BLESS Hotel Ibiza – Indulging In Luxury Hedonism On The White Island

The white island is no stranger to decadence. Yet now sophisticated pleasure-seekers visiting Ibiza have a new kind of luxury hedonism, thanks to the unique hospitality style of the recently opened BLESS Hotel Ibiza, writes Andrew Forbes.

BLESS Hotel Ibiza brings together curated elements for a hedonistic white island experience. Think spectacular infinite pools;  a breath-taking beach-club style roof-top bar; destination gourmet dining; cool DJ sets, theatrical performers and live entertainment; a full-service spa; and indulgent guest rooms and suites that invite stylish selfies and envy-inducing Instagrams.

I was ‘wowed’ by BLESS Ibiza…

I’m just back from an early autumn break in Ibiza and I’ve been wowed by BLESS Ibiza. As Northern Europe braces for cold fronts, the sun continues to shine in the Mediterranean – it was the most spectacular few days of sun, great food, stylish accommodation and superb hospitality.

BLESS Hotel Ibiza

The second property of BLESS Collection Hotels, BLESS Hotel Ibiza brings a hip Mediterranean sparkle to this new upscale lifestyle brand, following the opening earlier this year of the flagship BLESS Hotel Madrid Hotel (you can read about my delicious experience at BLESS Hotel Madrid here).

The property opened for the 2019 season and has been totally remodelled when it was acquired by BLESS Collection Hotels. The style is contemporary, with plenty of bold, original and architectural features and elegant details. The design makes the most of the hotel’s size, with striking double-height spaces which add a real scale to the black and white interiors, with accents of pale pink, turquoise and yellow.

Poolside Glamour

Outside the terraces, water gardens and swimming pools really have the wow factor – with infinite pools that drawing the  eye to the Mediterranean and the horizon. There is also a stylish area furnished with large daybeds, where you can walk on fine sand and relax in the shade of palms. A path leads to the public sandy cove.

The Ibiza hotel is a resort style property, found on the relaxed beach of Cala Nova. The place felt to me to be designed as the ultimate hotel for Ibiza pleasure-seekers who also want style, refinement and just the right balance between that holiday good-time feeling and pampering tranquillity. It wasn’t formal yet it wasn’t loud party style either – the sophisticated balance was ideal.

White Island Luxury

The Balearics, the jewels of the Mediterranean, are a pine-covered archipelago east of Spain’s Valencian coast. Each island has its distinct identity and style; from the sleepy rural charm of Menorca; the mature refinement of Mallorca; and the laid-back, barefoot luxury of Ibiza & Formentera.

laid-back, barefoot luxury…

Ibiza, a hippy hangout since the ‘60s, has evolved into a sophisticated destination that combines a world-class music scene, with a bohemian beach culture as well as rural tranquillity.

The island’s club scene is renowned, yet Ibiza also has a chilled, laid back feel too. Most of the island is covered in pine forest, with a coast of small coves and bays.

BLESS Hotel Ibiza celebrates this unique island vibe with Palladium Hotel’s award-winning hospitality. The team was impressive – knowledgeable, attentive, friendly and also they were truly passionate about the BLESS Hotel. Chatting with team members in reception, at the bar and in the restaurants, the young professionals would convey their enthusiasm for the property, its new concepts and plans for the 2020 season.

Check-In & Guest Experience

Check-in was faultless. We were given valet-parking, a welcome glass of champagne; then accompanied to the room nd shown the feature and amenites. Later, as we settled in, we received a follow-up phone call to room to check that everything was perfect.

The Guest Experience Team are found in the lobby; a motivated group dedicated to making sure guests make the most of the facilities. Our signature dining was arranged by the team; as well as access to the spa; and invitations to events on the property such as the Opera in the Spa event. The team can also arrange the signature BLESS services such as having a personalised bathology experience.

Suite Dreams

We stayed in a Deluxe Seaview – the terrace was really spacious and certainly had the promised sea views! The room was well-designed with a walk-in dressing room, a superb bar and refreshment area; and a smart galley style bathroom that had all the expected luxury amenities, including luxury shaving kit, hairdryer, straighteners and upscale grooming products. Thought has certainly been put into the space.

The suites are spectacular, so if you really want to push the boat out and be truly hedonistic then there are some tempting sea view suites.

Dining

Dining was a real highlight of the stay. Superb gastronomy and professional mixologist at the bar is one of the pillars of the BLESS guest experience. Good food starts from the moment you start your day.

Breakfast

Breakfast is a genuine 5-star experience. Even with high occupancy during our stay out a la carte dishes were prepared and served in a very timely manner – and the quality was there. I really enjoyed the Eggs Benedict.  Hot plates to order include Full English Breakfast; Spanish classics like churros with hot chocolate, or tomato toast; to international favourites like avocado toast with poached egg; and vegan and vegetarian fruit and vegetable bowls.

Ruinart French Champagne added sparkle to the morning…

The buffet is very generous with superb cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh fruit. Everything was beautifully presented. Ruinart French Champagne added a lovely touch, as did the sweet treats including macaroons.

The unique BLESS style is evident everywhere – including with the live performers greeting guests.

We also opted for the luxury of in-room dining and had breakfast in bed enjoying the seaviews – recommended!

EPIC Infinite Lounge – beach club in the sky

There is a comprehensive room service menu; a pool bar; and also the impressive EPIC Infinite Lounge. This is the rooftop bar, dining, pool and sun bed area – it’s a beach club in the sky, with spectacular views. The place is so well designed and truly makes the most of the hotel’s location.

There are also two signature destination restaurants.

SALAO

This ‘Atlantic Restaurant’ brings the kitchen of Mediterranean and Atlantic Andalucia to Ibiza, with a thoroughly modern, creative approach.

This is a stylish, light-filled, contemporary restaurant that uses Josper ovens to really enhance the flavour of fish and seafood. It’s one of the restaurants that visitors from across Ibiza come to BLESS to dine, as well as welcoming guests.

Kick the night off with sharing plates of tasty fried seafood, or octopus from the grill. Starters also include salads like the classic Malagueño cod and orange salad; red prawn tartar; or gazpacho. Main dishes are stand out, including world-class tuna caught off the coast of Andalucia and superbly prepared meats.

Etxeko Ibiza

The memorable highlight was our spectacular dinner at Etxeko Ibiza. BLESS Hotel Ibiza has quite the coup – this signature destination restaurant by 10 Michelin star chef Martín Berasategui! Chef Paco Budia has recreated Berasategui’s greatest hits in this extraordinary tasting menu that takes you through Berasategui’s stellar career.

Highlights included:

‘Ensalada Lasarte’ – a remarkable salad that dates back to the beginning of his Michelin star career in 2001.

‘Merluza a la brasa’ – perfectly prepared hake.

An unforgettable deconstructed carbonara.

The palate-cleansing ‘Esencia fría de albahaca con sorbete de lima’- basil and lime sorbet.

The fab chocolate pudding ‘Un dulce paisaje otoñal’

The restaurant is superb stylish; with dark wood, subtle lighting a highlight in brushed gold, creating a sensual space. Amongst the tables, in the heart of the restaurant is a Mediterranean fig tree!

Service was top-notch, with a good balance between attentiveness and privacy – and friendly too.

Spa and Wellness

In addition to the Rossano Ferretti salon, there’s a fabulous spa. It is  unusual is that its s flooded with natural light, from double height floor to ceiling windows. It’s a really attractive space and as well as having treatment rooms and a circuit, there is an also a peaceful private sunbathing and relaxing area.

Information

BLESS Hotel Ibiza is about 30 minutes drive from the airport and sits right on the shore, with access to a small sandy cove, nearby beach restaurants and also a small community of shops restaurants and other services such as car rental etc.

We have included BLESS Hotel Ibiza in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Ibiza