Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas prides itself on being a green and sustainable hospitality company, but even by brand standards, the Ibiza, Spain, outpost outdoes itself.
When I arrived at Six Senses Ibiza, I found it bursting with life. There are more than 30,000 plants on the hotel grounds, and I was continually surprised by the many fruits, vegetables and flowers I found growing on every corner of the property. I almost stumbled over a gigantic zucchini in the centrally located hotel garden, and I did a double-take when I saw the “living roofs” covered in flowers.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I arrived at my Sea View Premium Junior Suite to find a fully blooming outdoor garden with bees and butterflies — all flying around as if characters in a verdant fairytale.
The Rooms
As a travel writer, I’ve experienced many incredible rooms, but I can confidently say I’ve never had a hotel room with a garden extending out of it. Stepping out of bed to an array of colorful plants and trees was truly breathtaking. My spacious suite featured an open layout with a covered patio area, as well as a large bathroom with a freestanding tub, a walk-in shower and, of course, Six Senses’ sustainable bath products.
The property features a huge variety of room categories, from smaller Deluxe rooms to a 10-bedroom mansion called The Pinnacle.
Wellness and Fitness
Ibiza has a reputation for its nightlife, but Six Senses Ibiza is located on the island’s rugged north coast, far away from the indulgence and revelry. The property instead celebrates wellness and meaningful experiences; in fact, beyond its daily offerings for guests, the hotel serves as the backdrop for a variety of retreats and workshops throughout the year (think: yoga, self-discovery and healthy living).
With a strong focus on mindfulness, Six Senses Ibiza attracts guests who skew older than the partygoers you usually see on the island.
Although I didn’t visit for a retreat, I did take advantage of the nearly 13,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa, which features treatments you can’t find just anywhere. I enjoyed the Nottnuit 528 Hz Facial, which harnesses the healing powers of the sound frequency — scientifically proven to assist in DNA repair. Instead of the usual masks and scrubs, this facial uses a tuning fork, face cupping and a unique face massage that helps increase circulation, making skin look extra toned and radiant.
A visit to Six Senses Ibiza doesn't only have to be about relaxation, though: If you want to get your blood pumping, there are plenty of spaces to get active, including a gym, an outdoor boxing rink and a seafront yoga deck. I joined a high intensity interval training (HIIT) class that culminated in running up and down one of the property’s steep walkways. If you're more into watersports, the hotel's oceanside location allows for plenty of aquatic activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, e-biking, scuba diving, hiking, sailing and even cliff jumping.
Dining
Cap off a day of rigorous or relaxing activities with a visit to one of Six Senses Ibiza’s on-site restaurants, all of which offer seasonal, organic and sustainably sourced cuisine. Much of the food comes right from the hotel’s garden (including eggs from the on-site chickens), or from its farm in Santa Gertrudis, located mid-island.
I recognized one of the restaurants, HaSalon, as it has locations in Tel Aviv, New York City and Miami. In those cities, the establishment has more of a party-and-dance-on-the-table kind of reputation, but in Ibiza, the eatery is more communal and has a calmer ambiance. A large wood table spans almost the entire length of the restaurant — ideal for groups or couples who like socializing with other guests.
Famed Israeli chef Eyal Shani crafts beautiful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes such as beetroot carpaccio, grilled calamari and prawns, and charcoal lamb wrapped in garlic juices, wild rosemary and local yogurt. Shani is famous for his tomato dishes, so be sure to try one during a visit.
I also enjoyed The Orchard, an intimate dining space that focuses on grilled meats, fish and vegetables, and offers a variety of Peruvian and Mexican-inspired cocktails to pair with your meal.
Overall, Six Senses Ibiza is a sustainable wellness destination for those who want to skip the island’s noisy nightlife scene. With a lush landscape among the rugged rocks of Ibiza’s north coast, and a host of wellness-focused offerings, this property leaves visitors feeling enriched, restored and refreshed.