There are places that we will always return to – not always physically, but most definitely emotionally. Ibiza is one of those destinations. We first came here twenty-five years ago chasing something ineffable – freedom perhaps; hedonism, most definitely. But here on the curve of Cala Llonga, where the pine-clad hills tumble into a sea flecked in sunshine, it is striking how much has changed… and yet, how much has not. The energy, our energy, is certainly more measured, yet that familiar undercurrent remains: a sense that life on this island is meant to be lived well. Mondrian Ibiza does not try to recreate the Ibiza of our memories. Instead, it meets us where we are now. More grown up, wiser and appreciative of an island that has matured alongside us.
Mondrian Ibiza could not exist quite so convincingly anywhere else on the island. Cala Llonga is on Ibiza‘s quieter eastern flank, offering a different rhythm, one that resists the bombast of superclubs and shoulder-to-shoulder sunsets in favour of something more composed. Here, the bay curls in softly – protective and calm – and the sea shimmers in impossible shades of blue. The soundtrack is elemental rather than electronic, and the steady crash of waves is underscored by chilled poolside beats and laced with the laughter of families along the shore.
Ennismore’s Mondrian brand occupies the space between design and cultural energy: a plugged-in, art-forward lifestyle label that celebrates creativity over conventional luxury. Mondrian Ibiza’s architecture is bold and chiselled, sitting confidently above the bay, with strong lines and sculptural heft, stark white concrete softened only by a piercing blue sky. It is unapologetically modern and unconcerned with blending into the background.
Inside, art carries the weight. Eclectic yet confident, it punctuates the hotel with visual intrigue. Lauren Baker’s Remnant of Stars twinkles with cosmic optimism, Corine Voorbergen’s Ash broods quietly, Victor Spinelli’s Diver Up strikes a playful note of Mediterranean bravado and Mark Beattie’s Gold in Black grounds the whole affair with graphic certainty. Name-dropping aside, the collection works because it feels curated into the hotel’s overall aesthetic.
As a counterpoint, the interiors carry a deliberate hint of Ibizan hippiness. Neutral palettes dominate: wicker, sun-bleached wood, stone, sand and natural fibres softened the concrete edges. Tree-trunk tables proudly display their rings of age, natural carpets anchor the spaces and earthy textures keep everything grounded. Then come the surprises: walls punctured with irregular cut-outs, strange sculptural forms, bursts of unexpected colour and lighting that feels more gallery than hotel.
We’d describe the décor as ‘Mid-Century Mondrian’ – modernism reimagined through the brand and island’s own lens of free-spirited creativity. The design draws on the clarity and optimism of mid-century architecture, tempered by Ibiza’s unmistakable boho chic; tactile, artisanal and rooted in the hippy craft traditions that once defined its countercultural allure. Defining a ‘sense of place’ in Ibiza is tricky, but if it exists, Mondrian Ibiza may have it pinned down.
Guest rooms follow the same aesthetic template and do not overcomplicate matters. Our One Bedroom Suite was divided into two distinct spaces (and the living room came with a sofa-bed, making it good for families or a friend in tow). The tiled floors felt cool underfoot and contemporary objets d’art sat casually on shelves and sideboards. A woven leather headboard nodded discreetly to Bottega Veneta and pear-shaped bedside light fittings hovered with sculptural intent. A rather dramatic ceiling lamp meant we bumped our heads into it with impressive regularity – a reminder that design can sometimes outsmart comfort. Our suite featured a balcony overlooking the poolside and beach below. There are suite categories offering panoramic sea views for a premium. Lower-floor rooms, meanwhile, hear more of the poolside action, which will delight some and test others.
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| While you’re Out There |
| Skip the Uber and take the ferry from the pier just outside the hotel straight into Ibiza Town. It takes roughly the same time and costs about the same, but instead of traffic, you glide past the craggy Ibizan coastline before arriving beneath Ibiza Old Town, or Dalt Vila, rising theatrically above the harbour. It’s a reminder that Ibiza is not just an island of nights, but of journeys. The town itself is a maze of cobbled streets, centuries-old stone buildings and hidden squares. Fortified walls frame panoramic sea views, while cafés, galleries and artisanal shops invite slow wandering and discovery. It is also the hub of the island’s vibrant LGBTQ+ life. Hidden terraces, stylish cafés and intimate bars on and around Calle de la Virgen have long welcomed queer locals and visitors alike, offering a mix of laid-back charm and cosmopolitan flair. By day, rainbow flags flutter above boutique shops and art galleries; by night, the old town pulses with discreet yet lively venues where DJs spin everything from chill beats to dance-floor anthems. |
At Mondrian Ibiza, communal spaces shine. Sun-drenched pool decks cascade toward the sea, while a sprawling fitness area, decked out with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, caters to those who believe holidays should include snatches and squats. The lobby and terrace area feel like an extended, stylish living room, hosting Paint & Sip! evenings with resident artists. During our stay, it was artist-DJ Sarah Main, whose characterful, AR-enhanced creations peppered the space.
The Perq became our go-to spot for coffee and smoothies, a little slice of urban life on holiday. And the pop-up shop? Utterly charming, selling thoughtful wares by Ibizan makers rather than the usual resort tat, including a collaboration with the colourful local swimwear brand Benibica that more than justified an unscheduled purchase.
Yet our favourite space was the secret garden. Perched on the fourth floor, this intimate green area felt like a sanctuary shielded from the whirl of other guests. When we craved something quieter, more contemplative, this was where we retreated. By day, it offered dappled shade and views through the trees spilling over Cala Llonga’s glittering waters. By night, it became home to Niko Al Fresco, a pop-up, outdoor incarnation of the hotel’s contemporary Japanese restaurant. It delivered the best meal of our stay, but make sure to reserve your spot as covers are limited. Its indoor iteration hosted our languid buffet breakfasts each morning.
The boho-chic Sonrojo restaurant on the beachfront serves laid-back Spanish cuisine and is shared with Mondrian Ibiza’s sister hotel, Hyde Ibiza, which sits literally next door.
Hyde is a lifestyle brand rather than a luxury one, and accordingly attracts a slightly different crowd and ambience than Mondrian Ibiza. In theory, the two hotels are distinct, but in reality, they are part of the same complex and intermix fluidly. As such, it became rather hard to discern what was Mondrian and what was Hyde. For us, this raises a question – why pay the premium to stay at Mondrian when there is little to no sense of exclusivity? This became particularly apparent poolside. Mondrian’s rust-and-white striped cabanas looked chic enough on Instagram, but as it happened, the sun loungers were all packed too closely together to accommodate the needs of both properties’ guests, and the more party-leaning vibe of the Hyde pool spilt over freely.
Hyde offers some dining variety in its own restaurants, Cuyo and Sun & Moon, though we found that the service was not as polished as that back at Mondrian. Which brings us to the headsets… every interaction with staff at both Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Beach involved someone pinching their collar and talking into a headset microphone – while we were seated, while we ordered, while food was delivered, while luggage was moved, when drinks were brought poolside. A management decision to promote efficiency, perhaps, but we felt it eroded the personal touch and felt oddly transactional for two brands that otherwise pride themselves on connection and atmosphere.
So what’s our verdict? Mondrian Ibiza understands that Ibiza needs a ‘grown-up’ place to stay, without losing its soul. For those like us who know and love the island, but are no longer visiting to party for seven days solid, it reflects our evolution beautifully in its design, art and setting.
The location alone is worth the journey, and the hotel captures something intangible yet deeply familiar about the island’s enduring appeal: the freedom in the air, the wildness in the light, the way Ibiza teaches you that life is meant to be lived a little looser and perhaps just that little bit louder.
This said, Mondrian Ibiza is at its best when it’s allowed to be itself – confident, cultured and quietly indulgent. Its greatest challenge lies not within its walls but next door. The blurred boundaries with Hyde dilute what could otherwise be a genuinely elevated experience. With clearer separation and a stronger sense of exclusivity, Mondrian could easily become the island’s most compelling luxury stay.
Photography courtesy of Mondrian Hotels
