In conversation with Sofija Mehta

“…Hospitality is about soul, not just service, each space should feel personal and generous, with its own identity, yet connected by a shared spirit of care and community.”

 - Sofija Mehta

Sofija Mehta

Born to a Serbian mother and Albanian father and raised in Germany, Sofija Mehta grew up with hospitality woven into family life. A spontaneous three-day trip to Ibiza became the start of a new chapter. She met Sid, now her husband and business partner, and together they have nurtured Island Hospitality, the creative force behind Chinois, Beachouse, Mikasa, and Finca La Plaza. Today, Sofija balances the rhythm of family life with shaping experiences that celebrate community, creativity, and the spirit of Ibiza.

You were running restaurants in Germany before moving to Ibiza. What drew you to the island and made you want to create Island Hospitality here?

Love, and business both.

Love came first and then the opportunity to grow our business here. Also I really wanted to find a peaceful and slow-paced environment for my kids to grow up surrounded by nature and community.

I found all that in Ibiza.

Beachouse, Ibiza. Image credit Georg Roske.

Early in your journey as a founder, what were the key challenges you faced, and how did they shape the way you lead today?

Initially I wanted to do everything myself, until I learned that investing in people, professionals in their field, is key to growing a healthy business. In the beginning, I was a victim of my own business. I thought I was in control, not realising the business was controlling me. The more I let go and gave power to the people around me, the more beautifully we grew, not only as a business, but as a big family. We cherish every single person in all our venues.

Your venues, Chinois, Beachouse, Mikasa, and Finca La Plaza, each offer distinct experiences. How do you conceptualise the identity of each space, and what unifying elements tie them together under Island Hospitality’s vision?

Every project starts with a feeling, what should this place hold? For Chinois, it is energy and rhythm, a sonic temple where nights turn into memories. Beachouse is rooted in nature and togetherness, a Balearic sanctuary, barefoot, generous, and family-friendly. Mikasa is intimate and soulful, a boutique hotel that feels like a home away from home, immersed in the unforgettable island of Ibiza. Finca La Plaza is our secret garden, a place for long dinners and celebrations under the stars, with Mediterranean flavours and an outstanding wine cellar. What unifies them is our belief that hospitality is about soul, not just service, each space should feel personal and generous, with its own identity, yet connected by a shared spirit of care and community.

Beachouse, Ibiza. Image courtesy of Island Hospitality.

Wellness is central to Beachouse, from morning yoga to family activities. How do you make wellness feel like a natural part of the experience rather than a separate element?

For me, wellness is not a programme we bolt on, it is how we design the day. We begin with yoga by the sea, then a nourishing breakfast that sets an easy rhythm. Spaces are made for barefoot living and unhurried conversation, the music rises gently, service is calm, and the menu favours seasonal, light dishes. Families can move from class to sea to table without changing gear. When movement, food, rest, and play are woven into the flow, wellness stops being an activity and simply becomes the way you feel here.

Finca La Plaza. Image courtesy of Island Hospitality.

You have described Ibiza not as an escape but as a return to self, a place of rhythm and balance. How does that mindset influence your creativity and the spaces you design?

Seeing Ibiza as a return to self is my filter for every decision. If a detail helps people slow down, breathe, and connect, it stays; if it distracts, it goes. That mindset guides me toward natural textures, warm light, honest food, and music with intention. I design for belonging rather than spectacle, spaces that carry an easy rhythm, where families linger, friends feel seen, and strangers feel welcome.

Are there any upcoming projects or experiences at Island Hospitality in 2026 that you can share with us, and what can guests expect from your venues next year?

2026 is about depth, refinement, and even more community-led moments. In Ibiza, we are evolving each venue in its own way. Beachouse will lean further into wellness with meaningful brand activations and ritual-led evenings, supported by a seasonal kitchen designed for long, barefoot days with family and friends. Chinois will extend its cultural arc with considered residencies and collaborations that honour the island while pushing musically forward. At Mikasa, we are amplifying the home-from-home feeling with intimate rooftop programming and thoughtful touches across rooms and communal spaces where people can work from. Finca La Plaza will celebrate Mediterranean flavours alongside an exceptional wine cellar.

Across everything, guests can expect the same warmth and soul, more craft, more community, and experiences that feel both elevated and easy.

Chinois, Ibiza. Image courtesy of Island Hospitality.

The [Quick] #FLODown

Best life advice?

Never stop listening to your intuition. Your inner voice is the best guardian, and I’m glad I’ve trusted this voice throughout my life.

A founder or creative you admire?

My husband, Sid Mehta.

One small habit or ritual that keeps you grounded?

Walks and hikes, noticing beauty in small things.

Your perfect Ibiza day, sunrise to sunset?

I love slow mornings, watching the sunrise, then an early run and a sea dip with my husband, followed by breakfast with the family. A hike together and an easy lunch. Later, reading and playing with the kids before a simple sunset picnic on the beach.

Island Hospitality | @island_hospitality | island-hospitality.com
Beachouse | @beachouse_ibiza | beachouseibiza.com ​Finca La Plaza | @fincalaplaza | fincalaplaza.com
Mikasa Ibiza | @mikasaibiza | mikasaibiza.com  
Chinois | @chinoisibiza | chinois.com