Montesol Experimental Hotel in Ibiza by Dorothée Meilichzon.

The Gran Hotel Montesol in Ibiza has undergone a complete redesign by Dorothée Meilichzon in collaboration with Experimental Group. Following the redesign of the hotel’s restaurant and bar in 2021, Dorothée has turned to the bedrooms of the Neo-Colonial building, dating all the way back to 1933, to complete the project.

The hotel has a storied past, throughout the 1950s-1980s Montesol was at the height of its existence. Celebrities, royalty and hippies gathered under the hotel’s roof, which welcomed the likes of Pink Floyd, Orson Welles and Carolina de Monaco. Meilichzon’s designs infuse a bohemian overtone throughout the interior whilst paying homage to the building’s elaborate past.

Cool, calming colours counterbalance the Balearic heat and lush fabrics burst with eye-catching patterns, fringes and pompoms. Cosmic elements are scattered throughout, from moon carvings and brass suns to celestial greys, light greens and pastel hues. Masks have been made by the hands of Anna Alexandra in Mallorca and Playdough Stools have been carefully crafted by Diego Faivre. Tiles are a feature, covering spaces like minibars alongside glossy lacquer wardrobes with puzzle-piece doors to add a touch of Ibiza sparkle.

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Café Montesol, already redesigned in 2021, is a refuge from the summer sun and an escape when the cooler weather descends. “After the Levantine influences of the Sabbaba pop-up at Montesol Experimental last summer, we wanted to return to the roots of Spanish cuisine and hospitality: a large café offering a tapas menu at all hours, dished out from the counter or on the terrace,” notes Olivier Bon, Co-Founder and Partner at Experimental Group.

“As the evening goes on, generous dishes are served on the terrace. We have entrusted Café Montesol to chef Alex Larrea, who has worked with us at Menorca Experimental and Experimental Beach. Inspired by his Catalan grandmother, and her cocina de verdad style, his dishes serve up authentic food with a touch of whimsy, a typical Spanish menu, perfectly executed,” Olivier continues.

Upstairs unveils a rooftop cocktail bar with views of Dalt Vila and new to the space is a small boutique featuring a curated selection of accessories and clothes from local Spanish artisans to international designers.

The hotel will reopen in May 2023—for more information head to montesolexperimental.com

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[Images courtesy of Experimental Group. Photography by Karel Balas.]