Ibiza
Yes, that Ibiza. Just the half with the farmhouses, cliffs and very good fish.
Ibiza has a reputation, and it is only half the story. The other half is whitewashed fincas among orange groves, clifftop hotels in the wild north, a UNESCO-listed old town in Dalt Vila and some of the best fish restaurants in the Mediterranean. Formentera's turquoise shallows are a short sail away. Flights from most European capitals take two or three hours, and the island is small enough that nowhere is far from anywhere.
For planners, that compactness is the gift. You can base a group in a resort facing Es Vedrà, lunch on a Formentera beach, dine at a Michelin-starred table in Ibiza Town and still be back for a nightcap. Incentive groups, leadership retreats and client entertaining all work beautifully here, provided you book the best tables early and steer guests towards the sunsets rather than the superclubs.
- Incentive trips
- Leadership retreats
- Yacht days to Formentera
- Client entertaining
- Wellness programmes
May to October, with June and September the sweet spot: warm sea, easier bookings and calmer roads. July and August are busiest and priciest. Many beach restaurants close from late October to spring, though some hotels and restaurants stay open year-round.
Where to stay
7Pines Resort Ibiza
Every terrace faces Es Vedrà. Sunset is effectively on the agenda.
Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel
Orange groves, a 43-metre pool and a farm that feeds the kitchen.
Listed in the Michelin Guide's h…Hacienda Na Xamena
A cliff, a sea view and hot tubs that cascade into each other.
Member of Relais & ChâteauxMirador de Dalt Vila
Twelve rooms inside a UNESCO fortress. The neighbours are very old.
Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star (2…Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Nobu for dinner, Dalt Vila across the water, sand underfoot.
Six Senses Ibiza
Cave suites, a cliffside spa and a farm near Santa Gertrudis.
Where to eat
Amalur
A 1981 institution, redressed by a Starck. Open when everyone else isn't.
Amante
A clifftop table above a cove. Lunch may become dinner.
Cala Bassa Beach Club
Three restaurants, one turquoise cove, and no good reason to leave the beach.
Listed in the Michelin GuideEs Boldado
Fish, rice and Es Vedrà, at the end of a dirt track.
Juan y Andrea
Arrive by boat, order the fish, forget the time.
One Michelin star (Michelin Guid…La Gaia
The island's Michelin star, served with a view of the marina.
Sunset Cala Conta
Facing west, on purpose. The sun does the rest.
Casa Jondal
A beach bar in name only. The fish is the headline act.
What to do
Bodegas Can Rich
Vines, olive trees and a terrace tasting. Ibiza, slowed right down.
Lío Ibiza
Dinner at nine, a show by dessert, and a dance floor by midnight.
Smart Charter Ibiza: yacht day to Formentera
Turquoise water, a crew who knows the coves, and lunch on Illetes.
The Chef Exclusive Service: private chef and villa dining
The best table on Ibiza might be the one on your own terrace.
Sublimotion
Twelve seats, one table, and a dinner that refuses to sit still.