When people picture the balmy Balearic Island of Ibiza, their minds skip to the Pacha cherries dancing high over the horizon, unhinged hen dos, and club nights filled with false eyelashes and sequin bikini tops. Okay, yes, all of this can be found in Ibiza. The latter is also deemed suitable as a brunch outfit because, reportedly, anything goes (fashion wise). That being said, there are two very different sides to the island. Meaning that the way you choose to spend your time there can move in two very different directions. I believe that this guide intertwines the two harmoniously. Leading you through the hidden gems, luxury hotspots and wildness of Ibiza – all in one weekend.
How to Spend a Luxury Weekend in Ibiza
Words by
Pippa Lowe
10th July 2024
Glitz and glamour, to boho beach clubs and serene spas. Pippa Lowe gives us the perfect guide to experiencing both sides of Ibiza, all with a touch of luxury. Join her as she samples Michelin-starred menus, visits artisan studios and sails through turquoise waters searching for the White Isle’s itinerary must-haves.
Setting the Scene
Before all else, even coffee, I would begin my mornings with Armand Van Helden’s My My My. `Dancing around to club classics on the patio is a great way to wake up, but out in sunny surroundings - unmatched. I always say that any scene is best set with music. So, I present my Ibiza Spotify List. A succinct mix of chilled Ibiza and classic club Ibiza, just like this guide. For you to give a listen through whether you’re headed for the island, or just want to feel like you’re there. Headphones in.
Soak up some sun at Beachouse Ibiza
Kick off your Birkenstocks and head to the cabana. Located on the perfectly milled sands of Playa d’en Bossa, Beachouse Ibiza is THE chic bohemian hideaway to hit up in search of sumptuous small plates, sea swims and a sangria-induced sleep in the sun (spf advised).
Bluefin Tuna Tartare, Blinis, Mango Caviar and Spicy Sauce (with a well-deserved side of sangria)
After my hair had achieved its crisp salty waves from numerous dips of bravery in the ocean, lunch was in order. I opted for the tuna tartare and blinis, accompanied with some other fries and sides. The lunch dishes were fresh and morish, acting as a perfectly sized stop-gap between brunch and dinner. Accompanying your dishes with a fruity sharing jug of cava sangria is something that I would also strongly recommend going for. The food aside, Beachouse itself is relaxed and verdant. Rattan rugs roll long, banana leaves reach up to the wooden veranda ceiling, and raffia parasols shield you from blazing rays (and fry-seeking seagulls). Showers are also tucked around the corner to re-glam and rush out of the door, sand-free.
View the full Beachouse Ibiza lunch menu here
Dinner One: Zuma Ibiza
From Knightsbridge to Ibiza and beyond, Zuma offers the same Izakaya-style dishes in every location. For you to decipher your favourites and revisit them around the globe. Despite being local to London’s Zuma, it was my first time experiencing the menu. Waltzing over to our table, the restaurant’s terrace opened out to the marina. Giving us a panoramic sunset view of the old town, Dalt Vila. The same distant old town that we saw over and over, yet never got tired of (or stopped taking pictures of).
Outside Zuma, neighbouring Ibiza Gran Hotel's Club Chinois
I kicked off the sushi saga that lay ahead with a passionfruit spicy margarita. Half of our table picked the same from the abundance of cocktail choices and there were no regrets. Izakaya-style means that the dishes are designed to be shared, and that nothing is set in stone with the way you are meant to order. It’s very much go-with-the-flow. In a large group open to try a bit of everything, it’s the ideal location and meal layout for a laid-back dinner.
As someone who will have plates heaped with sushi whenever the opportunity poses, the selection of rolls and sashimi were beautifully done and went down a treat. This, I expected. What I didn’t expect was to be talking so highly about a creamed spinach side dish. The only time that I tend to go near spinach is when it’s been whizzed up with strawberry and banana. This may have changed my mind. It was silky and nutty with a delicate sesame flavour that teamed up wonderfully with my favourite dish, the spicy beef tenderloin. Packed with sweet soy flavour, the beef was addictively melt-in-the-mouth. My chopsticks seemed to keep gravitating back for more, and there was no stopping them.
Special chocolate, served with vanilla bean ice cream
Now I can’t not rave about the desserts. We were presented with an icy display balancing a grand assortment of sweets. Fresh fruit, baked cheesecake, ice creams, sorbets... the list goes on. Whatever your sweet tooth was craving, something to satisfy it was there. The winner being their special chocolate AKA a chocolate fondant that was quite special indeed. 80% flowing centre and 20% sponge exterior, the way I believe it should be. A rich and decadent way to round off the meal before the speakers grow louder, and tables of dancing people gradually spill onto the restaurant floor. Surrounding the central bar for another spicy marg.
View the full menus at Zuma Ibiza here and book a table here
Marina Evenings to Marina Mornings
I see Marina Ibiza as the island’s luxury epicentre. Offering a range of different activities for each phase of the day. Although I did not experience it myself, I must suggest Lio if you are planning to be around the marina area one evening. It sounds remarkable. When we pondered by, the show setting was encased with transparent screens. These lift at showtime, giving the performance a living background of Marina Ibiza itself and the distant heaping buildings of Dalt Vila. At times, performers even zoom in through the marina on boats to then burst from starboard and onto stage. We were kindly shown around the marina by Jenny Nerman, Ibiza Gran Hotel’s Creative and Communications Director, who mentioned that “with the most spectacular backdrop for a cabaret style show, it's the place to people watch and to be seen. Here you can put on your glitziest glamour outfit and shine bright. It's definitely on the pricey side, but such a vibe. Definitely the opposite of the bohemian, serene Ibiza.”
Discover Lio Ibiza and book a table here
Shell sculptures bring Dior over the wild side at Marina Ibiza
Swiftly moving from marina evenings to marina mornings. First, head to Cappuccino for a touch of breakfast. Recommended once again by Jenny who described it as “a great breakfast spot with amazing unobstructed views of the Dalt Vila from the luxurious Marina Ibiza.” View the full breakfast menu here. Once fuelled for the day, you can indulge in some much-needed retail therapy. Boasting boutiques from Dior to Loro Piana, this really is the island’s own Sloane Street. Then wander through the shiny yachts to the eastern edge of the marina. Here you’ll find a great photo opportunity. With rippling cobalt waves and a clear view of, once again, the stunning Dalt Vila.
SPHERE's Pippa Lowe at Marina Ibiza, in front of the old town and Catedral de Eivissa
Signature Souvenirs from Artisan Ceramicist, Maria B
Down in Ses Salines where the salt flats are dotted with white-feathered flamingos, sits a quaint ceramic studio. Maria B’s Studio. Filled with her ever-developing artisan creations, this is where bespoke homeware lovers can pick up a souvenir that nobody else will have. From blooming textural vases to petite and angular pots, not one piece is exactly like the next.
Maria’s whimsical characters are simply adorable. Emblazoned on ceramics and brought to life on canvas, the characters are often accompanied with fun but meaningful captions. My favourite being of three expressive cacti with the words, “I know sometimes I hurt you, it’s my nature. I’m really sorry. But I always love you."
Guests can visit Maria’s studio upon request. To organise a visit, get in contact via her Instagram: instagram.com/mariab.ceramics/
Inside Maria B's studio, surrounded by her characterful artworks and handmade ceramics
Dinner Two: La Gaia by Óscar Molina
Michelin-starred La Gaia is the treasured brainchild of chef, Óscar Molina, and one of many gleaming stars within the Ibiza Gran Hotel complex. After spending time in Peru, Molina mastered the art of Chifa (a Peruvian-Chinese fusion). An element that is seen woven into his intricate tasting menu of eighteen small dishes, named Posidonia.
Seaweed-wrapped leek, picked sauce and flowers
Beginning with one of the first courses, and the most memorable. Situated within the menu’s ‘first encounters’ section, we were presented with spice in three different forms. I’m not somebody that opts for strong spice. My argument against being that I prefer flavour rather than heat. These three bite-sized portions provided a gradual exploration of both heat and flavour. Beginning with a virgin Bloody Mary sphere, which led onto beef tartare topped with phyllo and spicy cabbage. Finishing the trio was a canapé of mole, foie, quinoa and cocoa. This to me was like a chocolate-covered rice cake with a smoky and savoury spiciness to it, and I could’ve gone back for another.
We then began the main event. Taking us on a journey of interesting textures, balanced flavours and perfected presentation that you wouldn’t want to ruin with your fork. The vegetarian ramen broth was complex and comforting, welcoming us to the main stage of the meal with a smile. The leek and seaweed dish was delicate and surprising. With each cylinder of leek meticulously wrapped in nori, and accompanied with a pickled sauce that brought light excitement to our tastebuds.
Balearic Black Pork Royale with tubers, cocoa and it's own sauce (pre sauce pour)
After a stunning black pork royale, we were saved from slipping into a food coma by a revitalising iced lemon foam. Prepping us for our desserts and sweet unboxing - a series of six petit fours. The pistachio shortbread cookie stuck with me the most. Reminiscent of that first buttery bite of stollen at Christmastime.
The décor at La Gaia immerses you into what seems like an abstract jellyfish sanctuary, but this is soon to change. The restaurant is having a full freshen and restoration. So the La Gaia you visit may not be the La Gaia I know... but the inviting dishes from Óscar Molina will be just the same.
View the full Posidonia tasting menu here and book a table at La Gaia
A Sweet Unboxing (left to right): Almond & Chocolate, Carrot Cake, Passion Fruit Marshmallow, Raspberry Petit Four, Chocolate & Waffle, Pistachio Shortbread Cookie
All aboard to Formentera!
If caught in conversation with someone who has visited the same location as you, there is always one place that you jump to first to ask them if they went too. For me, this was that place. Granted, it isn’t technically even in Ibiza… but definitely worth hopping on a boat for. The place I’m speaking of is the neighbouring island of Formentera, and it’s dazzling blue waters.
The waters surrounding Formentera are a bright transparent turquoise, thanks to the Posidonia seaweed below the surface
As we sailed past Ibiza’s steep rocky edges towards Formentera, our surroundings resembled Europe less and less. The water moves to turn a vibrant turquoise hue with Caribbean-style transparency. The kind that I thought could only be achieved by a 10-hour flight to the Maldives. Nope, only the Balearic Islands. Whilst ferries are available to transport you from A to B, I strongly recommend hiring a smaller private boat from Marina Ibiza to elevate your experience.
How to book a Boat
The boat we used was a Fjord 40s Open P23. You can book your own private boat to Formentera via Barcoibiza.com
Our luxurious excursion was kitted out with built-in Bluetooth for us to hop on aux and play whatever we wished. For us, a lot of Hall & Oates and Steely Dan courtesy of Spotify’s Yacht Rock playlist. Pack up with a picnic and paddle board for a day of sunbathing and swimming through the cyan waters. But how are they so blue? It’s because of the Posidonia seaweed below the surface. This ocean plant is very important to the ecosystem of the waters. Óscar Molina even named his tasting menu after it. You'll be glad to know that there are ongoing programs to keep the levels of Posidonia up, and the surrounding sea as blue as can be.
Dinner Three: Novikov Ibiza
If there’s two modern Pan-Asian restaurants to keep on your Ibiza radar, it’s Zuma and Novikov. On a Sunday night, Novikov was ambient and relaxed. As we lounged outside, a DJ mixed, and wine was poured. Adopting a similar Izakaya-style to Zuma, we sampled an array from the menu. Here my focus was very much on the sushi. Whereas, at Zuma, my attention was drawn more to the signature dishes and desserts. The Hamachi Yuzu Truffle roll and (my all-time favourite) Prawn Tempura Avocado roll, are must-haves for the table. The light and zesty shrimp popcorn with yuzu mayo is also a secure crowd-pleaser.
A large window looks onto the Novikov kitchen
Sneaking a peek inside, we discovered that Novikov’s indoor area was just as suave as the outside area we had been seated in. A futuristic window looking into the kitchen sits on the back wall. No pressure chefs, we definitely aren’t watching…
Believe it or not, SPHERE covered the opening of the restaurant back in the summer of 2023. Click here to read more about the Novikov story and the background of its founder, Andy Martin.
I see Novikov as a stylish nook to grab a bite, ease you into the night and warm you up before your next stop. View the full menu here and book a table at Novikov Ibiza.
Grey Goose and Glitz at Club Chinois
From the moment you enter baggage claim at Ibiza airport, Ushuwaïa ads call your name and David Guetta’s face is inescapable. Deciding where to go out seems to be a never-ending tussle.
Really, it depends on what you’re looking for. As this guide is strictly luxury, I propose Club Chinois. Located right next to Zuma in the Ibiza Gran Hotel, the club is centralised with a looming disco ball and metallic dancers rising up from the crowds left, right and centre. VIP tables are available with Grey Goose vodka service to sit back and absorb the lively yet lavish vibe. We were there for their Saturday night event – Trip. Reportedly made “from Ibiza, for Ibiza,” Trip is a dynamic night by Jonathan Goller. Fully dedicated to encapsulating the underground music scene.
Learn more about Club Chinois, book tickets and book a VIP table here
Oysters for Breakfast?
A top-tier hotel breakfast can be the factor that brings a holiday to the next level. After all, it’s the most important meal of the day. If you’re going to have it, you better make it count.
The oyster station at Ibiza Gran Hotel's "The Grand Breakfast'
Claiming to be the best on the island is Ibiza Gran Hotel’s Grand Breakfast. A buffet full of all the classics, and some not-so-classics. With a crepe station, selection of fine cheeses and hams, handcrafted pastries lined up in queues…just to name a few of the areas. A freshly made maple syrup crepe or a Spanish omelette is always a safe bet, but what about an oyster? For breakfast?
My chosen selection from the Grand Breakfast, dipping into their pastry and toast stations
After a night out, I went for their signature green juice. Who knows though, maybe a morning oyster with tabasco would work wonders? I did however go for one on another morning, but would I have an oyster with breakfast again? Probably not. To have the option though felt regal to say the least.
An oyster bar isn’t the only interesting addition that the Grand Breakfast has going for it. Mimosa carts and churros also float their way around the tables on occasion, you may even get a surprise.
Learn more about The Grand Breakfast at Ibiza Gran Hotel
Hangover Cure 101: Sauna and Spa
Hair of the dog? A greasy breakfast? Forcing down a green smoothie? There are many ways to try and escape the clutches of a hangover, and while a mimosa, fried egg and lengthy nap works for some – here’s my recommendation. Of course, you don’t need the excuse of a nasty hangover to head down to a spa. Everyone is deserving of a bit of holiday TLC.
The Water Circuit at the Open Spa, Ibiza Gran Hotel
A trip to the non-traditional Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel, however, may just be the wake-up you need. Melting away your troubles in a woody sauna before plunging into an ice lounge, is a sure way to press re-set on your body and mind. Read my full review of Open Spa here and face their signature revitalising contrast of hot to cold.
Book a stay at Ibiza Gran Hotel via ibizagranhotel.com/en/
