When you hear the name, Ibiza, what do you imagine? An island filled with superstar DJ’s, enough nightclubs to fill the world with noise, a place where the partying never ends? That’s exactly what I always thought. But not any more. Oh, no. My mind has been changed. Forever.
Mainly because someone recently asked me to visit the infamous party island, to discover another, more relaxed side to it’s character.
To stay at the adult only (16+), completely awesome, Melia Ibiza Hotel. A place more concerned with wellness, luxury and chilling out, than clubbing all night long.
So I went, I saw and I was convinced. Very much so. Turns out, as well as all the party stuff going on, there is also a whole lot more to this glittering sunshine isle. It’s no wonder so many people return to it over and over again.
Getting There
Being one of the Balearic islands, to the east of Spain, about halfway down, means it really isn’t that far to go to get there. We flew in and out of Bristol airport on a flight that took just over two hours.
Meaning we swapped soggy skies for sun kissed seas in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Always a good way to start off any holiday.
The Hotel
The Melia Ibiza is actually two rather fine hotels wrapped up in one very neat package. Both of them being joyous, upmarket and irresistible cathedrals to contentment. You can either stay in the Melia Ibiza itself, which is stunning.
Or, if you fancy taking your holiday to the next level of comfort, splendour and decadence, you can stay at The Level. Which is, quite frankly, superb. With even nicer touches, even more food and drink included and the bonus of a roof top bar and pool to enjoy.
Which ever one you choose, the entire place just oozes happiness, bathed in chilled out vibes. When we were staying, nearly every single one of the 285 rooms was occupied. But strolling round the resort, you would never have known it.
Everywhere seemed calm, with only a happy handful of contented souls in each of the many hang out zones. Don’t know how they do it, but this place is an oasis of peaceful pleasures. With the occasional side order of partying fun thrown in, just to keep things from getting too predictable.
Room – Apartment
We had a sea view apartment in The Level. An enormous open space with a divine double bed at one end and a Bali bed along the opposite wall in case you fancied a daytime snooze.
Of course, there were all the usual suspects to be found in an upmarket, top notch, palace of pleasure. Bath you could swim in, shower you could dance through, double sinks, and deliciously sumptuous toiletries. In short, it was heavenly. And that was before you even got to the balcony, which was a whole other level of joy.
Facing the sunrise, dripping in sunshine all day, giving you far reaching views of some of the sweetest seascapes on the island. At night time we kept the doors open, soothed to sleep by the gentle sounds of the ocean lapping against the gorgeous golden shoreline below.
Rooftop Pool and Bar
Staying at The Level meant we were able to nip up to the rooftop whenever we wanted. Was the perfect place to spend some chilled out time.
Either sipping on cocktails, taking a dip in the infinity pool or just enjoying the spectacular views of sea and mountains. One evening, after watching a particularly, picturesque sunset, we had a starlit supper at the rooftop Llum restaurant.
Whilst on another afternoon, we were entertained by a wedding party who were living it up before their big ceremony the next day. Was a delight to witness a slice of that infamous party life unfolding right before us.
Food
Most of the food and drink you will be looking for is included in the price of your stay and is yet another example of the upmarket positioning of the hotel.
For breakfast you can enjoy the generous and wide ranging buffet, hot or cold. If coffee and juice is not enough to kickstart your system, at The Level you can always supercharge the hour with something stronger, with plenty of cava, beer or even vodka on offer to take your day to the next level of indulgence.
Once breakfast is finished with, there are a whole bunch of snacks, nibbles and drinks on offer throughout the rest of the day. In the evening there is even a happy hour with cocktails and tapas on offer.
Must admit, one of my favourite spots was the all you can eat, all day long, fill your boots, sweet shop counter display.
But just when I thought the whole adventure was to be taken up with sweet treats and sunshine, I discovered the wellness centre. A place where you can take care of your mind, body and spirit, all without breaking a sweat.
Wellness Centre
Having said that, there is a gym, if that’s your thing. If not, there is always the hot tub, sauna or swimming pool to keep you smiling (actually, there are several swimming pools dotted around the hotel).
Yoga
There is also a fantastic, dedicated yoga space outside, situated in a pretty spot right beside the tree lined seashore. Whilst we were there, we were lucky enough to have a class with Xuan Lan, a much celebrated, online yoga guru, who travels the world demonstrating her rather awesome skills, as well as taking time out to train all the onsite yoga teachers.
To be honest, it pretty much made the whole trip worthwhile just to spend an hour in her company. But maybe that’s just me.
Massage
If none of the above appeal, there is one last trump card in the hotels wellness pack, the Thai Room. Where you can take your pick from a whole range of tempting massage treatments. Never able to resist the allure of some pampering, my colleagues and I all went for the one hour, full body massage. Must say, it was sublime. I didn’t want it to end!
Sea Swimming
If you fancy taking a dip in the med, there are plenty of places to get into the action. You can head downstairs in your swimmers, as I did, and within five minutes stroll find several cute coves or balmy beaches just right for a relaxing splash. The hotel even provides beach towels too.
Es Vedra Sunset
Of course, you can always leave the hotel and go exploring, if you feel like it. One evening a group of us took a 40 minute taxi trip to Es Vedra. A rocky outcrop which is famous for it’s dreamy, pink and picture perfect sunsets.
We joined a happy throng of watchers, most of whom were dressed more for a night out clubbing than a sunset, and were treated to a stunning show as the sun slipped softly below the horizon.
Nikki Beach
Next day, a wander along the coastline took us to the swanky resort of Nikki Beach. A fancy place filled with fashionistas, influencers sashaying around in over priced clothes, which covered next to nothing, and where the most expensive bottle of wine costs £28,000.
Was well worth the visit if only to see how the other half shows off to their online audience.
Santa Eulalia
That evening, we strolled for a few minutes in the opposite direction along the coastline, which took us to the nearest town of Santa Eulalia.
Known to some, rather irreverently as, “Santa Ooh, la, la, la.” It’s a great place for a spot of souvenir shopping or eating out.
Conclusion
Have to admit, I was surprised to find out just how green, gorgeous and glorious Ibiza really is. With enough pine covered hills, rocky mountains and half hidden beaches to keep any hopeful holiday maker happy for weeks and weeks. And weeks.
Turns out, it’s not just a mighty fine party island, home to DJ’s and nightclubs, it’s also a dreamy destination for those in search of fun, fancy hotels and fine times. On top of which, it’s also filled with sunshine. Lots and lots of fabulous sunshine. Sigh. What’s not to love?
FAQ’s
Is the Melia Ibiza Adult Only?
Yes, it is an adult only (16+) hotel
Is it open all year round?
The hotel opens around the beginning of March and continues to be open until the end of October.
How much does it cost to stay?
Prices start from £138pp B&B for a garden view room and £220pp B&B at The Level.
How can I book?
Go to Melia Ibiza Hotel to book