10 of Ibiza's Best Hotels | The Independent

Published by independent.co.uk, May 2019

Given Ibiza’s reputation as the party capital of the world, the idea of sleeping here might seem ludicrous, but trust us – even those with the stamina of a sub-Saharan elephant flag without resting their weary heads. Fortunately, the island has a bountiful supply of fabulous hotels – some designed to facilitate the need for disco naps, but the majority, to lure you away from the dance floor altogether.

From ancient farmhouses and sprawling resorts, to seaside sanctuaries and blissed-out boltholes, there’s something here for everyone. Surrender to the salt-kissed, Balearic breeze and soon enough the club will be the furthest thing from your mind. 

Best for getting off the beaten track: The Giri Residence 

Tucked in the charming village of San Juan, The Giri Residence is well located for exploring northern Ibiza’s pristine beaches, assuming you don’t immediately surrender to temptation and spend every waking hour lounging by the pool. With just five suites – all with spa-like bathrooms and each with its own distinct character – this boutique hotel epitomises exclusivity. Bespoke dinners are rustled up on request using locally sourced ingredients, and even the spa can be booked entirely for just you and a partner. Luckily, the beaches aren’t going anywhere...

Best for seaside romance: Los Enamorados

Emanating the kind of laid-back luxury that Ibiza has become so famous for, while simultaneously dancing to its own eclectic beat, Los Enamorados is located in Portinatx, a picturesque cove on the island’s northernmost tip. The decor is defined by the owners’ extensive globetrotting, combining curio collected from around the world with their own unique quirky style. Most of what of you see is for sale at the onsite boutique (set aside time for browsing). But the sea and sunset views visible from each of the nine rooms? You can’t put a price on those.

Best for peace and tranquility: Pure House Ibiza

The kind of Balearic bolthole you dive into before disappearing for days, Pure House Ibiza is a blissed-out paradise where time floats away on the summer breeze. Close to Ibiza Town, but surrounded by vivid countryside and swaying palm trees, Pure House Ibiza has plenty of private corners for grabbing mid-afternoon siestas, and a pool that you share with a maximum of seven other people – there are only four rooms here. At the far end of this is the hotel’s alfresco restaurant, which opens every Thursday and Saturday throughout summer for a quintessential dinner beneath the stars.

Best for Balearic vibes: La Torre

Back in its bohemian heyday, Ibiza was renowned for free-spirited partying without pretension – everyone was welcome. That same ethos abounds at La Torre, a hotel perched on a clifftop just north of San Antonio. Rooms are simple but the music and good vibes from the restaurant below waft through the windows, bringing the blank canvas to life. Book one of the two, sea-facing suites for some of the best sunset views you’ll find on the west coast of the island, or grab a drink from the bar and head for the rocks below. Pure, Balearic perfection.

Best for traditional charm: Can Curreu

Built around a 200-year old finca set within acres of lush farmland, Can Curreu is a traditional Ibicenco hotel with a thoroughly modern twist. The beautiful grounds and rose gardens are great for adventurers – and can be explored on horseback thanks to onsite stables – but you have to make it past the excellent spa and pool first. Situated near the slow-paced village of San Carlos, Ibiza’s most famous hippie market is just a five-minute walk away. No – you won’t wear that leather bracelet at home, but yes, you should definitely buy it.

Best for late nights: Pikes

Back in the 1980s, Freddie Mercury, George Michael and Grace Jones all partied at Pikes, so they can be credited with cementing the hedonistic tendencies that go hand in hand with this San Antonio hotel. To this day, it still attracts the who’s who of the celebrity A-list, not to mention anyone with mildly epicurean leanings. This not only makes for a deliciously heady atmosphere, but also wildly increases the chances of being willingly led astray. Bag a sun bed by the pool and starting sinking those G&Ts early. Because if not in Ibiza, then where?

Best for families: Seven Pines Resort

A sprawling, clifftop complex on Ibiza’s west coast, Seven Pines Resort Ibiza overlooks the limestone monolith of Es Vedra, making for a majestic sight at sunset. Despite its size, this hotel maintains an intimate vibe that’s extended to couples, families and solo travellers. Each of the rooms are more like a mini apartment, with both a living area and kitchenette, and there’s a separate pool for the kids to splash around in. Adults can make haste for the infinity pool – it’s one of the most dazzling on the island.

Best for relaxation: Agroturismo Atzaró

A bona fide Ibiza show-stopper, Agroturismo Atzaro is where the well-kept jet-set shrug off tired shoulders – a feat that’s easy to attain given the exceptional five-star spa and lavish but pared back rooms. For additional sensory titillation, and to coincide with a celebration to mark the hotel’s 15th anniversary, this summer it’s unveiling an eight-acre organic garden replete with over 50 vegetables and herbs, beautiful walkways and pergolas draped with squash plants and courgettes. A visceral experience designed to evoke total relaxation, this not-so-secret garden works wonders for body and soul.

Best for city views: Gran Hotel Montesol

Officially Ibiza’s oldest hotel, the Gran Hotel Montesol was established in 1933 when it served as a gathering place for a slew of the era’s great minds. It retains a sense of grandeur to this day, with an ice cream coloured facade that makes it one of the most recognisable buildings in Ibiza Town. Inside, the Art Deco inspired lobby and restaurant hint at its eccentric heritage, while the nautical-themed rooms give a nod to the island’s seafaring past. At dusk, head to the rooftop terrace for sundowners and unrivalled views of Ibiza Town below, stirring as night approaches.

Best for sustainability: Can Martí

Proving that eco hotels can also be luxurious, Can Marti strikes the ideal balance between sustainability and comfort. Set among 42 acres of blossoming land that’s tended to by devoted staff and a drove of free-wandering donkeys, the grounds alone are impressive – as are the stats that state 60 per cent of energy used at the hotel is produced by solar panels. Bedrooms are decked out in muted tones and natural materials, and breakfast is a sumptuous organic feast. But the best bit? The natural swimming pool: a living, breathing ecosystem that replaces chemicals with plants, frogs and other organisms.