Les Terrasses

French elegance meets boho chic in this laidback bolthole, with 10 beautifully styled rooms and a sociable, arty atmosphere

As you drive from Ibiza Town to Santa Eularia, you pass a big Yves Klein blue stone on the side of the road. This is the incongruous marker for Les Terrasses, and it sets the scene for an extraordinary place. One of the first finca hotels on Ibiza, French owner Francoise opened her doors in 1987, bringing a massive dose of Ab-Fab bonhomie to the island – and it is still unique. Here, the cliché about being a friend rather than a guest is true: you're immediately swept up in the joie de vivre of the place. At 8pm everyone gathers for aperitifs in the den, then settles down to enjoy Francoise’s fabulous food along with lashings of red wine.

A favourite for fashion shoots, the white sugar cube buildings are surrounded by greenery and staggered up a slope. Orange and lemon trees are everywhere, pink bougainvillea climbs the walls and vast cacti dominate flowerbeds. Inside, the rooms are simply elegant: whitewashed throughout, with splashes of colour and mini chandeliers. Overall it’s charming, quirky and cool - like Francoise herself.

Highs

• Feeling totally welcome - Francoise and sidekick Henrietta are incredibly generous and kind
• The dining room at night: log fire, fairy lights and Norah Jones on the stereo
• Deep baths, super comfy beds and your own terrace
• 2 swimming pools and a tennis court
• Excellent food – Francoise’s Couscous Tuesday attracts people from all over the island

Lows

• The slightly chaotic nature of the place wouldn’t suit everyone
• Bear in mind you're pretty isolated and there are no beaches or shops within walking distance so you'll have to hire a car
• Our room smelt of fresh paint