Cala Ses Estaques, Santa Eulalia del Río, Spain | (618) 248-8274
Across the street from the seafront and marina, walking distance to town
Sunny contemporary rooms with minibars, air-conditioning, and balconies
Medium-sized outdoor pool with two hot tubs, snack bar, and great views
Three seafront lounger areas and direct ladder access to the sea
Open-air restaurant and bar with typical Spanish dishes and terrace seating
Large buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner
Lobby lounge bar with comfy bucket seats and occasional shows
Daily activities, nightly entertainment, and spa treatments on request
Adults-only property for ages 18 and up (con for some)
Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking in a lot
Rocky beach area
Very mixed reviews on the buffet restaurant
No pets allowed (pro for some)
Catalonia Ses Estaques is a three-pearl, adults-only property in the family-friendly area of Santa Eualia right next to the seafront and marina. The majority of the guests here are seniors and couples in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. The 168 rooms sport contemporary decor with surprisingly pretty terra-cotta floors. Each room comes with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars stocked with drinks, rainfall walk-in showers, and balconies with views. A large buffet breakfast is included and half-board options are available though the dinner buffet draws mixed reviews. Snacks, drinks 'til late, and typical Spanish cuisine is available at the open-air seafront restaurant Ses Savines. Daily activities and nightly entertainment are organized onsite by a tour operator but most people spend the day out by the pool or in a waterfront lounger. For a similar spot that allows kids, check out the nearby Hotel Tres Torres.
Scene
Quiet corner beachfront spot with an older clientele and relaxed atmosphere
Santa Eulalia is a quiet and relaxing area of Ibiza, and Catalonia Ses Estques echoes these virtues. While there are activities throughout the day, the overall vibe of the hotel remains peaceful. Most guests here come for a true vacation and tend to stay sedentary by the pool or in a lounger facing the sea. Around eighty percent of the guests here are British seniors who have booked through a tour agency which also has an unmissable presence on site. This company also organizes the daily and nightly activities like aerobics, trivia, and shows, and no one seems to mind if self-booked guests join in on the fun. The hotel was built some time in the 1950s though you'd be hard-pressed to tell. Thanks to continual upgrades and the occasional renovation the rooms and most public spaces are up to date with a contemporary feel, making the outdated color of the marble floors, the orange bucket seats in the Salon Bar, and the gold lettering on the entrance sign feel that much more out of place. This is an adults-only spot, so for anyone traveling with kids under 18, it's worth checking out the nearby Hotel Tres Torres where you'll find similar features and amenities.
Location
Quiet location across from the Santa Eulalia marina and seafront, a short walk to the village
Catalonia Ses Estaques is located across from the marina and seafront in Santa Eulalia, less than a two-minute walk into the village's shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and bars. While the village is bustling, the waterfront is quiet making it a favorite among families and those looking to escape the rambunctious party areas of San Antonio and Playa D'en Bossa. - Two-minute walk to Santa Eulalia
Rooms
Contemporary Deluxe Rooms with balconies, AC, bathrobes, and well-stocked bathrooms
Catalonia Ses Estaques has 168 contemporary and clean rooms with small balconies that overlook the pool, marina, and sea. Deluxe Rooms come with either a real king-sized bed, two individually sheeted twin beds side by side, or two twins converted into a king. While the size and location of the rooms can be a gamble, count on waffle bathrobes and slippers, flat-screen TVs, rainfall showerheads, and bidets. The drinks inside the minibar cost extra, but Wi-Fi, a welcome bottle of water, and kettle with tea and coffee are all free. A light blue-gray color scheme keeps things feeling light and fresh (though some rooms do have a mildewy smell) against the surprisingly pretty terra-cotta style floor tiles. Expect frosted glass sliding doors that lead to modern bathrooms stocked with a wide selection of amenities and kits (but no conditioner), hairdryer, and magnifying mirrors. Only a handful of bathrooms have bathtubs.
Features
Lazy outdoor pool and beach lounging area, two restaurants, activities, and a few bars
By far the hotel's most popular feature is its comma-shaped pool area. Overlooking both the marina and the seafront, Catalonia Ses Estaques' sparkling pool area has some great views. There's also a raised platform with two small hot tubs and a spattering of somewhat worn contemporary loungers. During the day the pool bar slings drinks and snack foods with a side of harbor views. Depending on the season, finding a lounger by the pool can be difficult for late risers (as is the case everywhere). There are also three beachfront areas furnished with loungers that face the sea, including a rocky spot built out over the water with a ladder that has direct access to the seawater. The hotel's main restaurant serves up buffet-style breakfast and dinners with live cooking stations, hot and cold items, and mixed reviews (half-board options available). Occasionally lines can be long to get into the restaurant or at the buffet. For a la carte options, there's the upscale but casual seafront Ses Savines's daytime terrace snack menu with hamburgers and sandwiches, a bar that goes 'til late in the high season, and a dinner menu with typical Spanish dishes and locally caught fish. Freebies include a big breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, parking on a private gravel lot, and printing at the computer station. Just off reception there's an info board with the day's activities and entertainment, and another with bus schedules, weather, and excursions. Spa treatments, including massages and beauty treatments, can be requested and doled out in rooms or at Ses Savines. Laundry is available for a fee.