Stepping into the grounds of MIM Ibiza Member of Meliá Collection feels like stepping back in time. Steeped in White Isle history, the iconic building dates from the 1930s and has undergone many evolutions of ownership and design.
First opened to the public in 1959 as Hostal Es Viver - the area's first accommodation - it was sold in the early 2000s and radically redesigned into a boutique hotel in the 1940s Art Deco style with 53 rooms & suites, some with sea-view terraces.
In 2018, it was acquired by MIM Hotels, the investment group associated with Lionel Messi, and later became a Member of the Meliá Collection, a handpicked collection of independent hotels with timeless charm.
Our invitation to the adults-only MIM Ibiza came as a pleasant surprise; one that we eagerly accepted. We were keen to find out how this landmark hotel ranks today as the building nears its 100th anniversary.
The hotel lies a 25 minute walk from the centre of Ibiza Town, tucked away from the main road and parallel to the sea. The entrance is lush with vegetation, and a row of majestic palm trees gives it that dreamy Mediterranean touch. Arriving under a brilliant blue sky, the contrast against the gleaming white building instantly sets us in holiday mode. Inside, cool marble and bright interiors offer a refreshing respite from the late summer heat.
The Room & Vibe
Check-in was slick. My colleague had stayed at a Meliá hotel in the Canaries. As Meliá guests, you automatically unlock MeliáRewards perks, ranging from late check-out privileges to room upgrades and resort credits.
Our rooms on the upper floors overlooked the pool, and despite the hotel not being seafront-positioned, we had a good view out to sea. The guest rooms have undergone a sleek, complete refurbishment, with common areas set to follow suit this coming winter.
The bright, spacious rooms greeted us with a plate of sweet surprises, and everything else you could need was there: a well-stocked fridge, all the amenities in the bathroom, plenty of storage space for clothes, and a safe. We loved the retro phone, the ultra-plush mattress and, of course, the views of the Med.
Sunsets, Beats & Bites: The Sky Bar
By late afternoon, all roads lead up to the Sky Bar roof terrace (open daily from 16:00). As 20:00 approaches, the resident DJ takes the decks, dropping upbeat, atmospheric lounge tracks that set a proper island groove - leaving us wondering if we even needed to venture out for the night.
The rooftop has uninterrupted views across to the ramparts of Dalt Vila, the open sea and Formentera in the distance. It's quite a romantic spot, and a good example of why adults-only works for this hotel.
For dinner, you can choose from a few starters, mains and homemade desserts, which suited us perfectly.
Out & About: Prime Location
MIM Ibiza is conveniently located midway between Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa, meaning you can skip the rental car entirely and walk, use public transport or get a taxi.
After dinner, we went for a stroll along the Figueretas beach promenade, literally 30 seconds from the hotel. Here we found some artisan stands and lots of seafront restaurants with terraces, full of locals and some tourists eating out and enjoying the cooler September evening.
If you want to go clubbing, the super clubs Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa in Playa d'en Bossa are just a 5-minute ride by bus or taxi. Pacha on the other side of Ibiza Town is a 10-minute drive.
Replenished by a good night’s sleep, we headed out to discover the surroundings. It's fitness time, and serious running is going on everywhere. A few urban beaches are within walking distance, which is convenient if you want a swim or to relax at the chiringuito.
You can also walk to the nearby quay - literally 5 minutes from the hotel - where ferries depart to Formentera and boat parties take you out to sea for some fun.
Wellness & Recovery
After our swim, we headed back to the hotel for a quick session at the hotel’s well-equipped gym, ideal for everything from cardio to a mat stretching routine.
Next to the reception lies the intimate MIM Spa. Welcomed by the wonderfully attentive Nataliya, we explored the facilities, which feature a hydrotherapy water circuit, dry sauna, rainforest shower, and dedicated treatment rooms offering everything from deep-tissue massages to custom facials.
We gladly accepted a complimentary 15-minute express head massage: pure bliss!
Breakfast at MIM
For breakfast, we chose to sit in the beautiful Deco Restaurant, with its chandeliers, Parisian bistro tables, and rich wood panelling.
Alongside a sprawling continental buffet, packed with fresh pastries, artisanal breads, tropical fruits, and chilled champagne, guests can order hot à la carte dishes cooked to order, including perfectly poached eggs benedict, fluffy pancakes, and gourmet porridge.
The Verdict
While Meliá operates larger island locations (such as Meliá Ibiza and ME Ibiza in Santa Eulalia, or INNSiDE in San Antonio Bay), MIM Ibiza remains their intimate boutique gem in Ibiza Town. Its smaller scale makes it feel like an exclusive private club where you can easily strike up a conversation with fellow guests, making it ideal for single travellers.
We ended our stay relaxing on the poolside daybeds as the rooftop DJ dropped an afternoon set from 13:00 onwards. Tempted to hide away for the rest of the week, duty called and it was time to say goodbye. For the future, MIM Ibiza is firmly on our recommended hotel list.
