Marco Schiralli
A skewer sizzles to the slow rhythm of the sea. On the table, droplets of wine form on the inside of wine glasses. Further along, a couple laugh quietly at a table that seems suspended between the sea and the horizon. There is no rush, no noise. Just that feeling of being exactly where you want to be. That’s Gecko Beach Club: not a place but a state of calm, of elegance without excess, of authenticity. And, behind it all, the fine-tuned eye of Marco Schiralli, general manager of Gecko Formentera.
‘Gecko is an oasis’, he says, with no poetic licence. On the seafront on Migjorn beach, Gecko presents itself as a refuge where body and mind are aligned with the natural rhythm of the island. From yoga and SUP yoga classes to water sports, the experience begins through conscious movement and continues through hospitality in its many forms. Gecko is about active relaxation, contact with the environment and hospitality that is not forced, it simply flows.
Black rice squid ink
Gastronomy, as always, plays a leading role. The cuisine is made in traditional Mediterranean style but with an identity marked by fresh, local produce. “We try to source most of our produce from the islands, with a clear focus on fish from Formentera”, says Schiralli. This commitment is particularly evident in the fish skewers, a dish that has won everyone over. Available from Tuesday to Saturday in the evenings, customers can choose their fish themselves and watch it being cooked over the fire, with all the ceremony that a good grill requires. Paid for by the kilo, it comes with side dishes and is served pure and simple and cooked to perfection, straight to your table.
The drinks menu is not to be outdone either. Without forgoing big names such as Vega Sicilia, the wine selection gives a special nod to Balearic labels, in an attempt to acquaint diners with the winemaking tradition of the islands, especially Ibiza and Formentera, with their small productions and unique flavours. “Our customers are looking for that local identity, and we want them to discover what the islands have to offer”, says Schiralli.
Espetos
Gecko also thrives on another impulse based on memorable moments. It remains one of the most sought-after venues for exclusive weddings, thanks to its gardens and green spaces that blend seamlessly into the landscape. But there is more. This year, private experiences such as tables on a sandy area under a pine tree with soft lighting, music and a private waiter are particularly gaining momentum. “They are really useful for marriage proposals”, says Schiralli. And it’s easy to imagine why. Formentera, when done right, doesn’t need any grand excesses.
Gecko is about active relaxation, contact with the environment and hospitality that is not forced, it simply flows
For its part, Gecko Beach Club has a life of its own. Open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, it offers an exclusive menu of snacks and light dishes designed for a day out at the beach without stealing the spotlight from the sea. One of the unexpected hits of this more informal menu is the sirloin steak sandwich. “We were surprised by how well this dish was received”, reveals Schiralli, satisfied with the balance achieved between sophistication and simplicity.
Zesty cocktail and fruity mocktail
The main restaurant operates in two shifts: lunch from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and dinner from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. And for those who want to extend their evening, the bar stays open until after midnight. Because Gecko understands that pleasure has its own schedule, and it’s best to respect it.
Everything, from the layout of the tables to the cocktails designed for each moment of the day, reflects the same philosophy based on helping visitors connect with the island. No noise, no unnecessary distractions, no pretensions. Just Formentera in its purest form. “We don't want to grow for the sake of growing. We want to go deeper. To be increasingly true to who we are”, concludes Schiralli simply. And that is precisely what makes Gecko Formentera an experience that you won’t forget when you pack your bags to go home.
