An island known for its hedonistic partying and extravagant drinking and dining, the breath-taking Balearic island of Ibiza has long attracted a trendy, young crowd looking for some summer sunshine and the chance to let loose, have some fun and completely relax and unwind. It’s a fine balance, but nowhere gets it right quite like the famous San Antonio Bay – which although often seen as the island’s party capital, has plenty more to offer besides.
In fact, it’s easier than you might think to find a slice of luxury on the island’s west coast, and during a recent ten-day stint around some of Ibiza’s quieter spots, I finished off the trip by spending the night at the stylish INNSiDE Ibiza – a Melia Hotels International property set right on the sands of the town’s Cala Pines beach – to see what this buzzy destination was all about. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
Hotel
When it comes to the best spots to see the sunset on the island, San Antonio will always come out on top – and the INNSiDE Ibiza’s spectacular rooftop pool area and bar – known as Rooftop Nine – is the very best place to sit back, relax and take it all in.
Many guests check in at INNSiDE for solely this reason, and it’s easy to see why; this spacious terrace boasts a gorgeous infinity plunge pool and panoramic views across San Antonio Bay, with guests and visitors alike flocking here of an evening to see the sky turn a fusion of pastel hues and watch the sun dip beyond the horizon whilst listening to some of the trendy, sophisticated beats the island is known for.
The hotel’s resident DJ is on hand to churn out the tunes on a nightly basis, creating the perfect soundtrack for a laid-back evening. Sitting back, enjoying the view and sipping on one of Rooftop Nine’s decadent cocktails was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay here, and something that keeps many guests coming back for more.
During the day, the rooftop is also a great spot for catching some rays, and is well-equipped with an array of sunbeds and Bali beds to create the ultimate environment in which to kick back and relax – whether it’s to savour a good book, or simply sleep off last night’s drinks and prepare to do it all again.
The main pool area, on the lower level of the hotel, looks out onto the bay and is also surrounded with sun loungers – so there’s plenty of space for guests to relax, even when it gets busy.
Personally, I didn’t come to San Antonio to party – in fact, I was here more out of curiosity than anything, having spent the preceding bays blissing out in quieter spots like Santa Eulalia and San Miguel as the season drew to a close. And just as I’d hoped, the hotel was the perfect hideaway, offering the perfect balance of laid-back luxury and thoroughly modern cool.
The décor is colourful and edgy, in a nod to the island’s party reputation, with unusual accessories and bold artwork featuring throughout. The hotel also enjoys direct beach access onto the sands of Cala Pinet, and from here, it’s just a quick stroll into town, where you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants and cafés to take your pick from.
Rooms
Rooms are simple and minimalistic at INNSiDE. Ours was compact, with a double bed, mini bar and some modern furniture – but the highlight, of course, was the spectacular sea view from our private balcony, which like the rooftop, offered panoramic vistas down over the bay. The separate bathroom was spacious, with a walk-in shower and some sumptuous toiletries.
In Ibiza – and particularly in San Antonio – rooms are merely a quick place to stop and get ready for the transition from day to night, or to grab some rest before heading out again – and at INNSiDE, we had all we needed for a comfortable stay.
Food and Drink
Rooftop Nine was understandably our favourite spot for pausing for a quick drink – after all, the views on offer here mean it’s the kind of spot that’s hard to tear yourself away from.
Nevertheless, it isn’t the only eatery the hotel has to offer, with the Mascalzone Buffet the go-to spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Featuring a large indoor and outdoor space with a fresh and modern design, at breakfast the restaurant serves up a huge selection of fruit, pastries and cooked items in the morning, with a range of dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free catered for without you even having to ask. I avoid dairy where possible, so was pleased to find a selection of oat, almond and coconut milks already out and available for the taking – something that isn’t always the case in other hotels.
For lunch and dinner, there are a host of mouth-watering Mediterranean-inspired options available for the taking, including the freshest grilled meat and fish and a colourful array of fruits and vegetables from across the island. After ten days of sheer indulgence, we were relieved to find plenty of lighter options alongside the live cooking station and dedicated pasta bar – there’s something for everyone, whatever it is that you’re craving, and the desserts looked suitably decadent, too.
To do
The hotel itself offers a range of facilities, including a gym and fitness centre which looks out over the pool and features a variety of different machines and free weights – making it easy to keep up with your fitness routine during your sunshine getaway.
You can also arrange bike or car rental via the 24-hour reception – as well as booking yourself in for a well-deserved massage if you’re in need of some rest.
Thanks to the hotel’s privileged location, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the main strip, which although quiet when we visited as the season drew to a close, comes alive during the summer months, when it’s packed with partygoers enjoying a pre-club drink or bite to eat. There are also plenty of shops here if you need to pick up any essentials or fancy doing a spot of souvenir shopping.
San Antonio is home to some of the biggest beach clubs in Ibiza, including the achingly cool Ocean Beach Club, as well as iconic nightclubs such as Eden and Es Paradis. If you’re looking for Ibiza’s other famous super clubs – such as Amnesia, Pacha, Ushuaïa and Hi Ibiza are all about 15-25 minutes away in a taxi, setting you back about 15-25€ a trip.
In a nutshell
A modern and trendy place to base yourself for a lively stay in Ibiza’s party capital during the summer months, INNSiDE Ibiza is perfectly placed if you’re looking for a convenient spot from which you can wander to and from the beach or stroll back to get some sleep after a night of partying.
The highlight? The spectacular Rooftop Nine – which might just be the best spot on the whole island to sip on a cocktail and watch the sun go down. It’s worth coming here even early or late in the season, for this alone.
Factbox
Address: Carrer des Caló, 24, 07829 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain
Telephone: +34 971 34 02 50
Website: melia.com
Imagery provided by INNSiDE by Melia Ibiza