CLAP House Ibiza Pool Club & Restaurant in Talamanca Bay may only be in its second season on Ibiza, but it has already made a fierce impression on the island. Styled by the hands of Italian fashion house Dolce&Gabbana, its bold and glamorous attitude elevates it beyond the standard pool club experience. One step inside and it's easy to recognise it’s not shy about what it stands for: sexy sophistication.
Centred around a spectacular 50-metre pool, the venue is framed by lush green views, rustic stone walls and towering palms. As eye-catching as this is, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to its magnificently embellished poolside terrace - exquisitely dressed head to toe in trademark D&G leopard print.
From the plush daybeds and oversized sofas to parasols and even the plump cushions and complimentary towels, there’s not an inch untouched by this delicious print.
When you dress this magnificently, it would be easy to rely on appearances alone; however, CLAP HOUSE also comes packed with an extremely likeable personality. Attentive staff, live DJs laying on a super-cool musical backdrop, and a menu of bold, contemporary, and exciting Japanese cuisine.
There are a range of ways to enjoy all this fabulous hospitality; from the comfort of a plump day bed, an oversized sofa, or, in our case, from both. Yes, for our afternoon we were invited to the premium lounge experience, which included not only shaded loungers but also a plush seated lounge area.
We didn't take this assignment lightly. All dressed to impress in leopard print (admittedly not at the D&G price tag), we were ready to live our best lives.
To aid our slow sink into our poolside paradise, we investigated the Signature Cocktail menu, which offered an eye-catching array of liquid refreshment.
Deserving a special mention in this rather inviting lineup, their signature ‘Above The Clouds’ (seen here in the martini glass), which combined a zingy yet soft array of tastes and textures; it was truly like drinking a cloud - phenomenal.
With a fresh cocktail buzz, it was now time to dip more than our toes and fully immerse ourselves in the CLAP HOUSE experience. Although it is far from the typical pool-party venue, there is still a playful and relaxed energy. Cue our time in the rubber ring and some fun in the pool. In this summer heat, it was the perfect refresher before we delved into the menu.
CLAP HOUSE boasts a menu well-versed in contemporary Japanese cuisine, offering sharing plates and platters that are all elevated with exciting twists to delve into.
Our gastronomical journey got off to a flying start...
Enveloped in a soft, warm gyoza pocket, the Wagyu and mushroom centre came with a strong, full-flavoured punch. The meat was rich, yet buttery in texture, and once dipped in the truffle teriyaki, it became a whole new taste sensation.
Cute and crisp, the tiny cubes of rice were the perfect platform for their creamy, fresh avocado and slightly spiced salmon toppings. Small enough to indulge in one bite, the interplay of textures worked perfectly.
The Rock Shrimp Tempura may seem a simple dish, but each mini morsel came packed with flavour. Succulent and slightly sweet, it was wrapped in a super-light tempura. The kimchi mayo was creamy and tangy, with a slight chilli edge that elevated each bite. So delicious, we could have easily found room for a second bowl.
Here we present the pièce de résistance, the Hyojun Platter. Served on a bed of ice, its entrance commanded a chorus of oohs and aahs. Delivering on every level, each tier had been prepared with a tantalising selection of Japanese specialities, including Sashimi, Nigiri and Sushi rolls.
To go into detail on each plate we amateurishly threw our chopsticks at would be an impossible task. However, please be assured that the 45-piece platter showcased the kitchen's true culinary flair and finesse. From the signature Spicy Tuna rolls and the Seabass Sashimi with Jalapeños to the pillow-like Nigiri, it was outstanding.
For our second course, we chose to embrace our diva energy for the day. So, wrapped in our stunning leopard print towels, we moved to our sunbeds to people-watch, as we lounged and grazed from our shared plates.
Poolside pizza may not be anyone's immediate combination, but the light, crisp base Margarita went down a treat. Prepared with an Asian twist, the miso-fused sauce and shiso pesto worked surprisingly well together, along with the juicy tomatoes that burst with flavour.
Next, the Chicken Katsu Sando, created with generous portions of crispy-coated, tender chicken and pickled red cabbage, was a firm favourite with the team
And yes, here we go with more Wagyu, but honestly, how could anyone say no? This time served in a handmade patty with spicy mayo and caramelised onions.
Then came the Cava sangria interlude, well, if you insist! Served as we lazed on floating beds in the pool, we couldn’t help but feel like rockstars.
Despite our full stomachs, with just a little persuasion, we agreed to a final spoonful or two from the dessert menu.
Introducing the Vanilla-Peanut Mille-feuille and Matcha Cheesecake, two completely different sweet sensations that fitted perfectly as our last scrumptious hoorah with CLAP HOUSE.
The mille-feuille paired crisp pastry with a warm vanilla custard, cushioning each delicate layer, topped with a divine peanut crunch and gooey sauce. The matcha cheesecake took on the softer role. Instead of the matcha dominating, its earthy notes were subtle and well balanced, even winning applause from those in the team who would normally avoid its strong flavour.
Completely ignoring the advice to not swim on a full stomach, we were back in the pool and floundering around the minute we finished our last bite.
CLAP HOUSE feels like the perfect adult playground; you can understand why it is such a popular destination for friends to spend their days together.
To experience it yourself, there are two different ways to soak up the vibe. One, in the upper restaurant terrace where you can dine with friends, or poolside on your own daytime retreat, where you can select from a pretty stunning portfolio of luxury lounging options. The same menu is available at both, but be aware that as the venue closes at 20:00, last orders from the kitchen must be placed by 18:30.
A luxury daytime destination, CLAP HOUSE fully embraces its chic and sophisticated style; there's no denying it's one of the sexiest spots to spend the day.
Make sure to reserve your bed in plenty of time.
