Ibiza is the best island in the Balearic Islands for an adults-only holiday. It has lots of beach clubs, excellent and diverse restaurants, shopping opportunities in Eivissa, some culture and many fun experiences for adults. And, of course, it has excellent nightlife in San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa.
Menorca and Mallorca also have a few places that are interesting to stay for an adults-only holiday, but these islands are generally more family-focused. Formentera can also be suitable for a couples holiday but because it is hard to get there as it has no airport, it is not easily considered by most people as a possible holiday destination.
Best adults-only hotels in the Balearic Islands
If you don’t have much time to read, here is a quick summary of the article below, where I go into more detail. After living, working and travelling all over the Balearic Islands for 20 years, here is my summary of the 5 best hotels with an excellent location for an adults-only holiday for couples and singles.
- Artiem Audax for a beach and sports adults-only holiday
- Catalonia Royal Ses Etaques is excellent for older couples in a relaxing setting
- Ushuaia for luxurious and nightlife focussed adults-only singles or couples holiday
- Zel Mallorca is ideal for those couples and singles who want a beach holiday with lots of nightlife, things to do and see and experience nearby
- Pure Salt Garonda for a luxurious adults-only holiday
Best adults-only holiday destinations in the Balearics Islands
Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza – Luxury party holiday for singles and couples
Playa d’en Bossa, with the island’s longest sandy beach, is a luxurious holiday destination that is all about the nightlife and beach clubs. This destination hosts big clubs like Ushuaia Ibiza and Hi Ibiza and many more nightclubs a few kilometres away, just outside of town. For adults, there are many things nearby to explore. You can take a boat trip to many unique and different beaches nearby or take a boat in the other direction to explore Eivissa town, whether for the culture, the nightlife, shopping or the many unique and authentic dining opportunities.
Best adults-only hotels in Playa d’en Bossa
Ushuaia is Ibiza’s most iconic luxury party hotel for an adults-only holiday. The main reason being its massive parties in the hotel. It is also close to the airport, so some people fly in for just a day or 2 of clubbing in and around this hotel.
The hotel Vibra Bossa Flow can be a great choice if you want something more budget-friendly. The Twiins Ibiza is cheaper than Ushuaia and more lively than Vibras Bossa Flow. While not explicitly promoted as an adults-only hotel, it is heavily adult-focused.
Santa Eulalia in Ibiza – Ideal holiday for older couples
Santa Eulalia is a relaxed city that is not too touristy and still has a pretty authentically Spanish vibe. This destination is excellent for older couples with a lovely marina, promenade and many restaurants and bars to enjoy. Of course, there is a beautiful white and long sandy beach as well, lined with many bars and restaurants. For those who like to explore and be more active, the tourist boats can take you along the coast to Eivissa town with lots of things to see and do or in the other direction to many other beaches nearby. Also, at nearby Ibizkus, you can enjoy wine tasting and since this is a pretty big city, there are many buses from here leaving to all destinations on the islands, making exploring easy.
Nightlife here is different from what most people associate with Ibiza. It is more quiet and relaxed here in the evening. Some places will have live performances, and many are open till late, but this is mainly for a few drinks and some cocktails. Groups of drunken and loud people can not be found here.
Best adults-only hotels in Santa Eulalia
Catalonia Royal Ses Etaques is located in a quiet location in Santa Eulalia. It is an ideal hotel for those who like to relax, enjoy the sun and the water. Not only do you have a rooftop pool with amazing views, there is also a large pool on the ground floor surrounded with sunbeds and Balinese beds to enjoy. As all of this is very close to the sea and beach, you can also take a sea swim if you prefer.
If you like to be in an even more peaceful and quiet location, the Sol Beach House Ibiza is ideal for you, a bit further away. The luxurious W Ibiza is a great choice if you like to be closer to town and the main beach here. While not explicitly promoted as an adults-only hotel, it is heavily adult-focused.
Playa de Palma in Mallorca – Younger couples and solo travellers
Playa de Palma is a great holiday destination for all adults, couples and solo travellers. However, this holiday destination changes a lot throughout the year. During winter and pre-season, this area is very popular for the more relaxing holidays that older adults are looking for. During June, July and August, the neighbouring El Arenal party area flows into this resort, bringing a much younger party crowd to Playa de Palma.
If you are not here for the party, there are still many reasons to choose this holiday destination for your adults-only holiday in Mallorca. There is a long stretched-out beach, with many restaurants, chill out and cocktail bars next to it. On the other side, near Can Pastilla, there are many authentic seafood restaurants to try, and just a short bus or taxi ride away, you find the capital, Palma, for those looking for culture or to explore.
This area is also perfect for those looking to come just for a weekend or a short holiday, as it is only 5 km from the airport.
Best adults-only hotels in Playa de Palma
Pure Salt Garonda is a luxurious adults-only hotel located just on the edge of Playa de Palma and El Arenal, ideal for exploring the best of both and not in the middle of the sometimes loud and crowded El Arenal. The hotel has a great pool, raised above the promenade, to give you the best views of the sea and beach, which are just 20 meters away from the hotel.
If you want something more budget-friendly, the Hotel Negresco is excellent for an adults-only holiday close to the beach and further away from El Arenal. The Iberostar Bahia de Palma is your best choice if you are looking for something in between these two hotels, both in location and price.
Palma Nova in Mallorca – Younger adults who like an active nightlife
Palma Nova might be the best holiday destination for couples or solo travellers staying on the island for a long holiday for more than a week, as there is so much to do here and nearby. Also, here you can see a significant difference in June, July and August when this area attracts many young people looking to go clubbing in the nearby Magaluf. In other months of the year, this is a more mature audience.
But other than the nightlife, you have many attractions nearby that are interesting to adults. Like the adults-only Pirates Reloaded show, the waterpark with lots of trilling and exiting rides (also for adults), multiple beaches to choose from and Palma city for culture or exploring. If you are looking for restaurants to dine out, Palma Nova has one of the most extensive selections on the island, from fast-food chains to all kinds of international cuisines to fine dining.
Best adults-only hotels in Palma Nova
Zel Mallorca is located in a central location to everything in Palma Nova, making it easy to explore, eat out or go clubbing in the nearby Magaluf. The hotel has this fresh summery beach holiday vibe right next to the beach. If you love pool and beach holidays, this hotel is excellent.
Son Matias Beach is one of the only hotels in this area open pretty much all year round. While it is popular with all age groups in summer, it is very well known for older couples who like to spend the winter months here in a peaceful and relaxed environment.
San Antonio in Ibiza – Nightlife and beaches
San Antonio is the more small-scale and more approachable version of Playa de Bossa. Here, the nightlife is more about different famous streets and party strips and not so much about giant clubs. While they also have a few of these bigger clubs, most of the nightlife takes place near the Sunset Strip and the West End and a few spots next to the beach.
One of the main advantages of San Antonio is the water taxis, which can easily take you across the bay to all the different beaches. Some with beach clubs, some relaxing and others very natural still. This gives you plenty of variety and choice during your holiday.
San Antonio is known for its sunset, so the evenings are very enjoyable here. Whether you are dining or pre-partying, you will always have a nice view to enjoy.
Best adults-only hotels in San Antonio
For a great adults-only all-inclusive holiday, NYX Hotel Ibiza is ideal and right next to the beach. I found this hotel at a pretty cheap price online, so I did not expect much, but I really enjoyed the food, drinks and variety here. It was much better than expected for the price I paid.
If you are looking for a party holiday, then the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, with its loud and crazy pool parties, are ideal for you.
Eivissa in Ibiza – City holiday with an active nightlife
Eivissa, also known as Ibiza town, is an excellent place for couples or solo travellers for a city holiday all year round with either culture, great dining spots or exciting nightlife. The winter months are not very hot but popular with an older crowd. June, July, August and September are famous for younger party crowds.
People who like to go clubbing will find the world-renowned Pacha’s here and many more big clubs a short taxi ride away. For those who want a more unique experience, Lio’s offers a mix of clubbing, dining and club.
If you like to explore outside of town, Eivissa is also ideal. Not only is this the main stop for all the buses, but the City Boats also start their routes here and can take you to many nearby beaches. Especially good for those who love the beach, as sadly, Eivissa does not have any beaches except for Talamanca and Figueretes on the edges of the resort and a short taxi or boat ride away for most.
Dalt Villa, Eivissa’s old town, is fantastic to explore for culture lovers and with one of the largest selection of restaurants and bars on the island, it is also ideal for food enthusiasts or those who like to dine out.
Best adults-only hotels in Eivissa
Many visit here for just a weekend or a few days of clubbing and nightlife. If you are one of those, El Hotel Pacha, with free club entrance tickets to Pacha’s, is an ideal hotel for you. This hotel is not too far from Talamanca beach.
If you want to be closer to the town centre, its culture, restaurants, bars and nightlife, then The Standard Ibiza is better for you. This hotel is closer too the Figueretes beach.
Cala Galdana in Menorca – Relaxing or active couples beach holiday
If you are looking for a beautiful beach resort for an adult-only holiday, Cala Galdana in Menorca might be your best choice. While there is not much to do here compared to the other resorts mentioned, for a pleasant and relaxing beach holiday, it is a good holiday destination. Not only for the main beach here but also the more secluded beach spots a short hike away.
Nightlife, bars and restaurants are limited here, adding to this resort’s nice and relaxing feel. For those who like to be active and do sports during their holiday, there are many sports you can do here, like mountain biking, kayaking and hiking opportunities.
Best adults-only hotels in Cala Galdana
Artiem Audax is the best adults-only holiday here. It does not matter if you are looking to be active or relax. For those who like to relax, there is a raised pool with fantastic views over the surroundings and a spa and wellness centre. If you want to be active, the hotel organises various sports activities, like yoga, kayaking and mountain biking. On top of that, the hotel also has a well-maintained and extensive gym.
Ciutadella, Mahon and Palma for adults-only holidays?
Yes, Ciutadella, Mahon and Palma can be great for adults, couples and solo travellers. But since most people visiting the Balearic Islands do so for sunny holidays near a beach and the sea, I did not include these because they are more city trips and cultural holiday destinations. However, if that is something that is of interest to you, they also have some excellent adults-only hotels. Mahon is especially great for a weekend or short city drip due to its location close to the airport and its outstanding restaurants with authentic tapas and culture.
Is Formentera suitable for an adults-only holiday?
The island of Formentera could also be good for an adult-oriented holiday, but it is hard to get to as it has no airport. You must first fly to Ibiza, get to the harbour, and take the boat across the island. If you arrive too late, you will miss your connection and must find and pay for additional accommodation in Ibiza first. If you have not yet visited the other Balearic Islands, I would start there first and keep the complexity of visiting Formentera for later. Also, this island is tiny compared to the others and offers far fewer things to see and do.
When to visit the Balearic Islands for the best adults-only holiday
Unlike the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands in Spain do not have hot and sunny beach weather all year round. For most people, visiting between the end of May and the end of October is most interesting.
For adults looking for the best deals, booking outside of the school holidays is best as the prices are much higher during these months. The best value-for-money month for adults is September. During this month, the big crowds and most children are no longer on the islands, the water is still warm after the hot summer, and everything is still open on the islands.
If you visit the Balearic islands for clubbing and nightlife, the best parties and most busy months are June to September. Some popular party holiday destinations in the Balearic Islands can feel pretty empty in May and October but are also much cheaper in these months.
From November to April, the weather is much colder but still pleasant and more popular with older couples. These often book here for several months because of the mild climate and low prices. Also, because the roads and pools are pretty empty during these months, many cyclists and triathletes come to train on the islands during these months.
