Ibiza may be known as a party island and, if that’s the vibe you’re after, it will most certainly live up to your expectations. But, if you’re after a more chilled-out mood, there are plenty of areas that are bigger on relaxation, lower on raving. Santa Eulària on the island’s eastern coast, is somewhere in-between. It’s a little more built-up than some of the more rural spots, with a marina and promenade packed with laid-back bars and restaurants, but it’s far from the club-heavy atmosphere of San Antonio or Ibiza Town.
Where we stayed
If you’re after a hotel that feels buzzy and cool, without the up-all-night pool party noise, the W Hotel Ibiza is a great shout. The bright, colourful and modern interiors definitely give off that boho Ibizan mood, ideal for anyone who wants to feel like they’re most definitely in Ibiza, but who also doesn’t really want to be kept up past midnight with the sound of bass pumping in their ears.
The location is perfect – right on the beach and within easy walking distance of the local shops, bars and restaurants. Plus, it caters to whatever type of holiday you’re looking for.
Ready to relax and recharge with a good book? There are two swimming pools, one of which is a rooftop, adults-only setting with an infinity pool facing the sea and panoramic views over the bay. Both have comprehensive pool bar menus packed with food and drink options delivered straight to your lounger. Looking for a party without the packed and sweaty super clubs? There’s the rooftop cocktail bar, Glow, the chilled-out sofa-strewn W Lounge, and the exclusive, late-night Below, an intimate bar-cum-club under the hotel. Or want a refreshing, health-focused reset? As well as the two pools, there’s a well-equipped fitness centre with sauna an steam rooms, veggie café Ve, regular yoga classes that you can even do outdoors, and a spa offering a wide range of massages and beauty treatments (more on that later). Or maybe, like us, you want a bit of all three.
Whatever you go for, the rooms are the perfect place to crash. The beds have the comfiest pillows and duvets, guaranteed to give you a good night’s sleep. There’s a well-stocked mini-bar and room service menu. A Smart TV, Marshall Bluetooth speakers and a whole range of mood lighting. Bathrooms have high-end toiletries, walk-in rain showers and fluffy bathrobes and slippers. Plus most rooms have a balcony seating area overlooking the pool, and some even have their own plunge pool.
For more, head to: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ibzwh-w-ibiza/overview/
Where we ate and what we did
Chiringuito Blue is right on your doorstep if you’re staying at the W and, even if you’re not, one of the absolute best spots in Santa Eulària for eating, drinking, and relaxing. Right on the beach and with beautiful views over the sea, the food is as good as the stunning scenery.
We opted for some sharing plates: Langoustine carpaccio from Arenys de mar with jalapeño salsa, Andalusian crispy calamari, Josper scallops, 'Joselito' ham croquettes, crispy Ibicenco potatoes with caramelised carrots, and a salad. Hard recommend the 3 mini choclate ice creams to finish.
Santa Eulària is a lovely area to wander around. Take a stroll up to the little whitewashed church on Puig de Missa, or just head along the promenade towards the main stretch of beach and up to the marina. There are lots of beachfront bars, coffee places and little shops to explore. Some are a touch on the touristy side, so venture off the main front if you want to find somewhere a little more local and less crowded.
Babylon Beach Bar is a must-visit in the local area. It’s around a 20-minute scenic walk northwards from the W Hotel, along the coast and through the marina to the other end of town. Perched right on the sea in a super-secluded, quiet little bay, it’s a great spot for lunch or a sundowner. But we’d recommend grabbing one of the sun loungers for the day, enjoying the sun and silence, and taking a dip in the crystal clear water on the pebble beach.
Even if you haven’t got the whole day free to chill, you must come and eat here. We had the ceviche, crab cake, burrata and fish tacos, washed down with some ice-cold sangria and 10/10 would recommend. I only wish I had more space in my stomach to try the rest of the menu because everything looked delish.
Whether you’re here with your S/O, friends or family, this is a hidden gem that gives peak laid-back local Ibiza.
If that’s up your street, Aiyanna Ibiza is a great option for the same sort of vibe, in a rustic but slightly more up-market setting. Sat on the island’s untouched northern side in Calo Nova Bay, it’s around a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the W Hotel, with panoramic views of the wide stretch of quiet beach. We went for dinner, when you get to enjoy the beautiful sunset colours in the sky, before darkness settles in and the fairy-lights flicker on in the trees.
From fresh seafood and zesty salads to the extensive cocktail list, the menu is packed with organic produce and sharing plates perfect for a lazy dinner, with many of the ingredients coming from the restaurant’s very own gardens. We had the grilled watermelon to start, grilled scallops with a chili and lime butter, and artichoke flowers with feta cheese, pine-nuts, lemon and mint. Next up was chargrilled lobster with Ibizan baby potatoes, kimchi mayonnaise and a cabbage salad with citrus vinaigrette. Delicious.
Aiyanna also hosts local artists, musicians and pop-up food trucks, so keep an eye out for more info here.
Amante Ibiza is about a 10-minute drive south of the hotel and has a similarly relaxed, laid-back, barefoot set-up, perched on a cliff overlooking Sol D’en Serra Bay. In the day, there’s beach yoga classes, followed by a healthy buffet breakfast. At night, there’s outdoor cinema nights. And in-between? Great food, drink and sunbathing.
If you can pull yourself away from the coast long enough to head inland, Santa Gertrudis is a super picturesque village packed with up-and-coming bars, restaurants, and local shops. There are loads of great places to eat here, but we’d recommend Olivia’s Kitchen.
If you’re the kind of person who is put off by the ‘fresh, healthy and seasonal’ description – don’t be. Yes the food is fresh, healthy and seasonal, but this isn’t a health food spot serving salads, grains and greens. We had courgette flowers, stuffed with ricotta and parmesan (honestly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten) to start, followed by angus rib and grilled sea bass. Strong recommend the chocolate tart with salted caramel for pud *chef’s kiss*
Head up on Friday night for a market that runs 7pm-midnight in the village square in front of the church, with local artists selling paintings, jewellery, self-made souvenirs and more. It’s a lovely place to wander around, so grab a cab (15 minutes from the W Hotel) and get there a bit early for a stroll and a sundowner.
Need a break from all the exhausting sunbathing, eating and drinking? Head to the W Hotel’s Away Spa for a massage. The Jet Lag is your best bet for a classically relaxing experience or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the W Experience combines a variety of Thai, Swedish and Reiki stretches and massage techniques. The spa also offers everything from hair masks and revitalising eye treatments, to manicures, pedicures, waxing and makeup services. Peak pamper.
Flights to Ibiza Airport run from most major airports and W Ibiza is around a 20 minute taxi ride away. May through to the end of September are peak season for the hottest temperatures and superclub parties. Head over late September or early October for slightly lower rates and fewer crowds - temperatures are a little lower, particularly in the evenings, but still in the sunny early 20°Cs most days.
