Thursday, December 18, 2014

AN OASIS OF ENTERTAINMENT -HARD ROCK, IBIZA

The first and only Hard Rock Hotel in Europe, this five-star property is a vibrant mix of style and energy on Ibiza’s effervescent island setting. The absolute and astounding entertainment adds a personal touch that makes Hard Rock Ibiza more than just a hotel…as music is the uniting essence.


LOCATION
Strategically located in the heart of Ibiza, the hotel is easily accessible from the beach and shopping amenities too. The moment I entered the gates of Hard Rock, I paused taking in the famous collection of memorabilia once owned by great musical icons. The ceiling illuminated the lobby with ambient hues that I felt I was in a different world altogether. To enjoy Ibiza like a rock star is no longer impossible. Or at least live like one for a few days…out here! 

ACCOMODATION
Out of the four hundred and ninety three rooms, two hundred and thirty five are suites, with each of the twelve categories offering a feel that rock music is a way of life. Music lovers, adventurers, daredevils...all have a place to pay tribute to innovations that break the mould while still enjoying the luxury of a five-star hotel whose spirit is music. It succeeds in creating mind-blowing experiences from the very first moment you arrive at the hotel. Throughout the day, at any hour and any place, I was astounded by exciting activities. Arrays of the most current styles of music were performed in amazing settings. My Deluxe silver room was luxurious and cutting edge 33 square-meters in size featuring cool, relaxing tones and a modern design, lights are low, everything is sleek and understated down to the colours used – it is intimate and inviting, even sexy. What I loved most was my private terrace where I could enjoy views of the pool, main stage and the sea. 

ROCKSTAR WELLNESS
One can choose from two grand ‘aquatic areas’ throughout the resort. Sample this….the rock music gushing through underwater speakers so that you don't miss a beat in between your dips. The Swim-up rooms offer another level of privilege with personal access to a nomadic pool from a 5 square-meter terrace where you can simply chill under the sun or the stars. The ‘Rock Spa’ is exceptionally modern comprising both indoor and outdoor spaces with all that you need to revitalize your body and mind. The star massage table is outfitted with speakers that vibrate with the rhythm of the music. ‘Body Rock’ offers top of the line workout facility replete with outstanding equipment and original and innovative sports activities. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE
Each experience at the four restaurants and seven trendy bars was top drawer and offered a great variety of both drinking and dining! At ‘Estado Puro’, two Michelin star Chef Paco Roncero, spices up Spanish cuisine with innovation and experience to perfect the revered tapa. ‘Sublimotion’ is an unprecedented alternative dining experience situated in a unique space where Paco presents a new way to enjoy his cuisine by converting it into experience for all five senses. ‘Sessions’ is not your typical buffet restaurant and I think it serves the best breakfast with captivating sea and pool views. If you are in a snacky mood, ‘Munchies’ is there to satisfy all kinds of cravings. The ‘Beach Club’ is where sea breezes enhance exquisite dining replete with live music and a stunning ambiance.  ‘3rd half’, also happens to be the first Sports Bar inside a hotel in Ibiza, lets guests view their favourite sporting events on giant screens with a a stage for live shows and other surprising events. ‘The ninth’ sky lounge which looks like a luxurious sky bridge yacht, is absolutely impressive and is the ‘place to be’ to enjoy Playa d’en Bossa’s best sunsets. ‘Constant Grind’ is synonymous with leisurely sojourns, this is where early morning meetings turn into afternoon lunches and evening coffee gives way to sundown sessions, effortlessly. At ‘Floyd´s’, the cocktail bar a luscious long drinks list and fast service makes it a great escape from the daily grind- whether you cast yourself into the weekend crush, or slip in midweek for a potion of pow-wow with your friends and don’t miss the Gin Floyd here. Nothing quite beats the romance of pool side lounging with a tantalizing menu to match at the two pool side bars at Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza. 

SERVICE
The young staff speaks fluent English, is happy to run up to your room a hundred times, to show you how the various cool machines work – the Led light Chromo therapy, the iPod dock, etc. They have an answer to everything from providing you with a USB (I needed one to download my images) to suggesting a drink for the evening. Throughout the resort, high-speed Wi-Fi and the largest bandwidth on the island carried by fiber optic reaches each and every room. 

 FACT FILE
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, Carretera Playa D’en Bossa S/N, 07817 Sant Jordi De Ses Salines, Ibiza-Spain
Tel: + (34) 971 31 42 10
Other facilities at Hard Rock: The Rock Shop offers Hard Rock merchandise and an exclusive Ibiza collection. The Roxity Kids Club gives little ones a chance to hang with the coolest crew around, the Roxtars. These colourful characters bring an undeniably awesome mix of personality and pep making it the ultimate Hard Rock hang-out for kids of all ages. The hotel also features a 600-person capacity convention Center, equipped with the latest technology and light projection, adjustable in a multipurpose lounge measuring 550 square meters. The Center also features two private conference rooms. The Hotel also features Interactive Kiosks to check day and evening activities planned throughout the Resort. A tablet area is available for guests to share their experiences on their social networks.
Verdict: Stylish & Cutting Edge 

MUST DO IN IBIZA
·Take a tour of the Parque Natural de Ses Salines (Natural Park of Ses Salines).
· Route around the West of the Island, covering small towns and coves like  Es Cubells, Sant Josep, Sant Agustí
· Have lunch in a Typical Restaurant ‘El Carmen’ with magnificent views of the iconic island Es Vedrà.
· Visit the legendary hippy market ‘Las Dalias’.
· Walk around ‘Dalt Vila’. The old town of the island city of Ibiza which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
· Watch the sunset over a drink at Café Del Mar or Puesta de sol.
·Have one dinner at ‘Can Berri Vell’, located in the town of Sant Agustí


published in Tlf's anniversary issue