Hotel Riomar Ibiza: Finding the Art of Slow Living on the White Isle
I have always thought that one of Ibiza's greatest charms is its ability to be several different islands at once. There is the hedonistic, high-octane version we all know, but then there is the quieter, more soulful side, where life revolves around the sea, long lunches and the simple pleasure of watching the sun move across the water. It was this latter Ibiza that I rediscovered during my stay at Hotel Riomar Ibiza, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in the charming coastal town of Santa Eulalia.
Set on the island's east coast, just steps from the beach, Hotel Riomar Ibiza has a particularly appealing location. The Santa Eulalia River meets the Mediterranean here, creating a lovely sense of space and tranquillity, while the town itself offers a pleasing mix of independent boutiques, restaurants, waterfront cafés and a pretty marina. It feels distinctly Mediterranean, with enough going on to keep things interesting but without the frenetic energy of some of the island's better-known hotspots. And, at around 25 minutes from Ibiza Airport, it is wonderfully easy to reach.
Originally one of Ibiza's first hotels when it opened in the 1960s, Hotel Riomar Ibiza has been thoughtfully reinvented following an extensive renovation completed in 2021. Today, it has a fresh, contemporary personality, with 116 rooms and suites and an aesthetic that feels relaxed rather than overly designed. One of the things I particularly liked about Riomar was its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Although it has the feel of a contemporary boutique hotel, there is a lovely sense of space and an easy-going personality that makes you feel at home rather quickly.
The whole property has been designed around its seaside setting, and there is a pleasing sense of connection with the outdoors. Whether enjoying a quiet moment in the garden, relaxing by the pool or wandering down to the beach, everything feels wonderfully accessible. It is also a hotel that manages to feel sociable without being overwhelming, which I think is one of its greatest assets.
The bedrooms continue the hotel's understated Mediterranean aesthetic, with contemporary interiors, clean lines and a calming colour palette. They are designed to feel like private little sanctuaries after a day in the Ibiza sunshine, with natural light and an emphasis on comfort rather than unnecessary embellishment.
There are several room categories to choose from: The Deluxe Sea View and Premium Sea View rooms are particularly appealing, both offering balconies overlooking the sea. For those who prefer a different perspective, the Deluxe Rio rooms look towards the surrounding landscape, while the Deluxe Rio Terrace rooms offer the added luxury of a generous private terrace with sun loungers – an attractive option for anyone who enjoys a little outdoor space of their own.
The hotel's philosophy, Find Your Balance, runs through its approach to hospitality, and this season wellness has been given an even more prominent role. One of my favourite aspects of the concept is Tribe, the hotel's beautiful, leafy garden terrace overlooking the sea. It is an especially inviting setting for a morning yoga session, with classes in collaboration with Born Living Yoga taking place several times a week. Complimentary for hotel guests, the sessions are also open to locals, who can book a yoga and breakfast experience for €35.
For those who prefer to keep their wellness routine going beyond the yoga mat, Premium rooms and Suites come equipped with Born Living Yoga mats, blocks and resistance bands. There is also a new cold-plunge experience in collaboration with Lumi Therapy, alongside a sauna on the Tribe terrace and the option of private sessions with professional therapists. It is a thoughtful addition to the hotel's offering, particularly for anyone who likes the idea of returning from Ibiza feeling as refreshed as they look.
Food, naturally, plays a starring role in any stay here, and Riomar Ibiza has two restaurants that cater rather nicely to different holiday moods.
Ocean Brasserie is the more sophisticated of the two, with a contemporary Mediterranean menu that puts fresh ingredients and sharing dishes firmly in the spotlight. Think handcrafted croquettes, seafood salpicón and tuna tataki to begin, followed by fresh fish, including salt-baked sea bass, or a beautifully substantial grilled entrecôte served with potatoes, padrón peppers and mojo picón.
For something more relaxed, Pool Deck & The Beach is where I would happily while away an afternoon. The menu is designed for easy, informal eating, with Mediterranean mezze, poke bowls, fresh salads, fried fish and street-food favourites such as tacos, sandwiches and burgers. Add a chilled spritz or one of the hotel's signature cocktails and the temptation to move on to your next activity becomes rather less compelling.
What I also like about Hotel Riomar Ibiza is that it doesn't become sleepy once the sun goes down. The hotel's event programme introduces a lively social element, with something different happening throughout the week. Mondays bring live flamenco guitar, Tuesdays are dedicated to paella showcookings at Ocean Brasserie, Wednesdays feature acoustic music, and Thursdays introduce themed evenings and barbecue showcookings. Fridays take on a Caribbean flavour with Cuban nights, while Saturdays are accompanied by live piano. It is a clever way of creating a little atmosphere without turning the hotel into a party destination. The evenings begin from 8.30pm, with the gastronomic showcookings starting at 7.30pm, giving guests every reason to linger over dinner before settling in for the entertainment.
Dinner outside, with the warm Ibiza air settling in and a guitarist playing live in the background, was one of those simple pleasures that makes a holiday feel special. There is something wonderfully romantic about live guitar accompanying an alfresco dinner; it adds just the right amount of atmosphere without ever demanding your attention. The music, the food and the relaxed Mediterranean surroundings came together beautifully, creating the sort of evening you wish could last just a little longer.
Beyond the lifestyle offering, I was also pleased to see the hotel's commitment to its surroundings. From reducing plastic use and prioritising local suppliers to working with organisations such as KMZero and IbizaPreservation, there is a conscious effort to protect the island's natural environment and the Mediterranean Sea. It feels like an important part of the hotel's identity, particularly in a destination where the landscape is such a fundamental part of its appeal.
What stayed with me most about Riomar, however, was its sense of ease. It is a hotel that understands the pleasure of not having to do very much at all. You can start the day with yoga overlooking the sea, spend the afternoon between the beach and the pool, enjoy a leisurely Mediterranean lunch and finish with a cocktail and live music. There is enough happening to keep things interesting, but never the feeling that you need to be somewhere else.
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