There are two versions of Ibiza. One is built around guest lists, headline DJs, and nights that blur into mornings. The other begins with a sunrise swim, long, lazy lunches, and days which end with a (fourth) glass of wine by the sea. At Hotel Riomar, in the peaceful resort of Santa Eulària des Riu, it’s the latter that takes centre stage.
Part of the Tribute Portfolio collection, Hotel Riomar has perfected the sort of understated luxury that doesn’t shout for attention. Its palette is all soft neutrals and natural textures, the atmosphere is calm without feeling sleepy, and the Mediterranean is never more than a few steps away. This isn’t somewhere to tick off a packed itinerary; it’s somewhere to let the day unfold at its own pace.
Eat, Drink, Unwind
Mornings are a relaxed affair at Hotel Riomar: start with breakfast on the terrace – or inside, close to all the delicious options the buffet has to offer. Choose from fresh fruit, flaky pastries, local cheeses, a DIY pan con tomate station, and eggs cooked to order are all accompanied by uninterrupted sea views. It’s the kind of spread that encourages a second iced latte and an extra half-hour at the table, especially when the only decision ahead is whether to head to the pool or the beach first.
The pool is lined with comfortable loungers and shaded cabanas where guests spend hours reading, snoozing, or cooling off with the occasional dip. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and drinks appear just as quickly as the Ibizan sun climbs overhead. Signature cocktails, crisp rosé, and fresh Mediterranean bites make it all too easy to lose an entire afternoon without leaving your sunbed.
Unlike many hotels on the island, Hotel Riomar also has its own stretch of beachfront, so swapping the pool for the sea couldn’t be simpler. A few steps across the sand and you’re swimming in the calm waters of Santa Eulària Bay before returning to your lounger in time for another round of cocktails. Snack food can also be ordered straight to your beach lounger so you can nibble on calamari bites and tuna sashimi tacos, while sipping on an Aperol Spritz, wherever you’ve chosen to flop this holiday.
Wellness is at the heart of the hotel so for those looking to balance indulgence with a little movement, there’s a well-equipped gym to work off all the tapas, as well as an ice bath you can book with a breathwork coach to soothe any sore muscles you may have from a hillside hike in the area – and boost your mood for the day.
As the day cools, Ocean Brasserie becomes one of the hotel’s standout experiences. With a menu rooted in Mediterranean flavours, expect beautifully grilled seafood, seasonal vegetables, and locally inspired dishes served just metres from the shoreline. Dinner unfolds slowly here, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the gentle strums of live music rather than an Ibiza soundtrack turned up to full volume.
A Stroll Around Santa Eulària
While on the edge of the club buzz, Hotel Riomar is well connected to Santa Eulària – the palm-lined promenade begins just outside the hotel, making it perfect for an evening stroll into town. Along the way you’ll find seafront shops, independent cafés and restaurants that are a far cry from the big names drawing in the typical Ibiza crowd.
For dinner away from the hotel, Lagom (lagomibiza.es) is well worth the walk. Overlooking the marina, it’s known for generous seafood paellas, expertly divided between your table, and fresh Mediterranean cooking, making it an ideal place to linger over a bottle of chilled white wine or pitcher of sangria as boats drift gently back into the harbour.
While you may have chosen Santa Eulària for a slower and softer visit, if you’re keen to experience one of Ibiza’s famous beach clubs without diving headfirst into the island’s biggest parties, Nikki Beach Ibiza (nikkibeach.com) is just a 15-minute drive away. Set on the golden sands of S’Argamassa, it delivers all the hallmarks of the brand – plush white daybeds, attentive service, live DJs, and a menu that goes far beyond the usual beach club fare. Expect beautifully presented sushi, flavoursome crab salads, and cocktails that keep on coming and are best enjoyed between dips in the pool (or sea, it’s just a stone’s throw away).
It still delivers the glamour, DJs, and daybeds the island is known for, mind you, but with a more refined atmosphere that feels perfectly aligned with Hotel Riomar’s slower pace. While there’s still plenty of ambience, Nikki Beach feels noticeably more polished than the island’s bigger party venues: the music builds throughout the day without becoming overwhelming, making it just as suited to a long, leisurely lunch as it is an afternoon spent soaking up the sunshine with a glass of rosé in hand. If you want a taste of Ibiza’s glamorous beach club scene without committing to an all-out party, it’s a happy medium that’s well worth the short journey.
And if shopping is on the agenda, you’ll find more of those independent boutique shops that break up a walk down the promenade at the Punta Arabí Hippy Market (hippymarket.info) in nearby Es Canar is an easy excursion. Wander between stalls selling handcrafted jewellery, linen clothing, ceramics, leather goods, and artwork, while live music and food vendors capture the island’s enduring bohemian spirit.
A key thing about your stay in Santa Eulària is that Hotel Riomar doesn’t try to compete with Ibiza’s legendary nightlife – and that’s exactly its appeal. It offers something truly rare on an island famous for excess: the chance to slow down. Days revolve around the sea, good food, and welbeing – a version of Ibiza that’s definitely less spoken about but perhaps what you’ve been looking for all along.
Rooms available from: €314 euros per night, including breakfast, marriott.com
Flying from Heathrow Terminal 5 doesn’t have to mean settling for a rushed sandwich before your flight. At Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food (gordonramsayrestaurants.com), pre-travel dining is elevated with a collection of the chef’s most recognisable restaurant concepts, making it one of the terminal’s standout spots for everything from a leisurely lunch to a final holiday cocktail.
Fans of the chef’s television series will want to head straight to the Hotter Than Hell section of the menu for your chance at some seriously hot chicken (vegan is available too) wings. If you’re after something with a little kick, the spicy bites certainly live up to the name.
For a true British classic, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips is a must. Expect flaky fish wrapped in a light, crisp batter, chunky chips, and all the traditional accompaniments, proving that airport dining doesn’t have to compromise on quality. Whether you’ve got time for a full meal or simply fancy one last indulgence before take-off, Plane Food offers a welcome upgrade from the usual terminal fare, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
