Apparently, according to close friends, I’ve been to Ibiza before - back in the 90s for a whole week. I have no recollection of this, but you know the old saying: if you remember it, were you really there?
With such a wealth of cultures, languages, food and history on our doorstep, I decided to make 2024 all about expanding my short-haul knowledge. So, when the chance came up to reacquaint myself with some of Ibiza’s best hotels alongside a select group of agents, I jumped at it.
I’ve worked closely with Palladium Hotel Group for years and am a proud ambassador of their consistently excellent product. They’ve got five hotels on the stunning 'White Island', offering everything from wholesome family fun to hedonistic, hippy happenings - and everything in between!
At 53, I figured I could handle three days of intense site inspections, as long as there was a generous dose of R&R and none of those early morning walks of shame. Calvin H did offer me his private jet, but I kept it real with a two and a half hour Ryanair flight from Stansted.
Upon arrival, we were whisked off to the sands of Playa d’en Bossa, just 10 minutes from the airport, where four of Palladium’s five hotels are located.
Wasting no time - not even for a coffee - we dove straight into site inspections, eager to maximise our one-on-one time with key hotel staff and strengthen those vital relationships that help us secure the best rates and rooms for our clients.
Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa
The Grand Palladiums - White Island and Palace - are sister hotels, sharing facilities. During peak season, like the summer holidays, White Island guests have limited access to the Palace’s restaurants.
Highlights
Family-focused accommodation, entertainment and splash park
7 bars and restaurants shared between the two hotels
Luxurious spa and wellness centre
Spacious pool areas
Low-rise buildings for a relaxed, open feel
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza
The Hard Rock Ibiza is just 10 minutes further down the beach. While it doesn’t exclude kids, it definitely has a more grown-up vibe, with rock ‘n’ roll-inspired décor, an in-house nightclub and live DJ performances.
Their Guest Relations Manager, Javier, is one of those effortlessly stylish, magnetic people who is incredibly passionate about ensuring his guests have the best experience. You could feel his pride radiating as he led us through the hotel, sharing captivating stories as we explored the room types and the fantastic stage area. We were absolutely hooked on every word!
Highlights
Grown-up vibe with rock ‘n’ roll flair
Chic rooftop bar with stunning views
Massive open-air stage featuring world-famous DJs
Seasonal host of Children of the 80s—a must-experience!
Fabulous room upgrades, including swim-up suites and Rock Suites
The Rock Spa - possibly one of the best spa experiences known to man
And hands down, one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever received on an educational trip!
Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel
Directly across from the Hard Rock is the one and only Ushuaia Beach Hotel, home to the world-famous club and a hotbed of the spiciest celebrity gossip I’ve ever tried (and failed) to squeeze out of someone! Even the minibar menu here will make you blush, with its selection of sex toys, massage oils and oversized bottles of premium spirits.
You’re instantly hit with a wave of striking red décor that practically dares you to strip down and dive into the pool party happening at any given moment. It’s definitely not the place for those who prefer peace and quiet by the pool… but then, where in Ibiza is!?
If hotel site inspections were an art form, Ushuaia would be the masterpiece. Our hostess, Guest Experience Manager, Kimia, was nothing short of fabulous - generous with her time, endlessly informative and an absolute delight.
By the end of our personal tour (which included a sneak peek at the stage being prepped for the weekend’s opening party), I was itching to stay. I could hardly wait for my client group, who had booked in for a special birthday bash just a few weeks later – I knew they were in for something truly unforgettable!
Highlights
Adults only – and I mean adults!
Fabulous rooms, including swim-ups
Private VIP pool areas (with a minimum spend)
Complimentary access to the Ushuaia Club arena – world-famous DJs in residence
Xspa – pure bliss
Celeb-magnet
3 pools
5 à la carte restaurants and 2 bars
Staff who look like they’ve stepped straight out of Vogue!
TRS Ibiza Hotel
With our heads still buzzing from the beats, fresh intel and four in-depth hotel tours, we were more than ready to head to our own hotel - the adults-only TRS Ibiza, reached via a calming and beautiful walk along the beach.
Perched above Cala Gració, it’s just a 10-minute walk from San Antonio Bay and around 25 minutes by cab from Playa d’en Bossa. San Antonio might have a reputation for its non-stop, decadent partying, but in reality, that’s confined to a small area and doesn’t detract at all from this dazzling location.
The hotel itself is absolutely top-notch - super stylish and spacious, with staff who went above and beyond at every turn. We were shown a variety of impressive room types and facilities, and the food was an absolute highlight. From a vast breakfast spread, including several freshly cooked dishes, to the tastiest dinner at El Gaucho, it was delicious all the way.
I also had the pleasure of meeting the brilliant Butler Supervisor, Barbara, for an interview. I was keen to get the lowdown on what her team offers, and to tackle that classic British awkwardness when it comes to actually using a butler!
Alongside our lovely Palladium rep, Jo and my colleague Sheena, Barbara arranged a wonderfully chilled Bali Bed chat with Sarah from the Pool Butler team. We had a great chat about her role and how they keep everything running smoothly by the pool.
Highlights
Exclusively for adults
All-inclusive with a dine-around option
Swim-up and jacuzzi room options
Main pool with sunbeds and cabanas, plus a DJ from midday until 7pm
Two serene pools for a quieter vibe—no DJ!
Just a 5-minute stroll to the sandy beach
Endless sunset views
Signature Level upgrades available
Gravity Sky Lounge with a rooftop pool and stunning panoramic views
TRS’s Signature Level room upgrades deserve a special shout-out - offering amazing value and packed with perks, including:
Access to exclusive pool areas like the stunning Gravity Sky Lounge
Complimentary entry to the Zentropia Spa water circuit
Free tickets to events at Ushuaia, Hard Rock Ibiza, and Hi Ibiza Club
TRS Dine Out - complimentary dining at some of Ibiza’s top restaurants
TRS Dine Out Package
On our second and final night, we took full advantage of the TRS Dine Out package and snagged a table at Kaixo Ibiza, a buzzing tapas spot in the Old Town, where the fare was fantastic – those croquettes!
Our cab dropped us near the marina for pre-dinner drinks, and I instantly fell for the place - quirky bars, warm smiles all around, and that unmistakably welcoming Ibiza vibe.
I was in good company whilst on the island. David Guetta was in residence at Hi Ibiza, Calvin Harris at Ushuaia, and Boy George at Pacha.
I’d love to boast of wild nights on the tiles, endless raving, lack of sleep and dubious hook ups... but truth be told, these days I’m more in love with my bed than a dancefloor. There was nothing more appealing than sinking into that super king-sized bed in blissful silence. At least this time, I’ll actually remember the trip!
Huge thanks to all the wonderful staff we encountered at each hotel, and a special shout-out to the incredible Jo from Palladium - an exceptional ambassador for the group and the island, working tirelessly with her team to ensure my clients are always well taken care of.
If Ibiza is calling your name, I’d love to help create your perfect experience.