Following on from the brand’s success in Marbella, the five-star, adults-only Amare Ibiza Beach Hotel stands out for its dazzling style, while slipping into its chic surroundings.
Set on San Antonio Bay – once considered the cheaper alternative for Ibiza ravers heading for the British-style pubs and karaoke bars across the water in infamous San An – this side of the bay has had a makeover and is fast becoming the first choice of those looking to chill in upmarket hotels, boho bars and beautiful restaurants.
Saluting the sunset is a way of life in Ibiza. Friends gather at the first sight of a pink sky, cocktails are shaken, and there are cheers when the orange fireball finally sinks over the horizon.
At Amare every night is an event, with the glam-squad assembling on the rooftop for a sunset ritual, with DJs setting the mood, to ring in another sultry night on the White Isle.
Style
Pure Ibizan glamour pings from all four corners of the Insta-perfect hotel.
The Balearic island’s signature whitewashed walls set the scene for chilled days lounging around palm-lined pools and after-dark drinks parties on the roof where glass balustrades make the most of its beachside location.
“Muy bonito,” my taxi driver quipped to me after I told him where I was staying. Beautiful it certainly is.
The rooftop infinity pool offers the best view of the bay and distant hills. Swimming close to the edge feels like you’re flying off into the horizon. Its Belvue poolside bar serves cocktails and snacks throughout the day.
When the rooms have names like ‘Oh La La’, ‘Make It Happen’, ‘Keep the Secret’ and ‘Dolce Vita’ there’s an upbeat, ‘let’s do this’ kind of vibe. With a fresh, pared-back theme of white, blonde wood and full-height windows, each comes with luxurious touches such as Molton Brown toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers, swinging egg chair and coffee pod machine, all enhanced by a spacious balcony.
Guests in premium rooms are granted access to The One lounge, an exclusive all-day bar offering drinks and snacks on a wraparound terrace.
Food and drink
Fancy a refresher? Simply press a buzzer from the comfort of your sunbed and a server will arrive in minutes to take your order.
Some of my favourite cocktails, priced at €15, included XOXO Amàre, a tingling combination of gin, elderflower liqueur and grapefruit juice. The Espresso Martini was delivered in a cutesy teacup. Also try the Spicy Chiribita, mixed with homemade tamarind liqueur, mezcal and triple sec.
If you can’t bear to leave your spot by the pool, have lunch delivered to your lounger. Salmon, prawn and tuna sushi platters, by chef Carlos Navarro (from €24), explode with flavour. Fresh salads, sandwiches, pad Thai and an all-day breakfast are also available to order poolside.
Rooftop eatery Hayaca specialises in the flavours of Cuba, Argentina, Peru, Mexico and Brazil. Try chipá with suero and hogao (cheesy bread with a tomato and onion sauce), king prawns ceviche and tacos to the sound of chilled Latin beats.
The Mare Nostrum restaurant with outdoor terrace offers a vast buffet of local and continental cuisine. Each morning I indulged in freshly cooked eggs and vibrant fruits, complete with a mimosa to kick off the day.
In the evening, Oriental, South American and Italian cuisines create a rainbow of options.
Activities
I indulged in an hour-long full-body massage at the beachfront spa and wellness centre. There is a menu of treatments including facials and holistic therapies to choose from.
There’s also direct access to the perfectly curved sands of Cala de Bou beach if you fancy a stroll, or soak up the ocean views as you cycle on bikes in the seafront gym or join a class.
The hotel staff are on hand to book excursions, which are all about the beauty of the island. Float off on a paddleboard or speed away on a jet ski tour around mystical Es Vedra rock, the fashionable cove of Cala Salada, or the crystal waters of Cala Conta. Arrive for a night out in style on one of the water taxis which sail regularly across the bay to San Antonio.
Out and about
I took an e-bike tour around scenic spots of Cala Bassa, an idyllic cove beach with shallow blue waters which is a pleasant four-mile ride away, and Ibiza Old Town, which was brimming with cafe culture and an energetic street festival and market.
A boat cruise is an epic way to see the island’s secret beaches and soaring cliffs. Soak up the scenery while sipping mojitos or go kayaking, snorkelling or paddleboarding on a classic wooden-deck party boat with Salvador Ibiza, with prices starting at €80pp, salvadoribiza.com.
Book the holiday
Rooms at the Amàre Ibiza hotel in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza, start at around £119 a night on room-only, £133 B&B, £159 half-board. Find out more at amarehotels.com.
You can also find more information at spain.info/en.
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