Anyone going to the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay will encounter what is a beautifully understated, elegant and luxurious delight. It's a place that begs to be discovered: as once you enter, you'll find an inviting haven that whispers, not shouts, its five-star status. We wanted to see why so many people have been raving about this recent addition to the shores of Talamanca beach and here is what we discovered.
Not everyone can afford to stay in a top end hotel, yet many of us daydream about the experience. Fortunately, there is an easy way with one of the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay's inclusive packages, a great way of living that dream by spending the day there.
It's a place that truly has something for everyone and every need, so if your idea of a relaxing stay is a spa treatment, a dip in the pool, reclining on a stylish Balinese bed, lunching or dining, drinking cocktails or downing a healthy juice, you can do all those here and also not even be a guest.
A complete package
Clockwise from left: in the gorgeous adults pool; fruit platter; living the good life; so many choices of things to do
We went for a health-amped-up “Bali Bed” package, eschewing the champagne in favour of healthy juices and “Pharmacy Shots”, taking advantage of the rest of the offer which gives you a mouthwatering fresh fruit platter, a large bottle of Fiji-brand water, and a mini bottle each of naturally-made after sun.
We arrived mid morning, parking up in front of the hotel, handed our keys to the valet who took it to the hotel's secure private car park. Entering the lobby, one feels that time seems to stand still, as inside, it really is a poem to natural materials: exposed wood, bamboo, raffia and wicker combine with striking high-end design and a colour scheme that is evocative of Ibiza. Gold signifies the sunset; turquoise and blue the sea; creams and neutral colours the sand and natural wood, the forests of the island.
Nobu hotels are designed to provide a home-away-from-home experience. Long cream sofas and hanging chairs in the lobby, with lots of little areas to lounge in offer discreet private escapes, for unwinding, waiting for your family or friends or even getting in some executive work time. The adults' pool, is like something out of a high-end interior magazine for the super-wealthy. Another stylish pool area, for families is also available and both offer the packages.
Free from stress in a hotel paradise
Perusing the menu to choose fresh juices for later on
Confirming our reservation, we were led to our Balinese bed. This being a hot day, the first thing we did was get into the sublime pool as we waited for our water and fruit, a pretty platter of passion fruit, watermelon, kiwi, papaya and much more.
Basking in the summer sun, we sipped on the juice of a fresh young coconut, feeling pampered and revitalised already. It's easy to see why. The lush surroundings with the homely yet luxurious air invite utter relaxation and a feeling of being a million miles away from any responsibility.
Around us, the rest of the guests shared this feeling. Cool, relaxed, unpretentious - everyone was simply kicking back and taking in the stunning July day. After all, the attentive and agreeable staff were always on hand making sure we did not have to think of anything. Smart and pretty to look at, they took care of us with utmost professionalism. The sound of the gentle waves breaking on the beach of Talamanca Bay and some chill-out tunes did the rest.
The ultimate in self-care
Clockwise from left: getting the "Just for You" massage; at the Nobu juice bar; our gorgeous juices; the electrifying shot of Fire Kiss
All this was only the beginning. In between taking dips in the pool and soaking up rays, we leafed through the spa menu for our next portion of pampering. Our day of wellness and detox had just got started. Determined to make the most of this delightful day, I (Elle) went for a “Just for you” massage. Tailored to my personal needs, it got every last bit of tension out of me. Add to this that it took place in a cabaña next to the beach with an every so soothing gentle sea breeze and you have it: the ultimate self-care treat. Plenty of other treatments - including anti-aging, antioxidant, beauty and even recovery treatments - are also available, but that will take a visit in itself.
With healthy options galore, we strolled over to the juice bar over by the children's pool. To make the detox official, we could not but choose the Fire Kiss, a shot of pure ginger. Make sure you down it like you would an alcohol one as it burns, leaving behind a sense of having cleared out anything not supposed to be there. Choosing was no easy feat, though, as the Dark Detox, DNA Repair and Flu Fighter seemed just as alluring.
Keeping up all our great work taking care of ourselves, we moved on to the extensive selections of juices and smoothies. Of course, the Green Detox had to come with us, together with a Sun Warrior, a most delectable concoction. Already missing our little corner of paradise, we enjoyed those back on our Balinese bed.
Fresh, local and artisanal food
Clockwise from left: our trip of healthy, delicious plates from the Bay Café: inside the eatery; a haven for some executive time; checking out the excellent menu
Whilst we could have had lunch directly on the beds, we opted for the Bay Café. This jewel of a spot offers a wide variety of bowls, snacks, toasts, salads and treats, as well as the most inviting nooks to enjoy your meal. Also popular amongst external clients, the café provides an ideal place for both island residents and holidaymakers to meet or work.
Continuing our revitalising quest, we went for the Detox Bowl and the Garden Bowl, with voluptuous locally-sourced tomatoes, olives, Ibizan herbs and local cheese, as well as a Huerto Toast with mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli and hummus. Confirming that homegrown vegetables are tastier, all our selections provided an explosion of flavour.
Other numerous other culinary options are available, with a tapas bar by the pool perfect for an aperitif and snacks before a night out, an outpost of the world-acclaimed Nobu restaurant also in the pool area and Chambao the beach chiringuito at the far end by the family pool. We shall be coming back for more.
Boutique dreams
Clockwise from left: us browsing in the El Almacén boutique; a selection of sunglasses; boutique sign; official shot of Love Brand & Co's clothing; Julian's shot at being a model for Love Brand & Co
On our way back to the pool area after lunch, we were tempted in by Nobu's boutique, El Almacen. In the collection we found stunning clothing for every occasion, accessories, jewellery and even organic beauty products. In line with the hotel's commitment to the environment, the boutique reflects this by focussing on sustainable brands as well as local designers from the island, with some exceptionally stunning pieces for night, day or the beach. Here, you'll be able to buy original dresses that you won't find anywhere else on the Ibiza.
We were particularly taken by the sublimely stylish men's swim shorts and shirts, created by sustainable London fashion house, Love Brand & Co. This partnership of the clothing brand, the hotel and the Ibiza Preservation Foundation gives a good portion of the apparel sales to protect Ibiza's Posidonia seagrass. These ancient underwater meadows give Ibiza its crystal-clear seas and the trio is to be applauded for this commitment to protecting this glorious White Isle.
Back by the pool, we relished the last moments of our experience. The music tempo picked up, preparing us for the sunset vibes and nights on this magical island. It had been a day extraordinarily well spent.
At the end, all we were left wanting was to stay and experience more of this fabulous place, by which all five-star hotels should now be judged.
Pricing
Bali Bed package
€300 for outside guests: includes a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose or a bottle of Rosé wine, one-litre bottle of Fiji water, fruit platter and aftersun cream. Available at the adults' and family pools. To book, send an email to beachdeck@nobuhotels.com
Massage and lunch package
€150 for outside guests: includes 60-minute massage and a three-course lunch at the Chambao chiringuito beach side restaurant. To book, contact the spa reception on +34 971 877 718 or send an email to spa-ibiza@nobuhotels.com
Note that prior reservations are essential
WORDS | Julian Heathcote and Elle LoFaro
