Updating the traditional Ibiza farmhouse with some ultra-cool statement lighting – the Q giant mobile suspension lamp by Po! Paris hangs like a work of art from the rustic ceiling. The custom configured, grand scale chandelier is a striking new addition at Can Sastre. [image Anna Lui]

The iconic Agroturismo turned boutique hotel Can Sastre debuts a refreshed look with subtle yet vibrant changes – courtesy of its new owners

Words By Charlotte Knight

While some people search for years for the perfect property without ever finding what they’re looking for, others simply stumble across something, and an opportunity presents itself—as if it had been looking for them all along.

“We weren’t actively looking for a hotel, but when we first visited Can Sastre, something just felt right,” says Dutch couple Lodewijk Keulen and Leontine Verweij who took over the ownership of the centuries-old finca, before refreshing it to welcome their first guests at the start of the 2026 season. When the opportunity arose to acquire the sprawling finca located just outside of Santa Gertrudis—long cherished by island insiders and discerning travellers alike—they immediately recognised its potential and felt a deep sense of connection to the place. “The finca had a warmth and calmness that immediately made us feel at home” says the couple.

Their vision was not to reinvent Can Sastre, but to build thoughtfully on its legacy, preserving its character while introducing subtle personal touches and breathing new life into the gardens. “When we took over Can Sastre, we felt the gardens deserved some extra love and attention¨ says the couple who spent time planting and creating more inviting outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. “We worked with local specialists where needed, but many of the ideas came from how we live ourselves and how we wanted guests to experience the finca“.

The new owners have devoted great care to the gardens, nurturing them into a lush, beautifully maintained landscape that has all the charm of a fairytale setting. [image Anna Lui]

The boutique stay, which has long been a top destination for experiencing the slower side of Ibiza, offers guests their own private retreat accommodation amongst the estate hidden in a privileged rural position – complete with many original features to delight all lovers of authenticity, and yoga classes for those who love to stretch it out. Stunning Sabina wood beams cover many of the ceilings and lime-washed walls are the faithful favourite, respecting the island’s architectural heritage and finca charm. The layout has been thoughtfully arranged into two stylish casitas and two larger suites of 60m2 and 75 m2 all with king-size beds, organic toiletries and private terraces that are post-card worthy. Every space is well-curated to strike the right balance between a secluded hideaway whilst enjoying the intimacy of a welcoming and luxurious home-stay.

The authentic finca has evolved over the years from its humble beginnings as the home of a local tailor, into a peaceful retreat for busy people looking to escape the everyday. [image Anna Lui]

“We loved that it was surrounded by nature, yet so centrally located on the island. We could instantly picture ourselves living here and sharing this special place with guests. It already had so much character and soul; we simply fell in love with it” shares the proud new owners, who were undoubtedly attracted to the sense of romance, serenity and rich history – where a clue to that story comes from its name. The word sastre means “tailor” in Spanish and Catalan, while Can means “the house of“. Put the two together and Can Sastre literally mean “the tailor’s house“. Locals say the finca once belonged to a family of tailors, inspiring its name… fast forward hundred of years and that name is synonymous in Ibiza with effortless farmhouse chic.

Lodewijk and Leontine who live peacefully on the estate with their two gorgeous dachshund dogs, have been busy cultivating an atmosphere that feels like a welcoming private home. They reveal that the most rewarding part of taking on Can Sastre, without doubt, is forming connections with people, whether through a quick house tour or rustling up delicious meals from the fruit and vegetables grown on the farm. “We love meeting guests from all over the world and seeing them genuinely enjoy the property. Because we live on-site ourselves, we get to share those moments with them, whether it’s during breakfast, by the pool or simply chatting about Ibiza! Those personal connections are what make this experience so rewarding” says Leonine who is an avid cook.

The fresh new scheme at Can Sastre was guided by the creative eye of Ibiza based designer Ana Martin from Estudio Martin Pelaz who the couple chose to enlist for the task “For the interiors, we worked closely with our interior designer Ana Martin – it was a very personal process and a nice collaboration. Together we focused on creating spaces that feel warm, timeless and connected to the natural surroundings” says Leontine.

The Villa Suite

The original, rectangular shaped central room at the finca and the space above has been converted into the largest accommodation at the farmhouse (called the Villa Suite) spanning 75m2 with two bedrooms and a private terrace leading to the fragrant orange grove. The exposed dark Sabina wood beams celebrate the finca’s architectural heritage, lending warmth, texture, and timeless character to the space. A pair of peacock armchairs anchor the space, with elsewhere, furnishings in solid oak and terracotta linen adding warmth, whilst the eye-catching lighting by Po! Paris floats overhead like a contemporary art installation. Sunlight drifts across the traditional floor tiles throughout the day emphasizing its tactile palette. The result is a space that the couple describe as “relaxed, personal and authentic.”

The private terrace has a Wabi-Sabi style hand-woven wire mesh pendant in a UFO silhouette, suspended above a timeworn table. The arrangement is complemented by a farmhouse bench with cushions covered in fabric of quiet luxury. The other side of the table are three vintage-style bamboo accent chairs. [image Anna Lui]

The couple have carefully considered the rich history of the finca and its long-standing reputation for being one of Ibiza’s sought-after boutique retreats “We never wanted to completely change Can Sastre. The charm of the finca, the mature gardens and the intimate feeling of the property were exactly what attracted us in the first place. Our goal was to make it feel a little lighter, fresher and more Mediterranean, while staying true to its original character. We wanted guests to feel that Can Sastre had evolved, but still felt like Can Sastre” share the couple.

The Deluxe Suites

A further Deluxe Suite of 60m2 sleeping 4 guests features the original flagstone floor with varied earthy tones sweeping the space. A rich blend of warm ochre hues, soft charcoal gray, tan, and subtle reddish undertones echoes the ibiza farmhouse style. Original Sabina wood beams and limewashed walls anchor the space in its agricultural past, while a restrained palette of oak, linen, and woven textures lends contemporary warmth. Rather than compartmentalizing the room, the design embraces openness. The sleeping area features a king-sized bed which flows effortlessly into a sitting room and an understated vanity unit, creating the relaxed rhythm of a Mediterranean retreat. Above here, another spacious private suite offers views across the landscape and lush gardens via a romantic Juliet balcony.

A pair of Pickle Rattan Pendant Lights by Dutch brand Ay Illuminate are suspended either side of the bed, whilst a handwoven decorative Afrian Tonga urn basket rests against the large pillar, atop a reclaimed wood stall. [image Anna Lui]

The upper level is home to a private suite with a pretty window seat in the bedroom and the most beautiful Sabina wood-clad ceiling bringing a sense of cosiness and that magical feeling of authentic ibiza. [image Anna Lui]

The post-card worthy private terrace at one of Can Sastres´ Deluxe Suites. [image Anna Lui]

Shaded by a woven reed canopy, this private terrace at Can Sastre embraces the effortless indoor-outdoor nature of Mediterranean living. Built-in plaster seating, softened with linen cushions in muted earth tones, surrounds a handcrafted rustic table with fresh oranges waiting to be savoured. A woven pendant light is another example of the property’s thoughtfully curated, design-led lighting, carefully chosen to create an elevated yet relaxed ambience. Framed by mature palms, native planting and distant mountain views, this is a place made for leisurely reading in the shade, long afternoons and sipping a chilled glass of local wine.

“Many of our guests arrive from busy cities and busy lives. The nicest compliment we can receive is when someone drops their bags, sits down on the terrace and says, ‘I already feel calmer,‘” says Leontine.

Every corner at Can Sastre has been crafted to bring a sense of wellbeing and relaxation. [image Anna Lui]

“The style we have aimed for at Can Sastre is natural, comfortable and relaxed. We are not drawn to interiors that feel too perfect or overly styled. We like spaces that feel lived in and welcoming. For us, luxury is being comfortable, surrounded by beautiful, high-quality natural materials, plenty of natural light and greenery. It’s about creating a space where people can instantly relax and feel completely at ease,” share the couple, whose aesthetic vision has been beautifully brought to life by their interior designer Estudio Martin Pelaz.

Inside the kitchen at Can Sastre – the style is organic meets farmhouse chic with noteworthy pendant lights made from french flax linen. [image Anna Lui]

Inside the kitchen at Can Sastre, rustic textures meet thoughtful simplicity. In place of traditional cabinetry, open shelving creates the perfect canvas for curated books, sculpture and collected treasures, lending the space a personal, lived-in feel. Beneath, a softly gathered farmhouse curtain conceals practical storage while adding a touch of country charm. A reclaimed wood dining table and woven rattan dining chairs are paired with super-cool lighting design. This time, multiple cylinders are covered in french flax linen to achieve an organic and breezy feel in this country kitchen – elegant and deeply welcoming.

Framed by a variety of mature trees, tropical palms and a flourishing fruit orchard, the curved-shaped pool area is enveloped by lush greenery, creating the feeling of a secluded oasis. [image Anna Lui]

At one end of the pool terrace, the charming Honesty Bar—with its relaxed, tropical aesthetic serves refreshments and light dishes from breakfast through to the evening. Prepared with care by Leontine, whose love of cooking is reflected in the seasonal menu, the simple, fresh fare is designed to be enjoyed at an unhurried pace beside the water.

Almost hidden beneath a canopy of cascading ivy, the Honesty Bar reveals itself. On the debut opening night of the re-imagined Can Sastre. this corner became the social heart of the evening, with guests including myself gathering over chilled Aperol Spritz or Rose wine beside the pool. [image Anna Lui]

Designed for slow afternoons, the outdoor spaces at Can Sastre have been updated by the new owners. A short flight of steps leads to a secluded upper terrace, where two generous daybeds are framed by towering bamboo, lending the space an almost Balinese sense of calm. [image Anna Lui]

This Zen-like corner at Can Sastre shows how careful styling and a deep appreciation for the surrounding nature have come together to create a tropical paradise. [image Anna Lui]

Backed by a run of swaying bamboo and mature palms, we find a sun deck located just off the pool terrace providing a secluded retreat where the landscape becomes an extension of the architecture. Spacious twin daybeds, crafted from reclaimed wood and topped with soft linen cushions, rest beneath handwoven thatched parasols, creating a tranquil setting for lazy afternoons. Dappled by sunlight, the space feels like a private sanctuary that captures the effortless, nature-led spirit of Can Sastre.

A view of one of the joyful private terraces at Can Sastre. [image Anna Lui]

Inside one of the private terraces above the central table, a handwoven rattan pendant in bold black is hung from the finca’s rough-hewn beams – its black finish introducing a contemporary note. The diminutive window—a hallmark of authentic Ibizan fincas has been subtly reframed in black, echoing both the black pendant and a freestanding floor mirror. It’s a quiet dialogue between old and new, where rustic character is preserved and gently elevated through restrained, considered design. This area seems made for lingering over a pot of tea or an early evening aperitif on the L-shaped sofa which has been upholstered in muted natural textiles, and layered with understated cushions.

A table decoration of Golden Wattle branches has fluffy pom-pom shaped, yellow blossom and is arranged inside a rustic earthenware vase, in Wabi-Sabi style. [image Anna Lui]

Perhaps one of Can Satre’s most sought-after and recognisable corners for those who know…this spot is the private terrace of The Superior Suite that bursts with colour thanks to the native bougainvillea. [image Anna Lui]

Leontine and Lodewijk tell Ibiza PJ that it’s quite hard trying to pin their favorite part of the finca – and it’s easy to see why “That’s a difficult question because it changes throughout the day. In the morning, we love the gardens when everything is still quiet and the only sounds are the birds and nature waking up. In the evening, it’s sitting outside with a glass of wine while the light changes and the finca feels completely peaceful” says the couple.