas and creating a sense of community.
If we take into account the blurred boundaries between art and aspects of luxury, it is not surprising that the Sabina complex is home to a very distinctive art collection. The collection includes creative works by the likes of Anthony Gormley, Mark Quinn, Sukhi Barber and Alex Gray on the concept of emotional well-being that is as essential to life as nature and beauty.
But the artistic masterpieces and other aspects of luxury in the complex that promises a lifestyle befitting the elite mask a firm commitment to sustainability as the core of the vision on which the Sabina project is based. The preservation of water resources, the use of local materials when possible, waste management, and heating systems that rely on geothermal energy are just the tip of the iceberg of initiatives that have been adopted to ensure that preserving the environment remains a priority. The project team also provides support to the Ibiza Conservation Fund, and has collaborated with it on a number of projects.
“Natural colour palettes, low rise buildings, inexpensive interior design elements, abundance of natural light, and the dissipation of the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces are well-established features of the Sabina Ibiza project.”
Sabina and Rick Joy
American architect Rick Joy was keen to ensure that the design of the villas he created reflects the spirit of nature, in order for the owners to interact with their surroundings.
Award-winning Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus will be working on one of the eleven new villas in the second phase of the project. Expressing his enthusiasm for his commitment to the environment, he says: “Sustainability is not a contemporary feature as much as it is a relationship with time. It means adopting solid values that do not wear out. The true manifestations of sustainability emerge in places that have preserved their existence over time and are decorated with features and materials that have not been outdated and not lost.” The homes in this project were designed to integrate energy technologies, such as geothermal energy and more efficient insulation systems than usual, into their structure. But before all, the goal was for these homes to maintain their existence over the years. Towards uniquely the meanings of care, awareness, and continuity. “It is the connection of these dwellings to their context that reinforces their important value,” Aires Mateus proudly adds.
Ibiza may still be the party capital of the world, but a new sight will unfold on the island. But it will not focus on this orbit, but will focus on family, friends and emotional well-being, especially after the Sabina project has demonstrated how luxury aspects can converge with the concept of preserving the environment.