The Coolest Way To Do Ibiza

Tell us more... Forget all-day, all-night revelling – Nobu Ibiza Bay is a boutique escape that stands out from the club-going crowd. Having had its inaugural season last summer, the hotel is located on the shores of Talamanca Bay, just ten minutes out of Ibiza Town and 20 minutes from the airport, offering five-star luxury alongside a serious dose of style. 

Who goes? The ideal place to eat well, put your feet up and do some serious people-watching – we spotted a handful of A-listers, including a world-famous supermodel and an American actor and his (significantly younger) wife, as well as honeymooners, families and chic Spaniards down for the weekend. However, the vibe is surprisingly laid-back – chilled house music is played by the pool, but it’s the gentle lapping of waves from the nearby beach that are more audible than anything. Nikki Beach this is not.

The rooms... Are infused with White Isle glamour – think wicker chairs, hammocks, pendant lights, mother of pearl features on furnishings and blue, white and gold tones throughout. All 152 rooms come with terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows; suites feature whirlpool tubs and in-room cocktail cabinets complete with 24/7 on-call mixologists if you want to get the party started in private. Be sure to book in for a sea view room for the best views.

And the food? Will not disappoint. The hotel’s four gourmet restaurants raise the bar even for Ibiza, where food is famously world-class. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s iconic Japanese fusion dishes – think sticky-and-sweet black miso cod and superb sushi platters – are served at the hotel’s signature Nobu restaurant. Then there’s Peyote (the second outpost, fresh from Notting Hill) for an Ibizan take on Mexican flavours – we devoured tacos galore and fresh guacamole alongside wicked margaritas, served with a side shot of mescal (you have been warned). And not forgetting Chambao, a more relaxed day-time beach bar serving up fresh seafood, salads and small plates, as well as Celicioso, offering superfood salads, gluten-free cupcakes and smoothies.

What else is on offer? Nestled inside the hotel is Ibiza’s first Six Senses Spa, offering an impressive line-up of treatments – think anti-hangover facials, detox massages and some of the best deep tissue treatments we’ve ever experienced (expect to leave at least two inches taller). A John Frieda salon is also on offer, as well as a nail bar, gym and boutique selling quintessential Ibiza wares. If that wasn’t enough, the Personal Concierge is on hand to tailor-make excursions to the historic villages and pine-covered hills of the island, as well as private trips to Formentera.

Is the hotel family friendly? Absolutely – a separate family pool and Kid’s Club ensure little ones are well looked after. Activities take inspiration from the island – think cookery classes, DJ workshops, meditation and bohemian foraging lessons. Babysitters can be booked for after-dark, too, if you fancy a romantic dinner à deux downstairs.

Little extras... Are not forgotten. From state-of-the-art Nespresso machines to bottomless Natura Bissé toiletries and private yoga classes, you’re guaranteed a serious dose of luxury.

Don’t expect... A beautiful beach. While the hotel is set bang on Talamanca beach, it’s just a narrow crescent of sand where the water isn’t really deep enough for a refreshing plunge. However, the hotel has two Instagram-worthy saltwater pools and a ten-minute walk down a beach-side boardwalk will take you to the smart Marina Botafoch, from where you can take the ferry to Formentera or across the harbour to Ibiza Town.

The damage? Rooms start from €550 per night, rising to €725 in high season. We highly recommend you book asap – last summer’s season was fully booked before the hotel had even opened. It’s also worth noting that breakfast isn’t included in the rate – at €35 per person it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s certainly one of the most lavish spreads we’ve ever seen, especially if bottomless Pol Roger at 9am’s your thing.

The best bit? In typical Balearic fashion, there’s no fixed agenda at Ibiza Bay – breakfast is served at your leisure (avo and eggs on toast at 5pm? No problem) and dishes from Nobu and Peyotito can be served on your sun lounger at any time of the day. Spa treatments can be taken anywhere on the resort, whether in your room or in a beach cabana, and the staff guarantee anything is possible – even if it is getting you on the Pacha guest list, conveniently located at the end of the road...

Visit NobuHotelIbizaBay.com