Hotels on Ibiza: These are the 4 most (relaxing) exciting accommodations on the island

Travel column by Carsten K. Rath: Time out on Ibiza: These are the 4 (relaxing) most exciting hotels on the island

Ibiza is known for lavish parties. But in times of the pandemic, many vacationers prefer to seek retreat and relaxation. The island also has that to offer. Where you can best get to know island life and experience the Ibizan lifestyle.

When I think of the island of Ibiza, I have the colors and shapes of Miami in my head. Somehow the hip island scene is just as colorful as the facades on Collins Avenue. The Balearic island is colorful and extroverted to this day. After the pandemic, it comes back to life again, and extensive hygiene measures in the hotels have enabled a carefree stay since early summer.

The Ibizan party DNA is known to be in the Ushuaia Hotel. But the island has long since outgrown the teenage status “discotheque with bed bunker” and will inspire you with new, individual concepts. Today’s Ibiza is more elegant with exclusive boutique hotels like the OKU Ibiza or design palaces like the 7 Pines Resort Ibiza. Even sustainable rural tourism has found its place on the island.

About the expert

Carsten K. Rath is a speaker and management consultant on the topics of service and leadership excellence. He used to run luxury hotels like the Adlon in Berlin. With his expertise as a former grand hotelier, he now travels to hotels all over the world and reports on his experiences on his platform, among other things www.travelgrand.ch. Rath finances the trips he reports on in this column himself, and independently describes his personal impressions.

Note: Find out about the current corona situation at the Federal Foreign Office before you book and start your trip. Also, adhere to the hygiene rules and restrictions that apply in Ibiza.

Tip 1: OKU Ibiza: summer mood and family pool

Probably the hottest discovery of the island summer is the newly opened OKU Hotel. OKU stands for Laidback Luxury and combines luxury with an unconventional vacation. I feel the spirit of the Mediterranean summer as soon as I enter the hotel. Wherever I look: relaxed, cool guests. A sure sign that I will feel comfortable here too.

“OKU” comes from Japanese and means “inner space”. In this ambience I can devote myself entirely to the search for my inner center. The equipment is minimalist and does not distract me from my project. The bare concrete walls have been upgraded with lovely details and lots of teak. A courageous balancing act that works very well here and leaves a lot of space.

I move into my room on the top floor. Here you have a magnificent view of the sea – and the way to morning yoga on the roof terrace is not far. Even if getting up early on vacation is sometimes difficult: You should try at least one sun salutation under professional guidance in the morning hours.

Hotel life is centered around the pool. Surprisingly, there are even two of the variety, one is for families. This is unusual for the island’s hotels, which tend to ignore the familiar target group. The OKU is not a classic family hotel, but I find the hotel’s openness to a broader target group very refreshing. The general manager of OKU Ibiza, Enrique Mandl, has known the island and its guests for over 17 years. He opened the NOBU Hotel and was General Manager at the LIO Restaurant Club Cabaret. The guests in the OKU can now feel this accumulated wealth of experience at any time of the day.

My OKU travel tip: The first meal of the day is not one of the culinary strengths of the Spaniards. Fortunately, the breakfast buffet in the OKU is different. The choice of dishes is gigantic and, due to the long opening times, also suitable for late risers.

Personal video message directly from the OKU Ibiza

Tip 2: 7 Pines Resort Ibiza part of Destination by Hyatt: World-class spa and sea views

Well-known classics such as the 7 Pines Resort enjoy a good reputation. But I look at the services of the top locations through the strict glasses of a hotelier. The 7 pines stands up to my eyes.

The complex is self-contained with its own villas, two yachts, a wellness center and numerous suites. If you are surprised by an unpredictable curfew, it is not a problem. I would like to highlight the Pure Seven Spa wellness center. On my travels I have enjoyed numerous spas, but the holistic approach of the 7 Pines far surpasses the classic spa treatments.

With the two-day re-balance program you bring your mind and body back into balance. For a longer stay, you can opt for the six-day program and have yourself completely renewed once. Incidentally, the staff here are as relaxed as if they were enjoying the spa on a daily basis.

My 7 Pines Travel Tip: Probably the most frequently photographed pool and top Instagram spot in Spain is right in the 7 Pines. Even after a concentrated shoot, it is worthwhile to just dive in.

Personal video message from 7 Pines

Tip 3: Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay: daydreaming and Ibizan style at its best

The Nobu Hotel is one of the best addresses in all of Ibiza. Casual and stylish are the two attributes that probably best describe the house. The deluxe rooms are tastefully decorated, almost a little too ostentatious in my eyes. The Persian marble bathroom with opulent rain shower turns the morning shower into a spa experience of its own.

I don’t even have to move from my comfortable sofa to catch a glimpse of the deep blue sea. Every direction I can take is considered in the concept.

Those who have not yet been vaccinated can have themselves tested in the hotel and take part in the day trips offered without hesitation. Since reopening, the hotel has been cooperating with local artisans and island specialists. I snorkel with a private instructor and don’t miss a private vineyard tour including food. The tours vary depending on the season, so that you can explore the entire island culture from the Nobu Hotel.

My Nobu Travel Tip: I know a lot of daybeds. But here I find the most comfortable in all of Europe. In any case, take at least one afternoon to relax on the bed on the far left, especially after an exciting day trip under the hot Ibizan sun.

Tip 4: Agroturismo Atzaro: Natural luxury in the country

For some years now, old farmhouses and fincas have been making their comeback as elegant country hotels and complete Ibiza’s hotel industry. “Agroturismo” is what the locals call it. For the founder of the Design Hotels, Claus Sendlinger, these locations are creative oases of retreat for artists and intellectuals. I am curious about the nature experience and would like to immerse myself as deeply as possible in the natural island flair.

In the Atzaro I experience agroturismo from its modern side. The heart of the hotel is a 300 year old, renovated finca. Tradition and finesse harmonize perfectly. I stay in a very spacious suite with a private garden area. The floor creaking under my feet underlines the rustic ambience. The teak beds are extremely comfortable. If you haven’t been able to recover enough at night, treat yourself to a spa treatment in the open air. You can’t get closer to nature than this.

Magnificent orange groves, palm trees and the plants of the lush green garden are omnipresent – in this place I get closer to the flora and fauna of Ibiza than ever before. Every move, every product is in harmony with nature. I don’t have to do without anything, on the contrary. I feel like I’m getting so much more for free.

For example, through the fresh kitchen. Farm to table is the name of the concept in which only fresh herbs, Mediterranean vegetables and meat or fish from the region are served. This tasty freshness makes the restaurant one of the best on the island. The homemade Orangello liqueur tastes as fresh as if it had landed in my glass straight from the fruit of the tree.

My Atzaro travel tip: Take time to stroll through the fantastic garden at least half an hour before dinner. Every Thursday, on mild summer evenings, open-air cinema shows are shown right in the garden, a unique experience.

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