Unlike the adrenalin-fuelled getaways that ruled in pre-pandemic times, many of us are now choosing self-care as the main priority when going abroad. The dream holiday is now somewhere to press pause, enjoy some time out and allow for a change of pace and scenery after too long bound to our living rooms and digital devices. 

That’s where 7Pines Resort Ibiza comes in. On the formerly known party island – once an unlikely destination for wellbeing – this secluded five-star hotel offers up hedonism and wellness in equal measure, with the chance to rest and recharge surrounded by some of Ibiza’s most impressive views. So whatever your idea of self-care – great food, good tunes, digital detoxing, or relaxation – you’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a massive dose of it. 

The hotel
With a state-of-the-art spa, sea-facing fitness centre, plus the best angles of the island’s mythical Es Vedrà, it’s easy to see why 7Pines Resort Ibiza has made a name for itself as one of Ibiza’s wellness hotspots. But it’s the backdrop that really sets it apart. Set in a pine grove on the island’s west coast and etched into a cliff, the property spans an impressive 56,000 square meters with 185 suites dotted between the pines and palm trees. Endless sea views spotted from all four corners of the hotel and Es Vedrà island bang smack in the middle make for some of the island’s most peaceful surroundings. 

Each room has a nod to classic Ibizan style—whitewashed walls, a neutral colour palette and soft, natural materials with touches of turquoise decor running throughout. Set up in the style of a suite, it feels more like an apartment rather than a hotel room and comes equipped with your own kitchen and living space. Soft linen and bouncy pillows mean having to tear yourself out of bed every morning, but there’s a coffee machine and complimentary milk handy to help kickstart the day. There are also lovely Molton Brown toiletries in the bathrooms and fluffy bathrobes.

Despite the swish, modern exterior of the property, the village-like resort here feels homely, the hotel is welcoming rather than stuffy, and the decor is the perfect balance of laid-back and luxurious. Outside, you’ll find the IG-worthy infinity pool with eight metres of glass that lets you look out onto the sea whilst swimming. Flanked by palm trees and stylish sun loungers, this adults-only pool is the perfect hangout to read your book, do some dolphin spotting and marvel at Es Vedrà, the famous rock island that lures tourists to Ibiza every season for its healing powers. On the other side, there’s the family-friendly Laguna Pool, which is a great alternative if you’re travelling with kids. 

The food
Food and creativity are taken to new heights at 7Pines. The View is the more formal dining option offering up a special tasting menu and wine pairing amidst the inimitable cliffside sea views. It’s all fresh, seasonal dishes and flavours that shake up the senses. Taste, smell and touch come together at this Mediterranean restaurant led by executive chef, Andres Fernandez, with some of the highlights including the red mullet with crab, fregola sarda and orange and the 7Pines CHOCOLATE decorated with pine nuts and chilli.

Meanwhile, for something a little more relaxed head to Cone Club for sundowners on the cabanas, followed by alfresco dining and plenty of Spanish tapas favourites. Local dishes like pan con tomate, patatas bravas, jamon Iberico are served alongside 7Pines specials like tuna tataki and fresh seabass. Fresh seafood is also the catch of the day at the Infinity Pool Bar where you can order sushi and poké bowls direct to your sun lounger. Breakfast is another highlight every morning with just about everything you can dream up. Make sure you bring your appetite to sample everything on the menu, from flaky pastries and natural yoghurt to pancakes, to eggs and smoked salmon.

Spa and wellness
Too much time glued to our screens this year and not enough of it switching off has left many of us (myself included) with a classic case of “burnout” and the need to slow down. Enter: Pure Seven Spa. If the location alone wasn’t enough to leave you feeling more zen – a fitness centre and spa with double-height panoramas overlooking the sea – step inside the recently updated spa for immediate relaxation.

Inspired by the energy of Ibiza, the spa has recently expanded its fitness facilities and is now offering two new wellness retreat packages – a ‘Get Fit’ fitness-focused retreat package and a de-stressing ‘Detox’ retreat – for those seeking self-care on the island. Supporting both mental and physical health, the aim of these tailored wellness programmes ranges from relaxation to stress-management, increased energy and detoxing. You’ll also find plenty of activities for mind and body, including pilates, yoga, guided hiking, meditation and nutritional and life coaching.

Then there’s the long list of treatments to choose from fusing local ingredients (think Ibiza salts, herbs and citrus) with the latest cosmetology. Six treatment rooms host a range of wellness offerings, from bespoke body massages using  ESPA and Neom products to Mayan volcanic stone massages, and plenty of holistic therapies like acupuncture, physiotherapy, osteopathy and oxygen therapy. Guests can also make the most of the facilities and experience the steam bath, sauna, cold mist shower and relaxation area complete with water beds.

Getting there
A quick hop from the UK (just over two hours from London airports) makes this spot a drama-free holiday destination for anyone in need of some R&R. Better yet, the speedy 25-minute drive from the airport means you can be sat on a sun lounger in less than an hour after touching down in Ibiza. 

All in all, if you’re searching for wellness, exquisite food and some of Ibiza’s most breathtaking views, 7Pines is exactly where to find all three. 

words by Amelia Bell