Ibiza has long been known as one of the world's party capitals, but
thanks to some high-end hospitality newcomers, the destination is
rapidly growing its reputation as a wellness hub.
"Ibiza used to be just Ibiza, fun partying and all," said Virginia
Irurita, founder and executive partner at Spain-based travel agency Made
for Spain and Portugal. "Now, there are two Ibizas. You have all the
party stuff and discos, and then you have [another] side with beautiful
boutique properties very focused on lifestyle, food, hiking, biking,
etc."
Irurita cited the 152-room Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, which opened at the
southern end of Ibiza in 2017, as one such example. Joanna Ramonell,
director of marketing and communications for the property, said the
pandemic played a key role in influencing the Spanish island's larger
pivot toward wellness.
"In a way, Covid led people to rediscover Ibiza," Ramonell said. "The
clubs were shut for around two years. And when the regional market
started opening back up and people started to travel, they couldn't go
to Tulum or L.A., where they had previously been going to find wellness
experiences. So, they had to find them closer to home."
![Yoga session held at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay. Yoga session held at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay.](jpg/yoga-session-held-at-the-nobu-hotel-ibiza-bay.7a9d.jpg)
Yoga session held at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay.
The Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay responded to this shift by retooling some of
its programming, launching events like rooftop yoga sessions and a
series of Holistic Hikes retreats, developed in collaboration with local
tour operator Ibiza Hike Station.
"People weren't clubbing, and so it gave us an opportunity to develop
something different and show people the undiscovered Ibiza," Ramonell
said.
Ibiza's club scene may now be fully reopened and thriving, but
wellness has proven to have staying power at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay.
This spring, the property partnered with on-demand mental health service
Self Space to launch a "personal growth retreat" called Grow Through
What You Go Through. According to the hotel, the three-day retreat,
which is priced at around $1,720 per person, is designed to "provide
guests with the valuable tools needed to cultivate self-love and
positive mental health."
As part of the Self Space partnership, the Nobu is also hosting
90-minute Decompression Sessions (roughly $27 per workshop), offering
guests the chance to learn simple techniques to reduce stress.
Additionally, the hotel has extended its Holistic Hikes program
(around $1,260 per person) into this year. The three-night hiking
retreats promise to combine adventure and wellness, with breathwork
meditation and shout therapy incorporated into the hikes. Post-hike,
attendees are treated to an hourlong massage at the property's Ibiza Bay
Spa by Six Senses (Six Senses is the spa partner at the Nobu Ibiza).
"Our May Holistic Hikes sold out, and we've got people asking when they can do the next one in September," Ramonell said.
New breed of traveller
IHG Hotels & Resorts' Six Senses brand expanded its presence in
Ibiza in a big way with 2021's opening of the Six Senses Ibiza.
The 116-room property set a benchmark on the luxury wellness front on
the island, debuting its RoseBar "longevity club" earlier this year.
![Six Senses Ibiza’s Rosebar is a one-of-a-kind longevity club, that blends the powers of science and spiritual wellbeing to enhance human health and lengthen lifespan. Six Senses Ibiza’s Rosebar is a one-of-a-kind longevity club, that blends the powers of science and spiritual wellbeing to enhance human health and lengthen lifespan.](jpg/six-senses-ibiza%e2%80%99s-rosebar-is-a-one-of-a-kind-long7a9d.jpg)
Six Senses Ibiza’s Rosebar is a one-of-a-kind longevity club, that blends the powers of science and spiritual wellbeing to enhance human health and lengthen lifespan.
The 465sqm club, which claims to combine elements of "science and
spiritual well-being to enhance human health and lengthen lifespan,"
offers a wide range of treatments, including full-body cryotherapy,
hyperbaric oxygen chamber sessions, IV infusions, red light therapy,
cold plunges and shamanic healing as well as specialised retreats.
The venue's inaugural retreat, held in mid-June, was led by physician
and author Dr. Mark Hyman and included organic, anti-inflammatory daily
meals and an array of treatments and activities, including yoga,
bodywork, cryotherapy and ozone therapy.
Made for Spain and Portugal's Irurita credits the Six Senses resort
with helping to cement Ibiza's status as a wellness destination and,
consequently, attracting a different type of traveller.
"The local tourism community is looking for visitors who will take
care of the island," said Irurita. "And we, as a country, are looking
for a more upscale crowd."
Max Aniort, co-founder of luxury villa rental specialist Le
Collectionist, has similarly noticed a shift in Ibiza's clientele. The
company, which has more than 200 Ibiza properties within its global
portfolio, has operated in the market for approximately 20 years.
"While Ibiza still attracts its fair share of young travellers
seeking an exciting nightlife experience, we have noticed an increase in
different demographics," said Aniort. "Ibiza [has] reinvented itself as
a multifaceted destination that caters to all different needs, from
travellers seeking to rejuvenate with yoga retreats, healing centers and
wellness establishments to travellers wanting to organise corporate
events, weddings, family gatherings and romantic getaways."
Source: Travel Weekly