Words by Amelia Bell
Think of Ibiza and two things usually spring to mind – the hedonistic south and holistic north. Bless Hotel Ibiza, a new hotel situated on the eastern fringe of the Balearic Islands, finds itself, figuratively and literally, somewhere in the middle.
The hotel opened its doors in June offering a new concept for luxury travellers: cuisine for a veracious appetite, architecture for the artistic eye, parties for the all-nighters and yoga for the early risers. And, the list goes on.
Seemingly worlds away from notorious San Antonio, the hotel, which forms part of Palladium Hotel Group and The Leading Hotels of The World, sits perched on a clifftop above the unspoilt Cala Nova beach.
One of Ibiza’s best surf spots, Cala Nova is a far cry away from the south’s bustling beaches. Instead, you can experience Ibiza in all its natural glory – long stretches of deserted sand, azure waters and mountains carved into the background like a cut-out card.
As you walk through the doors of Bless Hotel Ibiza, it’s all about first impressions. Vast rooms, high ceilings, monochrome walls and marble tiles instantly set the scene. What strikes me as most intriguing, however, are the contrasting art-deco elements and pastel-coloured furniture dotted around the hotel. Paying tribute to French couturier Coco Chanel, these avant-garde colour pairings are what makes Bless Hotel Ibiza different.
The 151 sea-facing rooms are styled out with the same signature style, boasting modern furnishings with geometric details, ridiculously large beds, plus, the extra special bonus – spectacular mountain views which can be seen from the comfort of your jacuzzi bath.
Daring to be different is part of the Bless Collection Hotels DNA, as it was fittingly for fashion icon Coco Chanel, who famously said ‘in order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different’. This monochrome, Chanel-inspired style runs throughout the hotel (like its sister hotel in Madrid) with inspiration also rooted in the more rustic side of the island.
Take the Tris Vermouth Bar, for instance. Complete with dim lighting, laid-back wooden bar stools and vermouth bottles lined up side by side, the décor oozes sophistication; while a typically Spanish vermuteria style (think giant slabs of manchego, fresh anchovies in garlic and pan con tomate), and the whole experience feels like a fusion of classic and contemporary Spain.
Ibiza’s foodie scene has just earned itself a major upgrade. With 10 Michelin stars under his belt, Martín Berasategui, San Sebastian’s illustrious yet humble chef, is giving Ibiza a taste of the Basque region by bringing his signature restaurant, ETXECO, to Bless Hotel Ibiza. Like little works of art, his 11-course tasting menu comes with a guarantee: you’ll have never tried anything quite like it.
Whether that’s in the form of a jelly salad that takes twenty-five ingredients to bring the flavours to life or a tiny chocolate cloud that bursts the moment it touches your lips. And a personal favourite of mine – a refreshing shake-up of the nation’s iconic gazpacho. Only this time gazpacho is served with seafood, and plenty of foam.
Salao Atlantic Restaurant, similarly, is something out of the ordinary thanks to its simple but stylish décor, which compliments every aspect of the cuisine. Flavours of the Mediterranean mean seafood’s on the agenda, so expect fresh fish paired with local and international wines. The same goes for the roof terrace and The Llum Pool Club where light seafood dishes are the catch of the day. In particular, the seafood ceviche hits the spot in the heat (as do the frozen margaritas).
Whether it’s staying up until the early hours or luxuriating in a spa treatment, Bless Hotel Ibiza is catering to every side of Ibiza, whatever you’re searching for. If that something is peace and quiet, you’ll want to check out Magness Soulful Spa.
Of course, you’ll find all the classics – jacuzzi, thermal spa, steam room, water beds – but in the vicinity of a glass-walled indoor private garden where you can lounge on beanbags and unwind post-treatment. As for the treatments, each room is inspired by the herbs of Ibiza and you can choose between facials, Bathology sessions or a long list of massages to melt your stress away.
If it’s the former option, head to the roof terrace to see the sun go down and watch as a strip of pastel pink stretches across the skies, lighting up the infinity pool and secluded beach with touches of indigo and powder blue bouncing off the water. I can safely say I have never seen a sunset quite like it. Settle in with an extra-large gin and tonic (served in a goldfish bowl glass) and prepare for the night ahead. Then, get ready for sunset DJ music sessions or a full moon party in The Epic Infinity Lounge.
With a non-stop cultural agenda, I learn very quickly that Bless Hotel Ibiza is more than just a place to rest your head. As summer kicks off so do the island’s hottest events, so expect everything from live music by international and home-grown talents, DJ sets and full moon parties to art exhibitions and fashion shows. And, if the opening party is anything to go by, Bless Hotel Ibiza is set to be one of the hottest tickets in town.
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
