Island of Light
More than just a vast treasury of heritage, these stately hotels offer guests an immersive portrait of modern-day Spain.
For nearly a century, Spain has reclaimed architectural treasures from castles and convents to forts and monasteries, imbuing them with renewed relevancy by turning them into vibrant hotels. Over the years, sustainable practices, a commitment to culture, regional gastronomy and modern design have added newer buildings, contemporary art and generational talent to the portfolio too. The newly inaugurated Parador de Ibiza, the first for the Balearic Islands, brings the total number of Paradors to 99. Guided by strong values that prize eco-tourism, storytelling and social regeneration, each Parador offers a forward-facing vision.
Parador de Ibiza
Following two decades of rehabilitation work, this former 16th-century fort is now welcoming in guests as a 41-key Parador. Crowning the Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s walled citadel which has a 2,500-year history, the hotel offers sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean sea, the island of Formentera, Ibiza’s active port, and even glimpses of several unearthed archaeological foundations below. Meaning “upper town”, Dalt Vila is a historic, still inhabited acropolis founded by the Phoenicians in 654 BCE. In 1999, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests of the Parador can wander the winding cobbled streets to discover lively restaurants, shops and galleries, including Mace, Ibiza’s contemporary art museum.
Where history meets artistry
Restoring the several buildings that comprise the Castillo de la Almudaina was a painstaking process of discovery and preservation. The result is a rich civilisational tapestry that tells a two-millennia story of a strategic enclave, with vestiges of the Phoenician, Roman, Islamic, medieval and Renaissance eras dotted throughout. More modern amenities include an outdoor pool, wellness spa and event spaces. Elevating the experience, this Parador has also been embellished by a collection of colourful contemporary art, photography and sculpture, from artists based in the Balearics and beyond.
Experience local flavours
Before finding fame as a global capital of nightlife, Ibiza attracted legions of travellers looking to dip into its aquamarine waters, cuisine and natural milieu. The Parador de Ibiza’s restaurant, Almudaina, takes its cues from the island’s fresh and informal food culture, with added flavour provided by picturesque coastal views. Locally sourced dishes include grilled Formentera red prawns, Ibicenco sobrasada and cheeses, as well as succulent seafood rice dishes. The hotel also includes myriad Balearic design details such as textiles, woven basketry and furniture, making this newest Parador a paragon of Mediterranean culture and creativity.
Find out more at parador.es.
