With over-the-top nightlife and buzzy daytime beach clubs, it’s clear why the Balearic island of Ibiza earned its reputation as the ultimate party island — on that note, who could forget Mike Posner’s hit 2016 song, “I Took a Pill in Ibiza?” While a night of dancing at Pacha or Ushuaïa Ibiza may sound intriguing for some, there’s another side to this island that offers a relaxed atmosphere for those in search of a vacation that’s the antithesis of hustle and bustle: one full of recharging the mind, body, and soul.
Just a 25-minute drive from the Ibiza Airport and the heart of the island’s clubbing scene, the small seaside beach town of Santa Eulalia del Río appears past the lush tropical greenery covering the hillsides. White-washed, Spanish-style buildings sprawl gracefully throughout the village, jetting out to a wide-open beach. As you approach the sound of peaceful waves crashing into the sand, you pull up to your vacation sanctuary: Hotel Riomar, Ibiza, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
Walking through the front doors of Hotel Riomar, guests are greeted with views of the Balearic Sea, from the open glass doors giving way to the stay’s beachfront access. Cream walls complement burnt-orange accented trappings, which, in turn, invoke the hotel’s mid-century boho-chic feel: plush couches and lounge chairs are dotted throughout the common spaces with abstract-patterned pillows and carpets adding tasteful pops of color. The 116 guest rooms and suites boast dark wood furnishings, tiled floors, and private balconies with expansive ocean or village views.
For an afternoon of basking in the Ibizan sun, choose to rest alongside the beach or the pristine aqua-blue pool on one of the many deluxe lounge chairs. When it’s time to max out your relaxation potential, walk just a few steps over to the hotel’s secret garden, TRIBE, which hosts sunrise Vinyasa yoga sessions and soothing spa treatments — keep it simple and opt for a relaxing full-body massage, which ends with a therapeutic sound bath, resulting in an utmost healing response for both the mind and body.
Ocean Brasserie & Bar — Hotel Riomar’s casual yet sleek beachfront restaurant, with its convivial wooden deck — presents an inviting dining experience with live music and a tasty menu. From delicious small bites such as the light burrata salad to larger dishes such as the chicken quesadilla, a variety of Spanish-inspired to Mediterranean-influenced plates are what you can expect here. As for dessert, the signature Riomar Cheesecake is the perfect cherry on top of the savory meal.
Before all of the decadent dining, however, guests should take part in the hotel’s interactive cocktail workshop, where you learn how to make drinks with Ibiza’s hallmark liquor, Hierbas Ibicencas. Led by the in-house mixologist, you will have the chance to customize a drink using the Ibizan spirit that blends herbal and citrus flavors: rosemary, basil, lemon, orange, vanilla pods, and aniseed flowers are just a few of the ingredients available.
Since Ibiza’s busy season runs from April through November, Hotel Riomar is getting its much-needed relaxation of its own, and resting up for its April 6, 2023 re-opening date.
Top Takeaways
Location: Santa Eulalia del Río, Ibiza
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: An upscale, Bohemian-style boutique hotel with a casual, beachside ambiance.
Food + Drink: Ocean Brasserie & Bar — Hotel Riomar’s casual yet sleek beachfront restaurant — serves Spanish-inspired to Mediterranean-influenced dishes. The open-layout dining experience allows guests to enjoy views of the Balearic Sea while kicking back and sipping a cocktail comprising Ibiza’s traditional liquor: Hierbas Ibicencas.
Property Amenities: 1 swimming pool; Spa; Beachfront; Private beach area; Bar; Room service
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The hand-painted, fresco mural in the lobby depicts four men and women dramatically posed in the same orange hue used throughout the hotel as an eye-catching addition to the lobby lounge. (Hint: This is the spot where you should snap an Instagram photo.)
What’s Nearby?: Rio de Santa Eularia; Santa Eularia Beach; Niu Blau Beach; Punta Grossa Lighthouse; Pista de básquet de Siesta; Passeig de s’Alamera
Any Neighborhood Recs?: Las Dalias Market is Ibiza’s popular hippy market, a gathering spot that’s all about peace, love, music, and handcrafted goods on Saturdays and Sundays. Founded in 1954 as a market for farmers and locals as a gathering place for celebrations, the vending spot now has over 180 stands selling a range of goods and services.
Rooms: 116
Starting nightly rate: $238
Closest airport: Ibiza Airport
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