Spain’s state-owned hotel operator says Pau Arbona’s departure reflects the company’s management needs, describing the change as part of its normal operations. Ana Lago García has taken over on an interim basis while the search for a permanent director continues.
The Parador de Turismo de Ibiza, housed in the former military castle that dominates Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s historic old town, opened its doors on March 10 this year. Just over seven months later, the hotel has a new director.
The controversial hotel, which has attracted criticism and debate since construction began 17 years ago, was initially led by Pau Arbona. He oversaw preparations for the opening and managed the property during its first months of operation.
However, according to Paradores de Turismo de España, Arbona stopped carrying out his duties as director “a couple of weeks ago”. The role is being held on an interim basis by Ana Lago García, a Galician hotel executive with more than 20 years of industry experience.
“Paradores makes occasional changes to its management teams according to the company’s management needs. These changes are part of the company’s normal operations,” the state-owned hotel group said in response to questions about Arbona’s departure.
In an email, the company added: “In this context, the Parador in Ibiza has had a new director, Ana Lago, for the past few weeks. She is performing the role on a temporary basis and will support the incoming permanent director during the handover process. The selection process for the position is under way.”
Extensive experience in the hotel industry
Paradores described Lago as “a highly experienced professional with extensive experience within Paradores and a thorough understanding of its management model”.
The company said her background would ensure continuity of operations and an orderly transition when the permanent director takes up the position.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Lago has worked for hotel groups including Meliá, Zenit, Oca and Paradores, across a range of settings, from city and holiday hotels to spa resorts and venues specialising in MICE — meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
“I started out in sales, which gave me a solid business foundation, and for more than a decade I have held management positions,” she explains.
She has also overseen the opening of two hotels as director and taken part in launching three others within the same company.
“My management approach has always focused on achieving financial targets, optimising operations and, above all, building strong teams,” she says.
Former president of Galicia’s hotel directors’ association
Lago is also a member of the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors (AEDH). She served as president of the organisation’s Galicia chapter from 2024 to 2026.
“During that time, I worked to raise the profile of the sector and connect hotel management professionals across Galicia,” she says.
She has also taken part as a moderator and speaker at industry panels and events.
Reflecting on her approach to hospitality, Lago says: “I firmly believe that hospitality starts on the inside: in how we look after people, how we listen and the culture we are able to build, first with our team and then with our guests.”
Ibiza’s first Parador in the Balearic Islands prepares for winter
Lago takes charge of the first Parador in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands after the hotel and its staff have already accumulated more than seven months of operational experience.
The appointment comes against the backdrop of a long and sometimes contentious development. Construction of the property took more than 17 years, with repeated delays and difficulties.
The publicly owned hotel has also faced pressure over public access to Dalt Vila. Its management was required to provide an elevator for members of the public to reach the historic area, after Ibiza’s bishop, Vicent Ribas, criticised the lack of access facilities for residents during the Santa Maria Mass in early August.
Paradores de Turismo de España has also confirmed, in response to questions from this newspaper, that the luxury hotel inside Ibiza Castle will remain open this winter. It will be the first winter season since the property opened in March.
