The Tide Turns On Tourism In Ibiza

As the summer season gets well underway it is impossible to ignore the fact that Ibiza seems to be evolving into a luxury, adult orientated destination. A spring tide of new and, ever more sophisticated, hotels has washed over the island. Largely targeting the four-star market, the number of renovation projects on traditional accommodations has escalated over recent years.

This has caused a hike in demand for holiday homes and will undoubtedly drive up property interest. Good news, then, for those that currently own real estate on the island, but for potential buyers it means that time is of the essence. Having previously been regarded as a party destination and somewhat of a bohemian retreat, in its more secluded areas, Ibiza’s supply of upmarket hotels did not match the new demographic of its visitors.

A shift in attitudes and growing demand over the last few years have prompted international investors to position their luxury brands on the island. This has resulted in the recent arrival of names such as: Nobu, Curio by Hilton, Sir Hotels, 7 Pines, Six Senses and W.

Local government has taken action to alter the perception of Ibiza as the clubbing capital and to encourage sustainable tourism by capping the number of beds, curbing excessive nightlife and restricting private rentals. This has, in turn, led to hoteliers upgrading accommodation in increasingly imaginative ways, as if in competition to develop a truly unique holiday experience. Rather reminiscent of what Pikes had to offer some 40 years ago.

The development has been island-wide and has loosely followed the theme of Ibiza’s famous attributes with many of the hotels boasting wellness centres and rooftop pool bars featuring spectacular sea and sunset (or sunrise) views. The variety of quirky nuances, however, is a testament to just how far hoteliers will go to attract discerning novelty seekers and fashionistas. The new Bless Hotel in Cala Nova for example is claimed to have been inspired by Coco Chanel and boasts furnishings which, in its own words, are: “evocative eclecticism from Chanel’s Parisian workshop.” Pretentious? Perhaps but it seems the artistic past of Ibiza forms an integral part of many of these palatial re-launches.

(property featured: The Beach Star Ibiza)

Even the Bay of San Antonio and Cala De Bou, traditionally family-friendly resorts, have not escaped the onslaught of change and the introduction of luxurious, adult-only hotels. Recent years have seen a number of established hotels re-modelling. The bay now boasts new, fresh and exciting hotels such as Miami South Beach styled The Beach Star Ibiza, the four-star Els Pins Spa Resort and the Paradiso, an eye-catching Art Deco Hotel. In July this year, the Amare Beach Hotel in Cala De Bou will welcome its first (adult-only) guests, and will offer a Michelin star restaurant, a 24 hour gym, rooftop bar & lounge, wellness area and scheduled activities ranging from yoga to jet skis, as well as entertainment “with an artistic touch and electronic music session”.

Governing bodies are hoping this dramatic shift in direction for tourism in Ibiza will prove lucrative for years to come and exclusivity certainly works for investors. The fact remains, however, that part of the island’s appeal are its simple things like: sunshine, stunning scenery, soft-sand beaches and the child-friendly, calm waters of the Mediterranean. Thankfully many of the private villa owners and agro-turismo suppliers feel the same and have kept things down-to-earth.

Ibiza has as much to offer whatever your age. Many investors look to buy property here purely because they have enjoyed happy times on the island. There will always be demand for family, holiday homes and, even working within the confines of tourism legislation, investment in affordable property now could prove to be the best business decision for the future.