Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – the island dream for those without, but certainly also for those with kids
We have this thing with Ibiza... One thing is certain: just look at the number of tips on this site. Those tips are good, mind you, but if you really want to treat yourself on the nicest, most versatile, tastiest, and most beautiful island in Europe? Then check in at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, one of the finest small-scale resorts in the Mediterranean. But... And you might not have seen this coming: as far as we are concerned, Nobu Ibiza has risen by a wide margin to become the very best place on Ibiza to spend time with your kids. Hand on heart. Tried and tested.
Would we like to do it again? Where can we sign?
More Ibiza? Take it!
First thing first: Location, location, location. Because you can have the nicest hotel, but if the location isn't right, you can easily fall a few points behind. Not so in the case of the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay: this five-star hotel on Talamanca Bay, just east of Ibiza Town, is one of the few addresses on the island that effortlessly combines luxury and family-friendliness, without one coming at the expense of the other. Just around the corner from the island's finest beaches (with those lovely, gently lapping waters), stands the sleek, predominantly white hotel. shine.
The hotel opened in June 2017 and features 152 rooms and suites, decorated in soft shades of white, gold, and aqua, with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces that let in the sea breeze. And there are interconnecting to book rooms so that children have their own space next to that of their parents. The hotel is part of Nobu Hotels, the group centered around chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper. That brand DNA is palpable everywhere: sleek, warm, and with an unmistakable Japanese-Mediterranean signature.
The strength of Ibiza Bay lies in its subtle division. The hotel is divided into a family-oriented and an adult side, without hard boundaries. On the children's side, you will find the family pool (with sea view, close to the beach), the kids club and beach club Chambao, a relaxed chiringuito on the beach where you can grab a bite to eat and listen to live music. Oh, and yes indeed: of course there is also the famous Nobu Restaurant.
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Admittedly: we (I) have (have) a weakness (understatement) for hotels that offer their kids club do well. And by 'good' I mean: with taste. Get rid of that hysterical plastic mess. You don't want that at home, do you? And no, we don't mean that the offspring are not allowed to play, in fact they are, and they are also allowed to get dirty, but we do like it if we can do this a little bit 'in style'. With beautiful, sustainable toys, among other things, under the watchful eye of rattan elephants.
In fact, we are particularly enthusiastic about the Nobu kids club where the students are regularly taken by the hand for a beach clean-up (fun and educational), after which they tinker with the found where, and where mini misses (available in misters) get a pedicure. Party of course. Little bohos may make headdresses, weave baskets or make fans inspired by local markets. Novice chefs? They learn new techniques during sushi master classes. Although perhaps the most fun are the pool parties and the various activities on the island, so that they learn a word of Ibicenco and Spanish in a natural way. But, and we also thought that was a huge plus: there are also Dutch-speaking nannies at work. You can talk all you want, but it's still very nice. 'Just' a babysitter for the little ones? That is also more than perfect.
On the other side of the hotel, the adult side of Ibiza awaits. There is a separate adults-only pool at the main entrance, a bar, and the signature restaurant Nobu, where you can enjoy Matsuhisa's famous Japanese fusion dishes with a sea view. Those who prefer to relax can visit the spa, which offers treatments based on ingredients including aloe vera and Ibizan sea salt, as well as yoga and Pilates sessions overlooking the bay. Parents can retreat here while the children are in the kids' club.
Culinarily, there is more than just the main restaurant. Beach club Chambao serves breakfast and lunch in a relaxed chiringuito style, featuring Balearic fish and seafood dishes. Additionally, there is the Bay Café, the Beach Deck, and the Pool Bar. Children have also been catered for: Nobu offers child-sized bento boxes.
Speaking of which: what we really like about Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is the comfort for all vacationers: there is that fancy chic. Picture Perfect Adults Only swimming pool where you can enjoy reading a book in peace (or flirt a little with your fellow guests). The other pool is just as picture perfect, but for the whole family – no worries about splashing kids, because anyone who doesn't like that can move to the first-mentioned pool. The lobby is huge, so you really won't trip over riffraff under a meter tall (though they are welcome to hobble around), and the hotel shop is mouth-watering with gorgeous dresses, just-right swim trunks, high-quality sunscreen, and really nice gifts (and swim gear) for the little ones. A top selection, we can't say otherwise.
At Chambao, it chiringuito style In the breakfast and lunch restaurant, all guests are also subtly seated just right: not all the kids together, but if you want peace and quiet, you sit just a little further from the pool, perhaps around the corner, on the sand—perfect. Us? Every day we sat with one eye on the menu, the other on our poolside lounger where the little one was taking her afternoon nap. Best of both worlds.
Not ready yet? No. Because you should also know that Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay collaborates with Ibiza Hike Station to challenge guests to walk off the beaten path and thus work on their fitness. The tracks lead to unknown and picturesque destinations. Tip: leave your phone at home so you can enjoy it the most. In the cooler months of September and October the hotel offers three-day walking retreats with free extras including sound healing, wellness sessions on the roof terrace and spa treatments. Resetting and recovering, you can also do that at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay. And if you want more (yes, we will continue), book a return ticket to Ibiza Bay Spa where new treatments have been developed in collaboration with internationally known experts such as Dr. Barbara Sturm.
Early bird? It is also a 'party' for early birds: they can participate in the sunrise pilatessessions.
Do I want to say anything more about that? Yes. Anyway. Because yes, it is true that Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is not the cheapest hotel you will find on the island. However, it is also true that every word above is sincere and that sometimes, just sometimes, you have to give yourself a real holiday (provided it is possible of course, I understand that too). It's honestly worth it. And if not, you can call me.
To go? Duh.
