Bless Hotel Ibiza

The Fiesta Hotel Cala Nova's nondescript exterior resembles that of any other mid-range hotel in the area. But the grounds, with grass lawns dotted with trees and loungers and a couple of earthenware jars by the entrance, are what distinguish the property from its neighbors. The lobby has the requisite gray marble floor and columns, touches of wood, postcard stand, and recessed lighting, with gray armchairs placed strategically around several wooden coffee tables. Rooms incorporate a few splashes of color in soothing green accent walls and yellow-and-green geometric print bedspreads. As this is a family-friendly hotel, the property has children aplenty running around in peak season, but the hotel quiets down at other times of the year, when older couples make up much of the clientele. 

Fiesta Hotel is on Cala Nova, a small, sandy beach with loungers and umbrellas. The property is on a quiet street in a residential area within a five-minute walk of town, with its bars, restaurants, and shops. Es Canar’s main beach is within a five-minute walk of the hotel, and there’s another smaller, even quieter stretch of sand a 10-minute drive north along the coast. Unlike other parts of Ibiza, Es Canar is generally quiet, drawing families and couples. The local mid-week street market is the most popular on the island, and it's within walking distance of the property. The airport is a 35-minute drive away.

Most of the 305 air-conditioned rooms are on the small side but are clean and bright -- the floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto furnished, private balconies -- some with expansive ocean views -- bring in lots of natural light. Green accent walls, framed pictures, sconce light fixtures over the beds, and dark-wood ceiling fans add color and a touch of style to the generic blond-wood furnishings. Rooms include mostly flat-screen TVs (although some still have tube-style TVs). Use of mini-fridges, Wi-Fi, electric kettles and coffeemakers comes with a fee. There is no in-room Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi is available for a fee only in the reception area and Internet corner). Guests have complained about thin walls, which would pose a problem for light sleepers, but this is not a party-goer hotel, and things quiet down at night. White-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, large mirrors, hairdryers, basic toiletries, but no counter space.

Family-friendly amenities include a kids’ club for children four to nine years old; a game-room arcade with pool tables; a kids' pool with slides and a water feature; mini-golf; and a playground with swings and other equipment. Kid-friendly entertainment is offered throughout the day, and a mini-disco is available several times a week. The main pool is medium-size, with lots of space for loungers, ocean views, and a snack bar with poolside seating. The restaurant serves standard buffet fare for all three meals, and also offers outdoor seating; both half-board and all-inclusive rates are bookable. The lobby bar hosts live shows every night. Free indoor parking, and shuttle service to the airport (for a fee) is also available.