The sunny Balearic island of Ibiza has long been known for its hedonistic party vibes, but increasingly, it’s also becoming recognised as one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in Europe, and is now home to some of the best high-end hotels and eateries in the world.
Enjoying a privileged location in the north of the island, BLESS Hotel Ibiza in Es Canar is a prime example of the high calibre of the lavish five-star resorts the island has to offer, and after visiting as the summer season drew to a close in October 2022, I can confidently say that it might just be the White Isle’s best kept secret.
The property belongs to the esteemed Palladium Group, which was founded on the island in the 1960s and owns a large portfolio of luxury hotels across Europe and the Caribbean as well as in Brazil, South America. On Ibiza itself, the brand is perhaps best known for its association with the iconic Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel – both located in Playa d’en Bossa – but BLESS Hotel Ibiza is quickly making a name for itself amongst affluent holidaymakers in search of a more laid-back and sophisticated way to experience the island.
Unlike the party towns of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, the north of the island has always been a quieter spot from which to enjoy Ibiza’s sun, sea and sand, but today, it is increasingly being seen as ‘the place to be’ thanks to its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches and coastline and excellent food and drink scene. Even so, Es Canar lacks the intense crowds of the major resort towns, and offers the perfect balance – so if you’re keen to get away from it all but want to be in easy reach of the island’s main sights, then it’s the perfect spot for a balanced getaway.
As for the five-star BLESS Hotel Ibiza, it’s chic, stylish and oozes elegance at every turn. My visit rendered me a complete convert who already can’t wait to return for more – so let’s get into why.
Hotel
Overlooking the golden sands of Cala Nova beach, BLESS Hotel Ibiza is something quite spectacular indeed. Nestled in a secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle of Santa Eulalia but close enough to reach in just a few minutes’ walk, Ibiza town and the airport are both less than a 30-minute drive away – so if you’re looking for a quick and easy journey from the UK then it couldn’t be less complicated to get here.
The moment we set foot into the reception area, we had a feeling we were in for a treat, and despite some queuing and waiting around for check-in, we felt instantly immersed in a sense of luxury. The décor at BLESS Hotel Ibiza is said to be inspired by Coco Chanel, which should go some way towards giving you an idea of just how sophisticated it is. Think a monochromatic colour palette and plush soft furnishings in pastel hues, and you’re on the right track.
The serene Magness Soulful Spa is also located on the ground floor and offers a haven of tranquillity for those truly looking to relax and unwind. Set within a beautiful wellness space inspired by the Ibizan countryside and brimming with local plants, it’s home to a Turkish hammam, water circuits and hydrotherapy suite, Jacuzzi and, of course, a number of treatment spaces in which you can indulge in a massage, facial or another relaxing ritual of choice.
There’s even an exclusive beauty salon, by Rossano Ferretti, on site, too – so if you’re seeking the ultimate pampering experience, then look no further. And of course, you can keep up your fitness regime at BLESS Hotel Ibiza’s on-site gym if you’re not the type for lounging around all day long.
Outside, though, is where things get really exciting. A sun-soaked space that oozes sophistication, the Llum Pool Club is something quite spectacular indeed. There’s a heated infinity pool offering breath-taking views down over Cala Nova beach, surrounded by the sumptuous Bali beds and sun loungers that are so often associated with the White Isle.
Out here, you can sit back, relax and soak up some rays whilst watching the daily entertainment – which featuring chic dancers and performers is all very sophisticated and has no hint of the tackiness you might find elsewhere – and order cocktails, sushi and ceviche to your sun loungers via a mobile app or one of the attentive waiting staff that are on hand to make sure you have everything you need.
We wasted no time in doing so once we’d checked into our room (more on that later) and enjoyed an Aperol spritz or two and some scandalously fresh and tasty sashimi. It’s difficult to tear yourself away from the Llum Pool Club, but you’ll understand why it’s worth it when you see the rooftop.
The Epic infinity Lounge is quite simply breath-taking, and boasts a second infinity pool with even more impressive views down over the Mediterranean and the pretty Cala Nova cove and a selection of Bali beds available for reservation. If you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the main hub of the hotel, then this is it, and it exudes exclusivity by the bucket load.
We couldn’t get enough of the atmosphere up here, and spent an entire afternoon lounging on a daybed, cooling off in the pool and marvelling at what an epic spot the Epic Infinity Lounge was. With music playing throughout the day, it’s got those Ibiza beach club vibes down.
Rooms and suites
Of course, before we had a chance to experience it all, it was time to head up to our room, where a bottle of cava on ice and some freshly made macarons were waiting for us to welcome us in.
BLESS Hotel Ibiza has 151 rooms and suites in total, with each featuring either a king or two full-sized beds that are designed to ensure you sleep like a dream. The mattresses are wonderfully comfortable and there’s a plush selection of pillows to choose from depending on your individual needs. Our deluxe seaview room also had a huge wardrobe and bath tub, a sofa and a table and chairs, with a Bose sound system and state-of-the-art coffee machine to help wake us up each morning that little bit more easily.
The piece-de-resistance, though, was our outdoor terrace, which got the evening sun and afforded us side views of the vista as we looked down towards Santa Eulalia. It was the perfect spot to pop open that cava for a pre-dinner drink later that evening and sit back and relax in a moment of calm.
Food and drink
There are many highlights of a stay at BLESS Hotel Ibiza, but one of the biggest has to be dinner at Etxeko. With 10 Michelin stars under his belt, illustrious San Sebastian chef Martín Berasategui has created one of the most highly sought-after haute cuisine dining spots in all of Ibiza, which is no small feat.
Etxeko means ‘from home’ in Basque, and brings the flavours of Martín’s childhood to Ibiza.
The restaurant is headed up by Paco Budia, and has been awarded both a Michelin star and a Repsol Sun, and its decadent 11-course tasting menu is truly a work of art. Each individual dish is designed to impress and does so with ease. From the caramelised smoked eel with foie gras, spring onion and green apple to the melt-in-the-mouth chocolate bonbons, every bite is a treat for the senses and a veritable taste sensation you won’t forget in a hurry. And of course, there was a knowledgeable and experienced sommelier on hand during our meal to ensure we had the perfect wine pairing for each and every course.
The Salao Atlantic restaurant, on the ground floor, serves up tasty Mediterranean fare amidst simple yet stylish décor for both lunch and dinner – but you can also choose to sit outside, as we did, and enjoy the pool and ocean views whilst you eat. Salao is also where breakfast is served each morning, and be warned, you’re in for a treat. We found ourselves spoilt for choice each morning with a huge buffet selection to choose from, which included caviar and mimosas – as well as a mouth-watering a la carte menu featuring dishes like the classic Eggs Royale and a refreshing açaí bowl.
Throughout the rest of the day, the Salao Atlantic Restaurant is all about fresh seafood and local ingredients grown on the island. Just like Etxeko, the service is truly impeccable, and our rock lobster main course, paired with a glass or two of white wine, went down an absolute treat.
BLESS Hotel Ibiza’s third foodie offering can be found up at the Epic Infinity Lounge, where the Llum Pool Club’s menu is inspired by the flavours of Asia and Latin America and ranging from ceviches and salads to sashimis, tacos and other decadent treats. Even the drinks make reference to these themes, with the Pisco and the Michelada both must-tries. But if you’re after something a little simpler – be it a glass of champagne or wine or a local beer, then there’s plenty of choice here, too.
We didn’t have a chance to pause for a drink at the Tris Vermouth bar, a sophisticated space on the ground floor characterised by high ceilings and burnished gold accents, but we did stop by to see what it was all about. The perfect place to enjoy an aperitif, vermouth culture is decidedly now back in fashion, and here you can sample a variety of options alongside a selection of cheeses, meats, pickled delicacies, salt-cured fish and caviar – so if you had a large lunch and fancy something a little lighter to eat come, the evening, then look no further.
If vermouth isn’t for you, then Tris also serves up a wide variety of fine wines, cavas, cocktails and beers – so whatever your tipple of choice, you’ll find it here.
To do
Checking out the Magness Soulful Spa is, of course, a must during any stay at BLESS Hotel Ibiza, but if you fancy getting out and about then the hotel is well located, with the golden sands of the beautiful Cala Nova beach right on its doorstep.
You can also get to Santa Eulalia in around ten minutes on foot via a scenic coastal path. Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to choose from, but as a popular family resort, it can get rather busy during the summer months. During our visit in October, though, it was surprisingly calm and peaceful, as despite the warm and sunny weather, the season was drawing to a close.
Es Canar is famed for its hippy market, which is actually located just outside in the pretty town of Punta Arabi. Once upon a time, hippy culture dominated the island, and here, it is still alive and well. It’s interesting to see, and a great place to do a spot of shopping if you’re looking for some unique trinkets and souvenirs to take away with you.
Historic Ibiza town, known on the island as Eivissa, is a little further away – some 25-30 minutes by taxi – but is worth the visit if you haven’t been before. This picturesque, white washed city is the island’s capital, and has been awarded historic status by UNESCO and attracts visitors looking to experience a more cultural side to the island – plus, it’s home to an impressive array of restaurants, shops and boutiques.
If you’re in the mood to party, then you can head to one of Playa d’en Bossa’s iconic beach clubs. It takes less than 25 minutes by taxi and will cost you around the 30 Euro mark, giving you access to the likes of Ushuaia, Nassau Beach Club and many more. You’ll also find trendy nightclubs like Hi Ibiza if you’re looking for a big night out.
In a nutshell
When it comes to Ibiza’s most stylish and sophisticated luxury hotels, BLESS Hotel Ibiza tops the list, and promises a relaxing and fulfilling stay during which you’ll want for nothing thanks to the impeccable service throughout. Perfectly located and home to several of the most impressive foodie offerings and facilities on the island (let’s face it, there aren’t many can say they offer a Michelin-starred dining experience like Etxeko!) it ticks all the right boxes and some, so if you’re considering a visit to the White Isle this summer, then look no further, because BLESS Hotel Ibiza is the place to be.
Fact box
A stay at BLESS Hotel Ibiza starts from £325 per night for bed and breakfast
Address: Playa, Av. Cala Nova, 07849 Es Canar, Balearic Islands, Spain
Phone: +34 971 33 03 00
Website: blesscollectionhotels.com
