When the invitation came to spend an early-season night at the four-star Torre del Mar Hotel in Playa d’en Bossa, we did not hang around for long. Thanks to its fantastic amenities - a luxurious spa with indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, 24-hour gym, and of course, an incredible outdoor pool and gorgeous terrace spaces - it is more of a resort than a hotel. So, we immediately cleared our diaries, eager to check in and check it all out.
The hotel owns one of the sweetest spots on Ibiza’s east coast. Not only is it a moment's stroll from Figueretes beach and pretty promenade, but it's within equal walking distance of the island capital, Ibiza Town and clubbing centre, Playa d’en Bossa. This is why the hotel attracts such a mixture of guests, some wanting a luxury base to explore the island, others wanting to barely move an inch and indulge fully in the stunning surroundings and onsite indulgences.
The hotel has stood here for over 50 years, and on an ever-changing island, that's quite an achievement. However, it’s easy to see why, as the hotel continues to push its guest offerings and experiences each year.
In fact, when checking in, guests are given the hotel's app details, which covers every single detail of their stay. Yes, long gone are the cumbersome and worn guides in the rooms; instead, event times, booking details, facility information, and more are all within easy reach on your phone.
Of course, the staff are all on hand to answer any questions, both at reception and the dedicated guest desk, who can help plan your trips and time whilst staying. One thing we noticed was how happy and smiling the staff all were, with some even hitting their third decade working there. Always friendly and welcoming, something you can really feel in the atmosphere here.
Walking in, the first impressions did not disappoint. The hotel sparkles and is beautifully styled, its bright, airy interiors gazing out onto a stunning outdoor pool and garden space.
Tastefully landscaped, the tall palms lead up from the soft green grass, which opens onto the central feature and jewel in its crown - the heated outdoor swimming pool. Torre del Mar Hotel opens in March each year, and as one of the first hotels to welcome guests on the island, offering a heated swimming pool to its early-season arrivals is no trivial matter; it's a standout service.
Whilst I waited for my colleague to indulge in our first swim of the year, I checked out the Miramar restaurant and bar. Open all day, it offers casual dining for guests on its breezy terrace, in between breakfast and dinner service at the hotel's other culinary offering, the Panoramic Restaurant. In case you were wondering, this is the salmon poke bowl, and it was as delicious as it looks.
Let’s just say, we were blown away by our setting for the night. We were each allocated a Sea View Room, granting us breathtaking views of the stunning Mediterranean, both in the bright sunshine and the early morning glow. Filled with light, the rooms were lovely and spacious, with super cosy beds, plump and plentiful pillows, and a large waterfall-style shower.
Although normally reserved for returning guests, we were gifted something special on arrival, a Sal de Ibiza herb Salt and coffee liquor, and flip-flops. Keep coming back, and you could be treated too.
As delightful as the room was, the warm April sun and heated pool were calling our names.
The heated-outdoor infinity pool is a stunner, and with panoramic views over Playa d'en Bossa, it feels like a slice of Mediterranean paradise. Even under the blazing spring skies (trust us, this was a hot week), it’s not often you can even dip a toe into a swimming pool at this time of year. However, heated to 26 degrees, the Torre del Mar’s deliciously inviting waters were ones we could fully submerge in. What a treat.
After a little splashing around, we enjoyed cocktails from the poolside bar and caught the afternoon rays in the garden.
There’s a great selection of spaces with special facilities that are just for adults, such as this upper terrace and bubbling jacuzzi. While the hotel is child-friendly, these designated areas are an indulgent bonus and a space to really relax. You may wish to make the most of the massage treatments if you wish to truly unwind.
Both breakfast and dinner are served in the hotel's Panoramic Restaurant, which offers a buffet-style service with live show cooking. What does this entail? Well, a pretty outstanding spread of delicious cuisines from every corner of the world, plus an (almost) personal chef to cook your specific selection at the open-kitchen. This included eggs - any way you like - to fill up on at breakfast, and fresh fish and juicy steaks as the evening options.
To help your dinner go down, the hotel offers live music entertainment in the evenings. Perfect with a chilled glass of vino on warm summer nights.
To counterbalance our evening and morning feasts, we made the most of the well-equipped gym space for a workout. If you need some motivation to get onto the mat, you can join the yoga or pilates classes which are laid on throughout the week.
Of course, we indulged in a little pampering in the Sal Rossa Spa. While massages and a range of beautifying treatments are available, we opted for the water circuit and sauna. It's not often you find a sauna that really hits the high temperatures, but it certainly made us sweat. If you’re brave enough, the ice plunge pool afterwards will cool you down.
We also made sure to check out the fashion boutique for some special outfits this summer and took a little trip out of the hotel grounds, thanks to its beach access directly onto the adjoining sands.
If you're a keen cyclist, you may wish to use their brilliantly equipped bike storage and maintenance facilities that are free of charge. Car drivers will be pleased to know that they also offer free parking for guests.
Also on the grounds, the hotel offers a high-tech convention centre with a 600-person capacity, with stunning views included. If your big day is on your mind, then the Torre del Mar offer not just the experience but the location for it. The stunning private garden space is perfect for romance and celebration to blossom.
Why not stay for longer…
Although our stay was short and sweet, if you are there for even a few days longer, there are some fantastic attractions and experiences nearby to occupy your time.
Leaving from the jetty, just a stone's throw from the hotel grounds, you can easily jump on the daily Aquabus and experience the beauty of Formentera. Visiting Ibiza Town should be on your list, day or night, which can be reached by the regular taxi boats that depart from the same jetty, or on a beautiful walk along the coastal promenade.
Talking of walking, the hostel's location really couldn't be better. A short stroll and you’re on the promenade of Figueretes, with its beautiful beach and great restaurants, or look the other way and you’ll see the bright lights of Playa d’en Bossa, with its pumping super-clubs, sparkling beach clubs and the island's longest stretch of sand.
