Uncover the lesser-known, non-party aspects of Ibiza, Spain: Wellness, gastronomy, family-friendly beaches, and more

Ibiza is known for its vibrant nightlife — an enchanting Spanish island where sun-kissed youth in white revel to pulsating EDM music.

And that’s true.

However, it’s equally a luxury wellness haven, a family-friendly beach retreat, a serene spot for yoga and meditation, and a paradise for food lovers and wine enthusiasts eager to enjoy fresh farm-to-table meals and organic wines.

Ibiza's hidden treasures offer even more reasons to include this enchanting Spanish island on your travel list—regardless of your feelings toward electronic music or the color white.

The party culture of Ibiza stands alone as a unique experience.

Whether your goal is to party or to avoid it, knowing Ibiza's layout is crucial. San Antonio, notorious for attracting the 'Brits abroad', boasts a variety of pubs, sunset lounges, and bars where visitors gather to drink, dance, and enjoy life.

Playa d'en Bossa, another lively area, hosts renowned clubs like Ushuaïa and is also favored by plane enthusiasts for its proximity to Ibiza Airport, making it a prime spot for aviation observation.

While there are clubs scattered around Ibiza Town and throughout the island, the majority are found in these two bustling locales.

Beyond the bustling party zones, Ibiza remains largely untouched. Lush hiking trails, hidden beach coves, stunning villa rentals, and exquisite hotel spas await those seeking to explore the island's serene side, away from its vibrant nightlife.

Ibiza's accommodations are serious about luxury wellness.

When you think of swimming pools in Ibiza, legendary parties at Ibiza Rocks Hotel or O Beach Club might come to mind. However, these festive events are exclusive to certain hotels. Generally, the island's pools are serene infinity options on rooftops or spa-inspired hydrotherapy retreats, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation in a luxurious environment.

Consider the brand-new Six Senses Ibiza, a BREEAM-certified resort located on the island's northern edge. It boasts pool suites and beach caves within its 20-acre paradise. The resort offers seasonal dishes, wellness therapies, sound healing, and spa treatments featuring herbs from its organic garden. Guests can also engage in the Longevity with Rosebar program, focusing on energy restoration through biohacking, sleep therapy, and healing energy techniques.

From enjoying CBD-infused drinks to indulging in spa treatments within the massage catacombs, Six Senses Ibiza perfectly blends hedonism with sophistication and style—truly embodying the essence of Ibiza.

Luxurious resort spas are emerging throughout the island. The Revival Spa by Clarins at the Aguas de Ibiza Hotel integrates elements of the sea and nature, allowing guests to experience Mediterranean-inspired wellness. By combining plant science with hydrotherapy, treatments aim to both relax and invigorate, featuring options like sweet and salt exfoliations and wood therapy massages.

7Pines Ibiza, a Destination by Hyatt Resort, features the Pure Seven Holistic Spa, which offers an exclusive "relax" tour guiding guests through a complete spa rejuvenation circuit. This includes visits to the spa's two saunas, an ice cave, a steam room, a pediluvium (foot bath), and a specialized shower circuit. With nourishing body wraps and local rituals like the Fig Essence—an encompassing treatment paired with lunch—you'll leave feeling revitalized.

Yoga and meditation retreats are plentiful.

Ibiza has emerged as a wellness haven, providing not only luxurious spa treatments but also an array of yoga and meditation retreats. A variety of hotels across the island, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end, offer daily yoga and Pilates classes, including the adults-only Sol Beach House in Santa Eulalia and the fashionable OKU Ibiza.

For yogis looking to deepen their practice, or for frazzled parents and overwhelmed professionals, a getaway focused specifically on yoga and meditation might be the ideal choice.

At Mikasa Hotel, a charming 16-room boutique hotel and yoga sanctuary, guests can align their wellness journeys with the rhythms of the moon during daily yoga and pranayama sessions. Ibiza Yoga is another retreat offering year-round daily yoga, complemented by rustic accommodations such as open-air pagodas and garden casitas. For those who prefer a more casual approach, Amante Yoga provides daily seafront yoga sessions followed by breakfast.

If you're seeking profound meditation experiences, Ashram Ibiza hosts retreats at its San Miguel Villa in the Ibiza Hills multiple times a year, focusing on meditation, sound healing, and yoga. Conscious Being retreats blend yoga with mindfulness, situated in a charming whitewashed villa overlooking the sea.

Discover the natural beauty of Ibiza.

With golden sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush pine forests, Ibiza's landscapes are breathtaking. The northern region, densely wooded, offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and connect with nature.

A scenic 30-minute hike along the coast leads to the hidden cove of Es Portitxol, where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet rocky hills. Other picturesque trekking locations include the Punta Grossa lighthouse—best avoided by those prone to vertigo—and the rocky beach cove of Caló de'n Jaume.

For visitors in the south, don't miss the opportunity to witness a sunset over the iconic Es Vedra rock. Enjoy the view from Cala d'Hort beach below or hike up to Torre des Savinar, the so-called pirate tower, for a stunning vantage point.

Consider hiking to Sa Talaia, Ibiza's tallest peak, which stands nearly 1,640 feet above sea level. Start your adventure in the main square of Sant Josep village and follow the road as it transforms into a hiking trail. Alternatively, to witness the island's famous pink flamingos, visit Ses Salines Natural Park, home to marshy salt ponds and a colony of over 800 of these beautiful birds.

You can also appreciate Ibiza's stunning scenery from the water. Rather than joining a crowded booze cruise, why not charter your own boat—either with a captain or without—to explore Ibiza and Formentera? Stop at secluded beach coves and enjoy the diverse landscapes each island has to offer.

Ibiza is surprisingly family-friendly.

The island boasts a wide range of vacation rentals suitable for families. VRBO lists nearly 300 "family-friendly" properties, accommodating groups of four to twenty, while Airbnb features over 400 homes catering to families of all sizes.

Ibiza's numerous beach coves offer sandy shores and shallow waters, making them perfect for families with young children. Cala Longa is particularly popular, featuring a small playground right on the beach, calm waters ideal for kids, and amenities like shops, restaurants, and beach chair rentals. Plus, early risers will find many of the best beaches and coves relatively empty until midday, when the party crowd begins to emerge.

Both kids and adults can enjoy the marine wonders at the Cap Blanc Aquarium, situated within a natural cave. For more family-friendly cave adventures, the Can Marça Caves offer a refreshing escape for sunburned families seeking a cool and engaging activity.

When planning a family trip to Ibiza, consider visiting during the quieter shoulder months like May or September. During these times, accommodations are more budget-friendly, most tourists have departed, yet you can still enjoy lovely weather and sunshine.

Savor the culinary delights of Ibiza.

Ibiza's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from vegan smoothies and organic dishes to Michelin-starred gourmet meals. For a farm-to-table experience, Aubergine by Atzaró presents a rustic yet modern countryside dining atmosphere, showcasing the best of Ibiza's local gastronomy with seasonal dishes, a healthy kids' menu, and even kombucha.

For a lunchtime farm-to-table experience, head to Numero 74 L'Atelier, where the menu is filled with locally-sourced ingredients like tapenade made from Ibiza olives, alongside locally-raised chicken and fresh salads. The venue also hosts creative workshops in activities like weaving, cooking, flower crown making, and macramé.

ASAL, situated in the Ibiza Gran Hotel, is a fresh addition to the island's fashionable dining scene. Chef Mario Sandoval, known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Coque in Madrid, has crafted a menu filled with Mediterranean delights, available in an elegant white cave designed by renowned Spanish architect David Alayeto, or outside on a lovely garden terrace. The newly-renovated Amalur is highly recommended for a romantic countryside dinner, blending classic Italian dishes with local Ibizan flavors.

Whether you're vegan or gluten-free, Ibiza is the perfect destination. The island caters well to plant-based diners, with many restaurants accommodating dietary restrictions. Check out Ve Cafe, part of the new W Hotel, offering options like vegan muesli, sugar-free wine, and plant-based Buddha bowls. At Natural Pau, a 'flexitarian' dining hub, enjoy vegan pizza in a charming garden patio setting.

Visitors can explore and sample wines at Can Rich, the island's only organic winery, known for its crisp rosé and aromatic vermouth.

In summary

Ibiza is an island that offers far more than just its vibrant nightlife. With its delectable cuisine and breathtaking natural landscapes, the island attracts families, solo travelers, yogis, vegans, and many others. Consider planning your visit this summer, but be sure to choose accommodations outside of San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa for a more serene getaway.