I used to get quite fraught at the idea of booking a holiday abroad. Driving on the other side of the road, not speaking the language. Was it all going to be more stress than chill?
Ibiza was such an eye-opener. The roads are really well sign-posted and frankly there's not even that many of them (the islands quite small!) Parking is a cinch – big blue ‘P' signs and charges that make you giggle compared to other European cities.
The polite enquiry of “May I speak English?” has always ensured my every request has been effortlessly taken care of, albeit with the occasional gesturing to help the communication along (makes for some fun stories afterwards!)
Hotel of the Week.
I was reminded of my first holidays to Ibiza when Les, our hotel expert, recommended this weeks choice. It sounds so good I want to go stay there! Ibiza is easy, from start to finish and this looks like a great place to start!
“The Garbi Ibiza Hotel & Spa for that up-to-date, stylish accommodation you were looking for right on the long, sandy Playa d'en Bossa Beach and with easy access to all that this resort has to offer; Space, Bora Bora, Ushuaïa .....
You'll love the spacious rooms and the facilities are fantastic; gym/fitness centre, Spa, free wi-fi throughout the hotel and don't miss out on the beach front "Chill Out" bar/restaurant.
Garbi Ibiza - where the action is!”
Villa of the Week – book now for Healing Ibiza, 07th October!
Then I asked KT, our villa expert for a recommendation for the next Healing Ibiza day on October 07th. I clicked the link… and drooled. Perfectly situated in the San Lorenzo area, this villa ticks all the boxes for a great holiday with friends or loved ones.
From just 23€ a night pp! I considered inviting my friends over,
"Hey guys, fancy an amazing day out and then going home to this?!"
Club news of the Week
Stivi, our resident Club expert stepped up to the mark with his thoughts for the week.
“Even if it's still more than a month away, my hot tip for this week has to be the first Ibiza 123 Rocktronic Festival from 1st to 3rd of July. Over the stretch of three days, the festival happening in San Antonio includes amazing live acts such as Sting, Elton John and Lenny Kravitz as well as the stars of the electronic world with Luciano, Pete Tong and Tiësto. This is not just any festival, it happens right on the sunset strip and will give the San An sunsets a complete new dimension!
Official tickets are available now through Ibiza Spotlight. It is really one event not to be missed this summer"
Paradise just gets better!
I had a pretty amazing week exploring some of the best Ibiza has to offer too.
Things to Do.
I jumped aboard the Tourist Train and frankly wasn't expecting much. That will teach me to watch my assumptions! It turned out to be a really cool, chilled, fun way to spend three hours and learn about the island – and stop at one of THE coolest beaches bars for a drink. It's easy on the wallet too. Bonus!
Restaurant(s) of the Week
I popped in to two great restaurants, one in the grand old walls of Dalt Vila (literally, as it transpired a private room was actually recessed into the foundations of the city!) and the other in the super cool, super understated town of Santa Gertrudis.
If you fancy a romantic Italian, then check out Tentazione, (“Temptation”) the newest restaurant in Dalt Vila.
If you've dived deeper into the beautiful Ibiza countryside, pop into COMO in Santa Gertrudis for either one of the best lunch menus on the island (just 13.90€) or a very chic evening meal.
Opening of the Week.
My night out this week revolved around Aura and their 2012 Opening. A long standing favourite of mine, this amazing venue with an extensive outdoor dining area, and cocktails made under the truly expert eye of Chris Edwardes makes a special night a precious lifetime memory. Aura didn't disappoint this year either, with great entertainment and a laid back crowd that read like Ibiza's “Who's who”
Thank Goodness I didn't miss it.
I even managed to fit in a few hours to stroll around the extravaganza that is the Medieval Fiesta – and wished heartily that I had days to spare to explore further. Ever thought about just popping across to the island for a long weekend? (just a 2 ½ hr flight from London!)
Check out our photo's of the Fiesta and put it in the diary for next year!
Looking ahead, I feel like a child in a sweet shop!
Yes please and thank you.
Last week I reviewed Pura Vida. This week they've started their amazing ‘Breakfast on the Beach', served right to your sunbed on the golden sands of Playa Nui Blau.
Champagne with your sea view, my dear?
I popped across to our island events calendar and just laughed! There's SO much to enjoy!
Let's see what I can find for next week.
If you like boats, sightseeing and not breaking the bank all in one, Aqua Bus Ferries start their brand new San Antonio, San Miguel, Portinatx routes, 01st June (note, original hopes were for 15th May for new route). They're cheaper than a taxi! Icing on the cake.
On behalf of the team at Ibiza Spotlight, wishing you and yours a great weekend!,
Cat Milton.
Know this; know Ibiza.
Aura image courtesy Gypsy Westwood
