I’ll be real with you: I’ve been to Ibiza three times and I’ve never stepped foot in a club. I’ve never danced the night away to the immersive funk of Pacha’s Flower Power Saturdays, or worshipped at the electronic altars of techno temples DC10 and Amnesia. Despite having the world’s best DJs performing just minutes away, I’m yet to give into the clubbing temptation (and don’t get me wrong, I love a night out).
So what am I doing on the party island if I have no intention of partying? I go to Ibiza to relax. You’ll usually find me on the quieter north coast, diving into the sea first thing for a better wake-up than coffee, ordering sangria from a beachside chiringuito in my bikini, swimming to secluded coves or catching a boat taxi to a sandy shoreline to watch the sun melt into the sea. Ibiza is perfect for a time-out – you just have to know where to go. And I’m not alone: more and more people are trading all-night raves for morning yoga, vodka mixers for green juices and a go-hard attitude for a go-with-the-flow mindset. These days, hotel brochures boast hiking routes, class timetables and breakfast buffets with entire sections devoted to seed toppings. Who knew there were so many?
Now, I’m not suggesting you go full wellness and head to Ibiza for a strict detox (though if that’s your thing, there are plenty of retreats ready to welcome you). But there’s a far more enjoyable way to holiday in the Balearics – one without set wake-up times or, worse, enforced group activities. The real beauty of an Ibizan wellness break lies in its lack of rigidity; it’s about tuning into the island’s bohemian, deeply calming energy. For locals (and visitors steering clear of the San Antonio strip) it’s about embracing a slower pace, sampling fresh local produce and reconnecting with the natural beauty that defines the island.
Sound inviting? Here’s a tried-and-tested guide of where to stay, dine and explore on Ibiza’s north coast – a weekend of great food, beautiful surroundings and the freedom to do whatever you want...
Day 1
Check Into... Cala San Miguel Resort, a genuinely beautiful hotel right on the idyllic Platja des Port de Sant Miquel beach, on the island’s northeast coast in Sant Joan de Labritja. It’s recently had a refresh, so expect the fresh white walls and stone tiles you’d hope for in the Balearics, with a touch of modern design – all waterfall showers, crisp white linens and plush pool beds ready for you to sink into. Catch an early flight, arrive mid-morning (it’s just a half an hour drive from the airport) and run straight into the sea to instantly get you in holiday mode. Then spend the next few hours soaking up the sunshine, either on the beach or in one of the hotel’s three pools, before heading up to your room for a shower and to change – it’s time to see the island.
For Lunch... Jump in a taxi (or your car, if you’ve hired one) and head just along the coast to S’Illot des Renclí, a tiny pebbled beach that feels like a well-kept secret. You’ll find plenty of locals sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters – and just a few metres for the shore, under the welcome shade of trees, you’ll see a tiny restaurant. Grab a seat and order yourself a paella for the perfect welcome-to-Spain meal.
Spend The Afternoon... With the locals on the beach – you’ll be too full to move for a while – lying a towel or two on the warm rocks and enjoying the the sun on your (hopefully SPF-covered skin). Read a book, go for a paddle, or simply close your eyes and listen to the sound of the sea lapping against the rocks. It’s practically meditation.
Have Your First Sangria Of The Trip At... Los Enamorados, a tiny boutique hotel (with just nine rooms, and, more importantly, an amazing restaurant) just a six-minute drive from S’Illot des Renclí beach in Portinax. You might be too full to consider a big dinner, but it’s a great spot to sit by the water with a drink or two – and the menu is full of freshly caught seafood, should you be in need of a snack as the sky begins to turn pink.
Chase The Sunset By... Jumping in a water taxi, which you can catch from the shore by Los Enamorados. As you speed through the waters and watch the sun begin to drop down towards the sea, ask to be dropped off down the coast at Cala Benirrás beach – the ultimate sundowner spot. You can order drinks from the bars lining the shore, but the real highlight is the group of local hippie drummers who gather there each evening – a circle of people dancing freely on the sand. Enjoy your first sunset (Ibiza’s are truly like no other) soundtracked by the soft rhythm of drums in the background. And, bonus, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive or water taxi away, for when bed begins to call your name.
Day 2
Wake Up... Whenever you want – it’s your holiday, remember. The hotel’s breakfast buffet is also on until 11am, so there’s plenty of time to load up on fresh fruit and made-to-order eggs before a leisurely meander over to the beach.
Stretch Out At... An outdoor yoga session (the hotel has a full wellness schedule, from yoga and stretch classes to sunset paddleboarding). Head straight there in your swimwear, if you like (it’s all very relaxed), for a gentle yet effective class that will work out any knots from your flight while also warming your body up for even more exploring.
Get Back To Nature With... A hike along the nearby coast, past the coves of Caló des Moltons beach up to the Torre d’es Molar tower. It’s a yellow hiking trail, so fairly straightforward, but be sure to watch your step on the rocky terrain – the hotel can arrange a guide to show you the way. It’ll take you about 90 minutes to do a round trip, including plenty of time to explore the historic tower (climb up its winding stairs for uninterrupted views of the harbour and coastline). You’ll return feeling so smug at your brief spurt of activity, that you’ll be ready for a treat-yourself lunch...
Refuel At... The hotel’s Beach House restaurant, a dreamy spot right on the beach which comes with its own dipping pool and luxury sun loungers. It’s an ideal spot to recline after a lunch of tapas starters, generous servings of paella and an unreal pineapple dessert with an unexpected twist (try to guess the secret ingredient!). While away the afternoon there with an ice-cold cava sangria in one hand and a great holiday read in the other.
Keep The (Relaxed) Party Going With... Wine tasting at local winery Ibizkus, just a 20-minute drive away. Take a brief respite from the beating sun in its (deliciously cool) tasting room, where you’ll learn from the charming staff about the island’s boutique winemaking industry, and sample its white, red and rosé wines, paired with fresh local produce. A great opportunity to do something a little different – and pick up a few bottles as gifts to take home.
Soak Up All The Wine Over... A late dinner under the stars at Port de Balansat, a family- run seafood restaurant just steps from the hotel, overlooking the sea. As to be expected, it serves up the freshest fish, along with excellent tapas (the croquetas and jamón ibérico are next-level). Book an outdoor table and enjoy the warmest welcome from the staff, who will talk you through the menu and recommend excellent wines to accompany your meal (if another glass is calling your name!). A great spot to while away hours over multiple courses, while watching the twinkling lights of the boats docked in the harbour and late-night divers exploring the ocean floor.
Day 3
Start The Day With... A morning swim – the sea is fairly warm, even first thing, so dive right into the clear waters at the local beach for the best wake-up call around. Once you’re done, head back to your room and treat yourself to room service for breakfast – the menu is excellent and so generous (even the smallest continental option comes packed with freshly baked pastries and the freshest fruit platter), so you can take your time enjoying every bite in your own space. A lovely, gentle way to begin your final day.
Get Your Next Beach Fix At... The soft sands of Platja des Figueral, a little further east in Es Figueral. It’s perfect if you want a lively, yet unfussy spot full of locals – a taste of the real Ibiza. There’s no extravagant beach clubs here, just a long, sandy stretch with plenty of swimming spots and plastic sun loungers you can rent if laying a towel down isn’t quite for. And the main reason to go there is to...
Stop For Lunch At... Nudo, a lunch-only small plate and natural wine spot created by three ex-Noma chefs, right on the sands at Platja des Figueral (a spot recommended by Service95 founder Dua). Snack on fish tacos crudo and chilled red for the perfect last supper on the island, before you head back to the hotel to pick up your bags (sob).
Get One Last Look From... Rooftop bar Atrio back at Cala San Miguel, which serves up everything from cocktails to coffees and a few snacks, while offering expansive views across the bay and beyond – it’s the perfect way to round off a trip to the White Isle.
