- Located within the fortress of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Parador—one of Spain’s most complex heritage restoration projects—combines centuries-old architecture with contemporary design, blending art, comfort and the Mediterranean landscape in every room.
- The aim has been to link the Ibizan landscape with the building’s architectural heritage, offering a space for historical interpretation, with an atmosphere that exudes calm, luxury and sophistication.
- This new Parador redefines the tourist experience in Ibiza, where history, heritage and design coexist in this new hotel icon, thanks to the interior design project by REQUENA Y PLAZA.
REQUENA Y PLAZA, a studio specialising in hotel interior design, has been chosen by Paradores de Turismo de España to oversee the interior design of the Parador de Ibiza, the first in the Balearic Islands and the 99th in the Paradores network.
Located in the historic fortress of Dalt Vila, in the old town of Ibiza’s capital, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ambitious project had been in the pipeline for years until, following the completion of the works and a complex archaeological and construction project, it opened its doors to the public in March 2026.
This new opening marks another significant milestone for Paradores in terms of the country’s heritage conservation. The studio has approached the project as a balancing act between heritage conservation and the interior design of contemporary spaces that meet the demands of today’s traveller, whilst respecting the building’s strong historical value and its urban and landscape context.
A highly complex heritage project
The fortress of Dalt Vila, home to the Parador de Ibiza, is one of the most significant monumental complexes in the Mediterranean, bearing witness to over two thousand years of history and layers of structures from various cultural and architectural periods. The challenge of transforming it into a hotel required not only meticulous restoration, but also a sensitive integration of the archaeological remains – from Phoenician vestiges to Islamic and Renaissance elements – into the hotel’s spatial narrative.
The interior design project, commissioned to REQUENA Y PLAZA, has successfully interpreted and engaged with these historical elements. By incorporating the traces of the past as part of the hotel’s narrative, it allows guests to encounter the living history of Ibiza from the moment they pass through its walls until they relax in the communal areas or rest in their rooms.
The interior spaces, carefully studied and designed, combine high-quality contemporary materials with textures and finishes that evoke the stone, light, craftsmanship and colours of the Mediterranean. The use of natural light – as powerful and ever-changing as the island itself – the warm colour palette and the selection of elegant, functional furniture all contribute to creating an atmosphere that exudes calm, sophistication and respect for the historic heritage.
Spread across five buildings within the fortress complex, its 66 magnificent rooms offer a unique accommodation experience on the island, characterised by spectacular views, natural ventilation, high-quality materials and technical solutions that provide comfort without altering the historical essence of the site. The communal areas – restaurant, café, lounges, wellness area, outdoor pool and solarium – have been designed as meeting places open to the city and its visitors, integrating into the urban and social fabric of Dalt Vila and the whole of the island of Ibiza.
“Museumification” and heritage, integrated with a Mediterranean style
One of the most distinctive features of the Parador de Ibiza is its approach to the “museumification” of heritage: the opportunity to discover, within its walls, archaeological finds that came to light during the building works, as well as remains linked to various periods and phases of the castle’s construction and occupation. This museographic integration not only enriches the guest experience but also transforms this new Parador into a space for active historical interpretation, a permanent dialogue between the past and the present.
REQUENA Y PLAZA has worked closely with the Paradores teams to achieve this delicate balance, providing solutions for the integration of heritage furniture pieces that enhance the whole experience. The result is an establishment that not only offers first-class accommodation and tourist services, but also a profound cultural experience, which pushes the boundaries of heritage tourism.
The decorative style is based on a clear idea: to respect the historic architecture of Dalt Vila Castle without competing with it, creating a serene, luminous and elegant atmosphere. Consequently, there is a clear intention to link the design with the Ibizan landscape and the building’s architectural heritage, offering contemporary spaces that are nonetheless steeped in history.
The project leads at REQUENA Y PLAZA explain that “the decorative style of the Parador de Ibiza aims to be timeless, respectful and evocative of local craftsmanship, with Mediterranean inspiration. It does not impose itself on the site, but rather accompanies and frames it. The aesthetic is refined yet simple, inspired by the island’s white light, its building traditions and the quiet elegance of the monumental surroundings. All of this seeks to orchestrate a concept where contemporary comfort and heritage sensitivity coexist naturally”.
About REQUENA Y PLAZA
REQUENA Y PLAZA is an interior design studio founded in 1987 by Juan Luis Requena and José Francisco Plaza. It currently employs over 90 professionals working across various countries.
The firm’s primary objective is to deliver excellence in design, innovating every day, with a firm commitment to producing work of the highest quality for its clients. Its mission is to design and create environments tailored to the needs of each client and their specific uses, infusing every project with beauty and a distinctive style. Specialising in the hospitality sector, the firm offers interior design, project management, and furniture design and supply services.
Almost 40 years of experience attest to its professionalism in providing services to other companies, having developed over 1,000 projects of varying types and scales, specialising in hotels and residential centres, workspaces and offices, restaurants, retail and unique spaces.
The studio holds certifications that attest to its commitment to quality, sustainability and safety, such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.
Source: Marketing REQUENA Y PLAZA