Malaquita Hotel Ibiza

This summer, I spent a month of slow, sun-drenched days by the sea, flitting between Formentera and Ibiza. As part of my travels, I stopped by Malaquita Hotel Ibiza, which captured the mood of the trip perfectly. It was the ideal base for exploring the quieter side of the White Isle. If you're looking to escape the bustle of the port and discover what lies in the north of the island, this is the place to do it. Plenty of serene hidden spots are within a 30-minute drive away, and the drives will often take you past pine-covered hills, whitewashed farmhouses and glimpses of turquoise coastline. There is something about the north of Ibiza that feels worlds away from the beach clubs and super-yachts to be found further south — a slower, more rustic side of the island that rewards those willing to get in a car and go looking for it.

The immediate area of Es Canar leans toward mass tourism, but the hotel is also close to Santa Eulàlia, home to lots of brilliant restaurants and boutiques. Es Canar has a classic holiday strip lined with souvenir shops and ice-cream stands, with a nightly buzz that feels more suited to families on all-inclusive breaks than independent travellers looking for something quieter. But it would be wrong to write the area off entirely — not before you've stepped through the gates of Malaquita, where the atmosphere shifts completely. The hotel is a stylish retreat, with whitewashed walls, soft linens and lush greenery, an ideal launchpad for exploring rather than a destination to stay glued to. There is a sense of calm from the moment you arrive, a hush that makes it easy to forget what's happening just beyond the property line.

Don't expect room service or a phone by the bed. The hotel is designed to feel like a home away from home, a place to unwind rather than be fussed over at every turn. This is not somewhere with round-the-clock service. Instead, the appeal lies in the design, the setting and the freedom to come and go as you please. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant, where the menu leans into fresh, seasonal Ibicenco produce and simple preparations, or you can venture out to the beaches and restaurants right on your doorstep. There's no spa or fitness centre here, but there's plenty nearby to fill your days; or you can simply spend a relaxed afternoon by the pool with a book and the sound of cicadas humming in the background. Mornings are quiet, with just the sound of birds and the occasional splash from the pool.

You're close to the legendary Las Dalias hippie market, which transforms into the Akasha nightclub after dark for those who want to dance under the stars until sunrise. The market itself is worth a wander, full of local artisans selling leather goods, jewellery and handmade clothing. Drive further out to Cala Xarraca for some of the island's best snorkelling, where the water is calm and impossibly clear, ideal for spotting fish among the rocks. The bay is sheltered and shallow in parts, making it a good option for those travelling with kids, as well as anyone who simply wants to float for a few hours. A car is essential if you want to really see Ibiza beyond the beach clubs and the main tourist strip, and the roads in the north are far less congested than those you will find closer to the port.

For lunch, head to El Bigotes, a laidback fisherman's shack tucked into one of the most beautiful coves on the island. It's known for simple grilled fish, cold rosé and views worth lingering over long after the plates are cleared, the kind of place where lunch can easily stretch into late afternoon without anyone minding. 

And when you're ready for a change of scenery, the ferry from Santa Eulàlia makes for an easy day trip to Formentera, where the pace slows down even further. The crossing takes under an hour, and stepping off the boat onto Formentera's white sand and turquoise shores feels like arriving somewhere entirely different from the Ibiza you might think you know, with its reputation for nightlife and excess.

Malaquita is best suited to travellers who want a stylish, low-key base from which to explore the north of the island, rather than a resort experience where everything happens within the property walls. Pack a sense of adventure, rent a car and use the hotel as your starting point for discovering everything that lies just beyond the gates. You won't regret it.