Think the White Isle is all beach clubs and bikinis? We head north, where you can get your sangria served with a generous side of serenity
Ibiza might still have a reputation for parties, but away from the beach clubs and crowds, the island’s serene north tells a different story – one of pine forests, sea air and soul-soothing stillness. With burnout on the rise in the UK, and *91% of working UK adults reporting that they experienced high stress levels in the past year, there’s never been a better time to rethink what a proper break looks like.
Enter Cala San Miguel, a five-star adults-only resort that promises to disrupt the stress cycle.
The hotel
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Rebranded and renovated in 2024, Cala San Miguel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, may be just a 30-minute drive from Ibiza Old Town, but it gives a much more mellow vibe than other places I’ve stayed on the island. The design is natural and simplistic – white walls, pale woods, woven textures – basically, interiors that match the mood of the landscape. Hotel guests are treated to access to the beach, two outdoor pools, a wellness centre and several dining options, including Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. I was lucky enough to book in for the elevated ‘Club’ experience, which offers perks like premium breakfast and priority activity access.
There are a total of 196 rooms, with options ranging from plush junior suites with private pools to more cosy standard lodgings. My sea view room looked out towards Port de Sant Miguel’s glistening cove, with a generous balcony perfect for early reading in the sun or for lounging on with a glass of wine in the evening
Eat and drink
There are several places to eat on-site, and I had some great meals without ever needing to leave. The poolside Cálido restaurant served some of the best tapas-style lunches I’ve ever had, and I came back daily for the crispy prawns and chilli aioli combination. For dinner, my top spot was Paseo, which offered panoramic views of the bay and top-quality steak and seafood options.
As I was booked into a Club room, I also got access to breakfasts at Na Joaneta, where the fresh buffet saw me returning with my plate for top-ups of delicious pastries a shameful number of times. Also, excitingly, for the 2025 season, Cala San Miguel opened a brand new beachfront restaurant in July: Beach House Cala San Miguel. It wasn’t open during my stay, but the plans promised sun-drenched dining right on the sand- think long lunches, chilled rosé and sea-to-table specials. Definitely one I’ll be returning for.
What’s on
Where I felt the hotel truly shone was in its entertainment. If you’re picturing a lobby singer and the occasional aqua class, think again. They took the time to book value-adding experts. I did the poolside painting class where quite a well-known local artist came to share his tips as we sat sipping complimentary wine with a paintbrush in hand. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Hierbas Ibicencas masterclass, where a local mixologist helped us create our very own herbal alcoholic concoctions in gorgeous glass bottles. If you’re keen to exercise, I can also highly recommend booking in for a pilates class, which takes place in the swanky gym overlooking the sea.
Out and about
Though I did spend plenty of time lounging by the pool and soaking up sunsets while listening to incredible live musicians, I got out and about a lot. Despite the hotel’s more remote location, there are plenty of hiking trails, bays to swim in, restaurants and cafes to stop at, and gift shops to peruse. I did a half-day hike into the mountains, following a very well-marked trail (I’m no pro) and was amazed by the rustic scenery of olive trees, fruit groves and hidden bays that were begging to be dipped into.
I spent a fair amount of time hiking around the hills, and I do have one piece of advice when it comes to stopping for breaks: be cautious of the glittering bays. They might look like the perfect place to dunk in, but I can’t tell you how many jellyfish I spotted. They’re a common sight in Ibiza, but the months of June-September are when they seem to float out in their masses.
How to book
A stay at Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort starts from £250 per night in a superior room on a bed and breakfast basis. You can book here to get the best rates. Club rooms on a bed and breakfast basis start from £330. Flights to Ibiza run from most larger UK airports, with return tickets from around £50 off-season. See Skyscanner routes here.
*Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2025.
