OD Talamanca, Ibiza

About

Before The Gran, Aguas, Ushuaïa, Hard Rock or Pacha Hotel, OD Ocean Drive Ibiza was where all the DJs stayed. Part of the same stable of hotels, OD Talamanca has the same central location, with upgraded facilities. There’s everything you need here for a great, five-star Ibiza weekend.

The Vibe

So this is not an agroturismo. But it isn’t huge either. At 117 rooms, faces will become familiar over the course of your stay. We ran into several people we knew on our weekend here; this is definitely the current ‘new spot’. And as it’s close to the clubs, it’s clear they’re booking DJs in here. Although there’s a bit of a business hotel vibe, the service is slick, and for a brand new hotel, things seemed to be functioning well.

The décor

Now, the exterior – it’s definitely different, and the white portals do have a modern, gallery-esque vibe. As for the interior, there’s light throughout, and there are simple touches – flowers and bamboo leaves on dining room tables and contemporary lighting – that make it feel less bizness. Restaurant chairs, if not actual Eames, are Eames-inspired, and everything throughout the hotel is streamlined.

The room

Rainforest shower, double sinks, king-size bed with silky sheets, thick robes, slippers, terraces with tables and chairs for cocktail hour sea gazing and a minibar with Veuve: the room is luxe functional. Sea views are a must, and although it also includes views of the buildings in Talamanca, that actually lends it a more urban vibe, which we began to like. Keep your terrace doors open if you’re facing the pool and you’ll have music in your room all day, which is nice.

Restaurant and bars

We’ve said it before, but we have a lot of time for hotels that serve bubbles with breakfast – it starts the day off right. Simple pleasures. The buffet included all the usual Spanish delights – cheese, charcuterie, yogurts and eggs, along with pancakes and a large fresh juice selection. The restaurant menu is short, but includes fresh gazpacho, seafood such as ceviche and tuna tataki, and indulgent dishes like pappardelle with parmesan and truffles (oops). They can also seemingly make whatever you ask for – so ask. The pool bar has oysters, and the lobby bar – although not that atmospheric (it’s connected to the check-in desk) – has only one red by the glass, but it’s great, so we’re not complaining. And should you miss breakfast (which ends at a reasonable mid-day), there are three apples in your room, replenished daily, which is useful in Ibiza.

Highlights

The two-tiered, two-tone pools are chic. And the location! This is one block away from the Talamanca boardwalk – #UJloves – and about three minutes to the Fish Shack (#UJloves again). You’re also 5 minutes from Destino, so easy to get to Rumors (Sundays) or Luciano & Friends /Solomun + Live (alternate Thursdays, check Spotlight to see dates). It’s very easy to feel like a local here. Superior rooms also come with Smart Cars, and there’s a parking lot with space for 80 cars, which is hard to come by in central Ibiza hotels. We didn’t get to see the duplex apartments, but with two rooms, a kitchen and your own pool, it sounds like a good alternative to a villa, as it’s serviced, of course. The staff are great here too. Efficient and helpful, which you don’t get every day. There were also comfortable chill out zones aplenty, should you feel like lounging.

Anything else

Keep an open mind if you decide to stay here. We started out unsure, but now, thanks to its form, function and amazing location, when we’re in Ibiza for work, this might just be our new central home. OD!