Destination 06: Ibiza
I’m not going to lie; I was nervous the first time I visited Ibiza. Not being one who usually frequents mega clubs or partakes in recreational drug use, I much prefer sipping spritzes on the beach than popping pills at Pacha. Sure, there are plenty of parts of the island that are more secluded and relaxed, and in stark contrast to the party mania that people normally associate with Ibiza, the island is also quite well known for its top wellness and yoga retreats. Which unfortunately, is also not really my thing. So, by now, you are probably thinking I’m about to tell you how much I hated it and plan to never return. On the contrary. I discovered there was a happy medium, and if you roll with the right crew, you will have nothing short of an amazing time. Unlike Mike Posner, I didn’t take a pill in Ibiza, but I did get high on plenty of sun soaked days and sexy Spanish nights.
Things to Know
Getting Around: You can fly directly into Ibiza, and the airport is a short 10-minute drive to the idyllic south-west coast (this is where you want to be). There is a shuttle bus that will take you into Ibiza town for only a couple euros, or you can easily jump in a taxi. Staying in Ibiza Town or Playa d’en Bossa beach is optimal, as you’ll be most central to the action. Ibiza Town has great restaurants and bars you can navigate on foot, otherwise, most of the beaches and nightlife are fairly spread out and will require a taxi or car because public transportation isn’t easy or reliable. Taxis are very expensive (around 35€-40€), therefore, I suggest renting a car so you can explore the island on your own terms and save your money for more important things, such as magnums of rosé, duh.
Timing: Similar to Mykonos, everything happens later. Lunch is usually between 3pm-4pm and dinner is around 10pm. And if you plan to hit the clubs, don’t even bother getting there before 2am.
Day Trips to Formentera: Ibiza’s more mellow and boho-chic cousin, Formentera, is an absolute gem that cannot be missed. Only a short 30-minute boat ride from Ibiza port makes visiting this gorgeous island a priority. Ferries run frequently, but my suggestion is to hire a private boat with your friends, especially because most boat rentals come stocked with plenty of wine and beer to keep you hydrated. If budget is tight, you can head down to the port and try and haggle one of the boat companies. I scored great deals this way. The best plan is to sail out in the morning, throw the anchor down for a swim in the clearest turquois water you will ever set eyes on and then head to the famous Beso Beach for a late lunch (4pm reservation) and sunset party before sailing back to Ibiza. Beso Beach is one of my top favorite spots in all of Formentera and Ibiza combined. The food is delicious and the crowd is beautiful. You’ll find yourself drinking mojitos, flirting with bartenders and dancing barefoot in the sand, all while watching a sunset so stunning, you’ll feel as if you are in a dream. Pro tip: It is not easy to score a reservation at Beso, and you will need to make sure you book online at least a month in advance. If you let this fall through the cracks, you can head to neighbor El Tiburon for lunch and then head to Beso for sunset drinks. Make sure to beat the queue and get to Beso by 5pm/6pm. You have been warned.
Where to Stay: If you really want to go all out, splurge on the elegant Nobu Hotel. Ideally located on Talamanca Bay, only a short 5-minute drive from Ibiza Town. As you can imagine, the décor is sleek, chic and utterly sexy. You’ll have plenty of dining options from tapas to a juice bar, and legendary Nobu restaurant, of course. Grab a bento box and a beverage and claim one of the lush pool beds overlooking the beach. If you aren’t quite grown up enough for Nobu Hotel, opt for a stylish Airbnb. We stayed at this modern beach-front apartment, which was fully equipped, comfortable and had a lovely pool for guests to enjoy.
Beach Clubs & Restaurants
Experimental Beach: It wouldn’t be surprising if you never see the daylight in Ibiza, but when you do, it’s best to soak in the rays at this dreamy beach club. The vibe is chic and effortless, the food is delicious and true to any Experimental drinking establishment, the cocktails are stellar. Come here for the day to chill out on one of the blue sun loungers and stay for the epic sunset.
Amante: Probably one of Ibiza’s most beautiful spots, this serene oasis is laid-back, luxe and pure bliss. Perched high on the cliff above Sol Den Serra bay, the views from this indoor-outdoor restaurant-beach club are breathtaking. Try your luck at reserving one of the sun loungers for the day or come a little later for food and drinks on one of the outdoor sofa chairs. Either way, you won’t be pissed you came here. Pro tip: Every Tuesday evening (schedule may vary), the beach club is transformed into a heavenly, open-aired cinema complete with comfy bean bag chairs, blankets, cava and unlimited popcorn. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic date night or catching a flick with friends, the experience will surely be memorable. Tickets around 30€ per person.
Es Torrent: If it’s seafood you’re craving, then this is your spot. Es Torrent has been serving up some of the freshest fish on the island since the 80s. So fresh, in fact, that they will ask you to choose your main courses at the time of booking to ensure they have the highest quality product available for your visit. The restaurant shares its name with Es Torrent beach, a chilled-out beach cove on the southern coast of the island, where you can reserve sun loungers for the day before heading to the restaurant for a late lunch. Warning - don’t come here expecting loud DJs and obnoxious 20-somethings pounding back tequila shots, but do come for a relaxing day of sun, serenity and delicious salted sea bass.
El Chiringuito: This buzzing beach club and restaurant is a bit of an institution. Set on the picturesque, white sand beach of Es Cavallet, it’s very easy to spend sun up to sun down at this popular haunt. Start your day early with a classic breakfast of Eggs Florentine and a fresh smoothie from the juice bar before heading to the beach club to sunbath. You’ll later make your way back into the restaurant for a late lunch feast of the finest Mediterranean fare, followed by a little shopping in the stylish fashion boutique. And then before you know it, the DJ will be spinning your favorite song while you dance and sip cocktails into the sunset. Pro tip: Want to bring the kidos? El Chiringuito has got you covered with Little Chiringuito, a dedicated space within the beach club for your little ones to play in the sand, color, draw etc. Now you can sip your palomas in peace while your kids to paint like Picasso. Sorted.
Beachouse: Similar to El Chiringuito, this hot spot located on Playa d’en Bossa offers a casual setting to spend your lazy Summer days. The crowd isn’t as chic and the food isn’t quite as delicious as El Chiringuito, however, the prices are a little more affordable and you still get the same gorgeous beach setting and great vibes. They also offer the bonus of free yoga on the beach every morning. Participants are only asked for a donation to go towards local beach cleanup initiatives and awareness campaigns. What better way is there to start your day then healthy, happy and helping the environment? There isn’t any.
Jul’s: In a word, this place is sexy. Jul’s is a place that tantalizes all your senses. Explore your taste buds with exquisite cocktails in the garden lounge before the aroma of delicious contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with strong Greek influences leads your nose to the restaurant for dinner. Stay entertained with the sounds and sight of live music and performances, and don’t leave before feeling the handcrafted fabrics and materials at the stylish fashion boutique. This type of indulgence doesn’t come cheap, but it will be worth it.
Fish Shack: The name says it all. This is literally a shack that serves fresh fish – simple and to the point. Overlooking the bay on Talamanca beach, this laid back, unpretentious spot is the perfect place to rock up in your bikini for a late seafood lunch and bucket of beers. It’s super relaxed, super cheap and super delicious.
Night Clubs
Lio: If you are looking for an out of the box experience, then head to this open-aired restaurant, club and cabaret. Situated right on the Marina Ibiza, overlooking the port with stunning views of Ibiza Old Town (Dalt Vila), this popular spot aims to keep you thoroughly entertained with dinner and a show of dancing acrobatics and special performances. On the flip side, this experience definitely does not come cheap. Although the show is interesting (although not mind blowing), the minimum spend of 200€ per person, with a mediocre and exuberantly overpriced menu, might leave you breathless (and not in a good way). Another option? Skip the dinner and show and arrive at 1am when the place transforms into a lounge club with world-class DJs, still providing the same sultry setting to grind up on sexy Spaniards. Entry price will be around 70€. Pro tip: If you are craving a break from fist pumping to deep house beats, come on Wednesdays (schedule may vary) for hip-hop night, giving your lips and hips a chance to get in on the action.
