Vanguard and design in the bay of Santa Eulalia
We don't stop talking about Ibiza. We know it and we are aware that this summer we are giving it preference, but there is no place right now in Spain that is giving us so much room in terms of hotel plans and openings.
After such a tough year, it was inevitable that Ibiza would make the most noise, rediscovering before those who had forgotten her and recovering her lifelong fans with a change of direction, the one that right now does not depend on massive events and that focuses on more careful proposals, experiences better valued and a gastronomy that no longer has mass tourism to compete with it.
The Hotel Riomar – one of the first lodgings to grace the area of Santa Eulalia – is one of those novelties, although its original history dates back to 1968, when it set the precedent for the island's tourist boom, eventually becoming a classic in the area.
After a resounding facelift, this member of Marriott Tribute Portfolio reaches the quality of a boutique hotel with an interior design that takes note of the modernism from the mid-20th century, with simple lines, earthy colors and the pleasure of seeing how a classic is able to take on new and improved life.
TAKE A LOOK
First impression: What is a lobby like you doing in a place like this? Well, put a point and separate in what to design he refers, distancing himself from that sixties essence that had been outdated inside this building and dressing it in minimalism.
After leaving the car in the hands of the valet parking , there are two small counters that welcome guests. above, hanging Louis Poulsen PH5 and just behind, vinyl and turntable that set the standard for design with modernity above all. Furthermore, his exquisite Ocean Brasserie & Bar (makes a cocktail?) with some high bar stools and low tables scattered around the area, expanding to a lounge where you can have a coffee or telecommute, decorated with a huge mural.
Right in front of everything, a picture window glass that opens to a covered terrace for an informal dinner overlooking the beach or for breakfast al fresco. What were once two stars today become four (superior). And that, even from the first impression, is noticeable.
Environment: “The importance of the Hotel Riomar is that it predates most of the city that surrounds it. Santa Eulalia is very development conscious, so when starting the project we had to take into account what we had and what we could do with the property. Our ambition is to phase the project over several seasons, slowly revealing our overall vision of the experience the hotel should deliver," he explains. Sichi Bon , creative director of a project that is accompanied by others (with the Marriott firm behind it) to animate the scene in the area.
Located right next door is the W Ibiza hotel and its Chiringuito Blue, the healthy cuisine of go coffee and the restaurant The flame , as well as Sinner , by Catalan chef Nandu Jubany, awarded a Michelin star.
Design: Earth colors with terracotta dominating above all, with scorched-earth red accents inspired by the iron-rich earth of Ibiza. A nostalgia for timelessness and a huge tile mural six meters wide that it is inevitable to admire. At his side, the Togo of Michael Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, jute rugs made to measure by Naturtex and designer seats with side tables wow.
Here everything is focused on the details, such as those abstract aesthetic cushions that give life to the beds in the rooms or to a careful and eclectic library of vinyl – those portable record players in the lobby you can take to your room, if you wish – that animate the eyes and the senses. Still to be released is his restaurant tribe , an ode to the embers.
Bedrooms: 116 rooms and four suites fully equipped. Spacious and with all the basics for a short or long stay, with an open wardrobe, television, desk and a bathroom with a shower (and household amenities in a family format to avoid waste). Some have views to the bay of Santa Eulalia and the Mediterranean Sea, while the rest focus on Ibiza's rural heritage, including the historic Puig de Missa, which dates back to the 16th century.
Eat and drink: Next to the swimming pool they have to fall, yes or yes, a dozen of oysters Gillardeau at aperitif time. Although any time is good for the whim. as well as a Daiquiri strawberry frozen There are also ham croquettes Joselito , Andalusian-style squid with yellow chili mayonnaise or a skewer of bull tuna with Padrón pepper, black aioli, ponzu sauce. For have breakfast , every day a buffet full of seasonal fruit, juices, pastries, jams, yogurt and everything you need to get the perfect English breakfast is served in the hotel lobby (and on the tables on the outside terrace).
And take note, because as soon as Tribe opens, it will be the turn of French toast and eggs benedictine.
Swimming pool: You have the sea at your beck and call just down a few stairs from the hotel lobby, but we promise that most of your time will be spent lounging on the sun loungers surrounding the pool. Take a seat and dedicate yourself to watching the hours pass between DJ sessions , readings, the dishes of the Ocean Brasserie & Bar or jumping into the Secret Garden. An area dedicated to mid-afternoon siestas, with loungers and cushions at ground level and a central stage that promises to host acoustic music. Oh, and if you have children, here they don't make anyone ugly, on the contrary: they will have a great time.
