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The Independent
01-04-2025
- The Independent
The best boutique hotels in Ibiza for chic suites and Instagram-worthy pools
If there's one place that could redefine what you consider a 'boutique hotel', Ibiza is it. Small, quaint, family-owned hideaway? Cute, TikTok-worthy farm hotel with infinite corners and details to photograph and post? Buzzy, happening joint with one of the top restaurants in the area? Yes, yes, and yes: you can find all of the above in Ibiza (and then some). In fact, gone are the days when 'boutique hotel in Ibiza' meant forgoing certain amenities or luxuries – these days, it's possible to stay somewhere with fewer than 30 rooms and maintain your travel priorities. Style in spades; incredible food and cocktails; gym, spa, and yoga studio: whatever you seek, you can find it in one of these hotels. From the middle-of-nowhere bolthole or the place with unmatched people-watching to the working farm with rows and rows of veg, the adults-only hideaway, or the sweet spot just on the water, these are the best boutique stays in Ibiza. 1. Casa Maca hotel Opened in 2018, in a 300-year-old farmhouse just five minutes from Ibiza Town, Casa Maca has slowly become a favourite on the island, thanks in large part to its superb restaurant, with its views of the Dalt Vila, succulent meats roasted over a roaring fire, and sleek Airstream serving cocktails to a stylish, glowing crowd. With just eight rooms and two suites, all with bright white walls, polished cement floors, wood-beamed ceilings and elegant yet contemporary furniture and décor, it's as if it were designed specifically for those wanting a cosy yet in-the-know place; one that's steeped in history and feels authentically Ibizan. 2. Pure House Ibiza hotel With its long agricultural history dating back to the Phoenicians, Ibiza boasts plenty of fincas (which translates to 'rural estate' or 'farmhouse'), with many of these since being converted into agroturismos. Some have been updated more sensitively, luxuriously, and, quite frankly, better than others, and Pure House is one of the best. With four finca suites and one freestanding suite, all for adults only and each with their own private entrance and terrace and just enough macrame, rattan, wood stools and embroidered white cushions to make you feel instantly at home as a well-heeled bohemian, it's a fabulously peaceful place. Best of all, the owner and founder, Caroline, and her manager, Damien, are the consummate hosts: available via WhatsApp for anything you need, always friendly, and never, ever overbearing. 3. Atzaró hotel One of Ibiza's most well-known boutique hotels and agroturismos, Atzaró was opened in 2004 by the Guasch family, which has owned the farm for more than seven generations and since expanded the brand into Cape Town, Botswana and Indonesia. Still, though, this 24-room property remains their original jewel, and the care and constant attention they put in is evident. From the 43-metre pool, yoga and pilates pavilion, renowned day spa and huge veggie garden (which services the two yummy restaurants on site) to its open-air movie nights and special dinners hosted by the likes of Yotam Ottolenghi, it's a boutique hotel with plenty to see and do – as well as plenty of areas to just sit back and do nothing. 4. Legado Ibiza Finca hotel The two Andreases that moved to Ibiza from Vienna and opened Legado Ibiza Finca just before the pandemic have transformed the 12-room hotel into a place that's upbeat, comfortable, and full of character. Bowls of disco balls and splashes of fuchsia and Kelly green nod to their penchant for style and colour, while soaring palm trees and a miniature Japanese garden, complete with a little frog pond, bring in touches of serenity and nature. It's also an ideal base in Ibiza: spend your days sprawled out by the pool on one of the massive sunbeds, then head out for dinner – some of the island's best-loved restaurants (La Paloma, Cas Pagès, Nagai, Amalur) are no more than a 10-minute drive away. 5. Aguamadera hotel Minimalist yet comfortable, Aguamadera oozes with style: it's all taupe leather chairs, polished concrete floors, hand-finished, built-in plaster furnishings and raw linens in shades of terracotta and beige. Eleven rooms, mostly dotted in or near the main farmhouse and some with a private balcony, small plunge pool, or terrace, all feel a bit like an artist's retreat. The hotel has a bit of a woo-woo feel (especially when you visit its website, which says that they 'embrace respect, silence, privacy and creative pursuits'), but a busy event calendar and dinner guests from all over the island (who come for the super tasty cocktails and delicious, frequently changing menu) give it a lively, fashionable feel. Address: Km 7.5 De Jesus a Cala Llonga, Santa Eularia D'es Riu, 07819, Ibiza 6. Can Domo hotel Unsurprisingly, 'domo' in Spanish means dome, and there is, in fact, a dome at this 17th-century adults-only finca: it was originally the hayloft for the farmhouse and now serves as a private studio suite. Bright and charming, the hotel has retained the traditionally Spanish, thick white walls, juniper beamed ceilings and small, wooden windows that help keep the rooms cool in the summer, while the décor features a mix of global influences, with natural textures and fabrics and a gentle, pared-back palette. 7. Pikes Ibiza hotel Ask any Brit who's been to Ibiza for their hotel and party recommendations, and you're invariably going to wind up with a list that includes Pikes. An Ibiza institution, the hotel was named after Tony Pikes, who passed away in 2019 and was known for his wild parties and friendships with everyone from Grace Jones to Freddie Mercury (the flamboyant Queen frontman and the name that inspired Freddie's, the nightclub at the back where parties are held). At 26 rooms, it's on the larger side of 'boutique' in Ibiza, with a carefree, independent, and irreverent feel best suited for anyone who loves a good time (and abhors anything corporate). 8. Es Cucons hotel If there's one hotel that ticks every 'boutique hotel' box, Es Cucons is it. It has 15 rooms (not too big, not too small); enough vibe that there's a good chance you'll make some new friends in the restaurant or by the pool; plus ample amenities (big garden, cute boutique, yoga area, massage hut, hire bikes, sizable menu and delicious food) so it's very hard to get bored. Located a 10-minute drive from Cala Salada or 15 minutes from San Antonio, it's also perfectly located for switching off when you need – then re-entering civilisation when you're ready. Address: C/ Cami des Pla de Corona 110, Santa Agnés de Corona 07828, Ibiza 9. Can Sastre hotel Chic and oh-so-stylish, Can Sastre has five rooms, which is the ideal size for sharing the gorgeous pool and breakfast areas without ever needing to climb over strangers. Each room is large (big enough for an extra bed or cot, if you're traveling with family), with its own outdoor area, so space is never an issue here; nor is finding a drink – the honesty bar is ideal for that. Amenities by Meraki (including one particularly delicious-smelling candle, Sandcastles and Sunsets) and neutral-toned Mexican décor influences give the hotel an overall calming, sophisticated feel that's accentuated by the Dutch owners' cool, laidback sensibility. 10. Hotel Xereca Hotel Xereca has long been an Ibiza mainstay, surviving the trends and winds of change that blow through the 15th century watermill that towers over its infinity pool. Indeed, those who do know it struggle to find a boutique hotel with a better, central location that still feels remote: just outside the centre of Puig d'en Valls and only five minutes from Ibiza Town, eight from Talamanca beach. The majority of the hotel's 19 contemporary-yet-elegant rooms are dotted just off a main path lined with orange and olive trees, with their own private entrance; inside, stone floors, light wood furniture and soothing palette of white, grey and taupe lend a calming, cooling feeling – a nice reprieve from the hot Spanish sun in August. Address: C/ Torrent, Puig d'en Valls, 07813, Ibiza 11. Can Curreu hotel One of Ibiza's few agroturismos to stay open all year round, Can Curreu has 19 rooms, the majority of which are superior suites that combine the best of the rustic, traditional Ibiza countryside lifestyle and contemporary styling. The original farmhouse finca is more than 200 years old, and the gardens and valley are great for exploring; the stables on site also house four horses, and they can suggest and adapt routes for beginners, experts or children (if you're there in the shoulder or off season, you can even ride on the beach) – all ideal if you tend to tire of a beach-and-repeat holiday itinerary. Equestrianism in Ibiza may seem an unlikely pursuit, but it's a superb way to see the quieter side of the island and nods to the island's agricultural history. 12. Los Enamorados hotel Los Enamorados translates to 'the lovers' in English – the lovers being Pierre Traversier, a former basketball player, and Rozemarijn de Witte, a journalist and editor, who together, transformed the former nine-room hostel into an adults-only boutique hotel in 2017. The space is an extension of their own style and personality: quirky, stylish rooms that are simple and comfortable, with a popular restaurant and late afternoon hole (the terrace overlooks the cute fishing cove) and a boutique that's a serious treasure trove of high-end fashion and vintage knick knacks (although the oversized E.T. doll is not, unfortunately, for sale). Situated in Portinatx, Ibiza's northernmost point, the area also boasts an iconic, black-and-white striped lighthouse and is about as remote as you can get on the island: Ibiza Town and the airport are both about a 45-minute drive away.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- The Independent
The best hotels in Ibiza for beach holidays, family resorts and five-star luxury
On a tiny island with nearly 40,000 hotel beds, according to Statista, anyone planning a trip to Ibiza is certainly spoilt for choice (and that's not counting villas or Airbnbs). But which of those hotel beds are actually good? It's a tough question, not least because the variety of hotels in Ibiza is vast, and comparing one property to the next is like, well, you get the gist. There are the big, trendy names (Six Senses, Nobu, The Standard); the places so easily confused with a beach or a restaurant (La Paloma or La Pandilla? Port de Sant Miquel or Cala San Miguel?); and, of course, dozens upon dozens of four- to six-room hideaways that most of their guests would prefer to keep hidden. In this edit of the best hotels, presented in no particular order, you'll find places that offer unobtrusive, excellent service; converted fincas that make you seriously contemplate relocating; and hotels where you can indulge in the island's live-and-kicking party scene before stumbling back to your room. 1. Los Enamorados hotel Many regular visitors to Ibiza have never been to Portinatx: it's the island's northernmost point, so at 45 minutes from Ibiza Town or the airport, it's a little bit of a trek, but it's where you'll find the iconic, black-and-white striped lighthouse and worth-the-trip spots like Los Enamorados. Named for its stylish owners ('the lovers'), a French, former basketball player and his Dutch fashion editor wife, it's just eclectic enough to feel cool and different, with an attention to detail that also makes it feel luxe. If you can get a booking for one of the nine rooms, it's an excellent base for a different sort of Ibizan holiday: the fishing cove offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, the on-site restaurant is a buzzy place for sundowners, and the coves and beaches in the north (Benirrás, Cala Xarraca, and S'illot des Renclí, among others) are unbeatable. Book now 2. Casa Maca hotel If you've been to Ibiza, there's a good chance you've experienced the Mambo Group's brand of hospitality, whether that's at Café Mambo, the original sunset and pre-Pacha party spot, or one of its other venues around the island (such as La Torre). Casa Maca falls into the same category of great food, music, and people. Since opening in 2018, it's become famous for its cocktails, which are served out of an Airstream, its vibey, open-fire dinners, and, if you're lucky enough to nab one of the 10 rooms, its refined yet contemporary lifestyle. Plus, like most of the group's other venues, its location is unbeatable: in the idyll of the countryside, yet only five minutes from Ibiza Town (dinner is served, in fact, with a side of Dalt Vila views). 3. Pikes Ibiza hotel Pikes' reputation precedes it, and we're pleased to report that it does, in fact, live up to all the hype. Amazing vibes, brilliant parties, excellent food and perfect recovery sessions: Pikes delivers it all in spades—and that's not even mentioning the fact that the video for Wham!'s Club Tropicana was shot here or that Freddie's, the club in the back, is named for Freddie Mercury, who celebrated his 40th birthday here, which always makes for great chat. In recent years, they've also refurbed some of the rooms and the showers now have Aesop amenities (and much better water pressure), so even though it's a good-time hotel, there's no shortage of mod cons and quality behind all the fun. 4. Es Cucons hotel It may not be one of the hotels that's always mentioned or wildly popular, but make no mistake: everyone knows Es Cucons. A favourite for those in the know, or anyone who values the comfort that comes with a consistent, tried-and-tested property, it's nestled in the Santa Agnés valley, surrounded by fragrant fig and almond trees. A working farmhouse in the late 17th century, it was taken over by a local family in the late 1990s, whose grit (literally: ask to see the photo album they've put together from those days) and good taste transformed it into the luxe rural haven that it is today. With 15 rooms, lush gardens and myriad seating areas (all cute, all comfortable) dotted around a serene pool, it's the epitome of relaxed elegance. 5. Atzaró hotel There was a time in the 2000s when you couldn't see an Ibiza post on Facebook without glimpsing Atzaró, so pervasive was its 'love' sign for weddings and its 43-metre pool. These days, the hotel is still a tried-and-tested entity, with the next generation of family owners having gotten involved and updated it accordingly. Case in point: movie nights in the open-air cinema at the far end of the huge veggie garden (screening classics such as Sunset Boulevard and Ghost, with Demi Moore) and seasonal events with dinner cooked and hosted by Yotam Ottolenghi. Even if there's nothing 'special' happening while you're there, each of the 24 rooms is tasteful and the spa is still frequented by regulars and locals, so also worth a visit. 6. Can Sastre hotel Whether you're in Ibiza with friends, family, or for a romantic getaway, Can Sastre is perfect if your main criteria is that your hotel have fewer than 10 rooms. Once you check in, you'll get a clicker for the main gate, so you can come and go as you please—essentially inviting you to treat this as your home while you're on the island, which it will certainly feel like. There's no 'check in' area; just an outdoor living area and cool, indoor dining room-cum-kitchen where someone is always happy to make you a snack. Help yourself to something from the honesty bar, take a dip in the pool or take a nap on one of the oversized loungers or under the blissful fans in your boho chic, stylish room. Address: Camí Vell de Sant Mateu, s/n, 07816, San Rafel, Ibiza 7. Nativo hotel Nativo is the sister hotel to Aguas de Ibiza, an island institution and a great luxury offering in and of itself, with 99 rooms and a good location in Siesta, near Santa Eulalia so you're close to all the amenities of a larger town. Indeed, there's not a lot of criteria that Nativo doesn't satisfy: if you've got kids in tow, it's an excellent choice for families as it has a toddler-friendly pool and lots of toys for playing in the sand (which covers a large portion of the main level and restaurant). It's plenty large enough for groups of different sizes—the Swimup Suites are a crowdpleaser—and if you're a couple looking to recharge, the adults-only pool on the rooftop is calling your name. Address: C/ de los Claveles 24, 07849, Siesta, Santa Eulária des Riu, Ibiza 8. Mondrian hotel Part of the Ennismore group, which is majority owned by Accor, one of the world's largest hospitality brands (they're the company behind everyone from the Fairmont, Sofitel, Raffles and Hoxton to Pullman, Novotel and Ibis), Mondrian is a big hotel, with 154 rooms and many facilities shared with Hyde next door (which has another 401 rooms). And in the case of the Mondrian, bigger is better: there are amenities galore here, from a great kids club to three pools, seven restaurants, and, best of all, direct access to Cala Llonga beach and the ferry that passes by on its way to Formentera. 9. Pure House hotel While there are plenty of fincas that have been converted to hotels since they were first built hundreds of years ago, Pure House feels quite special. Its owner, Caroline, oversees everything with a meticulous eye (and the help of her hotel manager, Damien), and her good taste and calm demeanor explains why the five rooms (four bedrooms and one suite) are so stylish and comfortable—all macrame wall hangings, knobby wood stools and soft, embroidered cushions so you can pretty much take a siesta wherever you please. In between all that relaxing, take a stroll through the surrounding 12-hectare olive grove and forest. 10. Hacienda Na Xamena hotel Hacienda Na Xamena opened in the 1970s and was Ibiza's first five-star hotel, an accolade that the family who own it have retained ever since. Surprisingly, it's a great spot for those travelling with kids and teens, and also ideal for couples, thanks to a whole host of amenities (think a screening room, games area with foosball and table tennis, two pools, smart restaurant, a rack of electric bikes, and a brilliant spa with an eight-pool thalassotherapy experience). Best of all, the hotel was smartly built into the side of a cliff, meaning nearly every single one of the 77 rooms has dreamy, unobstructed views of the Med. 11. Aguamadera hotel There's no shortage of woo-woo in Ibiza (the island has long been considered a magical, spiritual place, whatever you believe in), but whether you choose it for being 'a secluded hideaway where nature, food, art and sound amplify the essence of wellbeing and holistic living' (their words), there is absolutely no doubt that Aguamadera is a brilliant hotel. Yes, it is stylish to the max (all beige and terracotta fabrics, polished concrete floors, built-in, hand-shaped plaster furnishings, and ceramics placed just so), but the service, 11 rooms, and pool are also top notch: the breakfast porridge alone, in fact, is something I'd return for. 12. Petunia hotel If you've read Matt Haig's The Life Impossible, you'll be familiar with Es Vedrà, the stunning rock that shoots straight up from the sea and is considered mystical, magical, and a symbol of Ibiza. Petunia, a 42-room hotel owned by the Beaumier Group, offers jaw-dropping views of the limestone monolith, as well as a laidback, convivial atmosphere. Winding paths cheerfully guide you from the pool area, where a palette of dark green and marigold lends a contemporary, eclectic feel, to the rooms; there's also a rooftop terrace bar, La Mirada, where you can gaze at Es Vedrà over oysters, calamari or crudo. 13. Montesol Experimental hotel Housed in a 1933 building that was, in fact, Ibiza's first hotel, Montesol Experimental was taken over by the Experimental Group in 2021, whose first order of business was to give the 33-room property a sweeping-yet-tasteful renovation. While the neocolonial, buttercream façade—an icon overlooking the Passeig Vara de Rey below—was left untouched, inside, interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon (who also worked on Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds and the Henrietta Hotel in London) introduced eccentric colour combos such as pumpkin and pastel blue, patterned headboards and sofas, and geometric-print wallpaper. Don't miss the rooftop bar, which offers what the Experimental Group does best: brilliant cocktails. Address: Passeig de Vara de Rey, 2, 07800, Ibiza, Spain 14. Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort hotel Forget everything you thought you knew about all-inclusive resorts. Sure, the Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort (part of the Curio Collection by Hilton) is huge, like most resorts – 292 rooms and 12 restaurants – but by every other measure, there's no comparison. For starters, it's adults only: no screaming toddlers by the pool or hormonal teenagers loading up dinner plates with chicken nuggets and egg noodles. Then, there's the fact that 114 of those 292 rooms are part of The Club experience, which means private check-in, access to exclusive areas, larger rooms with options such as a private pool or sea views, and amenities by Natura Bissé. Finally, there's the fact that the 12 dining venues, including the new Beach House Cala San Miguel, were all curated by a renowned former El Bulli chef. A normal resort? Think again.
