When you think of the beautiful Balearic Island of Ibiza, you might picture mega clubs, wild parties and a sea of hedonistic revellers. While that’s a side of the island many are familiar with, let me share another side of Ibiza that’s just as captivating...
I was thrilled to join a select group of colleagues on an exclusive VIP trip to uncover some of Ibiza’s hotel gems. As someone who once danced until dawn, I found it an exciting opportunity to revisit Ibiza through a new lens. With more wisdom and a fresh perspective, I discovered why this Mediterranean paradise continues to enchant so many, year after year.
From the enchanting hotels to the incredible people and delicious food, this educational trip was truly unforgettable.
I had the pleasure of being hosted by the fantastic Jo, the UK representative for the Spanish-owned Palladium Hotel Group. Our home for the trip was their chic, adults-only TRS Hotel just outside San Antonio. Nestled in a dream location, it boasts the most breathtaking sunsets - imagine Café Del Mar with a gourmet cocktail included as part of your all-inclusive experience.
Having arrived a day early to unwind and enjoy some much-needed “me time”, I was immediately struck by the hotel’s relaxed vibe. Everything was so effortlessly calm – it was like a deep breath of serenity.
After indulging in a delicious meal (without a toddler to share it with!), sipping on some exquisite wine and enjoying the best night’s sleep I’ve had in ages, I met Jo and my colleagues. We then kicked off a full day of VIP exploration, delving into the unique offerings of Palladium Hotels across Ibiza.
Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa
First up was the 5-star, all-inclusive Grand Palladium Palace, a fun, family-friendly hotel that still maintains a luxurious, chic vibe.
After a warm welcome from Aldo, the superb guest manager, we were soon greeted by the hotel’s very friendly robot, who treated my colleague Jo to a delightful welcome dance.
I stayed here about ten years ago, but since then, it’s undergone a full renovation. It was impressive before, but now it’s hit the WOW factor.
If you’re travelling with teens or a group of friends, this is a fantastic choice, offering a large selection of oversized rooms with outdoor spaces - from terraces leading directly to one of the pool areas to huge balconies with jacuzzis.
Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa
Just a short walk across the resort brings you to the Grand Palladium White Island, another family-friendly gem boasting four pools, seven bars and seven restaurants, four of which are à la carte.
We explored some of the excellent room options. Highlights for me included the funky lobby with its octopus sofa, an excellent kids’ play area and a delicious Mediterranean lunch at the Portofino Restaurant.
This hotel is perfectly situated at the end of Playa d'en Bossa beach, right next to the Ses Salines Natural Park, where flamingos flock towards the end of summer.
And the best part about these sister hotels? Book one, and you get the other free! 😊 Whichever one you choose, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to the amenities at both, giving you twice as many restaurants, bars and pools to explore - guaranteeing fun for the whole family.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza
A short stroll along the seafront brought us to the Hard Rock Hotel - always the coolest hotel brand and genuinely great for everyone. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I would recommend it for families with younger children, but after seeing the range of facilities, I can confidently say it’s perfect.
We were guided by the guest relations manager, Javier, a delightful, charismatic man and a fantastic ambassador for the hotel. His pride in the Hard Rock was evident as he took us on a fantastic tour, sharing entertaining stories and unique insights along the way.
We were treated to viewings of various rooms, including the luxurious swim-ups, the spa and a peek from the DJ booth, where preparations were in full swing for the first concert of the season.
The vibe here is electric, and it definitely whetted my appetite for a future stay - imagine enjoying a major band or artist live and having the gig included in your stay!
Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel
Ushuaïa's slogan - “where music meets magic” - only begins to describe the transcendent vibe of this place. If you're looking for the ultimate immersive Ibiza experience, where music and dance create an electric atmosphere, Ushuaïa is your musical wonderland.
Home to Ibiza’s number one outdoor venue, Ushuaïa’s iconic poolside stage and open-air dancefloor host the world’s biggest DJs - think Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia and David Guetta.
If you’re planning a special birthday or a stylish reunion with friends, this is where you can hang out with celebs and live like a VVIP.
VIP areas around the pool start at about 1,000 euros for your group, and you might even spot Ronaldo chilling next to you!
Our VIP tour, led by the brilliant Guest Experience Manager, Kimia, included a backstage peek at the club and stage as they prepared for the season’s opening party. We also got to see several of the 415 luxury rooms and suites, packed with exclusive amenities, including some naughty treat boxes. 😊
Stay in the Ushuaïa Club to be right in the heart of the action, with the luxury of retreating to your room whenever you need a break. Or opt for the Ushuaïa Tower, now known as the Unexpected Hotel, where all your wildest desires are catered for.
Whether you choose to be in the thick of it or enjoy the party from the comfort of an ultra-luxury room with the best views, you're guaranteed a unique and unforgettable experience.
TRS Ibiza Hotel
After an action-packed day of site visits, returning to our wonderful TRS base was pure bliss. Located just outside San Antonio, this hotel offers a perfect blend of nearby action and a serene world of peace, tranquillity and luxury.
I loved every minute here and can’t recommend it highly enough. The staff were delightful, providing fantastic service and proudly showcasing the hotel’s top-notch facilities.
We had the chance to chat with many of them, gaining real behind-the-scenes insights.
The butler team was eager to be interviewed for videos - I’ll share these soon - and the spa was simply superb. The warm, friendly and attentive waiting staff were also a highlight.
The food was outstanding. The main buffet restaurant offered a variety of delicious options, beautifully presented in small portions, catering to all dietary preferences.
We enjoyed a fantastic meal at El Gaucho, the Argentinian Grill, lunch at the ÍO Pool Bar, and drinks at the rooftop bar, where we took in the stunning views and a spectacular sunset.
I highly recommend upgrading to the Signature Level experience. This includes an outstanding Dine Out program featuring Ibiza’s finest restaurants, access to Ushuaïa and other club events, plus exclusive benefits at TRS Ibiza Hotel like VIP pool access, Bali beds and free spa entry - a must if you have a late flight home.
The hotel offers a huge selection of fabulous rooms, including swim-ups and many with sunset views.
Our evening out in Ibiza Town was equally memorable, strolling through beautiful, cobbled streets, the romantic castle and the harbour, and enjoying the lively hippie bars along the waterfront.
I’m well on my way to becoming an Ibiza addict and fully understand why this stunning island grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go!
Reliving my youth with a full soundtrack, but this time from the comfort of the luxurious 5-star TRS adult-only haven. Yes, please… Same time next year?
A huge thank you to Jo, the Palladium Queen, and my fabulous colleagues for making this trip so special. I can’t wait for the amazing people I met to take care of the clients I’ll be sending their way too! 😊
Sheena
