I've always said it – there’s something magical about Ibiza. But despite having been many times before, I've always been more accustomed to the late nights and endless raves that the White Isle had to offer.
So this time, when I stepped off the plane, knowing I had landed in Ibiza for a wellness weekend, the feeling was… different. I was about to experience the calm, scenic, wellness-focused side of the island – the side that I'd heard about, but had never considered before.
It’s not hard to find the beauty in Ibiza, because it’s everywhere – from the peak of the mountains to the depths of the old town – but the day-to-night bohemian oasis that is Beachouse, which was my first port of call, was particularly beautiful.
A beach club and restaurant nestled on the shores of Playa D'en Bossa, Beachouse is one of the island's best-loved spots for those that know the true meaning of Ibiza Chill. The all-day hangout is known for its relaxing beach days, lively lunches and dusk-to-darkness dinners – which always end with dancing under the stars to some of Ibiza's best DJ’s and live music. Let's call it… mellow hedonism.
Aside from the top tier music, I learned there is so much more to the Beachouse lifestyle. I started my day with a yoga and breathwork class on the beach, followed by colourful juices, fresh fruit and a wholesome breakfast. Yoga takes places on Beachouse’s private beach space every day at 9:30am – giving those who did get in at dawn a few hours of rest before the class.
If you're into fresh, wholesome food, Beachouse has you covered. The menu celebrates the best of the Ibizan land and sea – from crisp salads (mango, ginger and fresh avocado was a stand-out) to fresh seafood (the Formentera lobster linguine? Top tier) and flavourful veggie dishes.
And in true Med style, all the food is made for the table to share. Long, communal lunches are enjoyed barefoot – in fact, the thing I loved the most about Beachouse is that there was absolutely no rush, from anybody. The food comes to the table as and when it's ready, allowing you to pick and graze while conversation flows. The staff know exactly when to top up your water (or your Whispering Angel), and melodic beats float in the air all afternoon – taking you from late lunch into early evening.
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As for my stay during my trip, I checked in at the ultra-luxe Ibiza Gran Hotel, on the Paseo Marítimo Marina. Just minutes from the heart of Ibiza town, and surrounded by the best nightlife venues (Club Chinois, Lío, Pacha), the Gran Hotel is the ideal spot if you do want to get stuck into Ibiza's famous clubbing scene – but equally, it's a serene hideaway that feels totally separate from the island's party side (if you want it to be, that is).
I stayed in one of the hotel's Panoramic Junior Suites, which had unmatched views of Ibiza town. With an in-room hot tub, walk-in wardrobe and balcony the size of my London apartment, it's safe to say it was the ideal place to get away from that non-stop Ibiza buzz, while still feeling part of it all. Elsewhere in the hotel, there's plenty of other accommodation on offer – from the still-spacious premium rooms all the way to the extra special Gran Suites, which can house families and larger groups.
I did tear myself away from my room to try Ibiza's first-ever Michelin star restaurant, La Gaia, which is found within the hotel grounds – serving elegant-with-a-twist Mediterranean dishes. And if that's not all, Gran Hotel's Open Spa is one of the largest and most luxurious the island – complete with heated hydromassage pools, saunas, steam rooms, a hammam and cold plunge. My favourite was the ice lounge, which provided a welcome respite from the scorching Ibiza sun.
With the Gran Hotel as your base, there's plenty of ways to explore the island. A guided hike with the brilliant Manuel of Ibiza Hike Station was one of my highlights – finishing our summit with a group meditation overlooking magical views of Es Vedra is something I'll never forget.
And while the main focus of my trip was chill, I couldn't resist a little play – and the newly-opened Chinois, found within the Gran Hotel grounds, called my name. Host to monthly residencies from the likes of Honey Dijon, Luciano, and Kerri Chandler, it's an immersive space that feels a little more intimate than some of Ibiza's famous superclubs, with free-spirited disco vibes, multiple bars and an open-roof terrace. So if you only make it out for one night like me, make it this one.
As it turns out, there's a whole world of wellness to be found on Ibiza – but that doesn't mean you can't make time for a little partying…
Rooms at the Gran Hotel start at £256 per night – book it here.
