W Ibiza review: ‘Perfect for those looking for a quiet escape’

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Provided

Nestled in an enclave on the eastern side of the island of Ibiza you’ll find the quiet sanctuary of Santa Eulalia del Río. It’s also here that you’ll find the W Ibiza.

Compared to Ibiza town, which is about a 20-30 minute car ride, things in Santa Eulalia take a more relaxed approach. There’s little in the way of crazy nightlife but the island’s third largest town makes up for it with plenty of fine-looking eateries and a sense of tranquility. Both the town and hotel are perfect for those looking for a quiet escape. 

W Lounge

As you enter the cool foyer of the W Ibiza, you’re met with a wide-open plan layout that stretches into a tiered social space and bar, as well as the in-house restaurant, La Llama, at the end. The hotel is kitted throughout with modern kaleidoscopic and technicolour designs and fabrics in a cool and modern style. 

After checking in I’m shown up to my room, a ‘Cool Corner’ suite which comes with a light and spacious bedroom and living room area plus its own veranda complete with outside sun loungers and sofa. It’s worth mentioning, that it’s extremely public and I found myself being stared at on several occasions over the weekend as I relaxed outside or even as I was hanging up towels or wet swimwear. 

Cosy Corner Room

Let’s not forget the panoramic views of the promenade, the sandy beach just moments away, and the Balearic beyond with its blue waters calling for me to take a dip and wash away all my cares.

Inside the L-shaped sofa and rocking armchairs provide a nice social space, which is great (even if it’s just me for the next couple of nights) and given the sense that I’m in more of a serviced apartment than a hotel room. I could easily see a longer stay being just as comfortable. 

W Ibiza

On my bed is a map of the island with several recommended attractions dotted around the island. As I’m only here briefly I decide to keep my explorations to the local area, but it’s good to know should I return to Ibiza in the future. 

The bathroom is stocked with fresh-scented Grown Alchemist toiletries and a powerful rainfall shower – a delight.

Once I’m unpacked I decide to test out the pool (the sea will have to wait for now) which is modest in size and delightfully cool. The pool is surrounded on three sides by the hotel with a wall providing some discreetness from passers-by on the promenade. 

Wet Deck

Each sun lounger comes with a scannable QR code allowing guests to call up the hotel’s menus and order food and drinks from the poolside bar. Personally I couldn’t see how I was supposed to add things to an order on my phone (not sure if it was just me) but the staff are more than friendly and happy to take orders either at your lounger or at the bar.

The menus come with a decent selection, although a standard burger will set you back 26 euros (around 21 pounds!) I would, however, recommend the Pulled Beef Bao sliders. They were simply delectable, an opinion my sun lounger neighbours agreed with after asking for my recommendation.

Following a dip, I take a look at some of the other facilities the hotel has to offer. Downstairs there is a small but well-equipped gym and spa. Sadly, the rooftop Glow bar is out of action but I’m told is due to open sometime in June. 

Fit

Set just off the palm-tree-lined promenade, the W is a short walk from the rest of the town. It serves as the perfect pre-dinner amble.

For dinner, I head to the Chiringuito Blue, a mere stone’s throw away but tied to the hotel. Its stunning views of the Balearic and the gentle lapping of the waves against the beach providing a soothing soundtrack make for a very romantic setting. Even as a solo traveller on this occasion, I can appreciate that. 

The restaurant I’m told is “the best Mediterranean restaurant on the beachfront” and comes “100 percent recommended”.

Chiringuito Blue

The menu favours fish-lovers, so you may be in luck. For those who are either only slightly partial to fish or not a fan of pescado at all, the options are more limited. 

However, the Blue Burger (their version of the restaurant staple) goes down a treat. Amazing fries too! A selection of wines and beers are also available but it’s the cocktails that are most tempting.

The Voodoo People (rums and fresh sweet fruit juices and syrups) also goes down a storm. The restaurant is definitely convenient after a day travelling and sunbathing by the pool.

The restaurant came highly recommended and I have to say it does live up to it with great food, good drink, and lovely people. Sadly, La Llama was closed when I tried to use it on my second night but the options look good.

Taking myself up to bed I clamber into the more than comfortable king-size bed set against a paint-splattered and textural headboard and am out like a light. 

La Llama Breakfast

Alert bright and early I head down for breakfast at La Llama where there is a wide variety of things on offer including the hotel’s take on a full English (no black pudding to be seen), pancakes, pastries, fruit, and cereals. 

Spending much of the next day by the pool I decide to seek some shelter and try out the hotel gym at the same time. It comes equipped with most things you’d need to do a proper workout while maintaining a minimal setup. Everything is tidy, clean, and looks good as new. 

With La Llama being closed I enquire at the front desk for recommendations and am directed towards Calle de San Vincente aka ‘restaurant street’ – a 5-minute walk from the hotel where you’ll find all manner of restaurants including some authentic Spanish tapas joints. 

The only fault I can find is the vaguely generic beats played by the pool at quite a volume that disrupts the rest of the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere.

With its chilled-out vibe and convenient location to the equally chilled Santa Eulalia, the five-star W Ibiza is ideally suited for those looking for a quiet getaway from the humdrum of everyday life. As I pack up to check out I find myself wishing my trip was just a little bit longer so I think I enjoyed it.

I would definitely return. 

Book direct here.