Review: Paradiso, Ibiza | Daily Telegraph
Published by the telegraph.co.uk, August 2018
The candy floss coloured, finned façade of this hotel thrusts into Ibiza’s west coast skyline, a vivid nod to kitsch 1970s Miami cool. But don’t be fooled, there’s substance as well as style here - the hotel’s art-centric ideology is an island first.
Location 7/10
Paradiso is set back off the main street that cuts through San Antonio Bay, a relatively run down resort frequented predominantly by British tourists that’s not been redeveloped for years. Still, with an influx of new hotels presumably that won’t be the case for long, and there are distinct positives to this location. The hotel is right next door to Kumharas, a secret sunset spot favoured by locals, and it’s within walking distance of the nearest beaches. Two of Ibiza’s most iconic beaches - Calas Bossa and Comte - are around 10 minutes away by car. There’s a ferry service that runs all day just around the corner from the hotel that drops you direct to San Antonio Marina in around five minutes, or it’s a 10-minute drive away. Ibiza town and the airport can both be reached in around 20 minutes.
Style / character 9/10
Equal parts bold, brash and curiously beautiful, Paradiso’s mish mash of pastel colours and curved architecture soothes the eye. Soft rose pink, cool-as-you-like mint and the faintest hint of lavender all sit in sync both indoors and out, accessorised by retro features like chromatic tiled flooring, brightly rimmed mirrors, and sex shop neon lighting. All this has you populating your Instagram feed like a fiend (N.B. hot pink light does wonders for one’s complexion). Then of course, there’s an abundance of contemporary art. Spanish artists Iñaki Domingo and Diana Kunst lead the hotel’s dedicated programme, dotting the work of over 60 international artists throughout the space. They also curated an art book library and will host workshops with local artists. Don’t miss the Zero Suite. An entirely glass walled bedroom located in the hotel lobby, guests stay here for free in the knowledge that every second of the stay will be publicly / painfully, scrutinised. A barmy voyeur’s dream.
Service / facilities 8/10
The rectangular pool, lined by wooden framed cabanas with billowing strawberries and cream canopies and potted cacti, runs the length of the building and splits in two around a circular statement bar. The resident DJ perches here, too, playing an upbeat mix of house and ambient tunes throughout the day. Andy’s serves hearty snacks poolside and the Adda Gallery Ibiza is an independent exhibition space run by Anna Dimitrova, who already has spaces in Paris and Barcelona. The current collection, entitled Landscapes, explores scenes in their abstract, urban and human form. The onsite milliner and tattoo parlour mean all your hat and ink prayers can finally be answered (better than going home with a Toblerone), and massage treatments are available. If you’re still at a loss, plonk yourself in front of the Zero Suite for a real time episode of Big Brother.
Rooms 8/10
Suites are available for up to five people. Walls and floors are awash with the shades of a freshly-made knickerbocker glory, with buttercup yellow cocktail stools, rippled bed surrounds and colourful art installations bespoke to each room acting as the quintessential cherries on top. All rooms have balconies, Smeg fridges and Marshall radios, and added little extras like a Rubik’s cube - presumably the Paradiso equivalent to counting sheep at night. Bathrooms have carved stone sinks and rain head showers. Did I mention the glass walled bedroom installation?
Food & drink 7/10
A canteen style breakfast featuring a vast selection of pastries, fruit, cheese, cereal and classic fry up ingredients is included with some room prices or available for an additional 15€. Andy’s serves good sized portion sharing plates including nachos, gyozas and spring rolls as well as healthier options like Thai prawn salad, quinoa salad and Veggie or Mediterranean bowls loaded with superfoods. Cocktails taste best poolside, channelling Charlie’s Angels sass. Service is fine.
