Ibiza’s first-ever hotel emerges anew as Montesol Experimental, resting at the foot of the Dalt Vila. This landmark property has been reimagined by celebrated French designer Dorothée Meilichzon into a whimsical world of cosmic motifs and radiant Mediterranean charm. With a name that translates to ‘mountain’ and ‘sun’, Montesol blends the White Isle’s free-spirited, party-throwing history with interstellar design for an out-of-this-world experience.
Built in 1933, Montesol holds a storied place in Balearic history. It was Ibiza’s first official place to crash and quickly became a symbol of glamour and intrigue. A who’s-who of international creatives and celebrities passed through its doors—including Orson Welles and Pink Floyd—drawn by the island’s burgeoning bohemian allure. Standing gracefully along the Passeig de Vara de Rey, the hotel’s neoclassical façade in shell-white and buttery yellow is a familiar beacon for locals and visitors alike. Now part of the chic Experimental Group, Montesol has retained its historic soul while undergoing a celestial transformation that’s anything but retrograde.
Meilichzon, known for her narrative-rich interiors, has infused the hotel with an astral theme that’s both playful and elevated. Drawing inspiration from Ibiza’s duality—sun-drenched coastlines by day, star-lit mysticism by night—the interiors are a constellation of thoughtful details. Expect crescent moon-shaped mirrors and cut-outs, sunburst light fixtures, and curvaceous furnishings in cosmic palettes of midnight blue, burnt orange, and all the streaks you might expect from an Ibizan sunset. Materials like travertine, rope, and hand-plastered surfaces anchor the ethereal vibe in earthly textures, creating an aesthetic that feels at once surreal and deeply grounded.
The hotel’s rooms and suites carry the astral narrative forward. Each space is a quiet reprieve from the island’s frenetic energy, dressed in soft drapes, arched doorways, and tasselled textiles. Custom furnishings—including bespoke headboards, shell imprints on the walls, and galaxy-inspired sconces—echo the sea-and-sky symbolism throughout. Many rooms offer balconies that open to views of Dalt Vila’s citadel or the nearby marina, framing the sun’s rising and setting. Bathrooms are spa-like and clad in zellige tiles and polished brass fixtures, kitted out with fluffy robes, slippers, and towels to take to the beach.
It’s a 15-minute drive to reach Experimental Beach Club, winding through Ibiza’s cinematic salt flats—a shimmering expanse where flamingos drift across blush-pink waters and the horizon melts into the midday sun. Tucked along the island’s southern shore, loungers and fringed parasols line the sand (which rolls down into a rocky, if slightly precarious stretch), while a curated boutique is stocked with swimwear, jewellery, and cover-ups you want to immediately don after purchase. The all-day menu leans refreshingly unfussy—think grilled catch of the day, citrusy ceviche, vibrant salads, and crisp fries served beachside. The cocktail list takes cues from the Experimental Group’s mixology roots, with playful, sun-inspired sips like the ‘Solar Spritz’ or ‘Cítrico Sour’, all set to a mellow soundtrack of Balearic beats.
Back at base, the hotel’s rooftop is a breezy perch which serves up sushi, sake, and sundowners overlooking the Dalt Vila. On the ground floor, Café Montesol is an all-day go-to for generously portioned tapas which bring Spanish ingredients to the fore—Andalusian squid and lime aioli, salt-baked red prawns, and Ibizan black pork gyozas are a few of the crowd-pleasers, served both inside and on a streetside terrace. All in all, although there’s no pool or spa, this is a stars-aligned stay which balances restful downtime with Ibiza Town’s upbeat surroundings.
Fast Facts
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Address: Montesol Experimental, Passeig de Vara de Rey, 2 07800, Ibiza, Islas Baleares, España
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Effortlessly chic, and charged with a cosmic energy that aligns with Ibiza’s mysticism (the island is criss-crossed with ley lines, thought to hold ancient spiritual powers). Everyone who steps in from the sunshine is bronzed, easy going, and always down for a good time.
Food + drink: Market-fresh Spanish dishes are given a Japanese twist by chef Alex Larrea, who originally hails from the Basque Country. As is to be expected from any Experimental property, the cocktails are thoughtfully curated and artfully presented. The rooftop’s raw bar is a real highlight—because who doesn’t love sushi at sunset? In the morning, sore heads are eased with health-boosting juices.
Amenities: Rooftop sushi bar, restaurant, à la carte breakfast, room service, boutique, beach club, L:a Bruket bath products, free WiFi.
Our favourite part of the hotel: The rooftop, hands down. It’s eye-to-eye with the Dalt Vila, ideal for sips and sashimi while admiring the old citadel.
What’s nearby? The UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila (for sunset strolls), Passeig de Vara de Rey (for shopping), Ses Salines Natural Park (for bird watching and beach hopping).
Any personal neighbourhood recs? You’re right on the marina, so it seems a shame not to pop over to Formentera for the day. Ferries run regularly from the port, and the crossing only takes half an hour.
Rooms: 30 rooms and three suites.
Pricing: Rates start at €175 per night.
Closest airport: Ibiza Airport is just 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
