You may have to reappraise Ibiza.
The free and easy atmosphere, a shorthand for partying and excess used to be its watchword, but this Balearic island has moved from its hippy, clubby roots to the most exclusive, sophisticated luxury destination.
Ibiza is rich in history and culture, features a superb coastline, a unique underworld and exceptional gastronomy.
One of the mainstays is fresh fish and seafood and of particular note are dishes such as “bullit de peix” (fish hot pot), Ibizan paella or “la burrida de ratjada”, a typical local fish dish.
All this can be washed down with local crisp wines or a traditional café caleta; a warm aromatic coffee with a number of secret ingredients (claimed to cure drowsiness).
The island is made up of five towns: Eivissa, the capital, Santa Eulària des Riu, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Sant Josep de sa Talaia and Sant Joan de Labritja. Each of them offers visitors different and complementary activities.
Scattered along the coast there are several fantastic beaches such as Talamanca (which already has our thumbs-up) and in the south, Playa d’en Bossa, a place where the avant-garde and modern fuse to create the best atmosphere on Ibiza.
By day the focus is on the longest beach on the island - endless sand and chill-out space, Bali beach beds, excellent food, great service and laid-back music from DJs. You could also take a boat to beautiful Formentera. By night, Playa d'en Bossa becomes the focus of the island's clubbing crowd.
Our guide is the Palladium Hotel Group, who have more than 40 years' experience and a love of quality we admire. We've worked together to feature three special hotels.
Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa
On one side, wildlife. On the other, the wild life.
The Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa stands next to the Ses Salines Nature Reserve, and close to the avant-garde delights of Playa d'en Bossa.
A 5-star venue with 430 rooms and suites, it joins its sister venue, The Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa, to form the largest hotel complex on the island.
This allows guests at both hotels to enjoy a large number of services and excellent facilities, such as three freshwater swimming-pools, children's pools, Kids' Club, Junior Club, sports facilities and a wide programme of activities for all the family.
The Zentropia Spa targets perfect relaxation in the hands of trained professionals. Double or single cabins are available, places of comfort and calm, with treatments such as hydromassage, aeromassage with chromotherapy, facials, exfoliation, wraps, massages, hairdressing and beauty treatments.
Dining options are varied, and include buffet restaurants and three à la carte destination gastronomy spots.
Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa can also offer guests an all-inclusive option.
Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel
Contemporary design, premium quality and exclusive ambience: welcome to a 5-star adult theme park.
Ushuaïa is designed to seduce and stimulate every sense, and to offer the music-loving customer an exclusive experience.
Its proximity to clubs such as Space, Pachá and Privilege make it highly desirable, and that's before we take you to The Tower and The Club.
The Tower's eight stories have 181 Double Superior rooms with terraces, and the best luxury suites on the island.
Blackout curtains, maxi-bar, aromatherapy menu, sensual shower and of course, free WiFi are some of the amenities included in all stays. So everything is at your fingertips night and day.
Follow that with a relaxing dip in the infinity pool with views of the Mediterranean, and a Bloody Mary freshly prepared at the Infinity Cocktail Bar.
You may prefer The Ushuaïa Club, 234 luxurious rooms and suites that have changed the way Ibiza parties are experienced. Enjoy the party from the terrace of your room, rubbing shoulders with VIPs from the heights of La Nube or on the dancefloor in communion with fellow pleasure seekers.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza
A world-famous brand inspired by music on an island dedicated to nightlife. Perfect.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza features 493 ultra-plush rooms and suites complete with everything you need for an unforgettable experience. From signature bedding and 24-hour room service to terraces with blissful views of the Mediterranean, your time here is more than a hotel stay - it’s a way of life.
There are glamorous swimming pools with sunken loungers, water jet areas and al fresco bars. Plus, there's the outside stage that hosts gigs and events featuring top live acts and DJs.
Relax in your stylishly decorated room with custom-designed wallpaper and music-themed art. Turn your light down low and pull your window curtain, in complete comfort.
There's more.
Guests can have a Fender guitar delivered to their room.
Choose from a variety of 18 Fender electric guitars and 1 bass, Nixon headphones and a Fender Mustang Floor amplifier and play for free during your entire stay. Learn some licks with the Hal Leonard in-room video lessons - a whole new kind of room service.
Choose your own professionally curated playlist. Since you can stream your music anywhere on property, your playlist is with you all day every day - in your room and on your iPod or personal listening device. Don’t worry about writing down your favourites. You get to take the playlist home with you. It will be the part of your Hard Rock experience that stays with you even after you check out. It may bring you back time and time again.
Encore! Bonus Venue: Cas Gasi, Ibiza
We understand that some people seek a quieter life, and moving on from Playa d'en Bossa, Cas Gasi, Ibiza provides it.
A small luxury hotel nestled on a southern hillside, it is dedicated to peace and tranquillity, and surrounded by nature.
The hotel's restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine using produce from its own organic vegetable gardens, and Cas Gasi has just 12 rooms, each personal and beautiful.
Find out more in our in-depth feature.
For further details on Ibiza or any of the properties and resorts featured, please contact us.
Book a holiday throughout May with Abbotts Travel for one of these resorts and receive a complimentary goody bag.