Grupotel Imperio Playa

Grupotel Imperio Playa is a beachfront hotel at Cala Sant Vicent, a sheltered cove on Ibiza’s north-east coast in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja. It is one of the island’s quieter holiday settings, with a small sandy beach, green hills and a relaxed village atmosphere, and it appeals to travellers who want a beach holiday without the crowds and noise of the big resort towns. The beach is about a minute’s walk from the door, and the hotel feels like a classic seaside resort, with a pool, a terrace and a restaurant overlooking the water. The 185 rooms are practical and bright, with balconies, air conditioning and free WiFi. The choice includes double rooms with a sea view, rooms with a partial sea view and rooms for three guests, which suit small families. Free infant beds are available, a nice touch for parents travelling with a baby. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, with sun loungers and umbrellas, plus a bar, a cafe and beachfront dining, so you can spend long days on the sand and by the water without moving far. Evening entertainment is organised on site, and bikes can be rented for short rides. Breakfast is served as a buffet and may be charged separately, so check what your rate includes. A concierge desk, tour and ticket help, luggage storage and a lift are available, and a round-trip airport shuttle can be booked for a fee, which is handy since the airport is some distance away.

Cala Sant Vicent is a quiet corner of the island, and the setting is its main attraction. The beach is a short walk away, and a handful of small restaurants and bars are nearby, including a pizzeria within a minute’s walk. Other bays such as Cala Boix, Cala Llenya and Cala Nadja are within a short drive, and the hilltop village of Santa Gertrudis and the white village of Sant Carles are also within reach.

From here you can explore the quieter north-east, which is greener and less developed than the south and west of the island, and which has some of the most scenic coves.

This hotel is a good choice for families with young children, couples who prefer a calm bay to a busy resort, and travellers who like to alternate beach days with drives to small villages and markets. It is not the place for nightlife, and Ibiza Town is roughly forty minutes away by road, with the airport about fifty minutes away, so a car or regular taxis make the stay easier. If you plan to spend most of your time in the clubs and bars of the south or west, stay closer to Ibiza Town or Sant Antoni instead.

Rates are lower in late spring and early autumn, when the sea is still warm and the beaches are quiet. Check the airport shuttle times and the breakfast arrangements when you book, and bring a hire car if you want to explore.