Explore The Quieter Side Of The Balearics: Where To Stay In Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca & Menorca
Growing up, I spent every summer in Ibiza. My family bought an old finca in the hills of the north of the island, surrounded by towering trees and the constant clicking of cicadas. My mum began visiting Ibiza in her twenties, first falling, like many others, for the hedonism of the southern party district – dancing into the early hours at the likes of Pacha and what then was Space throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. After the millennium, she started visiting Ibiza Yoga, where she developed a passion for the vibrant wellness scene the island has to offer. She remained a club lover, but the peaceful north was where the true beauty of the island lay for her, eventually leading her to open her own retreat.
My version of Ibiza mirrors both of these experiences. As a kid, I spent my days discovering untouched coves with clear blue water and nights sharing the most incredible fresh food with my family. Later, in my teenage years, I’d take the ‘party bus’ – AKA my friends and I piling into the back of my dad’s dusty Jeep – down the highway to the Playa D’en Bossa strip. Dad always set a 1am curfew (which we never adhered to) and gave us one task: have as much fun as possible. And we did.
Over the years, I fell even more in love with the island. We couldn’t afford the big clubs, so we bar-hopped and snuck into smaller parties (a moment of silence for Sankeys, still one of the loudest clubs I’ve ever been to; I don’t think my teenage ears ever recovered). There, we would dance until we had nothing left in the tank, then grab a taxi and, with our limited Spanish, somehow find our way to the dirt track that led home.
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I’ve since been lucky enough to explore more of the Balearics, from the crystal waters of Formentera to the historical architecture of Mallorca’s Palma. Each island has a unique energy, and so much more to explore beyond the renowned party scene. Here are the hotels I recommend visiting to get a taste of the nature, history, culture – and simply breathtaking beauty – of these islands…
The 12 Best Balearic Hotels To Visit For Nature, Relaxation & Culture
Where To Stay In Mallorca
- Hotel Corazón – One of the most talked-about hotels in the Balearics this year. A beautifully decorated retreat ‘run by artists, for artists’ – check in to feel like you’ve stepped into a (very tasteful) 1970s movie. There are no TVs; instead, expect unique experiences that help guests to immerse themselves in Mallorca’s natural beauty, from sound baths, guided hikes and jam sessions to art shows.
- Valldemossa – Known as IT Mallorca hotel group’s ‘natural sanctuary’, Valldemossa lives up to its title thanks to its secluded setting near the cobbled village of the same name, serene interiors and highly skilled wellness team, whose rituals and treatments focus on healing and a mind-body approach. It’s also home to the must-visit De Tokio A Lima – a Japanese-Peruvian-fusion restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
- Monnàber Vell – For those seeking a total switch-off, where the only sounds are the wind rustling through the trees and the gentle lapping of water in the pool, Monnaber Vell is the one. It’s a charming, idyllic retreat in a refurbished finca in the northern corner of the island.
Where To Stay In Menorca
- Torre Vella – Designed as a serene bohemian retreat, Torre Vella is set in a classic Menorcan finca with a 14th-century tower. Situated in a secluded valley surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, the views are breathtaking, overlooking rolling hills and the distant ocean. Undoubtedly a bucket-list experience.
- Morvedra Nou – With its tasteful interiors and intimate vibe, adults-only Morvedra Nou is the ideal choice for couples. Check in for a private massage (in your room or in nature) and book the Sunset Bar experience, where you can toast the sun going down over the bay of Ciutadella.
- Ses Talaeis – A charming, fuss-free agrotourism hotel set in the heart of the Menorcan countryside. As Menorca is the second smallest of the Balearic islands, it’s easy to explore its scenic landscapes and hidden spots by moped or bicycle. This hotel provides the perfect base for leisurely discovering all that the island has to offer.
Where To Stay In Formentera
- Teranka – This charming hotel features an evolving art collection curated by Katrina Phillips, the visionary behind London’s 99 Portobello Store and Gallery. Just a stone’s throw from the island’s idyllic, crystal-clear waters, here you’ll find a blend of natural beauty with a rich cultural atmosphere.
- Es Pas – Set in a 200-year-old Formentera farmhouse, Es Pas preserves the original character of the historic building with minimalist design, which allows its architectural elegance to complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. As a family-run establishment, the owners are readily available to offer recommendations and tips – especially if you enjoy long walks and bike rides.
- Casa Formentera – Just a few steps from the beach, Casa Formentera invites guests to embrace a barefoot lifestyle throughout your stay, making shoes seem like a distant afterthought. The soothing design is inspired by the island’s natural colour palette and features traditional craftsmanship throughout.
Where To Stay In Ibiza
- Pikes – The location of Wham!’s iconic Club Tropicana music video, Pikes is a party destination steeped in hedonistic Ibiza history. Think swim-up bar and house party vibes, thanks to twinkling lights in trees and, naturally, disco balls in abundance. Located on the island’s west coast, you’ll be spoiled for choice for beaches and, if you head north, some great trails.
- Petunia – Much like Mallorca’s Hotel Corazón, Petunia’s architecture and interiors capture the bohemian spirit of the 1970s. Every corner of the hotel reflects a vintage charm that transports you back to an era of effortless cool. There are also exceptional views of the magical, magnetic island of Es Vedrà, just off the coast.
- Cas Gasi – Described as a ‘hotel for people who don’t like hotels’, Cas Gasi is a family-run destination that has been making guests feel at home for 25 years. Originally a cherished family home, it now serves as a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Ibiza’s countryside. Yet, as with any location on this island, you are still just a short drive away from the sand and the sea.
Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95
