When I Have More Money: Oscar’s First Holiday: A Stay At Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

’10 weeks old and already in Ibiza!’ was the greeting Oscar received when we check into Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay…well that’s just how Oscar rolls…

From even before we had a baby we always discussed how we’d still travel as a family, what we would do and where would we go… but despite numerous conversations, the first time travelling with a newborn seemed rather overwhelming… however, the European summer was dwindling and we wanted some time away in the sun. Short haul, a place we trusted and a luxurious and family-friendly hotel. Ibiza seemed the perfect option and we booked seriously last minute (Oscar’s passport hadn’t even arrived so we had all our fingers and toes crossed that it would!) but we were lucky enough to get one of the last rooms at a hotel that I’d wanted to stay in for a while.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay ticked all the boxes for me as the perfect place for our first family holiday… and Oscar loved it too. Here’s why:

In advance of our stay I’d spoken to the hotel to sort out any extra bits that we might need for Oscar and they were very helpful and accommodating. Before the trip we debated how much we actually wanted to bring for him and we were able to leave the bulky car seat at home as the hotel organised a transfer from the airport for us with a newborn insert. The location is picturesque Talamanca Bay – two kilometres north of Ibiza Town and only about a fifteen minute drive from the airport.

I also knew we’d want a bigger room so we’d have plenty of space for Oscar’s cot and any extra luggage we had. I booked a deluxe junior suite with a sea view which turned out to be the perfect space for our family of three!
I absolutely loved the ocean-inspired blues in the room (a personal favourite colour of myself and Oscar), coupled with gorgeous bronze details and sandy coloured cushions and floors. The website describes the look as ‘a fresh interpretation of the Ibizan aesthetic’ and I’d have to agree, it feels fresh and modern whilst still being rustic and natural in feel.

There was also that gorgeous light and airy feel from all that fresh white and the huge floor to ceiling windows leading out on to the balcony.

The hotel had provided us with a cot as requested but when I first saw it I worried that it was a little big for newborn Oscar who prefers small and cosy spaces. However, we kept Oscar’s routine the same as at home and he took to his holiday bed just perfectly, sleeping soundly and only waking up for feeds. We’d also asked for a steriliser and they accidentally gave us a bottle warmer but it was ok as we just used sterilising tablets that we’d bought along with us. There was a gorgeous entrance way with a dressing table that at one point would have been great for doing my make up but instead we used as a changing station for Oscar so that everything was set up and accessible. There was also lots of wardrobe space for all our clothes – I’d bought far too much for Oscar and didn’t use half of it but I’ll definitely know for next time.

The hotel had also left flip flops and beach bag on the bed for use for during our stay which was a really lovely touch!

The bathroom was a really good size, clad in Persian marble with a double sink, huge soaking tub and a very relaxing separate rain shower.

Products by Spanish brand Natura Bisse added that luxurious extra touch .

At 15 square metres, our terrace was an ideal place to lounge, so much more than simply a place to peer out to see the view. And as it was shady, Mr S could sit out there and play with Oscar in a place that was more quiet and peaceful than around the pool.
From our room, we had the perfect view of one of the hotel’s pools, the sandy beach and the bay beyond…

The ideal place to enjoy a spot of breakfast…

Or room service… and this isn’t just any room service… this is Nobu room service…

With 152 rooms, the hotel is small but perfectly formed – it’s actually a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. When you walk into the hotel you’ll be struck by the super stylish indoor / outdoor lobby… with swing chairs, comfortable loungers and reading material all decked out in natural fibres including rope and wicker chairs.

Not only was it absolutely gorgeous but the setting meant I could sit and chill inside, protecting Oscar from the Spanish sun, but still enjoy the atmosphere of the pool outside.

This was the stunning adult’s only pool where you can enjoy a day bed, order up a bottle of champagne and listen to the tunes of the live DJ without a worry of being disturbed!

These super sexy lounging areas could be hired for 200€ including 120€ credit for food or drinks – it’s something the old Mr and Mrs S would have definitely done but as keeping Oscar out of the sun was a priority for me, it had to be a no this time.

On the other side of the hotel was the family pool for people of all ages. While we weren’t quite ready to take Oscar for a swim, I really appreciated was that the hotel was suitable for all the family and adults can have lots of fun with or without the kids. Near the family pool is the Kid’s Club, of course Oscar is too small for a kids club (it accommodates ages 4 -12) but Mr S and I checked it out for future reference. It was super cute and there wasn’t a Playstation in sight like some kid’s clubs that I’ve seen – instead there’s jewellery making, basket weaving and craft lessons. There’s even cookery lessons at Nobu, DJ masters classes, yoga and paddle boarding – it’s not one of those kids clubs that seems like just an after thought. And if your little one if too small for the kids club and you still want to spend the day /night clubbing (!) there’s baby sitting services too.

Food -wise, I think the name of the hotel says it all…of course the Nobu Restaurant is the signature dining experience and it’s opens at 7pm for dinner.
Because we had Oscar with us and it was expensive to get a transfer with a car seat, we ended up eating in the hotel three times… but what a hotel restaurant to have. I certainly wouldn’t complain about dining in the hotel with such incredible food on offer.

Some of my recommended favourites are the yellow tail sashimi.

Tuna tacos.

Lobster salad.

And ALL the sushi.

We went for dinner early so Oscar was getting a good night sleep and at that time there were other babies in high chairs and children so we didn’t feel self conscious having our little one with us. But I expect later diners could enjoy a sexy child-free environment in the sophisticated but laid back restaurant.

The hotel’s other main restaurant is Chambao where we enjoyed a delicious fresh breakfast buffet on some days and ordered to our room on others… depending on what mood Oscar was in.

I loved the restaurant’s boho decor and you can eat inside on the rattan chairs…

Or take a seat under a straw umbrella with your feet in the sand!

The lunch menu features delicious Mediterranean food and Balearic specials particularly fresh fish.

We loved the grilled calamari, ceviche and artichokes for starters… and for main we shared a delicious paella (which I didn’t get a picture of cos Oscar started crying at this point!) and another day we order a whole sea bass for two. There’s also a kids menu that can be enjoyed in the restaurant itself or next door at the kids club.

Every morning I stopped for a coffee in the hotel’s Bay Cafe – a gorgeous corner of the lobby selling healthy snacks and fresh juices.

We also enjoyed having a bite at the hotels’ pool bar which is the perfect place to lounge while enjoying a cocktail. The menu features some of the most loved dishes from the hotel’s two main restaurants…

Other useful amenities found at the hotel were the hotel shop (I bought shoes there!) where you truly dress the part for a holiday in Ibiza – think floaty kaftans, sandals, bikinis and floppy hats. And there’s also a hotel spa by Six Senses which offers facials, massages and body treatments. Whilst if you’re in need of a coiff, the John Freida hair salon is on hand and conveniently located by the hotel lobby.

We absolutely loved the attention to detail – particularly the way Oscar was looked after but also the fact that the hotel provided a cake for Mr S’s birthday.

Family-friendly may not be the first thing that comes to mine when you think of a high end restaurant-owned hotel in Ibiza but Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay really is just that. The perfect symbiosis of getting away from it all in a luxurious, chic environment for the parents whilst providing excellent facilities for the kids.