I have been fortunate enough to visit Ibiza every summer since I was eight months old, carrying on a family tradition started by my grandparents in the late seventies. My mother’s parents sought a sunny refuge to spend their August holidays after several rainy summers spent on the English coast. In the summer of 1979, they made the journey from Blackpool to the Balearics, enchanted by brochure images of the sparkling Mediterranean, wide sandy beaches, and, most importantly, the promise of endless sunshine. The island welcomed them with open arms, and like so many first-time visitors, they were captivated by Ibiza’s charm. They made Cala Tarida, a picturesque bay on the west coast, our family’s annual August retreat – a tradition we’ve maintained ever since.
When friends hear that my family has been visiting Ibiza for 45 years, they often try to categorize us – assuming we fit into one of the island’s well-known tourist stereotypes. Some imagine us as spiritual seekers, drawn to the lingering ‘flower power’ vibes of the 1960s, embracing the island’s hippy markets and outrageous wellness retreats, picturing my family capping off each evening with bohemian sunset rituals at Benirràs or Es Vedrà. Others envision us as old-school ravers, picturing intergenerational visits to Pacha or Amnesia, legendary clubs that have been shaping the international house music scene since the seventies. And, of course, there’s Ibiza’s glamorous side – docked superyachts in Ibiza Town, A-list celebrity sightings, and magnums of rosé at Formentera’s Juan y Andrea.
Disappointingly, like many who return year after year, we don’t fit neatly into any of these categories. I believe Ibiza itself, despite its multiple personalities, defies definition. The island effortlessly blends wellness, hedonism, and everything in between. For me, a perfect trip to Ibiza balances late nights dancing at Pacha, snorkeling around Cala Codolar and sipping sangria at The Cotton Club. This is where OKU Ibiza gets it right: understanding that today’s travelers crave a little of everything the White Isle has to offer and don’t want to choose between peace, party or luxury – they want it all.
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Nestled above the lively bay of Sant Antoni de Portmany on the island’s northwest coast, OKU Ibiza opened in 2021 alongside its sister property in Kos. This sanctuary of modern boho-chic design, named after the Japanese concept of ‘inner space,’ invites guests to embrace a soulful, tranquil environment while simultaneously acknowledging the vibrant energy that defines Ibiza. There’s an understanding here: guests are likely to arrive after long nights of dancing, and the hotel avidly supports both the recovery and the resurgence.
The space boasts two stunning pools. The centerpiece is a 50-meter (approx. 164 ft) beauty that sets the record as Ibiza’s largest. This pool’s adults-only policy ensures that the vibe remains restful, perfect for those who want to unwind without sacrificing sophistication. Plush poolside beds, lined with shady palm-fringed umbrellas, are ridiculously comfortable and encourage the indulgence of a quick afternoon siesta. In the afternoons, the pool and surrounding lounge space become the hotel’s beating heart, where a resident DJ spins laid-back house music, creating an appropriately mellow yet social atmosphere.
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For those traveling with families, there’s also a smaller, quieter pool surrounded by large, welcoming bean bags that invite guests to sit back, relax, and savor the island’s more tranquil side. With attentive service throughout – whether you’re ordering a refreshing fresh juice from the hut or a signature cocktail from the open-plan bar – OKU’s pool scene perfectly balances sociability with serenity. It’s the kind of place where you can lay back, soak up the sun and rejuvenate before easing into the afternoon’s social buzz, as rounds of strawberry smoothies turn to jugs of sangria.
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Stay
Each room at OKU is designed to be a zen retreat, blending minimalism with comfort. Polished concrete floors, natural rattan fabrics, and earth tones create a peaceful atmosphere that aligns with the island’s bohemian spirit. The beds are a dream – soft mattresses topped with linen sheets – and the interiors feature a blend of globally sourced artisanal pieces, including bespoke items hailing from Mexico and Bali. Rooms are equipped with Marshall speakers, ideal for setting the vibe while getting ready for a night out, and the walls are soundproofed for those who need to catch up on sleep.
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Every room features a private terrace or balcony, perfect for sipping cocktails at sunset, while suites overlook the iconic pool. For those leaning into Ibiza’s party spirit, the OKU Signature Suite is spread over three separate rooms, including a lounge with a sprawling DJ booth and bar.
The largest accommodation at the hotel, OKU Ibiza’s Private Villa, is tucked away behind the main hotel. The villa offers an exclusive boho-chic retreat for up to eight guests, perfect for those seeking quiet time with family or friends. The villa’s private pool, sunbeds and outdoor seating area offer seclusion, while inside, a lounge, bar and dining area provide ample space for relaxation. Guests have access to exclusive experiences like private yoga sessions or outdoor cinema nights under the stars and breakfast is served complimentary, with the option to hire a personal chef for an intimate dinner on the terrace.
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Dine
OKU, the hotel’s signature restaurant, marries Japanese culinary techniques with South American flavors and is led by celebrated chef Mark Vaessen, formerly of SushiSamba. The restaurant is appropriately scene-y, with mood lighting, sleek interiors and a semi-open kitchen featuring a traditional Japanese grill. The Alaskan king crab with coconut, yellow curry, and crispy lettuce is a must-order, with the black cod being a true standout. The signature cocktail list is as innovative as the cuisine, blending Belvedere with wasabi and Moët with cinnamon. The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of tequila and mezcals served by the bottle, for those wanting to savor Clase Azul with their meal.
Breakfast is served at Kima, the hotel’s more relaxed poolside restaurant, spread across long oak tables overlooking the pool. The spread is vast and well-suited to all dietary requirements, serving up iced oat lattes alongside flowing glasses of champagne. OKU Ibiza also features two poolside bars. For those seeking recovery, the palm-fringed smoothie hut is there to help, serving up a selection of fresh juices including a ‘BEETing hangover’ alongside a range of juice shots like the ‘Afterparty’ and ‘Recovery’, and for those coming from sunrise yoga, there are protein shakes on hand.
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Relax
OKU Ibiza also excels in wellness offerings and the hotel’s spa is designed with the same boho-chic aesthetic that characterizes the rest of the property. There are five treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, and treatments harness the island’s botanicals. For those seeking Ibiza’s unique spirituality, the hotel hosts regular sound healing rituals, full moon circles, and crystal healing sessions, allowing visitors to reconnect with the island’s natural beauty and holistic spirit. The hotel’s gym is state-of-the-art, and its fitness program includes everything from personal training sessions to movement classes, including Pilates, tai chi and private yoga sessions.
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Explore
While OKU Ibiza is a destination in itself, it also makes it easy to explore the rest of the island. Recognizing Ibiza’s notoriously unreliable taxi service, the hotel offers a private limousine service that can whisk you away to the island’s best nightclubs or beach clubs in style. Watch the sunset from your balcony, finish up your sashimi omakase at OKU Restaurant and step into a sleek limousine that will whisk you away to your awaiting VIP table at Club Chinois.
However, if nightlife isn’t on the agenda, OKU provides plenty of options for relaxation and exploration on-site. The boutique offers a curated selection of Ibiza-appropriate clothing and accessories, while the bars serve as social hubs where you can sip cocktails, chat with fellow guests, or simply take in the hotel’s ambiance. If you want to take in the island’s natural beauty, the peaceful bay of Cala Gracio is just steps away from the hotel.
OKU Ibiza is the ideal blend of everything the island has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood to relax, rejuvenate, or head out for a night on the town, OKU Ibiza gives you the freedom to experience all sides of the island—on your own terms.
