Just a two hour flight from London, Ibiza is a magical mix of beautiful beaches, luxe hotels, delicious cuisine and gorgeous weather. I don’t know many people who haven’t already visited the White Isle at some point, but with new hotels and restaurants popping up like flowers in spring, there’s always something new to explore each year. With so much to see and do, this Ibiza guide focuses on the central and southern parts of the island where incredible views of Es Vedrà will leave such a lasting impression you’ll immediately want to book a flight back...
Where we ate
La Mirada Rooftop at Hotel Petunia, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia
Views of Es Vedra and the Mediterranean Sea don’t get more magnificent than those at La Mirada Rooftop located at the sprawling Hotel Petunia. One of the adults-only hotel’s three restaurants, the prime vantage point offers a delicious sushi menu featuring red shrimp nigiri, salmon sashimi and panko lobster uramaki which can be washed down by one of their many potent cocktails. For the final course, choose from green tea sorbet, a matcha brownie, sesame ice cream or mochis. Book your table with plenty of time before the sun sets to get the most out of your visit.
Cotton Beach Club, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia
It’s hard not to feel fancy when you step into the all-white restaurant before weaving between tables covered with crisp white linen. Boasting gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea, Cotton Beach Club is the perfect location for a laid-back lunch with friends. The restaurant features an extensive menu, with starters ranging from grilled octopus to saffron mussels and coconut prawn tempura. For my meal, I had their tomato and burrata salad (picture below) to start followed by fried rice and prawns, and both were very tasty. Fish and seafood mains include salt-baked sea bass, cod confit and king crab and they also have an extensive sushi bar. You won’t be disappointed.
Blue Marlin, Cala Jondal
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If you’re looking for a place to eat amazing seafood and sushi and enjoy plenty of ice cold cocktails on the beach, Blue Marlin’s the spot. We always eat at the restaurant before grabbing our (pre-booked) lounger or bed by the sea front. The Blue Marlin menu isn’t cheap, but it is ridiculously yummy. As well as everyone’s sushi favourites, they serve up king prawns, sea bass, ceviche, king crab, sea bass, John Dory, lobster and wagyu. Tip: book your beds well in advance during high season because they quickly get snapped up.
Giri Cafe, San Juan
Located in San Juan, pop into Giri Cafe for a relaxing breakfast or brunch in the sunshine. The outdoor restaurant is set in a gorgeous garden filled with sunflowers, olive and banana trees as well as the vegetables, berries and herbs you might see pop up on your plate. Refuel on breakfast staples such as poached eggs, pancakes and smoothies while soaking up the blissful surroundings.
IZAKAYA, Ibiza Town
Part of the Sir Joan Hotel, IZAKAYA is a must for the ultimate laid back vibes, socialising over small plates and punchy cocktails. The outdoor tables are located around the hotel’s pool, creating a chilled but buzzy atmosphere. The menu is made for sharing and as well as sushi and small plates like their signature crispy rice with spicy tuna tartare, there’s also delicious food from the grill and the kind of desserts that make guests on nearby tables turn to eye up what you’ve ordered.
Where we stayed
Can Sastre, Santa Gertrudis
Located inland in the Santa Gertrudis countryside, Can Sastre is a dreamy family-run boutique hotel that will make you feel right at home as soon as you step through the imposing wooden door to the carefully manicured gardens. With just seven villas on site, the focus is on comfort and creating a warming, homely vibe. Each villa features calming white stone washed walls and rustic furnishings alongside modern amenities, and all suites have a private terrace, with our incredible two-bed sanctuary featuring a huge outdoor table and cosy hammock. Around the gardens, you’ll find olive and orange trees, a pool and an ‘honesty bar’ where you can fix yourself your own drink and pay for it later. We’ll definitely be going back asap.
For more information on Can Sastre, head here.
7Pines, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
Nestled on the cliffs between Cala Conta and Cala Codolar with views overlooking Es Vedra, 7Pines Ibiza is pure luxury. Each suite has a living area, terrace or balcony, which means lots of room to relax in after a busy day in the sun. The hotel features three pools, with the 54 metre infinity pool that looks out on the sea (and the one you’ve seen splashed all over your Instagram feed) being adults-only. Rooms and swimming aside, 7Pines also features three truly fantastic restaurants. For an unrivalled fine dining gastronomic experience The View is a must, while The Cone Club offers a more affordable menu with the same stunning scenery. We dined at the latter, choosing a selection of their ‘sunset tapas’ such as Iberian ham croquetas, anchovies and padron peppers before moving onto red snapper and grilled octopus. Tip: if you get there early enough nab one of the tables closest to the seafront for the most romantic sunset views.
For more information on 7Pines Ibiza, head here.
Other must-see spots around the island
Hotel Riomar, Santa Eulària
Ok, so while this hotel isn’t located in the south or inland, Hotel Riomar does deserve a mention for being an ideal destination if you’re looking for couples and family-friendly accommodation with a beautiful beach and somewhere that won’t break the bank. Comfy loungers are dotted along the white sand and you’re provided with a little buzzer if you want to order a sangria or snack down to the beach. The recently renovated rooms are incredibly cosy and ours featured a balcony which was the perfect spot to watch the sun rise with your morning coffee. Before enjoying the buffet breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea, I’d recommend trying out an early morning yoga class with one of their expert instructors because doing Downward Dogs in the sunshine is so much better than doing them in your front room.
For more information on Hotel Riomar, head here.
Getting there and getting around
- We flew British Airways from London City Airport.
- We hired a car to travel around the island - to ensure you’re getting the best deal, use a site like Travel Supermarket to provide you with a range of offers before making a booking.
Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
