Reviewed by
Liz Simpson
First impressions matter - and at Atzaro our first impression was excellent. We arrived at night, driving along rough tracks to reach the secluded hotel, then walked down candlelit steps, past leafy flowerbeds, a floodlit lily pond and Buddha statues to reach the 300-year-old finca. Crickets were chirruping and the air was rich with aromas: oranges from the grove in which the hotel sits; lavender, thyme and rosemary from the flowerbeds; jasmine and geraniums.
Inside, things were colourful and cosy - our room a lovely blend of terracotta, golds and bronzes, with wood beamed ceilings and thick stone walls. By day, we discovered gorgeous grounds - the stone pathways lined with palm trees, pink bougainvillea and objets d’art. The whole place exuded calm and the Balinese spa made you desperate to don a white waffle robe and settle in for some pampering. Under the Balearic summer sun, the outdoor beds and many chill-out areas fill with the bronzed and the beautiful. Simply put, it was cool with a capital C.
Inside, things were colourful and cosy - our room a lovely blend of terracotta, golds and bronzes, with wood beamed ceilings and thick stone walls. By day, we discovered gorgeous grounds - the stone pathways lined with palm trees, pink bougainvillea and objets d’art. The whole place exuded calm and the Balinese spa made you desperate to don a white waffle robe and settle in for some pampering. Under the Balearic summer sun, the outdoor beds and many chill-out areas fill with the bronzed and the beautiful. Simply put, it was cool with a capital C.
Highs
- Everywhere you look there’s something to admire: stone statues, bronze Buddhas, a wooden bench shaped like a crocodile, a totem pole
- Vast bathtubs big enough for 2 and a whole host of luxurious toiletries, including a complimentary perfume
- Fantastic food - and lots of it - in the hotel's 2 restaurants
- Lots of secluded nooks to relax with a partner, with daybeds scattered everywhere
- A 6-temple, outdoor Balinese spa offering massages, beauty treatments, yoga classes, an aerobic pool, sauna, juice bar... if that doesn't cure your post-clubbing aches, nothing will
Lows
- Noise carries in the finca so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper
- Though delicious, the menus in the onsite restaurants only change seasonally and you’d perhaps feel limited if you were staying a week
- The Orange Tree restaurant is only open for the peak summer months
- The WiFi didn't work in every room during our visit
Best time to go
The most popular time to go to Ibiza is during the summer months, when the clubs are open, the sun is shining and the towns are heaving. Hotels book up months in advance from May-Sept, so if you plan to come then, make your plans well in advance. However, there are definite advantages to visiting in the off-season months when things are quieter. In autumn the island is beautifully green and the days are often warm enough to go to the beach; in March, the almond trees are all in blossom and the countryside is stunning.
Our top tips
Pack loose, light clothing, preferably white. The relaxed hippy vibe is at full force here; expensive outfits that look thrown together are best. If you’re going clubbing, bring your most outrageous outfits; anything goes out here. If you’re coming in autumn bring warm clothes, summer clothes, and an umbrella. The weather is pretty unpredictable off season.