In the vibrant heart of Ibiza, Diego Calvo has carved out a unique niche in the hospitality industry with his avant-garde brand, Concept Hotel Group. A native of the island, Calvo’s journey spans more than two decades, beginning with traditional stints at global hotel giants like Marriott and Hilton. But it was his leap into entrepreneurship that marked a turning point - not just for him, but for the aesthetic and cultural identity of Ibizan hotels.

At the core of Calvo’s approach is a bold blend of storytelling, pop culture, and experiential design. Concept Hotel Group now operates almost a dozen eclectic hotels, each with its own narrative and visual language. From the retro-glam of Paradiso to the rock-inspired Dorado, the Cuban rhythms of Cubanito, and the 80s Miami flair of Tropicana, every property is conceived as more than just a place to stay - it’s a living, breathing cultural statement. Hotels like Romeo’s Motel & Diner, with its kitschy Americana vibe, and Grand Paradiso, with an in-house art gallery, embody Calvo’s mantra: hospitality as immersive theater.

His career, however, didn’t necessarily begin with dreams of hotel ownership. “Over time, that ambition grew alongside the experience I gained,” Calvo reflects. “I’ve gone through nearly every position in hospitality, and step by step I felt the need to change the rules of the game and become my own boss. Still, I don’t think I could have reached that point without having lived the full journey first.”

left: Los Felices
right: Mongibello

That journey led to the founding of Concept Hotel Group in 2013, alongside longtime friend and business partner Tallyn Planells. Their mission was simple but ambitious: to create hotels that told stories. Each property would have its own aesthetic, cultural theme, and emotional resonance but all would share a signature blend of nostalgia, irreverence, and immersive design.

left: Romeos
right: Tropicana

The 2018 opening of Paradiso proved to be a turning point. “I believe that with the opening of Paradiso, we marked a turning point,” Calvo says. “It was a highly publicized hotel that had a fantastic launch and put us on the international map, being chosen as the most talked-about hotel in Europe for two consecutive years.” This success solidified Calvo’s reputation - he later would be named one of Forbes Spain’s 100 Most Creative People in 2020.

Still, the road wasn’t without challenges. “The most challenging part has been finding the right team - people who row alongside you and truly represent the DNA of what you’ve created,” Calvo admits. After building nine hotels and navigating the pressures of growth, he credits his success to the partnerships he’s nurtured. “I was very fortunate to start this whole venture alongside one of my best friends, Tallyn Planells… and since 2020, I’m proud and very happy to continue this wild adventure together with another friend and a big lover of hotels like me, Marc Rahola.”

Grand Paradiso

In 2023, Concept Hotel Group underwent a strategic rebranding. The company now operates under two distinct identities: The Concept Hotels, which unifies the original thematic properties, and Mongibello, an upscale line inspired by the Italian Riviera. Their latest opening, Los Felices, takes guests on a nostalgic journey through 1960s Palm Springs with its retro architecture, curated music program, fashion pop-ups, and in-room DJ booths.

Beyond design, Calvo emphasizes creating spaces that attract not just tourists but the creative elite - hosting campaigns for brands like Armani and Versace, and becoming hubs for artists, designers, and musicians. As Ibiza continues to evolve, Diego Calvo and Concept Hotel Group stand at the forefront of a new hospitality wave - one that prioritizes experience, emotion, and cultural resonance over conventional luxury.

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