A Stay at Ushuaia: Ibizas Coolest Hotel
Travelista Guest Blogger Harriet Harper reviews Ibiza’s Ushuaia Beach Hotel exclusively for The Travelista and Thomson Scene…
Do you remember the last time you had that WOW feeling? When you stepped off a plane , when you open your balcony doors to a breath taking view, when you catch your first glimpse of that sea view. I got that exact feeling when I walked through the front doors of the Ushuaia Beach Hotel.
First Impressions
Standing in the reception, my eyes were immediately drawn through the glass doors and down the tree lined walkway to the spectacular pool and bar area. Beyond the pool I could see the bright blue sea shimmering in the Ibiza sunshine. Yep, there was that WOW feeling.
The Rooms
The room itself was spotless and the design was modern and fun. There was a wide screen TV on the wall, crisp white bath robes and a fully stocked mini bar and fridge (at extra cost of course). From the welcome note and chilled bottle of champagne on arrival, to the crisp bedding on the bed, it was certainly more than I expected from the ‘basic’ room category. But the differentiator was definitely the in-room ‘pleasure kit’ that guests could purchase at any time should they feel the urge. What happens in Ibiza stays in Ibiza, right?
Details such as the iPod docking stations and all rooms being sound proofed made Ushuaia the ultimate party hotel. I loved the sound proof walls because it also meant that you wouldn’t be disturbed if you need to crash before the parties are over! My room also had views to die for. To the right I could see the never ending beaches and glorious sea right out onto the horizon. To the left I had a view of the hotels dreamy pool and jacuzzi area.
The ‘Any Thing Can Happen’ Suite
During the hotel tour we got to see the famous ‘Anything Can Happen Suite’. If you are lucky enough to stay in this suite, there’s no way you will be left unimpressed. It had everything you could ask for as a guest; plush white sofas adjacent to a fully stocked bar area, a king size bed and wide screen TV in the centre of the room, ‘his and hers’ sinks and toiletries, aromatherapy scents filling the air, and the best views in the house.
Ushuaia Club Rooms vs Ushuaia Tower Rooms
The hotel is split into two parts, Ushuaia club rooms and Ushuaia Tower rooms. If you’re after a more upbeat stay at the hotel, the club rooms are definitely for you. Lining the sides of the main outdoor stage, each balcony has the perfect positioning to enjoy the DJ sets each night from the comfort of your luxury room. If you want a more chilled out Ushuaia experience, I would recommend booking a room in The Ushuaia Towers. You’ll still have an incredible view of the action, but the rooms are set just far enough away for you to escape the rave.
Food Glorious Food
With the restaurant situated on the beautiful Playa d’en Bossa seafront, the setting for our first meal couldn’t have been more ‘Ibiza’. The waiters began to bring us a selection of mouth-watering plates that tasted even better than they looked. Starter platters included Beef Carpaccio with fresh parmesan, salmon tartare with pomegranate and Parma ham with an iced melon shot.
The cocktail menu was just as enticing and I did not regret my decision when I chose the classic but utterly delicious Mojito – just what I needed to perk me up after the early morning plane ride.
For desert we were presented with a medley of mini puddings including bite-size chocolate and hazelnut brownies and mini cheesecakes.
Breakfast Worth Getting Up For
The breakfast, if you ever make it there, is amazing. I was overwhelmed by the vast choice and standard of the food yet again. Naturally, the first port of call was the Nespresso machines. Fresh smoothies and juices were provided on an unlimited self serve basis and a huge table of fresh fruit stood in the centre, with another table of fresh breads and pastries laid out for guests to help themselves.
The breakfast buffet literally had everything you could possibly crave. From chorizo, caviar, smoked salmon, salads, or just traditional bacon and eggs (done any way you want, of course). And if you are feeling extra fragile from the night before, you can even pay the burrito stand a visit where the chef will personally serve it straight onto your plate.
Sushi at Minami
Minami, located within Ushuaia Beach Hotel, served some the BEST sushi I have ever tasted. Due to the fact we were in a group of 10, we ordered one or two of each dish from the menu and shared. Starters included Mixed Langoustine and Vegetable Tempura, Sushi Platters (my personal favourite), and Spicy Tuna Croquets.
Salmon Teriyaki with daikon and lychee chutney and Yakitori chicken skewers were shared across the table for the main course. Absolutely incredible food meant this was yet another massive pat on the back for Ushuaia.
A Pool Area on Point
The first stop for any Ushuaia guest has to be the plush pool area. Pristine and beautifully presented, the pool is surrounded by sun loungers and four poster beds (which are available for hire at an extra cost). for you to relax throughout the day. For the ultimate in relaxation, you can even hop on to one of the massage beds for a full body massage throughout the day.
A bar sits adjacent to the pool and quirky furniture adds a touch of fun. If you fancy spending a day in your own private Jacuzzi, the option is there, with three of them positioned high up on a raised balcony area looking out past the pool area and right out onto the beach. Each Jacuzzi fits 10 people, is yours for the day, and comes to the total cost of 500 euros.
Ushuaia Beach Club
Another area for residents to enjoy is the Beach Club. With four poster beds running along the white sandy beach looking out onto the horizon, it’s the ultimate luxury. Situated in front of the beach club restaurant, the beds are available for any resident to hire from between 175 – 195 euros for the day, including Sangria or Champagne.
The Club Scene
At the other side of the Ushuaia Towers is the famous outdoor club area, which holds an average of 8000 people come nightfall. With a pool in the centre, a main stage at one end, and VIP balconies at the other, the space is phenomenal. Night time is where you will really see the atmosphere come alive, with DJs performing from a stage in the centre of the pool or from the main stage itself from around 7pm, and dancers positioned on high platforms round the edge spurring on the crowd.
The Up Sky Bar
On the roof of the hotel itself, you have the Up Sky Bar, an open air rooftop bar with epic views of the performances at the Ushuaia Club. We were lucky enough to visit The Up Sky Bar to watch a DJ set from Armin Van Buuren. The atmosphere was electric when watching from up high and meant those who didn’t want to get too rowdy could still enjoy the amazing set. DJ sets run each night from around 7pm until Midnight and is a perfect way to kick off your evening.
Location Location Location
The hotel itself is based on the beach in Playa d’en Bossa just across the road from one of the Islands most famous nightclubs, Space. Tickets are available from most of the bars on the strip, ranging between $30 and $40 for entry. The bars down the strip next to the hotel are perfect for pre-club cocktails, offering the usual holiday deals of 2-4-1 drinks or free shots. They also stay open late for those not wanting to hit the main clubs until the early hours.
San Antonio is around a 10 minute bus ride away, or a short cab ride. The hotel was extremely informative of which buses to catch and where to catch them from. Although it’s Ibiza’s most famous clubbing area, we didn’t feel the need to visit San Antonio during our 3 night stay, but for those who do wish to, access is extremely easy from this part of the Island.
The Final verdict
In my opinion, this hotel can do no wrong. Pristine and funky interiors, welcoming and helpful staff, a trendy and relaxing pool area, a fantastic selection of restaurants, and entertainment and world-famous night life that will blow your mind.
Whether you are on a holiday with friends, on a hen party, stag do, or even as a couple, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. It really does have something for every one. Ibiza is an island that wherever you stay, you will amazed at the amount it has to offer, and with Ushuaia what you see is what you get; pure and simple luxury, with a huge dose of WOW.
What did you think of Harriets guest review? Are you thinking of staying at Ushuaia or have you been to Ibiza? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below! x
Thomson Scene offers seven night holidays to Ibiza staying at the 4T+ Ushuaia Beach Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis from £974 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on the 26th September 2015 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson travel shop,thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.
Harriet was a guest of Thomson Scene and Ushuaia Beach Hotel for part of their #MyScene campaign
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Great blog. Thanks for this. I have booked this from 26-30th August. Hope I have a brilliant time as you suggest.