Exploring Ibiza's Hidden Gem: A Wellness Hotel with Abundant Free Activities

Ibiza may be known for its party scene, but venture away from the bustling beach clubs and crowds, and you'll discover a different side to the island in its tranquil north - think pine forests, fresh sea air and a sense of calming stillness. With burnout becoming increasingly common in the UK, and *91% of working UK adults admitting to experiencing high stress levels over the past year, it's time to reconsider what a real break should look like.

Welcome to Cala San Miguel, a five-star, adults-only resort designed to help you break free from the stress cycle.

Rebranded and renovated in 2024, Cala San Miguel, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is just a 30-minute drive from Ibiza Old Town. However, it exudes a much more laid-back vibe compared to other places I've stayed on the island.

The design is natural and minimalist - white walls, light woods, woven textures - essentially, interiors that mirror the serene landscape. Guests can enjoy access to the beach, two outdoor pools, a wellness centre and several dining options, including Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. I was fortunate enough to opt for the elevated 'Club' experience, which offers perks like premium breakfast and priority activity access.

The hotel boasts a total of 196 rooms, with choices ranging from plush junior suites complete with private pools to cosier standard accommodations. My sea view room offered a stunning outlook towards Port de Sant Miguel's shimmering cove, complete with a spacious balcony ideal for early morning reading sessions in the sun or evening wine sipping.

The resort boasts several on-site eateries, ensuring I enjoyed fantastic meals without ever having to venture out. The poolside Cálido restaurant served up some of the best tapas-style lunches I've ever tasted, with the crispy prawns and chilli aioli combo becoming a daily must-have. For dinner, Paseo was my go-to, offering breathtaking views of the bay alongside top-notch steak and seafood dishes. Since I was staying in a Club room, I also had access to breakfast at Na Joaneta. The fresh buffet had me shamelessly going back for seconds (and thirds) of their scrumptious pastries.

Excitingly, for the 2025 season, Cala San Miguel unveiled a brand new beachfront restaurant in July: Beach House Cala San Miguel. Although it wasn't open during my visit, the plans promised sun-soaked dining right on the beach - think leisurely lunches, chilled rosé and sea-to-table specials. It's definitely on my list for my next visit.

Where I felt the hotel truly shone was in its entertainment. If you're picturing a lobby singer and the occasional aqua class, think again. They took the time to book value-adding experts. I did the poolside painting class where quite a well-known local artist came to share his tips as we sat sipping complimentary wine with a paintbrush in hand.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Hierbas Ibicencas masterclass, where a local mixologist helped us create our very own herbal alcoholic concoctions in gorgeous glass bottles. If you're keen to exercise, I can also highly recommend booking in for a pilates class, which takes place in the swanky gym overlooking the sea.

Though I did spend plenty of time lounging by the pool and soaking up sunsets while listening to incredible live musicians, I got out and about a lot. Despite the hotel's more remote location, there are plenty of hiking trails, bays to swim in, restaurants and cafes to stop at, and gift shops to peruse. I did a half-day hike into the mountains, following a very well-marked trail (I'm no pro) and was amazed by the rustic scenery of olive trees, fruit groves and hidden bays that were begging to be dipped into.

I spent a good deal of time trekking around the hills, and I do have one piece of advice when it comes to taking breaks: be wary of the shimmering bays. They might seem like the ideal spot for a dip, but I can't tell you how many jellyfish I saw. They're a frequent sight in Ibiza, but they appear to swarm in their droves from June to September.

A stay at Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort begins from £250 per night in a superior room on a bed and breakfast basis. You can book here to secure the best rates. Club rooms on a bed and breakfast basis start from £330. Flights to Ibiza operate from most larger UK airports, with return tickets starting around £50 off-season. See Skyscanner here.