For a certain type of visitor to Ibiza (this one included), Cala Llonga has always been something of a notional point on the island map. You might have noticed a road sign for it on the way to the hippie market of Las Dalias; or perhaps driven through its outskirts en route to a rosé-fuelled lunch at Amante – the beach club which overlooks the next bay along. Chances are, though, you probably didn’t stop off at this quiet, family-friendly resort.
That is all set to change with the opening of the Mondrian Ibiza. This smart, new hotel soft-launched in 2023 alongside a sister property next door, and is now running full pelt, in the process putting Cala Llonga on the radar for an altogether more urbane kind of visitor.
Where is it?
Halfway up Ibiza’s eastern flank, Cala Llonga is a 20-minute drive from Ibiza Town, though its quiet rural setting, on a pretty woodland-fringed bay, lends a far more isolated feel. Combine this with the resort’s relative proximity to civilisation and you’ll understand why families love it. It’s this same combination that makes the Mondrian such an attractive proposition.
The hotel could not be better positioned, either. Tucked into the hillside right besides Cala Llonga’s impressive beach, it provides an excellent vantage point to soak up views of the water – either from one of the sea-facing rooms, or the sizeable bar terrace that wraps around the hotel exterior.
Style
Those familiar with the Mondrian brand, will know that it all started with Ian Schrager back in the 1990s. The famed hotelier – and founder of iconic disco Studio 54 – had already re-invented the city stay a decade earlier with the world’s first boutique hotel, but he evolved the concept further when he opened the Mondrian in West Hollywood, bringing to life a new kind of urban resort that was design-forward, luxuriously appointed and lifestyle-focused.
The Mondrian Ibiza may not occupy an urban setting, but it nods to this lineage with its bold and sophisticated aesthetic, courtesy of Beades Architects and Cuarto Interior. The lobby and adjacent bar more closely resemble a gallery than hotel with large statement art pieces, sculptural designs, local ceramics and mid-century furniture all in evidence. The decor in the bedrooms is less expressive, but equally as chic, oatmeal tones and natural materials – stone, leather and wood – accented by flashes of colour and texture.
This contemporary take on global luxury is one that seasoned jet-setters will be familiar with, but what makes it even more impressive here is the fact that the Mondrian Ibiza is not a newly built hotel, but rather a refit of an older, 1970s property – a fact only really given away by the low ceilings in some public areas and the retro, stepped shape of the exterior.
Food & Drink
Where to start? The Mondrian shares seven restaurants with its sister hotel Hyde – all available to guests of either property. These range from the laid-back beach club Bungalow, where patrons can recline in daybeds, enjoying sashimi and sushi by the pool to a soundtrack of Balearic beats, the upscale Mexican of Cuyo and the chill chiringuito-style Mod-Med restaurant Sonrojo. But the cherry on the cake is most certainly Niko. The Mondrian’s signature fine-dining restaurant, which is newly opened for 2024, describes itself as a modern Japanese concept, and on an island where such fare is not difficult to find, it still manages to stand out thanks to authentic, ocean-fresh ingredients and peerless execution of classic dishes such as Miso glazed black cod. The ponzu-spiked Bluefin tuna tartare with nori crackers was a real showstopper.
Facilities
Again, the Mondrian shares certain facilities with Hyde. There are three swimming pools all with Riviera-style cabanas and waterside bars. What’s certainly noticeable is that the pool closest to Hyde has a younger vibe and can get a little raucous as the sun starts to descend behind the hills – Hyde’s clubbier clientele get ready for a big night out as a live DJ drops the bangers.
The sizeable gym is well appointed and never too busy, either. Indeed, wellness is a key attraction here, with morning yoga and pilates sessions, as well as a weekly hike into the surrounding countryside (should you be capable of the 8.30am start).
Which room?
The Mondrian has 154 rooms across seven different categories, ranging from the 28sqm Standard to the 62sqm Grand Suite, which includes the largest private outdoor terrace we’ve ever seen — complete with day beds, a private cabana and enough room to have quite a party.
All rooms come with a king-sized bed as standard, and it must be said that it is among the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. It’s not often that the pillows, mattress, duvet and bed linen are all of such premium quality — even in the very best five-stars, so bravo to the Mondrian!
Extracurricular
In the immediate vicinity, we’ve already mentioned Amante, which is just up the hill and boasts surely the best views on the island for a lunchtime session. Ibiza rather neatly divides into two, distinct parts — the wilder, less populous north and the more party-oriented south. Cala Llonga is well situated for both aspects.
About 15 minutes up the coast, you’ll find one of our favourite beaches on Ibiza: Cala Nova (close to Las Dalias hippie market); while Ibiza town is an easy cab ride, and well worth a visit for the bars, restaurants and boutiques. You’ll also find this season’s hottest opening there in the form of Teatro Pereyra, a newly re-fitted 19th theatre, which is playing host to nightly events where guests arrive to enjoy dinner and a live show in opulent surrounds. On paper, we’ll admit this sounds a little cringe, but this very Ibizan take on the formula is great fun.
Best for
A smart beach stay where you can relax by day, and party by night.
