Nobu Ibiza Bay is an experience not to be missed

If the days for raving all night and sleeping on the beach are behind you but you're still keen to keep one foot in the action and one firmly in the spa then Nobu Ibiza Bay could be just for you.

The Location

Set on the shores of Talamanca beach, Nobu Hotel is close enough to all the big night spots for when you want to let loose but far enough removed to forget your sins the next day. A handful of beach bars and restaurants welcome you enroute to Marina Botafoch but otherwise the location is quietly set away from the main hustle and bustle of the bigger Ibiza resorts. Hop in the car though and you’re a mere 5 minutes from the culture and restaurants of Ibiza Old Town, and under 25 minutes to both Playa Den Bossa or San Antonio if you’re wanting a big night out.

The Vibes

Confession time, when we first heard of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay we had visions of over the top glitz and glam, flashy vibes and an Instagram obsessed clientele. The reality, however, was a breath of fresh air. Quality over quantity is the name of the game here and service is top notch. From the moment the porters open the door, concierge serves you a cool crisp glass of champagne and your personal tour of the resort commences you’re made to feel truly welcomed and that nothing is impossible.

The resort is an indulgent yet paired back, beach chic retreat. A calming palette of whites and blues with hints of gold perfectly compliment natural stones, stripped wood and chic local artisan interiors. With 153 rooms and suites, the resort isn’t big but it packs a huge punch and offers everything one could hope for in a holiday destination.

The Rooms

(Deluxe Suite Terrace at Nobu Ibiza Bay)

Rooms, suites and grand suites all provide a luxurious haven in which to wind down or glam up. We stayed in one of the expansive sea view junior suites with a private terrace inviting you to both lounge or dine. Each room boasts a well stocked mini bar, a bathroom that’s “bigger than the blue banana”, TV, sound system and the list goes on. Everything is of the highest quality down to sumptuous linens, La Bottega bath products and the ciroc vodka and patron tequila in your personal bar. Ibiza’s not normally a place we’d rave about the sleep we got, but a stay at Nobu definitely shifts the dial.

(Junior Suite Nobu Ibiza Bay)

The Food

One thing you can guarantee is that the food is going to be exceptional. Try laidback eats at the Pool Deck or Bay Cafe, embark on a global culinary journey at Bibo by Dani Garcia, or book an upscale dinner at the eponymous Nobu restaurant.

Breakfast is served at Chambao, Nobu’s beachside chiringuito, offering an indulgent continental spread alongside a la carte hot dishes. A true highlight was the free flowing bubbles station with serve yourself Ruinart champagne … well it was 5 o’clock somewhere in the world! Whether you’re craving the hearty “English Please….” full breakfast, a healthy egg white omelette or somewhere in between, Chambao delivers and the service is impeccable. Show signs of squinting in the sun and someone has already moved a parasol for you before you’ve even considered asking, and trust us, when you’ve left your sunglasses in the room this kind of attention to detail is highly appreciated.

For dinner it’s imperative to book a table at Nobu’s signature restaurant. Come sundown the vibe shifts and Nobu’s teak and gold interior glows under soft lighting and buzzy background tunes. It was hammering it down when we visited but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits or dull what was guaranteed to be a culinary triumph. If, like us, you can’t bear to choose, then try the Omakase multi-course tasting menu and let the chef do all the hard work for you. As you’d imagine the miso black cod was sensational and the prawn tempura was so good we ordered more by the pool the next day.

When your hotel is home to one of the world’s best restaurants there really is no reason to go elsewhere!

What Else?

The hotel offers two pools, one family friendly and one adults only, both surrounded by comfy, crisp white sun loungers and cabana beds (cabanas need to be booked in advance which is a slight annoyance).

(Cabanas at Nobu Ibiza Bay)

Forgot some gifts? Head to the on site shop. Chipped a nail? Pop into the nail bar. Want to get suitably coiffed for your night out? Visit the in house John Frieda salon. You get the drift, whatever your whim or fancy, the hotel either has a ready made solution, or the concierge will conjure one up for you.

The Spa deserves a mention all of its own. Small but perfectly formed, the Six Senses spa is a place of calm and serenity. If you’ve ever been to Marrakech and stayed in a Riad you’ll understand what we mean, when we say once through the doors it’s like the world behind you disappears. Cocoon yourself in holistic body treatments, massages and facials and return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Travelling with kids? Drop them off at the chicest kids clubs we’ve ever seen. Got a four legged friend in tow? Then check them into the Dog Spaw at the same time. What did we tell you - they really have thought of everything.

(The Kids Club at Nobu Ibiza Bay)

If you’re yearning for something a little more energetic then have a looksie at the BEYOND experiences, a specially curated list of activities offering guests a taste of the lesser known side of Ibiza.

So what are you waiting for? To book now visit their website, rooms start at €450 a night off peak.

Sarah Hayman is a contributing food and travel writer at Marie Claire UK, covering everything from UK breaks to far flung destinations, the best greasy spoon to Michelin star dining.

Growing up on the Kent coast Sarah spent virtually every day of her summer holidays frolicking on the beach so it’s no wonder that a life living and working in London leaves her yearning for sand between her toes and cool wines on summer eves.

To ensure she’s ordering the right thing in a restaurant and knowing her lefts from her rights, Sarah has since dabbled in languages being conversational in Spanish and currently studying Arabic at SOAS.