Kike Sarasola
Kike Sarasola was an Olympic equestrian who participated in the Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000) Olympics. After falling from a horse, he decided to step away from top-level competition and focus on the business world. He was involved in many real estate companies until 2005, when he founded Room Mate Hotels, together with his husband, Carlos, and friend, Gorka. He wanted to create the type of hotel he always looked for when travelling, but never found:
Perfect location, design and good prices. That is how this hotel chain, with 23 hotels and 8 more to come in 2016, was born.
In 2014 he went a step further by creating BeMate.com, a collaborative platform offering the best of a hotel (services) combined with the convenience of staying at a flat.
He defines himself as impulsive, a visionary and very energetic. He loves to travel and loves his work, with a strong belief that you always have to move forward and not fear failure, because there is always something to learn.
How I found Ibiza...
Many years ago I started spending summers on the island, the first time I have visited since I used to come with my parents when I was little. It’s a magical place for me. When I was younger I enjoyed the entertainment here, the atmosphere and the people from all over the world. Now that I am a father I see it in a different light. It is my place to disconnect, and reconnect with myself and my family. Together with New York, this is my favourite place in the world.
Some of its myriad facets...
The combination of peace and fun. Ibiza has everything you could look for on holiday. It has entertainment, amazing restaurants and stunning coves.
A Luxury on the island...
It’s a luxury to wake up each morning and not hear anything but nature and the sea.
My favourite moment...
If we’re talking about beaches, our favourite is Es Cavallet.
A memory when I’m far away...
The incredible feeling of being with my dogs and family on the beach at sunset.
The magic of Ibiza...
The magic of Ibiza is that it captures you, it makes you feel like you're from the island on your first visit. For me it is the island of happiness.
What I tell my friends...
It defines itself, it is one of the best examples of positioning that exists and has become stronger in recent years by leaving behind its reputation solely as a party destination - setting itself apart as one of the most stunning places in the world.