Like many of the Hip & Healthy team, Ibiza is a destination we return to time and time again; chasing one or both of the island’s distinct energies. There’s the tranquil, wellness-focused Ibiza of early-morning swims and sunset yoga, and the vibrant, creative Ibiza of late starts, long lunches, beach beats, and incredible music. In this guide, I’m highlighting a few spots you may not have discovered yet, ones that should absolutely be on your booking list to escape the grey or plan this summer’s getaway.

This is a guide for those who love Ibiza’s magic but prefer to experience it at a slower, more intentional pace where wellness, nature, and understated luxury quietly take centre stage.

My Ibiza, at a glance:
Best areas for slow Ibiza: Santa Eulària and the North
Ideal time to visit: May–June and late September

Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel

Located in the charming coastal town of Santa Eulària, Aguas de Ibiza is a five-star eco-luxury hotel that feels both cosmopolitan and calming. It sits by the marina, just a short stroll from the town’s cultural centre, but remains blissfully quiet on the outskirts. From the hotel, it’s an easy walk into Santa Eulària’s promenade; lined with boutiques, gelato stops, and waterfront restaurants, yet returning to the hotel always feels like stepping back into a private retreat.The design is modern Mediterranean: sweeping curves, sun-warmed stone, and airy, ocean-view terraces. 

Stepping into our Premier Bay Room felt like walking into a film set: both puzzling and wonderful. You enter through a softly lit bathroom of stone tiles and golden uplighting, complete with a freestanding tub and double vanity. Sheer curtains diffuse the light before you realise the bedroom lies through the bathroom. Pull back the curtains and you’re met with a king-sized bed, a writing desk, and a balcony overlooking the sea. The palette: sandy stone, warm orange, and crisp white, makes the space feel serene yet sophisticated. The unusual curtain dividers invite you to explore the room, turning each reveal into a small moment of wonder. Rooms feel thoughtfully designed for slow mornings and unhurried evenings, with light that shifts gently across the space throughout the day.

The hotel continues to surprise. There are two pools; one at ground level and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the sea views. The rooftop is home to Maymanta, the Peruvian-fusion restaurant from chef Omar Malpartida, known for its colourful ceviches and sunset cocktails. By late afternoon, the rooftop fills with the sound of clinking glasses, salt in the air, and that particular golden light Ibiza does better than anywhere else.

Mornings begin with an expansive breakfast spread: fresh tropical fruit, Ibizan pastries, made-to-order eggs, cold-pressed juices, and strong coffee enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the marina. It’s the kind of breakfast that quietly stretches into brunch.

The Revival Spa by Clarins, complimentary for hotel guests, was a highlight of my stay. The hydrotherapy circuit includes a vitality pool, sauna, hammam, salt room, and ice fountain – a wellness escape that feels distinctly Ibiza: luxe without pretense.

There’s a quiet elegance to Aguas de Ibiza that’s hard to define but easy to feel. The guests are a mix of well-dressed couples, solo travellers with books by the pool, and families who value calm over chaos. It never feels showy, but it always feels considered. It’s the kind of hotel that gently nudges you into a slower rhythm: mornings that begin with sea swims, afternoons spent drifting between spa and sunbed, and evenings that unfold over long dinners and soft light.

Don’t miss: the rooftop at golden hour with a Pisco Sour from Maymanta, and a sunrise dip before breakfast.

Cala San Miguel Resort

The north of Ibiza is arguably the island’s most beautiful and unspoilt area. As you drive Into the North (to borrow their tagline), you reach Cala San Miguel Resort, a destination that’s part sanctuary, part playground. The drive itself feels like part of the experience: winding roads through pine forests, glimpses of sea between trees, and a sense of gradually leaving the busier parts of the island behind. Set on a sheltered cove, the resort spans two main buildings with multiple restaurants, four pools, two gyms, and a panoramic rooftop. It can feel large at first; but once you settle in, it’s a world of its own.

Rooms are bright and contemporary, with natural textures, soft neutral tones, and balconies that frame the cove below. Many feel designed for slow mornings: coffee on the terrace, bare feet on cool tiles, and no reason to rush anywhere.

I began, naturally, in the upper-level gym overlooking the sea. After a few days of travel, the idea of working out with that view was irresistible. The space is minimalist but well-equipped, and the view alone makes you linger longer than planned.

Dinner that evening started with a sunset cocktail at the Mirador Bar, followed by Paseo Rooftop, where live music soundtracked a fresh Mediterranean buffet.

The next day, I drifted to the Beach Club, the resort’s calmest corner with private loungers, a serene pool, and direct beach access. It’s the perfect base for a slow day between dips in the sea and iced rosé refills. Come evening, Beach Club Restaurant turns into a feet-in-the-sand dining experience: the paella is a must.

This part of Ibiza hums at a slower frequency. There’s still music by the pool, but it’s curated, gentle beats that remind you you’re in Ibiza without overpowering the peace. At night, the soundscape shifts from daytime playlists to low-key live music and distant waves, a reminder that you’re somewhere both alive and deeply restful.

Cala San Miguel feels ideal for travellers who want nature, space, and ease a softer alternative to Ibiza’s more frenetic hotspots, without losing the island’s sense of energy and character. It’s especially suited to those who want to feel immersed in nature while still having access to thoughtful design, good food, and subtle entertainment.

Don’t miss: morning swims in the cove, dinner at the beach club and exploring nearby villages like San Juan for local markets and artisan finds.

Where to Swim (Beyond the Obvious Beaches)

Ibiza’s true magic often reveals itself in its quieter coves, places where the water is impossibly clear and the crowds feel far away.

• Cala d’en Serra : Wild, cinematic, and perfect for snorkelling
• Cala Xarraca : Dramatic rocks and crystalline water in the north
• Pou des Lleó : Rugged, local, and beautifully understated
• Portinatx Cove : A hidden northern gem, ideal for a post-lunch dip

Restaurants & Wellness Spots to Bookmark

While you’re on the island, it’s worth giving in to the hype and sampling a few of Ibiza’s most beloved spots: they’ve earned their reputation for a reason.

• Cala Gracioneta: A boho-luxe beach restaurant tucked into a tiny cove near San Antonio.
• Wild Beets (Santa Gertrudis): Plant-based perfection. Everything is colourful, vibrant, and nutrient-packed. Their raw lasagna and beetroot carpaccio are local favourites.
• Giri Café (San Juan): An Ibizan institution serving organic, farm-to-table fare in a dreamy garden setting. Ideal for long, lazy lunches.
• La Torre (Cala Gració): A sunset must. Arrive early, order a spritz, and watch the sky change while DJs play chilled Balearic beats.
• Marta Yoga (Santa Eulària): Organises private yoga sessions, sound baths, and massages either at their tranquil studio or your hotel.
• Bar Anita (San Carlos): A local legend. No-frills, authentic, and always buzzing with island residents. Perfect for a tapas lunch.
• Portinatx Cove: A hidden swimming spot on the northern coast, framed by cliffs and clear blue water, ideal for a post-lunch dip.