As the Mediterranean sun shines its last summer rays, we can think of few better places for a final tan top-up than the white-washed island of Ibiza. Sol Beach House has you covered for a trendy weekend escape right by the sea.
Ibiza is an island of split personalities. While many know it first and foremost for its notorious and high profile club scene, there is another much more relaxed side of the isle to be discovered. It is Ibiza’s stunning Balearic countryside, yoga retreats, and tranquil turquoise sea that are attracting ever greater numbers of glamorous sun-seekers alongside the usual party people.
The small town of Santa Eulalia, located on the south eastern seaboard of Ibiza, has become a popular choice amongst tourists seeking the best of both worlds. It’s far enough away from Ibiza Town and St Antoni to retain a sense of peace and quiet, but close enough for guests not to feel they are missing out. Furthermore those nursing their hangovers in Santa Eulalia can do so on Bali beds overlooking the gently lapping Med – a far cry from the poor saps staying in St Antoni, who no doubt spend their days being pestered to go on naff boat trips by boorish holiday tour reps.
We loved Sol Beach House Ibiza. Opened in 2015 the fresh-out-the-box, adults-only hotel is situated on a very private stretch of Santa Eulalia coast, and boasts unparalleled views out to sea. The vibe is chilled out and laid back – somewhere between the party hotels of Ibiza Town and the quieter properties to the north of the island. The health and wellbeing conscious hotel boasts two swimming pools, plentiful sun-loungers and Bali beds, numerous restaurants, exercise classes, a well-equipped gym, and several bars.
Sleep
Ibiza is known for its light, bright, and very white interior décor, and Sol Beach House continues this theme. Rooms are modern and airy, enlivened with bold turquoise and pink prints from Spanish design house Desigual. The overall effect is somewhere between a luxury beach hut and vintage VW campervan. We stayed in one of the hotel’s suites which featured a free standing bath tub, walk in wardrobe, and large balcony complete with deck chairs and an exercise bike.
Each room comes with complimentary flip flops and beach bags, while bathrooms are helpfully stocked with both sun protection and after-sun lotion for those coming unprepared.
Relax
Sol Beach House has two large swimming pools. The main pool is surrounded by sun-loungers and can get a little busy at peak times, we highly recommend the VIP poolside experience (complimentary with suites, otherwise at reasonable charge) which grants access to a raised level of private sunbeds. The second pool is on a raised deck and has gorgeous views over the water and a tree covered hillside.
There are also numerous outdoor chill out spaces. A long row of hammocks overlooks the main pool, while floor cushions, rocking chairs, and deck chairs nestle in groups amongst the hotel’s luscious lawns. Rocky steps lead down to the sea, where guests can paddle in the shallow, cooling water.
Elsewhere the hotel has a marquee that offers yoga and exercise classes as well as outdoor massages. The gym is well-equipped with weight machines, free weights, cross trainer, and running machine, and has a glass wall that again makes the most of the hotel’s sea views.
Eat
The hotel provides a vast breakfast buffet to all guests, served in indoor restaurant The Kitchen and out on a pretty open air terrace. The choice is almost overwhelming, with everything from the fattiest of English fry ups to angelically light health food. We particularly enjoyed the blissfully ripe papaya, handsome cheese board, and numerous egg dishes.
In the evening The Kitchen also serves a buffet dinner, but we prefer Sol Shack Chiringuito, an informal outdoor restaurant with a modern, Mediterranean inspired menu. The all-day restaurant offers light dishes such as chargrilled octopus with vegetables, salmon and avocado tartare, grilled padron peppers, and a superb beef taco. A selection of salads, burgers, and grilled meats are also available.
Several bars scattered throughout the hotel keep guests watered with a wide choice of reasonably priced cocktails, our favourite being the deliciously fresh Pina Colada. Freshly squeezed juices are available from Ginger, the hotel’s healthy juice bar.
We also recommend a visit to the nearby ME hotel’s Radio Restaurant for dinner. Both properties are part of the Melia group of hotels, and ME is just a short taxi ride from Sol Beach House. The restaurant offers contemporary Spanish cuisine from a rooftop terrace overlooking Ibiza’s southern coastline.
Rooms start from £158 per night. Most international airports fly direct to Ibiza, and from there a taxi ride to Sol Beach House is around 30 minutes.
