Long weekend in Ibiza 2019 part 1
Our flight was delayed by 1 hour but that wasn’t a problem for us. The flight was packed with young holiday makers and a few families. Once we arrived at Ibiza airport, we had return coach transfers booked to take us to and from the hotel. Transfer time was around 45 minutes from the airport, to the hotel which is on a hill and not suitable for disabled people.
We checked into the hotel, where we were greeted by friendly hotel staff and reminded that we need to pay 3.10 per person per day eco tax as part of Ibiza Balearics tax. Rates of this eco tax depends on hotel star rating.
We arrived quite late, around 10pm, and were surprised to find that food was still provided, as some all-inclusive hotels stop serving food at this time of the day. We were given an obstructed sea view room (number 3115) with partial view of San Antonio. The room was lovely and spacious with a nice bathroom and TV. Our room was on a hill, so our driver took us to our room with our luggage after checking in. We left our luggage in our room and went for a late snack which offered a choice of meatballs, chips, vegetarian lasagne, duck etc plus desserts. We were both very impressed for late snack choices, plus drinks were served including alcoholic drinks until 2am. The hotel caters mainly for the German and Dutch markets with families.
The next day we explored the hotel facilities. The hotel is surrounded by six hectares of lush gardens and pine trees. With a large variety of facilities, such as sport facilities, shops, restaurants and bars, outdoor swimming pools and a children’s pool, children’s facilities and free Wi-Fi. The nearest beach in the picturesque coves Cala Gracio which was around 15 minutes downhill and 20 minutes uphill. It was a lovely sandy beach which seemed popular with locals.
Our all-inclusive package consisted of buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks including local alcoholic drinks. The buffet offered a choice of meals at mealtimes. There is an option at dinner to use the a la carte restaurant at additional cost of 15.00 per person, while we were there in May 2019. At Coffee Bazar Good Things shop for delicious pancakes, croissants, toasts, doughnuts and cake. In the afternoon, you can also enjoy some freshly made pizza opening times 10am to 6.30pm. The Piazetta Pool Snack Bar serves delicious burgers, fries, hotdogs, pasta, salads, fresh fruits and desserts opening times 10am to 6pm.
The Marble Stella Maris Ibiza has 5 bars in total and next to the Marble Beach Bar, the Lobby Bar, Theatre Bar, the Pool Bar and the Elite Pool Bar they serve between 10am and 2am.
The children will not get bored with the indoor and outdoor playground, Fun and Games room, treasure hunts, mini discos and various other creative activities. Some activities are only available during summer season. Marble Stella Maris Ibiza offers 3 outdoor swimming pools and a special children’s pool. You can enjoy a refreshing drink or snack from pool bar La Piazzeta and relax on one of the comfortable lounge chairs. All lounge chairs and umbrellas are free of charge. A towel service is available for a small deposit. The private Marble Beach club (access from 16 years and for a fee) also has a swimming pool. The resort also offers 6 tennis courts, table tennis facilities, mini golf and a bike rental service. For sports fanatics, a fitness centre is available free of charge. The hotel is on the outskirts of San Antonio with a very limited bus service from outside the hotel otherwise 40 minutes’ walk into San Antonio or 10 minutes’ drive by car.
The next day we ventured out on the local bus to Ibiza Town where we explored Ibiza Castle with great view of Ibiza and marina where we saw some very expensive yachts!
Ibiza Town is also known as Eivissa. The old town has been awarded historic status by UNESCO. The busy port area is buzzing with an eclectic mix of nightlife, whereas in the marina the style is distinctly upmarket, with some of the finest restaurants on offer and luxury yachts in their moorings. The marina is also home to a casino and the famous Pacha nightclub. The historic Old Town is held in by impressive 16th century walls, which hide a labyrinth of streets, restaurants, boutiques and a magical atmosphere, where the ancient meets the bohemian.
Shopping in Eivissa (Ibiza Town) is a fabulous experience, there are a mix of unique boutiques, which sell their one-off pieces to the beautiful people of Ibiza, mixed with bargain stores, and of course arts and handicrafts shops, where you can pick up hand-made pieces from Ibiza’s artist community. The magnificent cathedral is worth a visit; built during the 13th and 14th centuries, it was constructed on the site of a former temple dedicated to Mercury. Plus, there is the beautiful Santa Domingo church, constructed at the end of the 16th century for the Dominican order. The roof is particularly impressive, decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
After our trip to Ibiza Town we decided to take another bus ride to Santa Eulalia. We had a lovely walk along the seafront promenade and went past the marina. Santa Eulalia is the third largest town on the island. It has a fantastic choice of restaurants, beaches and shopping. We only had a short stop at Santa Eulalia, as time was getting on, but we had a lovely time. One tip: check bus times as some bus routes stop during the afternoon for siesta. Buses are a great way to get around and are very cheap. The best way to get around Ibiza, is hiring a car as that gives you more flexibility to visit more places, especially with the off the beaten track places.