CondéNast Traveller features Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay as one of the best hotels in Ibiza

The shore-side showstopper

It’s now three years since Nobu Ibiza Bay opened, with a buzzy beachside locale that put lo-fi Talamanca on the map and a much-hyped Nobu restaurant christened by Robert de Niro himself. In that time the hotel has shuffled around, re-rooted itself a couple of times and finally settled into a rhythm that looks and feels just right. Yes, it’s glossy and yes, it’s on the not-quite-gentrified sands of Talamanca, arguably Ibiza Town’s last locals’ beach. But instead of being a bastion of other-ness, Nobu has integrated in a way that feels as organic as can be for a global super brand. Staff – arguably the best on the island – know guests by name; the deeply cocooning lobby bar buzzes in the thrilling way that hotel lobbies used to, with island residents who’ve dropped in for meetings, coffee or a sneaky Kloris CBD treatment at the newly opened Six Senses spa. The newly opened late-night Nobu Lounge is low-lit and discreet, with a select Nobu sushi menu and a speakeasy, members’ club vibe.

Bedrooms are airy and capacious, with subtly bohemian décor in blues and creams that complements the jaw-dropping sea (and sunrise) views of the craggy Illa Grossa peninsula and the headland of Cap Martinet, from where fishing boats cast off at first light. A snaking boardwalk loops and curves across the sands, packed with early-morning joggers who strip off for skinny dips in any one of the hidden sandy coves. Back on the pool deck, well-behaved children disappear into the kids’ club for pirate and princess parties while grown-ups sip fresh watermelon juice, nibble on bento boxes and dip their toes into the warm sand from billowing four-poster sunbeds. Mellow music complements a constant tinkle of ice in glasses, while methuselahs of rosé are hurried around. It’s all as barefoot and cosseting as you’d expect from the team behind Cliveden and the Marbella Club, whose Slim Aarons-esque, country club aesthetic can be felt at every turn.