As the famous adage goes, ‘a pool day well spent brings a holiday of content’… or something like that.
It is most certainly the case, though, when you secure yourself a hotspot by Destino Five Ibiza’s iconic cherry-shaped basin, surrounded by vintage-style parasols held in tasteful cream and dark red, and plush Bali beds. And whilst you’re propped up so nicely, cocktail in hand, why not stay until nightfall for a mouthwatering Greek dinner?
That is exactly what we did when we visited the famous cliffside resort just a few weeks ago, curious to see how the iconic property would emerge after an extensive makeover over the winter months that has seen the sleek abode reach a well-deserved five-star status.
Undergoing a complete redesign of its 159 rooms and suites, long admired for their expansive private terraces and XL pools, new additions such as a fire pit for starlit evenings, a state-of-the-art outdoor gym, and an open-air stage that will host blockbuster performances under Ibiza’s blue skies have elevated its hospitality offering even further.
Commendably, and contributing to the Pacha Group’s 34% carbon footprint reduction, Destino Five Ibiza now operates on 100% ‘green power’. What’s more, Destino Five Ibiza has further advanced water stewardship, cutting usage by 24% in the 2024 season, while the Group’s dedication to responsible sourcing ensures that 39% of its fruits and vegetables come from Ibiza and 86% from within Spain.
On the culinary front, onsite restaurant Cielo serves up vibrant flavours from breakfast through lunch accompanied by live music to enhance the mood. Mornings begin with a lavish breakfast spread, featuring live cooking stations and Mediterranean favourites, while lunches offer light, flavourful salads, grilled seafood, artisanal flatbreads, and shareable plates that include the signature paella.
Playa Pacha, Destino Five Ibiza’s decadent, poolside playground complete with loungers, signature cocktails, and Mediterranean bites, invites hotel guests and outside visitors alike to soak up the sun, freshen up with a dip in the iconic cherry-shaped pool, and enjoy a laid-back but glamorous day of grooving along to the beats spun by a selection of resident DJs. Embracing a family-friendly spirit by day, sunseekers of every age are welcome.
Techno and house music lovers will, of course, be looking out for the legendary Music On takeovers, with Marco Carola and his crew bringing their signature sound to a number of selected Thursdays throughout the summer months. Another important date to mark in your calendar is Thursday, September 25th, when Solomun takes over the open-air stage for the Grand Closing of the Pacha ICONS event series. Hotel guests booking their stays directly with the resort receive complimentary access to all Pacha ICONS events at Destino Five Ibiza, as well as all events at Pacha Ibiza. For outside guests, sunbeds on non-event days start from 100 Euros per person, with the amount fully redeemable against food and drinks.
We began our experience with a lazy lounge on Playa Pacha, enjoying the warm sun on our skin while toasting our cheeky day out in five-star hospitality with a zesty Cava Sangria. A colourful fruit and sweet platter filled with watermelon, passion fruit, pineapple, macarons, Madeleine mini muffins and chocolate churros felt indulgent, yet light enough to not spoil our appetite for dinner.
And boy, were we happy we saved some room for our tasting menu at the newly instated Elia restaurant, a breezy open-air eatery perched on an elegant, palm-covered terrace overlooking the Balearic Sea with views all the way to Dalt Vila and Formentera.
With the menu boasting Greek-inspired, Mediterranean delights ranging from the freshest catch of the day to expertly grilled meats and vibrant small plates, we were more than excited to get stuck in!
We started with a delicate octopus carpaccio topped with a fennel and citrus dressing, and a classic Greek salad bursting with colour and flavours. A light and cooling water melon salad sprinkled with hearty feta cheese, toasted almond and mint was just perfect for a hot summer’s evening, while the plum mussels ‘El Greco’ made for another Mediterranean taste sensation.
Onto the mains, and the succulent grilled seabream fillets accompanied by seaweed risotto were another table favourite, with juicy lamb chops pleasing the meat lovers in our group. All of this goodness came accompanied by fresh, local vegetables prepared on the grill and served with a refreshing mint yoghurt dip and halloumi cheese.
Last, but not least, a silky Greek yoghurt mousse topped with thyme honey, pomegranate pearls and extra virgin olive oil made for a healthy yet indulgent dessert.
From the scenic views to the irresistible grooves and divine Greek food, if you’re looking for a day spent in five-star luxury, Destino Five Ibiza more than delivers.
