While Ibiza may be the Balearic Island best known for booze cruising and bleary eyes, it’s also a historic locale in its own right.
But only one hotel on the island has witnessed its history in the making and, in turn, become a piece of history itself. That is the 101-year-old hotel Montesol Experimental Ibiza.
Built in 1933 and named the Gran Hotel Ibiza, the hotel was commandeered by Spanish military forces in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War and held under their control until 1945.
Then, renamed Hotel Montesol in the 1950s, it welcomed the arrival of hippies, rockstars and royals, including band members of Pink Floyd, actor Orson Welles and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
Last year, the hotel reopened as the Montesol Experimental, boasting an interior redesign by Dorothée Meilichzon, after it was acquired by the Experimental Group in 2021 and underwent a major renovation.
Where is it?
Situated on Passeig Vara de Rey, the Montesol Experimental is instantly recognisable thanks to its bright yellow neo-colonial façade. This striking external architecture has remained unchanged since it was first constructed and has become an emblematic fixture in the island’s cobblestoned neighbourhood of Dalt Vila in the Old Town.
Style
Meilichzon’s design ensures that the rooms, the rooftop and the restaurant all align with the bohemian history and relaxed atmosphere of the island. The texture of seashells is imprinted into white walls. Terracotta orange bathrooms evoke the warmth of the setting sun.
Waning crescent moon-shaped holes are carved into the walls separating bedrooms and bathrooms – a clever design element that allows the flow of light into the bedroom from the bathroom.
Handmade masks crafted by Mallorcan contemporary artist and poet Anna Alexandra adorn the hotel’s walls, while Diego Faivre’s bold playdough stools can be found in numerous rooms.
Traditional bespoke pots in the shape of the ancient gods Bes and Tanit decorate the shelves in each room – a nod to the Phoenicians who founded the first port in Ibiza in 654 BC.
Food and drink
On passing through the open doors of the iconic yellow hotel building at street level, guests find themselves already at the heart of the hotel — in the Café Montesol.
The ground floor restaurant has long played host to islanders and visitors drifting in and out for morning coffees, long drawn out meals, or evening cocktails.
In tune with the redesign, the Café has incorporated the motif of the moon, and the colour palette of the sea and the beach. A highlight is the snug — a table underneath a domed ceiling built into the wall, giving the feel of a semi-private booth. It seats up to eight people and still enjoys the lively restaurant atmosphere.
The breakfast menu includes the traditional Spanish favourite – pan con tomate – and firm favourite brunch dishes such as eggs benedict and avocado toast. For lunch, try salmorejo soup (gazpacho but thicker and creamier) or the delicious nutty kale salad.
For dinner at the Café, there are tapas with a modern twist, salads with subtle Asian flavours and the famous jamón ibérico.
For fans of Japanese cuisine, upstairs at the Rooftop Bar, the menu has been devised in collaboration with Kanpai. Expect nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls, washed down with Experimental’s take on caipirinhas, mezcalitas and sake-infused cocktails.
Extracurricular
If there is one thing anyone visiting Ibiza must do, it’s chase the sunset — and Experimental Beach is no bad place to start. With the open sea in front and the white salt flats behind, the beach club sits on a cliff edge with the perfect view of the sunset that can be enjoyed from a lounger with an Old Cuban cocktail in hand.
Which room?
There are 30 rooms and three suites available to book. The Gran Eivissa and Vara De Rey rooms offer the best views of the old town or the marina. The Dalt Vila suites include the beautiful views of the town, a spacious living room and dining area, and a rainfall shower.
When to go
The Montesol Experimental is open all year round, while many other hotels shut their doors after the final closing season parties in October and stay dormant until party season starts again April. The Rooftop Bar is closed between October and April.
According to local ceramicist Adrian Ribas Escandell – and maker of the traditional pots in the Montesol Experimental’s hotel rooms – the best times to visit Ibiza are the months of May and September, bookending the peak summer season.
Best for
An early evening rooftop cocktail and traditional Spanish meal before a night out exploring all the island has to offer. Rates start from £245 a night. montesolexperimental.com
