Can Nikita: Ibiza Finca Reimagined as a Sanctuary for Art, Wellness, adn sustainable Fashion
A 19th-century Ibiza finca, Can Nikita, has been meticulously restored by a couple seeking a peaceful retreat and a creative haven, quickly becoming a sought-after location for fashion campaigns and artistic collaborations.
Located just 15 minutes from Ibiza’s city center and Cala Jondal, in the area of San José, Can Nikita offers a respite from the island’s famed party scene. The sprawling property,encompassing over 378,000 square feet,is the realization of a dream for India and Victor Douce,who named it after their daughter,Nikita.
The Douces, who previously resided in Paris, returned to their roots in Ibiza during India’s pregnancy and were captivated by the potential of the estate.They purchased the property in 2020, embarking on a renovation project driven by a desire to create a sanctuary for well-being and a lasting family legacy. “This house was built out of love for our daughter,” India Douce explained, emphasizing the focus on creating a space that would nurture and inspire her.
Did You Know?
Ibiza’s fincas are conventional farmhouses, frequently enough centuries old, reflecting the island’s rich agricultural history. Restoring them preserves a vital part of Ibiza’s cultural heritage.
With a recorded history spanning 304 years, Can Nikita possesses a unique character that the couple was persistent to preserve. “The house is really alive, full of a lot of stories and beautiful art,” India noted, highlighting their commitment to honoring the finca’s “very strong soul” while incorporating modern extensions. The six-meter-high living room stands as a testament to this approach, featuring a floor painted by artist Guy de Rougemont, who lived in the house for six decades, and walls adorned with frescoes by Ibiza-based oil painter Alex Jarman.
Meet the Artists
Guy de Rougemont: A renowned artist known for his vibrant and geometric floor paintings.
Alex Jarman: An Ibiza-based oil painter celebrated for his captivating frescoes.
Today, Can Nikita welcomes up to 12 guests across six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, offering a kitchen and a dedicated meditation room. The interior design embraces minimalism, utilizing a soothing palette of beige and soft hues alongside natural materials like marble, local stones, and curated artifacts. Collaborations, such as one with Spanish interior architect patricia Galdon, further enhance the property’s aesthetic.
Each bedroom boasts its own distinct personality. The “Love Room” is characterized by crimson mosaic tiles, smooth plaster walls, and a soft pink color scheme, while the “Trippy Room” features a hand-drawn spiral motif on the floor. The property’s outdoor spaces are equally enchanting, showcasing a Japanese garden with pine and palm trees, a vibrant flower display, and a productive vegetable garden. A treehouse, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral tones, seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings.
Explore the Outdoors
can Nikita’s gardens offer a tranquil escape, blending Japanese design principles with the natural beauty of Ibiza. The vegetable garden provides fresh, seasonal produce for guests to enjoy.
Guests can enjoy a range of leisure amenities, including a sauna, yoga terrace, thermal spa, and a swimming pool. A cozy fire pit provides warmth on cooler evenings, while a tennis court and gym cater to those seeking more active pursuits.
can Nikita’s appeal extends beyond private stays, attracting attention from the fashion world. In 2023 and 2024, the villa served as the backdrop for campaigns from H&M, Reformation, and Gucci – the latter shooting its 2024 Lido campaign poolside. “This became kind of a trendy house,” India Douce acknowledged, noting that brands appreciate the property’s versatility and its ability to adapt to diverse creative visions.
Fashion Forward
The choice of Can Nikita as a backdrop by major fashion houses highlights Ibiza’s growing influence as a style destination and the finca’s unique aesthetic appeal.
The finca also functions as an annual art gallery, hosting a selected artist invited to reside at Can Nikita for inspiration before showcasing their work. These exhibitions are designed to be immersive experiences, often incorporating performances by artists like Cirque du Soleil acrobats. The couple’s goal is to foster an artistic community,providing a platform for creatives from various backgrounds to connect and collaborate. “It’s really about activating the energy of this place,” India explained.
This creative energy has also fueled the launch of Ikinita, a fashion brand founded by India Douce in 2023. Inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai – “the reason why you live” – and her daughter’s name, Ikinita produces clothing for confident women. The brand’s aesthetic is deeply rooted in the design principles employed during the renovation of Can Nikita, with a focus on materials, color grading, and spatial awareness.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It’s often described as finding joy and purpose in life through your passions, skills, and contributions to the world.
Ikinita collaborates with artisans worldwide, specializing in techniques like embroidery, weaving, and tailoring. The latest collection, “Jeu d’Enfant,” was created in partnership with painter Audrey Bertoia and draws inspiration from her hand-painted tarot cards. The brand operates a flagship store in Ibiza City at Carrer Plàcid Pereyra, 5, and is committed to sustainability, sourcing deadstock fabrics and leathers through Nona Source, an initiative by LVMH Möet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Production is divided between Paris and Istanbul, a city with personal significance for India.
Can Nikita, therefore, represents more than just a beautifully restored finca; it is a testament to the power of family, the pursuit of well-being, and the enduring allure of artistic expression.
“`html
Can Nikita and the Cultivation of Creativity: A Deeper Dive
The change of Can Nikita into an Ibiza haven is more then a renovation; it’s the conscious cultivation of a creative ecosystem. This commitment extends beyond the physical restoration, touching every aspect of the property’s function, from its role as an art gallery too the inspiration behind Ikinita, the fashion brand. The Douces have intentionally designed Can Nikita to serve as a springboard for artistic expression and a place where well-being is paramount.
At the heart of Can Nikita’s beliefs is the
Table of Contents
