If Ibiza Gran Hotel was a personality type, it would undoubtedly be an empath.
Located a short walk from the island’s Old Town, this ultra-luxurious resort has been tending to the every need of its discerning clients since its 2008 opening.
The breakfast is a gastronomical feast that’s available till 11.30am, ensuring guests don’t go hungry after a long night of clubbing.
The air conditioning is deathly silent, allowing both jet-lagged and party revellers to sleep without any interruptions.
The spa is a refuge for the hungover and the stressed, specialising in facials that rehydrate skin and massages that unknot stiff muscles.
Even the reception is a tonic for the senses, with its cushy ottomans and complimentary drinks a sight for sore limbs after a long journey.
It’s easy to understand how Ibiza Gran Hotel has become a favourite with celebrities, with countless A-listers visiting the property over the past few years. An emphasis on privacy makes it a top pick for such high-profile clients, while its close proximity to Marina Ibiza provides easy access for guests wanting to charter a yacht.
It’s also conveniently located for partygoers; Pacha nightclub is just a few metres from the hotel’s entrance, while UNVRS – which opened on the island this month and is pitched as the world’s largest nightclub – is about a 15-minute drive away.
We checked into the resort to find out more about its culinary, wellness and accommodation offerings, and perhaps more importantly, if it’s something your clients might like.
Rooms and suites
Ibiza Gran Hotel offers 187 rooms and suites across five floors, all of which have been designed to create a serene haven from the island’s buzzy atmosphere.
Entry-level rooms include the Premium and Luxe rooms, the latter of which were introduced in 2018 and feature a private terrace with its very own jacuzzi.
On the higher end, you’ll find the Junior Suites, which prioritise extra space and views of the Old Town, as well as the Superior Suites, known for their round indoor jacuzzis.
I stayed in a Pool Suite, which came with its own terrace and a small outdoor pool. Flooded with natural light, this room category has the option of either king or twin beds, a whirlpool bathtub and a Smart TV with private Chromecast connection.
Other fixtures include a double-sink vanity, which made ‘getting ready’ a ritual in and of itself, as well as a mini bar with a Nespresso coffee machine and a well-stocked fridge.
The highest level suite is the Ibiza Luxury Gran Suite, which, at an average of £8,000 per night, is easily the most expensive (and the largest) on the island.
Hidden away on the top floor of the hotel, this lavish penthouse apartment features three bedrooms with their own respective bathrooms, a living room with a wraparound sofa, a kitchenette, a dining area, and a large terrace with a private hydro-massage pool. The views here are incredible; squint on the terrace and you’ll see the outline of Formentara, while the separate balcony, which has a hot tub and rainforest shower.
Dining
Ibiza Gran Hotel caters to a wide range of palates, with its three restaurants specialising in cuisines from around the globe.
Japanese bar Zuma is unashamedly ‘Ibiza’; dishes are served izakaya-style to the beat of a live DJ, and the open kitchen thumps with triumphant cheers from the itame chefs. While the food is undeniably tasty (lobster tempura, anyone?), it’s the signature cocktails that really stand out – try the lychee rose petal martini if you’re feeling particularly sultry.
Next door you’ll find Cipriani Ibiza, which joined the iconic restaurant chain in 2012. Frequented by celebrities for its discreet service, this luxurious eatery showcases Italian classics with a Venetian twist; think gnocchi al pomodoro and tagliolini gratinati al prosciutto.
Highlights include whipped gelato with melted dark chocolate, a longtime staple of Cipriani’s menu, and the Bellini, which is believed to have been invented by the restaurant’s founder in 1948.
La Gaia is the most serious member of Ibiza Gran Hotel’s culinary portfolio, having made the hotel the first on the island to have a Michelin star restaurant.
Head chef Oscar Molina defines his menu as ‘Mediterranean Kaiseki’, taking inspiration from the ancient Japanese tradition to create a multi-course culinary experience. Guests can choose between two different tasting menus, the first of which is called ‘Illa’ and features La Gaia favourites like tuna with cauliflower, hibiscus and mustard, and pickled beetroot with coconut, horseradish and cashew nuts.
There’s also Horitzo, which, though ever-evolving, currently offers dishes like clay-baked onion and black pork royale. Guests who don’t wish to commit to the 12 courses of each tasting menu are welcome to order from the a-la-carte alternative.
Breakfast at Ibiza Gran Hotel has gained a bit of a cult following online, with many guests hailing its morning spread as one of the best in the world. I was somewhat skeptical of this fandom beforehand, wondering how different it could be from its competitors.
But upon entering Costa Mara, I quickly understood the hype. Ibiza Gran Hotel’s Grand Breakfast is more of a banquet than a buffet, offering a seemingly endless supply of macronutrients in every form possible.
Lighter options include green juices and granola pots, while omelettes and avocado toast are prepared fresh for hungrier guests. There’s also a counter for crepes, waffles and French toast, all served alongside a selection of syrup, honey and jam.
If that’s not sweet enough, make a beeline for the confectionery station to try the chocolate foundation with a handful of pick’n’mix. Savoury lovers will find their treat at the deli, where charcuterie meats and cheeses compete with oysters and champagne for attention.
For drinks, head to Musa, Ibiza Gran Hotel’s new sleek lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating, where signature cocktails include Slowtime, which is a mix of gin, pineapple and ginger, and Ernest, a smoky concoction of Mezcal and tropical fruit.
Health and wellness
Recently refurbished, the hotel’s Open Spa houses an impressive water circuit that can be used by any guest having a treatment.
Facilities include a dynamic pool, a hot tub, a bi-thermal Scottish shower, a sauna, a hammam, an ice lounge and a fog shower. There’s also a relaxation area with heated loungers and Balinese beds, which offer the ideal spot for meditating to the gushing waterfall.
The spa menu boasts a wide range of treatments, including deep-tissue massages and facials with LED-therapy. Guests are pampered with products like Voya, an organic Irish lifestyle brand, and Elemis, known for its innovative skincare technology. Clients who would require more privacy can request their treatments to be done in their rooms at a 50% supplement.
Next to the spa is the fitness centre, which is open daily from 08:00 to 22:00. The naturally-lit space has a number of Technogym machines, including treadmills, an elliptical and a stationery bicycle, as well as a designated area for strength training and stretching. The music is kept low in consideration of guest preferences, and complimentary apples are on-hand for those who need some extra fuel.
Outside, spiral steps lead upstairs to the adults-only deck, where you’ll find a heated pool and plenty of vacant daybeds. This tranquil retreat becomes a suntrap in the evening, so be sure to grab a dip before night falls.
Rates at Ibiza Gran hotel start from £390 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.