Ibiza

If you are after a short-haul sunshine break and some serious relaxation, Ibiza may not be the first place that springs to mind, due to it’s hedonistic party reputation - however it is time to re-consider this gorgeous Balearic island. It has so much more to offer than just it’s riotous nightlife – although it is home to possibly the best nightclubs in the world, should you want to throw off you sandals and slip on your dancing shoes!
Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands - just off the coast of Spain – and is small enough to explore without eating into too much sacred holiday time. Made up of many small towns and welcoming villages - all of which have much to offer in the way of places to eat, things to see and beautiful views to admire.
To top it all off the friendliness of the people of Ibiza, their ‘live and let live’ motto and unmistakable soundtrack of Balearic beats makes for an easy and trouble free stay, and once you’ve caught the Balearic bug, you’ll end your holiday eager to return.

The winding streets of the walled old town are home to many small craft shops, cafes, art galleries, museums, hotels and restaurants - and is well worth visiting for a morning to take in the history of Ibiza or for a relaxed evening out away from the main throng of the city.
It’s a good idea to start at the top and work you way down (rather than up) the steep cobbled streets – and don’t even think about wearing heels!

Channel you inner hippie and check in at the Hotel Hacienda, a stunning slice of heaven that sits 180 metres above sea level. This white washed hotel has 65 rooms and a sprawling outside terrace, boasting a stunning swimming pool and jaw dropping views.
However the piece de resistance has to be the hotels La Posidonia Spa and it’s Cascades Suspendes – a Thallostherapy treatment, quite literally, like no other in the world. The spa pools gently wind along the cliff side and each pool treats a different part of the body - easing muscles from top-to-toe with it’s water jets, and soothes the skin with the salt water pumped up from the sea. Book a session for early evening and watch the sunset. Spa experiences simply don’t get better than this.

Join the cool crowd and lunch at Yemanja. This achingly hip restaurant is right on the beach and attracts a sophisticated but fun loving crowd. Enjoy the speciality paella or feast on the fantastic fresh seafood delights on offer. Then sit back and soak up the atmosphere – or if you’re feeling really indulgent book yourself a massage on the beach or simply sun yourself on the sandy shore.

Why not make like the jet-set and charter a boat for the day? There are a range of packages on offer at ibizamarina.com, from small, six-seater boats to the larger more impressive yachts.
Atzaronautica has a luxurious nine-man yacht that comes in at a budget busting 1,500 euros, which gets you your own skipper, a bottle of Perrier-Jouet, plus other fine wines, a tapas lunch at Atzaro, plus all the comforts you'd expect from a luxury yacht, and that all important wow factor.

The beaches of San Antoni and the infamous Café Mambo have become renowned for their sunset parties – and for good reason – the sunsets on the island are spectacular and really must be seen and savoured, be it with the masses on the beach or in a quiet rural location – you really are spoilt for choice.

For an island that boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, Ibiza is surprisingly lush and green due to its thick pine forests, orange groves, fields of almond and olive trees and wild growing lavender and rosemary, which also provide a delightful and inescapable scent. The blossoming of the almond trees, which takes place during the months of January and February, transforms the fields in which they grow to fields of white - a sight which people flock to catch a glimpse of each year.

In the 1960s, Ibiza was largely untouched by tourism and became home to the hippie movement, and along with this freedom loving attitude came Ad-lib fashion. These loose, comfortable handmade garments, made from natural fabrics, most notably white cotton – are still available in the many markets and artisan shops on the island today.

This hidden gem sits amongst the hills just 5 km outside of Ibiza town (hence its name)  and is a beautiful venue offering delicious Mediterranean style dishes in its restaurant, and a wide selection of  cocktails and champagnes - as well as the usual offerings in one of the five bars located here - should you want to stay on for after-dinner drinks, or simply skip it altogether. You can relax in the enchanting garden area - beautifully lit with nightlights and lanterns, the sophisticated lounge bar, or one of the the fabulous Arabic style tents with opulent decoration and the ultimate in comfort and service. In their very own words, km5 really is. 'The place to see and to be seen in Ibiza.'

For rural relaxation, head for San Miguel and the hill top Cas Pla Hotel – a glorious little hotel with just 16 rooms, which are spread out over the hotels grounds ensuring space, freedom and privacy.

Eat breakfast on the sun deck and take in the stunning view as you plan your day – even if that just involves lying by the pool until cocktail time.

For some Eastern-inspired sophistication, head to Saint Joan and the sanctuary that is Atzaro. Tucked away amongst an orange grove is this restored farm, which has been lovingly transformed into a beautiful hotel and spa. With acres of ground providing the luxury of open space in which to wander and relax.
Laze by the pool or treat yourself to one of the many pampering treatments on offer in their spa, take a yoga class outside in the relaxation area, or simply lounge around on one of the many day beds and catch some rays before heading to the hotels wonderful restaurant and enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal Al fresco on the terrace.

One of Ibiza's best features are the beautiful little coves that surround the coastline, with gorgeous beaches many of which feel like secrets of the locals for their unspoilt charm and laid back feel. One such beach is Benirras beach on the North of the island, where, if you are lucky you can catch bongo players on a Sunday evening as the sun goes down.

Wow! Definitely where the rich and famous hang out, this stretch of beach is possibly the trendiest in Ibiza.  Keep your eyes peeled for A-listers coming ashore from the yachts in the bay. Overlooked only by a few exclusive houses set right up in the hills, this white pebbly beach sits beneath the pine trees with its clear crystal waters - it is definitely one not to be missed. The two main restaurants here are the Blue Marlin and Yemanja: both quite different in their offering but equally amazing.

Blue Marlin: the super sexy queen of Ibiza beach clubs. Put your order in early for a jug of the house speciality, Sangria de Cava, then you can lie back and soak up the chilled sophisticated atmosphere or treat your self to a massage. Trust us, you really won’t want to leave, and why should you when you can party your way on into the night - without even having to leave your day bed! (Tip: It's not cheap so make sure your bank balance has been sufficiently topped up before you indulge in a day or night that you won't ever forget.)

Tantalise your taste buds and take a trip to Can Berri Vell. This beautiful traditional Spanish restaurant sits high in the hills of Sant Agusti. Housed in a converted barn it really captures the true spirit of rural Ibiza, with fantastic food and an amazing atmosphere. Not sure what to order, we recommend the olive oil-drenched Carpaccio with shavings of fresh parmesan – reassuringly the meat is sourced just a few kilometres from the restaurant. Main courses of duck or tuna start from around £15. To make a reservation call Vicente on 0034971344321. (He does speak English but do speak slowly!)

Are you sitting comfortably? Relax, surrender and totally let your mind go. If you love yoga, massage and all things holistic, look no further than Ibiza’s blissful surroundings and slower pace. Katia and her Ibiza Retreats team can organise your whole holiday or simply just an hour-long yoga class for you and your friends in the most idyllic spots Ibiza has to offer. It's the perfect way to relax after a long night out on the town.

Al fresco dining just got better. Take a trip into the Dalt Vila in Ibiza old town and discover a bustling atmosphere along with fine food. Start your morning with a walk from the ruins at the top of Ibiza old town and work up a real appetite before you reach La Torreta restaurant. Sitting outside, really lets you soak up the true spirit of Ibiza, while the Mediterranean menu is vast as well as tasty.

For more information on Ibiza, please visit www.ibiza.travel. Flights from the UK to Ibiza are available through easyjet, with one-way flights starting from £33.99 from London Gatwick (including all taxes and charges).
Flights are also now running from London City Airport to the Balearics on the brand new BA city flyer service. Flights depart on Monday, Friday and Sunday, leaving in the early morning and returning early evening. Direct flights are available from July-August, with prices starting from £69 one way.