you may want to ferry between the islands.. to mallorca and menorca during your stay if you decide on ibiza/Formentera..

If you are thinking of Ibiza, I would check the brand new Pacha resort, Destino Pachá. We visited it at the end of June, and it is beautiful
http://destinoibiza.com/

It´s a bit different from Ushuaia with all its russians

Rgds, Cova

Hi Cova! Just thought I'd say hello! Have a great summer!

lincasanova....your suggestion is sounding like something we would like.

https://www.balearia.com/wps/portal/...etPortlet=true


http://www.trasmediterranea.es/en


ferry service from Barcelona and Valencia and denia/alicante to the islands. Fly to ibiza/palma/menorca from barcelona, madrid or valencia and ferry around. Do get a rental car on the islands. you will have much more fun exploring the smaller coves.. or take a sailboat cruise around one day.

If you are looking for beautiful beaches- go to the balearic islands. Theres a lot of partying, but i'm sure if you look around online in Ibiza or Mallorca you will find a great resort that can be away (or closer?) from the party. Depending on what you want! good luck!

wow! You guys keep giving me great information! This is very helpful.

The best resorts (5*) are to be found in Marbella at the Costa del Sol. The nicest beaches are at the Costa de la Luz, although you will find nice beaches everywhere on the mainland and on the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera).
If you want a warm water temp, don't go to Donostia (San Sebastian) which is along the Atlantic. The water is cold, even in the summer, and the weather can be very bad (we've had rain there in the summer for 6 days in a row!).
5* hotels in Marbella are: Gran Meliá Don Pepe, Puente Romano, Don Carlos, Estrella del Mar, Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort, ...

Water temperature in this corner of the Bay of Biscay is 23C at the moment: http://www.meteociel.fr/accueil/sst.php It reached 24C briefly last week but the air temperatures have dropped slightly in the last week.

Those listed on the Coast del Sol are okay if you like larger properties, but if you'd like something a little nicer and a bit more intimate, then check out Cortijo El Carligto, a private villa overlooking the coast.

TS was looking for a resort with a gym, hence my suggestions. All the luxury properties in and around Marbella offer a gym and other high end facilities.

Beaches around Roses or Blanes - or less visited try Costa De Luz for some of Spain's best beaches. Personally, I like Torremolinos ... not high class but great for beach, promenade and seafood restaurants.