Find your balance: Discovering “the other side” of Ibiza

If you trace along Ibiza’s Santa Eulalia River, the only river to cut through the iron-rich earth of the Balearic islands, it eventually spills out into the Mediterranean sea. This unique watery intersection is where you find Riomar, which quite literally translates from Spanish as 'river-sea'. Where the river meets the sea. A meeting point of the two natural forces, a balancing act.

Hotel Riomar Ibiza, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel which has been perched on the coastline of Santa Eulalia on the east coast since the 1960s, has witnessed the vibrant evolution that Ibiza has undergone in recent decades. Once a sleepy fishing village, the free-spirited ambiance of Ibiza attracted an influx of hippie communities throughout the ‘70s, then became a hotspot for ‘80s jet-setters (Freddie Mercury's lavish and star-studded birthday celebration on the island remain something of legend). More recent decades have seen a surge in the popularity of its clubs and nightlight – making Ibiza synonymous with hedonistic parting.

Now, Ibiza’s reputation remains somewhat fixed as one of a clubbing paradise – but the island’s original essence as a wellspring of tranquillity is experiencing a renaissance. “Abroad, it’s often perceived just as a party spot but it’s much more than that,” says Fabio Leoni, general manager of Hotel Riomar Ibiza. “Of course, there’s the city centre where you find the clubs and bars, but the other 80 per cent of the island is about relaxing and enjoying nature, the views, and good food,” he says.

Less than half an hour from the airport and centre of town, Hotel Riomar Ibiza is well established as the ideal base for those seeking out the quieter side of Ibiza: where the tastes, sights and natural beauty of the area can come to the fore. A place to relax, recalibrate and recentre, surrounded by the balance of river and sea.

“‘Find your balance’ is our motto, and it can be experienced in many ways,” Leoni says. “Not only through the good food and drinks that we deliver, but also through our unique wellness program.” Yoga classes are held in the scenic outdoors ‘Tribe’ setting of the hotel, “allowing guests to do some exercise in the open air and really relax – especially the mind,” Leoni explains. Then there’s the hotel’s full moon sessions, which Leoni describes as “monthly spiritual sessions guided by a professional.” The wellness agenda is bolstered by a vibrant schedule of events to reawaken the senses, from film screenings under the stars, to flamenco nights and paella served on the terrace.

Activities aside, the hotel environment in itself is carefully designed to evoke a sense of inner balance. Being one of the most historic sites in Ibiza – it was one of the first hotels to operate when it originally opened in the ‘60s – mid-century details are still evident, respectfully conserved when a full refurbishment of the bedrooms and public areas was carried out in 2021.

“The colours are very specific to Ibiza,” Leoni comments, gesturing to the plush, inviting furnishings throughout the surrounding public lounge area. “The whites and these earthy colours, you can see in most places in Ibiza,” he says, referencing the island’s aesthetic as the ‘White Isle’ and its natural light brown tones. “That terracotta hue, it’s drawn from the land, the sand, and it’s replicated across the entire hotel. You can even see it in the cushions and all the finer details,” Leoni says.

While it’s a far cry from the clubbing hub of Ibiza Town, staying at Hotel Riomar Ibiza doesn’t limit guests from still accessing the best of the island. “Within walking distance there are plenty of bars and restaurants,” Leoni explains, “and I always recommend our visitors make the journey to Es Vedra. It’s one of the most incredible natural wonders and still very well preserved. Then there are amazing beaches and hidden spots everywhere on the island, you never stop discovering new ones.”

Leoni, who has worked in hospitality for 17 years across top calibre sites in Milan, London, Manchester, knows a thing or two about a good guest experience – and Hotel Riomar Ibiza is up there. “Here in Ibiza, many hotels have nice sea views, many are in nice locations with beautiful rooms. What makes the difference here at this hotel is the spirit, the welcoming environment. From the moment you check in and go to your room, right throughout your experience until you check out. People always take that memory with them. They never forget how you made them feel.”