Ibiza is changing. Subverting its own reputation as a buoyant party destination, for every blistering DJ set elsewhere on the island you’ll find a new wellness retreat or organic farm. As the whole world undergoes a seismic shift, away from that extra gin and tonic towards Vitamixed greens, Ibiza is there front and centre. Rarely does a week go past without the announcement of another fitness retreat or wellness package being launched. As this next generation of traveller is more complex, seeking perhaps a raucous Friday night pummelled by house music and club hopping followed by a muted Saturday of yoga and foliate greens. Ibiza has both in high volume.
ME Ibiza
Flanked by Nikki Beach, ME Ibiza offer rest, respite and revelry. A discordant combination perhaps but it absolutely works and is perhaps a symbol for what’s happening across the island. Set on a private corner of the bay, there’s a sense of calm conveyed by the white interiors and inviting cushioned sofas the moment you enter the property. A perk fit for Ibiza, guests are paired with an Aura Manager on arrival, who can help curate your time at the hotel based on your preferences around colours, tastes, smells and sounds.
The ME by Melia brand has a small portfolio of hotels in fashionable cities, Milan, London, Mallorca and its Ibiza property has the been given the distinctive marque as A Leading Hotel Of The World. Visually the hotel is modern with a touch of boho charm. The rooftop pool is secluded and blissful, even more private than the cerulean ground floor pool. And at its heart this is a Mediterranean getaway, offering a menu of creamy cheeses and a rainbow of crudités and freshly caught fish.
Wellness isn’t just a buzzword here. The sizeable gym also offers meditation classes, Pilates and yoga. Spa treatments can be taken on the rooftop terrace or the main level spa. The only thing better than a massage is one paired with 360-degree views of the resplendent sea and sand. The offering is sophisticated, more than a typical hotel menu of cosseting massages and scrubs. The beauty industry is one that’s constantly evolving. And here there’s a strong intersection of science and spa services. The SkinC Spa works with some of the industry’s most advanced products -such as new active serums direct from Japan and a host of body products and technologies to help firm and reassurance the skin.
OD Talamanca
Location location location. It’s easy to find a slice of quiet Ibiza at this elegant mid-century modern property. OD Talamanca sits at the eastern end of Talamanca Bay, about a 30-minute walk east of Ibiza Town and minutes to the seafront. A destination for Ibiza regulars, all 117 rooms and suites have at least a partial view of the rumbling sea. The loft rooms come equipped with a Smart Cabrio car, while the duplex apartment suite – with an endless terrace and pool – comes with a Smart ForFour car. Vroom vroom.
The design is muted and calming – charcoal-coloured fabrics and caramel-hued stone surfaces alongside designer furniture, interior snobs will be sure to recognise all the big names from Eames to Jacobson to Wegner. As well as the welcomed calm amid the island chaos, it’s easy to prioritse health here. At OD Talamanca you’ll find three swimming pools, a high-spec fitness centre and a host of healthy menu options. Breakfast is a favourite with a memorable buffet and a menu teeming with local and organic produce.
El Portalon
Given its climate and lushness, it’s hard to believe no one was growing organic veg and produce here before Anne Sijmonsbergen. In May of 2017 Sijmonsbergen, a longtime Ibiza resident (direct from the US) opened her first restaurant El Portalon. Snug within the designated world heritage site of Ibiza’s old town, the location could not be better. Only seating 20 inside and 40 more on its picturesque courtyard, this little restaurant feels akin to dining in the home of a friend – if that friend also happened to be a world-class chef working with the most succulent newly plucked ingredients. Using produce gardened at her organic farm Can Riero – also a small hotel frequented by the likes of the Camerons and Bonneville’s - Anne and her Executive Chef Filippo Alberi serve simple dishes executed perfectly, such as steamed mussels with samphire; courgette and asparagus tostadas with ricotta and mint and juniper-encrusted pork tenderloin. There’s also a delightfully and locally inspired cocktail menu, featuring homemade ingredients such as plum and apricot puree.
Peyotito at Nobu Hotel Ibiza
Nobu Ibiza Bay captures the spirit of the Island. It’s glamorous and opulent, designed in welcoming whites, creams and coastal blues. There’s no shortage of views and a host of restaurants and bars. The newest addition comes straight from London’s Notting Hill, in the form of the super-slick Peyotito. With views of both the sea and the inviting main pool, Peyotito Ibiza is headed by the talented young chef Adriana Cavita. First learning her way around her grandmother’s kitchen, Cavita went on to train under Peyote’s Michelin-starred executive chef Eduardo Garcia. Garcia built his name in his hometown of Mexico City, where his restaurant Maximo Bistrot is a constant on Latin America’s top 50 restaurants. Here, the menu is a smooth combination of upscale Mexican and local, season Ibiza. The superb tequila and mescal-infused cocktails are renowned across the island.
Cala Gracioneta
Ibiza at its best. When you step your navigation gets to the requested postcode you might first scratch your head, as the end destination looks like any unimpressive residential street. But follow the buzz and head down a short decline and pow! Around the bend is the more idyllic beach restaurant hideaway. Tucked in between two pleats of craggy rock with the lapping ocean as its soundtrack this restaurant ticks every box. Serrano ham that melts in your mouth, portion sizes that ensconce your table, there’s no website, no Instagram account. This is paper napkins and fantastic no frills food. Post-lunch wile away the rest of the afternoon on the golden-sand beach with a book and a bottle of sun cream.
