Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza

Hacienda Na Xamena, a Michelin Key Selected property, is an iconic luxury retreat nestled on the cliffs of Ibiza, renowned for its breathtaking views and tranquil ambiance. Established in 1971, it was the first five-star hotel on the island and has undergone extensive refurbishments while retaining its unique bohemian charm.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hacienda Na Xamena is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional, amazing, and unforgettable. It boasts an excellent overall experience rating of 8.4/10 from one luxury travel expert, with high scores across various categories. Guests consistently praise the stunning views, attentive staff, and unique facilities, making it a highly recommended resort for those seeking peace and luxury away from the island's party scene.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore the following aspects of Hacienda Na Xamena:

• Location & Views: The hotel's most significant draw is its spectacular setting atop a 180-meter (600 ft) cliff within a preserved natural park, offering unobstructed, breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and dramatic sunsets. This clifftop position creates a sense of awe and tranquility.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes a "barefoot-chic, white-linen colonialism, and grand orientalism" aesthetic, creating a secluded, luxurious, and somewhat bohemian vibe. It's seen as the most aesthetic and sumptuous hotel in Ibiza, offering a peaceful escape.
• Amenities: A standout amenity is the "Cascadas Suspendidas" (Suspended Waterfalls) thalassotherapy circuit, a unique outdoor spa experience with eight different mini-pools cascading down the cliffside, heated at varying temperatures and offering high-pressure jet massages, all while providing incredible sea views. The property also features three swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), a gym, tennis courts, and a games room.
• Service: The staff consistently receives high praise for being exceptional, friendly, helpful, and going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and at home.

3. Room Quality

Hacienda Na Xamena features 77 rooms and suites, with most offering sea views. Rooms are generally described as airy and blissful, often incorporating a colonial-era aesthetic with white drapes and mahogany accents. Standard and Superior rooms include hot tubs, while Eden category rooms boast private gardens with plunge pools. Many rooms focus on maximizing the phenomenal sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows and furnished terraces. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and private bathroom. However, some guests have noted that older areas, particularly bathrooms, might show some wear and tear, and some standard rooms have been described as small with limited storage.

4. Dining Experience

The gastronomy at Hacienda Na Xamena is consistently impressive and offers a healthy, Mediterranean, and locally sourced cuisine.

• Edén Restaurant: This main dining venue is a showstopper, perched at the top of the resort, offering exquisite cuisine with unparalleled views, especially at sunset. A three-course set menu is often offered for lunch and dinner.
• Los Nidos: A recently added, unique rooftop bar experience, Los Nidos features custom-made natural bird's nest pods for private dining and 360-degree views, perfect for watching the sunset.
• By The Pool Restaurant: Exclusively for resident guests, this poolside bar and restaurant serves a simple yet tasty menu of classics like avocado salads, hamburgers, club sandwiches, and lighter vegetarian options and tapas throughout the day.
• Breakfast: Served by the pool, breakfast focuses on quality over quantity, with a wide variety of international and local delicacies, special breakfast menus, warm dishes (pancakes, crepes), egg preparations, and fresh fruit from their organic garden.
• Room Service: A 24-hour room service menu is available for guest comfort.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hacienda Na Xamena receive overwhelmingly positive feedback. Guests frequently highlight their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, remarking that the staff goes "above and beyond" to ensure a welcoming and comfortable stay. From front desk staff to poolside service, the hospitality is often described as exceptional.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hacienda Na Xamena is situated in the picturesque village of Sant Joan de Labritja, on the north coast of Ibiza. Its remote, cliff-top location in a preserved natural park is a key part of its appeal, offering peace and quiet away from the bustling party areas.

• Airport: It's approximately a 25 to 30-minute drive from Ibiza Airport (IBZ). The hotel offers airport transfer services.
• Exploration: Due to its secluded setting, guests are highly recommended to rent a vehicle to explore Ibiza's beaches, restaurants, and attractions, as the nearest town is at least a 10-minute drive away. The hotel can assist with car rental and taxi services.
• Beach Access: There is no direct beach access from the hotel, as it sits on a 180-meter cliff. The closest beautiful beach, Pass de Silla, is about a 7-minute drive away.
• Connectivity: While secluded, it is still within reasonable driving distance to Ibiza Town (30 minutes) and Sant Antoni de Portmany (35 minutes).

7. Value & Pricing

Hacienda Na Xamena is considered one of Ibiza's most expensive hotels, with room rates in high season starting from around 500 euros per night. Its restaurants are also noted as being among the pricier dining venues on the island. Despite the high cost, many guests feel it is "money well spent" for the fabulous location, great facilities, and overall experience, especially when compared to other luxury options on the island. However, some guests have found the price slightly high for certain room categories and have noted unexpected service fees on checkout.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Room Condition: Some reviews mention that while the hotel has been refurbished, certain areas, particularly older bathrooms and furniture, can show signs of wear and tear and may need renovation. One guest reported an unpleasant smell in their room.
• Room Size and Privacy: A few guests have found standard rooms to be small with limited storage and cramped bathrooms. Additionally, some balconies are overlooked, which can impact privacy.
• Additional Costs: Guests have expressed surprise at extra charges for certain spa facilities (like the infinity pool/thalassotherapy circuit) that are often included in other 5-star hotels. There have also been instances of unexpected service fees on the room cost.
• Service Inconsistency: While generally excellent, isolated incidents of less-than-top-quality service have been reported, such as room service not showing up.
• Food Pricing/Quality (Isolated): A few reviews mention overpriced food at the pool restaurant with average quality cocktails, or, in rare cases, an overall disappointing and overpriced dining experience with cold food.
• Road to Hotel: The mountain road leading to the hotel has been described as "dangerous" by one guest, suggesting it could be made safer.

Sources

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