Get up close and personal with exclusive, inspiring interviews and taste profiles delivered with a cheeky twist to your inbox daily.

Success! You’re all signed up. 🎉
Please enter a valid email address.

By subscribing to our email newsletter, you agree to and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy and Terms.

Who Knew Ibiza Was The Ultimate Destination for R&R?

Known for its party and music scene, the Spanish island unexpectedly doubles as a tranquil refuge for some much needed rest and relaxation.

The Weekender
Who Knew Ibiza Was The Ultimate Destination for R&R?
Photo: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Welcome to The Weekender, Coveteur’s travel series where seasoned globetrotters share their insider guides to top destinations across the world. Read on for the best spots to eat, stay, and enjoy.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to stay at one of Ibiza’s newest hotels: Hotel Riomar, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy. Never having been to the island, I had a few preconceived notions about what to expect from its well-known reputation: late nights, lots of dancing, and recouping poolside during the day. But little did I know (and perhaps you’d be surprised to discover, too) there is a completely different—and unexpected—side to Ibiza: one of meditative beaches, elevated dining experiences, quaint villages filled with local artisan shops, and—at the heart of it all—a transformative energy, and way of life, rooted in mindfulness and self-care.

If you’re looking for an escape this spring or summer, I truly can’t recommend Ibiza enough—regardless of your preference to party, relax, or indulge in a mix of both, Ibiza has everything and more that one would want out of a vacation. Scroll through to discover my favorite places to stay, eat, shop and explore below.

Where to Stay

Hotel Riomar Ibiza, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The view from the ocean view queen room.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Riomar’s private beach.

Situated in a tranquil enclave in Santa Eulària des Riu on the island’s southeast coast, Hotel Riomar is a short drive north of Ibiza’s energetic downtown and main port, allowing guests to experience a calmer, more restorative side to the island. Apart from being an aesthlete’s dream—a nod to its elevated coastal and Spanish-inspired design—Hotel Riomar is the go-to destination for the wellness-minded traveler.

From the moment you step through the sliding glass doors of the breezy ocean-front lobby, you’re transported to a state of mind unlike any other. The boutique hotel’s harmonious layout, thoughtful amenities, and calming sensory experiences (from its custom scent reminiscent of bergamot and vanilla, to the sound of the waves lapping the shore just a few feet beyond) instill a unique sense of peace and comfort—akin to coming home, or feeling back in your body—that never wavers throughout the length of your stay.

BOOK IT

What to Do

Take a Day Trip to Formentera

Arriving at Formentera by boat.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Outside Chez Gerdi.

If you’re traveling with a group, or simply just in the mood to splurge on a truly extraordinary experience, one of my top recommendations is to rent a boat and take a day trip to Formentera. Far less inhabited than Ibiza, Formentera feels otherworldly—its bright turquoise waters and empty white sand beaches offer a sense of serenity that is truly unparalleled. For lunch, visit the iconic Chez Gerdi for incredible paella, rounds of ice cold Aperol Spritzes, and a guest-inspired dance party that tends to kick off in the early afternoon. Before your ride back, take the boat through some of the island’s massive ocean caves, filled with vibrant purple rock formations that double as a natural sound system—amplifying your music better than any boat’s stereo.

Shop (or People-Watch) at Las Dalias Market

A boutique clothing stall.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Vintage book store on-site.

While there are tons of quaint markets and artisan shops pocketed throughout the island, Las Dalias is a must visit. As one of the oldest hippie markets in the world, Las Dalias is home to more than 300 local vendors, selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and bespoke clothing to art, decor, and more. In true Ibiza fashion, the center of the market features a restaurant and bar with an open-air dance floor and DJs playing upbeat music from open to close.

Lounge by the Beach or Pool

The beach at Hotel Riomar.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

A round of poolside Aperol Spritzes.

There is truly an art to doing nothing, particularly while on vacation. On a day off from exploring, grab your favorite book and a pair of sunglasses and revel in the truly transformative atmosphere that is Ibiza’s beaches. Or post up poolside with a spritz and take a nap under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Get a Massage or Take a Sunrise Yoga Class at Hotel Riomar’s ‘TRIBE’

With wellness at the root of Riomar’s mission, the hotel’s extensive on-site amenities bring this ethos to the forefront. At ‘TRIBE,’ Hotel Riomar’s secluded outdoor garden, guests can join an intimate group for sunrise yoga each morning, enjoy live sunset session sets by local musicians, or book a restorative massage or facial through the spa. During my stay, I opted for a 60 minute “Japanese facial,” which focused on traditional lymphatic drainage techniques and aromatherapy to instantly revitalize my puffy, jet-lagged skin, and put my mind at ease after a hectic day of travel.

Where to Eat & Drink

Amante

Situated on the side of a cliff and overlooking the ocean, Amante forms an intimate cave around itself; a sun-soaked refuge during the day, it becomes enveloped in almost complete darkness at night, aside from the moonlight above and the candles that glow on each table. With top tier service, and some of the best food and drinks on the island, Amante is a must.

Bar Anita

Bar Anita’s authentic decor and open-air dining room.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Spanish Rosé wine, grilled kebabs, local olives & homemade garlic dip.

After spending the better part of the day shopping and people-watching at Las Dalias, head over to one of Ibiza’s oldest bars for a drink or a bite. With homemade tapas and a seasonal menu of fresh fish, meat and more, this charming village staple promises one of the most authentic meals and experiences you’ll have on the island.

Ses Escoles Oleteca

The restaurant’s rustic interior and open-view kitchen.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Grilled steak, potatoes and garlic roasted vegetables.

This school-turned-restaurant and olive mill is a food-lover’s dream. If there was ever a time to indulge, it’s at Ses Escoles. With a rustic, countryside look and feel, this restaurant offers the best of farm-to-table cooking—with two kinds of their homemade olive oil gracing each table, a robust list of local Spanish wines, and a menu boasting garden vegetables, farm-fresh egg dishes, and a selection of authentic grilled meats, Ses Escoles is a true culinary experience.

Ocean Brasserie & Bar

Ocean’s beachfront terrace.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Greene

Breakfast served in-room on the balcony.

True to its name, Hotel Riomar’s Ocean Brasserie features an expansive outdoor terrace with a view of the ocean and the beach beyond from every table. With an eclectic array of fresh seafood dishes, inspired takes on comfort food favorites (think: fried chicken and quesadillas with truffles and mushrooms), and a robust list of signature craft cocktails, the restaurant promises a meal as impressive as its view. With day-to-night service—along with pool and beachside service, and elevated in-room dining for those staying on the property—Ocean is the perfect spot for everything.

Shop Ibiza Packing Essentials:

Jane Sunglasses

Elisa Johnson
$140
You May Also Like