Hotel Riu Palace La Mola

About Hotel Riu Palace La Mola

Hotel Riu Palace La Mola is a 4-star hotel set in the flat, pine-covered landscape of Formentera, about 1 km from the tiny fishing harbour of Es Caló de Sant Agustí. It suits travellers who want a comfortable base with a pool, a spa and evening entertainment, while still being close to the island's quieter south coast. The guest score of 4.3 out of 5 from 2,101 reviews points to a generally well-regarded stay.

This is a resort-style hotel rather than a small boutique property. The facilities list includes an outdoor pool, a kids' pool, a health club, a steam room, a tennis court, a garden and a terrace. There are restaurants and bars on site, plus free WiFi and free car parking. The hotel is not on the beach; Platja de Migjorn, the long open south-coast beach, is 4.3 km away in a straight line.

Location: Es Caló de Sant Agustí

The hotel sits in the area of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, a tiny fishing harbour of boat houses below the La Mola plateau. This is a quiet, traditional part of Formentera, away from the busier north-west around Es Pujols. The village of Es Caló is 1 km from the hotel, so a short walk or cycle takes you to the harbour and its boat houses. The nearest named beach, Platja de Migjorn, is 4.3 km away, and La Mola, the plateau with its lighthouse, is 6 km away.

In high summer, the south coast is popular but less crowded than the Ses Illetes area in the north. The hotel's distance from the main resort villages means you will need transport for most outings. Bikes are a common way to get around Formentera, and the hotel lists bicycle hire among its facilities. In the shoulder months, from late spring to early autumn, the area is very quiet, and many nearby seasonal businesses close roughly from November to April.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists a range of facilities that suggest comfortable, practical rooms. Double glazed windows are mentioned, which helps with noise insulation. A safe is listed, as is housekeeping. There is a 24-hour front desk, useful for late arrivals after the ferry from Ibiza. The hotel is wheelchair accessible and has lifts, so it can suit guests with limited mobility.

For families, the kids' pool and the outdoor pool are listed, along with entertainment activities. For couples, the spa, steam room and health club offer relaxation. The hotel is eco-friendly, and free WiFi is available throughout. As with any property, it is worth confirming the specific room type, bed configuration and any extra charges for the safe or parking when booking, as the listed facilities are general.

Getting there

Formentera has no airport. You fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), about 7 km south-west of Ibiza Town. From the airport, take a bus or taxi to Ibiza Town port. Ferries to La Savina, the port on Formentera, take about 30-35 minutes on fast ferries and about an hour on conventional ferries. Sailings are frequent in season and fewer in winter; check the ferry operators for current timetables. From La Savina, the hotel is 11.6 km away in a straight line, so you will need a taxi, bus or hire car.

On Formentera, getting around is usually by bike, scooter, bus or taxi. The island council limits the number of visitor vehicles in high season, so check the Consell de Formentera before bringing or hiring a car. The hotel lists free car parking, which is useful if you do bring a vehicle. Signposted green routes (circuits verds) are good for cycling, and the hotel offers bicycle hire.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest area is Es Caló de Sant Agustí, 1 km away, with its boat houses and a small harbour. The craft market at El Pilar de la Mola is 2.8 km away, and the La Mola lighthouse is 6.1 km away. The long beach of Platja de Migjorn is 4.3 km away, backed by dunes and juniper, and is a good spot for a long walk. Cala Saona, the island's one real cove, is further west and worth a visit for its red cliffs.

Island food includes peix sec (dried fish), island salads and fresh fish. You will find simple eateries in Es Caló and other villages, but the hotel has its own restaurants and bars. For a change of scene, Sant Francesc Xavier, the small capital, has a fortified 18th-century church, a market and shops. The Ses Salines Natural Park in the north, with the Ses Illetes sand spit and the Estany Pudent lagoon, is a longer trip but a highlight.

A day from Hotel Riu Palace La Mola

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then take a bike or short walk to Es Caló de Sant Agustí, 1 km away, to see the boat houses and the small harbour. From there, cycle or drive the 4.3 km to Platja de Migjorn for a morning swim on the open south-coast beach. The water is clear, thanks to the posidonia seagrass, and the beach is backed by dunes and juniper.

In the afternoon, head to El Pilar de la Mola, 2.8 km away, to browse the craft market if it is open (Wednesdays and Sundays in season). Continue to the La Mola lighthouse, 6.1 km away, for views over the plateau. Return to the hotel for a swim in the outdoor pool or a session in the spa. In the evening, have dinner at the hotel or walk back to Es Caló for a simple meal by the harbour.

Practical tips

Much of Formentera's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check the hotel's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest ferries and the highest demand for bikes and cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate changes by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

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