Bonito Ibiza by O Beach welcomed its first guests on 2 June this year, and the resort is already booming when I visit just six weeks later. It’s my first time on the White Isle but I don’t need to have visited before to know this addition to the NCalma Hotels collection encompasses everything that’s iconic about Ibiza. The decor’s sandy hues, poolside palm trees, pearly white soft furnishings and cocktail-clutching clientele – I’ve seen it all on social media, and it’s all here, at Bonito Ibiza.

This is a property for clients seeking the lively side of Ibiza; it’s for travellers who want to sleep in a stylish space, eat Instagram-worthy food, spend days sunbathing beside a vibey pool and hit Ibiza’s dynamic dance floors. But is Bonito Ibiza right for your clients? Here’s everything you need to find out…

What are the rooms like?

Bonito Ibiza’s 252 rooms sit across nine categories distinguishable largely by layout, location and view. 

Choose a Poolside room for party-goers seeking the perfect combination of sipping cocktails beside the DJ booth and catching up with friends in the water, though note some of these options face a quiet pool, which is a great suggestion for those who like to linger on the edge of the action. 

All rooms in this category come with sun-drenched terraces, but putting in a request for a ground floor room means direct access to a dip. Or, if gorgeous sea and sunset views are important, ask for a pool-facing room in the main hotel building – the higher the floor, the better the vista.

Daydreamer and Sunchaser rooms, meanwhile, come in at a lower price point and promise city and mountain views. Clients looking to splash a bit of extra cash might be interested in the Nomad Sea View rooms, or even the Eclipse suite, which is a spacious penthouse with a sizeable terrace, VIP services and 180-degree ocean views of San Antonio Bay.

Inside, the design and quality of the rooms is consistent. All feature natural stone, bare brick and terracotta tiles, with an industrial aesthetic cleverly paired with rustic, earthy tones, and bright white linen.

It’s worth noting the rooms (and rest of the hotel for that matter) are all single-use plastic free, thanks to a 2022 law brought in by the Balearic Islands’ government. The rule also means all beds are able to be elevated to support hotel staff during linen changes. These islands are widely recognised for their efforts to encourage responsible tourism, so it’s a welcome sight to see initiatives in practice.

What are the pool options?

There are three pool areas, each with a very different atmosphere. The Vibe Pool is where the party’s at, with a DJ blending chilled tunes into dance hits throughout the day. Guests can move from Balinese bed to hammock to beanbag, with plenty of seating to choose from on the sundeck (though this space gets busy so advise getting down early to secure a spot).

Tucked around the corner beside the hotel’s flagship restaurant Chiringuito is the quieter Joy pool, which provides a secluded escape for guests seeking a time-out.

My favourite, though, is the Pool Bar. A rooftop infinity pool sits on the top of the hotel, where there’s a welcome breeze, smaller crowd and slower pace of life. Guests can take a snooze on a bean bag big enough for two or read on cushioned seats before cooling down in the water and gazing out across the bay.

Is the food any good?

In a word: yes. The backdrop of Bonito Ibiza’s rooftop pool is Cielito, a bar and restaurant carrying Mexican flavours that capture my heart almost instantly. The highlights of its menu are the grilled street corn (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it), freshly mashed guacamole and melt-in-your-mouth sea bass ceviche. Three types of taco and an enchilada are also an option here, and they do not disappoint.

Main restaurant Chiringuito, meanwhile, offers a wider selection of dishes designed for every taste. It looks out over the Vibe Pool so is perfect for people-watching, has beach sand for a floor and its menu contains healthy bowls, sandwiches, pizzas and classic mains such as ribeye steak and Thai curry. If you’re looking to impress clients with a recommendation, suggest the watermelon salad or red tuna tartare with truffle vinaigrette and egg yolk.

All ingredients used in the restaurants’ recipes are sourced from local suppliers and grown locally where possible to support the Balearic Island’s circular economy.

Is there anywhere to really relax?

An alternative to the laidback Joy pool or chilled out rooftop is the Bonito Ibiza spa, which is small but not crowded. Guests can submerge themselves in the jacuzzi, sweat out last night’s cocktails in the sauna or choose a treatment. If, like me, your clients prefer to unwind by working out, they can lift some weights, take on the cross-trainer or row in the 24-hour gym. I actually opt for a run around San Antonio Bay during my 48-hour stay instead – the hotel is just steps from the promenade and beach beyond should guests fancy a seaside stroll or sea swim.

Are children welcome?

While Bonito Ibiza is largely an adult-centric property, yes, children are welcome and I see a handful of families enjoying the pool during my visit. The Vibe Pool is billed as adult-only, but I notice adolescents in the water there too so it’s not a rule strictly enforced. I don’t spot any families with very young children, but the hotel does offer babysitting services should they be required.

How close are the clubs?

While Ibiza doesn’t have to be all about a good night out, if a client is wanting to visit San Antonio, then they’re likely wanting to dance. My itinerary features two iconic Ibiza nightclubs both just a 15-minute taxi ride from Bonito Ibiza (note: booking returns in advance is essential).