From Michelin-starred dining and art-inspired cocktails to secret vineyards, turquoise waters and dancing until the early hours, I discover the sophisticated side of the White Isle from one of its finest luxury hotels.
Some destinations stay on your travel wish list for decades and Ibiza was one of mine. Despite growing up in the era when everyone seemed to have a story about dancing until dawn at Pacha or watching the sun rise after a night of clubbing, I’d somehow reached the age of erm 50-something without ever setting foot on the White Isle. Perhaps I’d left it too late? Or perhaps, as it turned out, I’d timed it perfectly…
These days I’m trying to align myself increasingly with world-class spas, exceptional food and a beautiful hotel, rather than dancing until the early hours, so discovering Ibiza from the comfort of Ibiza Gran Hotel felt like the ideal opportunity to do all of the above. Perfectly positioned beside Marina Ibiza and within walking distance of the UNESCO-listed old town of Dalt Vila, the hotel offers the best of both worlds. Within minutes I could be sipping cocktails overlooking one of Europe’s most glamorous marinas, wandering centuries-old, cobbled streets or heading into Club Chinois for a night on the dancefloor before retreating to the calm of one of the island’s most elegant hotels.
It didn’t take long to realise Ibiza is an island of glorious contradictions. One minute you’re surrounded by superyachts and designer boutiques, the next you’re exploring organic vineyards, browsing artisan markets or finding complete tranquillity beside impossibly blue Mediterranean waters. And at the heart of it all sits Ibiza Gran Hotel, proving there’s far more to Ibiza than the clichés.
An Art Gallery You Can Sleep In
Before I’d even reached reception, it was clear this wasn’t simply another luxury hotel. Originally conceived as an art hotel, creativity still runs through every corner of Ibiza Gran Hotel today. More than 400 original artworks are displayed throughout the property, meaning each of the 187 suites has its own individual piece rather than generic hotel prints. Combined with contemporary Mediterranean interiors, natural textures and calming neutral tones, the whole hotel feels sophisticated without ever becoming intimidating. My suite immediately became somewhere I genuinely looked forward to returning to after a busy day exploring the island. Spacious, beautifully designed and wonderfully peaceful, it embodied exactly the sort of understated luxury I love. Several suites even feature their own private pools, creating little sanctuaries high above the city. It’s easy to see why guests return year after year.
Cocktails Inspired by Great Artists
The perfect place to begin any Ibiza adventure is Musa. Far more than simply a hotel bar, Musa celebrates the building’s artistic heritage through every detail. Each of its signature cocktails draws inspiration from art in some form, while even the glasses tell their own story, influenced by artists including Gaudí or crafted from reclaimed bottles transformed into miniature works of art. During a fascinating cocktail masterclass, we discovered that every drink has its own personality, and we had a go at creating the ‘Hemingway,’ a beautifully balanced blend of rum, mezcal, Pernod and pineapple that somehow managed to be smoky, tropical and refreshing all at once.
As our talented bar manager explained the inspiration behind each creation, another layer of Ibiza’s story emerged through the striking photography surrounding us. Original works by photographer Tony Keeler document the fascinating arrival of the island’s hippie movement during the 1970s, capturing the unlikely coexistence of free spirits and deeply traditional Catholic communities living peacefully side by side.
Thoroughly enlivened by our literary cocktail, we moved to La Gaia next door, with Michelin chef Óscar Molina and his team delivering incredible tasting and a la carte menus. In fact, Ibiza Gran Hotel has the honour of being the first hotel in Ibiza to have a Michelin star restaurant, which makes it a destination in itself.
Breakfast Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Breakfast is often an afterthought at luxury hotels. Not here. The Grand Breakfast has earned something of a reputation, and after experiencing it for myself I completely understand why. With more than 400 delicacies, it’s impossible to sample everything, although I certainly gave it my best effort. Served outside on the terrace, breakfast became one of my favourite moments of each day. One morning we were accompanied by the gentle sound of a live cellist performing nearby, making me wonder how breakfast back home could ever compete with this.
What impressed me even more, however, was the warmth of the staff. Many have worked at the hotel for years and greet returning guests like old friends. Then there’s the legendary ‘egg man’, whose perfectly cooked omelettes have become something of an institution. Apparently, he remembers guests’ favourite orders years after their previous visit and judging by the queue forming around his station each morning, I wasn’t the only one keen to experience his culinary magic and big smile. It’s those personal touches that transform excellent hotels into unforgettable ones.
Finding Calm Before the Party
While Ibiza may be famous for its nightlife, one of the biggest surprises was discovering just how easy it is to slow down. My first afternoon was spent in Open Spa, the hotel’s tranquil wellness sanctuary. After a wonderfully relaxing treatment, I drifted between the hydrotherapy pools, sauna and ice lounge, emerging feeling considerably calmer than when I’d arrived. It struck me that this was perhaps Ibiza’s biggest revelation. You don’t have to choose between wellness and nightlife. Here, they happily coexist. One evening might end dancing until the early hours at nearby Club Chinois. The following morning can begin with yoga, an unforgettable breakfast and complete relaxation by the pool. Somehow, on this extraordinary island, it all makes perfect sense. As first impressions go, Ibiza had already exceeded every expectation I’d ever had. And the best, as it turned out, was still to come.
Sailing to Formentera’s Crystal-Clear Waters
If there’s one excursion I’d recommend to anyone visiting Ibiza, it’s a day on the water. Our boat trip on ‘Kumbra 34’ to neighbouring Formentera revealed an entirely different side to the Balearics. As we cruised across the Mediterranean, the sea gradually transformed from a little choppy into the most extraordinary shade of blue I’ve ever seen. It’s one of those sights that photographs simply can’t do justice. After dropping anchor in one of the island’s sheltered coves, there was time to swim, paddleboard or simply lie back on deck with a chilled drink, soaking up the sunshine. Once I’d dried off, I quickly discovered another favourite pastime, people watching. Throughout the afternoon, sleek superyachts drifted into the bay, their glamorous occupants diving into the sea before stretching out on deck as though they’d stepped straight from the pages of a magazine.
Discovering the Soul of Ibiza at Bodega Can Rich
One of the biggest surprises of my trip was leaving the coastline behind and heading into Ibiza’s peaceful countryside. Can Rich couldn’t feel further removed from the island’s legendary clubs. Surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and rolling hills, this organic winery perfectly demonstrates that Ibiza’s roots stretch far deeper than beach clubs and DJs. We were warmly welcomed by owner Álvaro, whose passion for both the land and his wines was completely infectious. Listening to him explain how each grape variety thrives in Ibiza’s unique climate, it became obvious that this wasn’t simply a business, but a genuine labour of love. The wines were excellent, but it wasn’t actually the wine that stole my heart. After tasting Can Rich’s incredible olive oil alongside their wonderfully fragrant olive salt, I was completely sold. Two pots of olive salt, bottles of olive oil and several other irresistible treats somehow found their way into my shopping bag before I’d even thought about luggage allowances.
By the end of the trip, my supposedly sensible cabin suitcase tipped the scales at an eye-watering 17.5kg. Thankfully, the wines are available to buy at Ibiza Airport’s duty free, saving me from attempting to squeeze a few extra bottles into an already groaning case.
Long Lunches and Boutique Shopping
That relaxed, authentic atmosphere continued throughout the trip. Dinner at ‘farm to table’ Juntos House, in the charming village of Santa Gertrudis, was one of those evenings you wish could last forever. With warm terracotta walls, twinkling lights and unmistakable Mexican influences running throughout the menu and décor, the whole place radiated effortless cool without ever feeling pretentious. Sitting outside beneath the stars, surrounded by laughter and the scent of wood-fired cooking, it felt like discovering a hidden corner of Ibiza that many visitors never see.
Beachouse Ibiza offered a similar laid-back sophistication. Overlooking the sea, it’s exactly the sort of place where lunch effortlessly rolls into cocktails, which then somehow become sunset drinks. The food was exceptional, but I soon found myself equally distracted by the beautiful little boutique tucked in the venue, selling handcrafted jewellery, clothing and locally made treasures. Let’s just say that after a particularly good cocktail, resisting temptation became significantly more difficult. Comfy loungers allowed for a post-lunch snooze before a refreshing dip in the sea, and you might want to take advantage of a nap after dropping the kids off in the Beachouse’s very own creche!
Sushi, Superyachts and the Best Seat in Ibiza
One evening we headed to Zuma Ibiza, one of the island’s most sought-after restaurants. The sushi was simply outstanding. Delicate sashimi, beautifully crafted sushi rolls and dishes arriving one after another made it almost impossible to choose a favourite. Every plate looked like a work of art. Yet somehow the food had competition. Looking around the restaurant became entertainment in itself. Stylish couples arriving from nearby yachts and glamorous groups beginning their evenings created the ultimate people-watching experience. If you’re looking for the perfect place to soak up Ibiza’s effortlessly glamorous atmosphere, this is surely it, and it certainly gave me pause for thought re my own wardrobe choices.
But of course, the evening didn’t end there. One of the biggest advantages of staying at Ibiza Gran Hotel is that the island’s largest casino is in the grounds, and Club Chinois sits almost on your doorstep. There’s something wonderfully liberating about dancing until the early hours knowing your luxurious suite is just a two-minute walk away. No taxis and no complicated journey home.
Wandering the Streets of Dalt Vila
The following morning couldn’t have been more different. Instead of flashing lights and DJs, I found myself wandering through the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. The narrow streets are filled with independent boutiques, artisan shops and charming cafés tucked between centuries-old buildings. What surprised me most was how reasonably priced many of the handmade pieces were. I’d expected eye-watering prices, yet found myself happily browsing unique jewellery, leather goods and gifts without constantly checking the price tags. Make sure to visit Annie’s for a dose of serious sparkle. Needless to say, my already overweight suitcase didn’t thank me.
The Verdict
Before arriving in Ibiza, I’d assumed I knew exactly what to expect. I imagined legendary clubs, glamorous beach parties and very little sleep. Instead, I discovered Michelin-starred dining, peaceful vineyards, wellness, contemporary art, unforgettable hospitality and an island that effortlessly balances sophistication with soul. Ibiza Gran Hotel proved to be the perfect base from which to experience every one of those contrasts. Its art-filled interiors, beautifully calming suites, exceptional restaurants and genuinely warm staff offer all the luxury you’d expect from one of the island’s finest hotels, while its location means the very best of Ibiza is quite literally on your doorstep. I came to Ibiza hoping to finally tick a box on my travel wish list. I left wondering why I’d waited so long. I’d expected Ibiza to leave me sleep deprived, instead, it left me inspired and with a desire to return.
Rooms from £575 per night (The Grand Breakfast included)
Ibiza Gran Hotel:
Address: Paseo de Joan Carles I 17, 07800, Ibiza
Telephone: 971 806 806
Email: [email protected]
