Your every wish. This is Ibiza to me. The first image above was taken yesterday. Here we are, in the middle of the High Season and the island is so alive! The clubs are thumping, the restaurants are full of laughter, the beach bars are an endless stream of gorgeous people and cocktails. Just for a morning I wanted a little peace, time to think so I went out with Walking Ibiza and even in the midst of this busy-ness, we still found beaches where you had space and quiet. Thank you, Ibiza (and Walking Ibiza)!
(The second image was taken on Sunday – ever considered a boat charter ? You might be surprised at how inexpensive it is!)
Hotel of the Week.
Getting away from it all but still just minutes away from the buzz was also Les' focus this week with his gorgeous hotel recommendation.
Get away from it all at the Club Victoria Country Hotel, yet you can find some of the best beaches, restaurants and clubs in Ibiza 20 to 30 minutes' drive away. Spectacular panoramic views out to the sea from all rooms, an excellent in-house restaurant and personalised service add to the attractions of this popular rural retreat.
Villa of the Week.
I don't even want to tell you about this one (I'm still drooling over it!) Here's the link - Can Caseres and Can Miquel Caseres Villa(s) -to one of the most amazing Villa packages I've seen. AND there's still availability at the end of August / beginning of September?!
Club News of the Week.
Stivi, our Club Expert, also seems to be enjoying the best of both sides of Ibiza this week too – check out his recommendations below –
If I had to pick a favourite moment of the last week, I honestly couldn't decide between two different ones, so I'll tell you both of them: The first two hours at ENTER. at Space last Thursday (10pm - midnight), when only El Salon was opened. A brilliant intimate setting and a superb warm up for what followed later. And try the PLUM Umeshu drink at the Sake bar. I really can't recommend enough going to that party early.
The other great moment was at Pacha on Friday night, at Pure Pacha when Laurent Garnier unleashed his own beast of a tune Gnanmankoudji mid-set. Read Jordan's full review of the night here, but it definitely was a goose bump moment and the club went mad...just as we did.
Want a few more personal recommendations? Here you go with two events, a bit of a different thing this time though...
Friday 20th July - the official opening party of Atzaro Beach in Cala Nova. I haven't seen the place yet, so I'm really excited to go and have a look! Atzaro website for more details.
Sunday 22th July (and any other Sunday) - daytime! - Casita Verde. Something completely different to clubbing and so refreshing...
But yeah, obviously I am still a clubber, so...don't miss out this:
Wednesday 25th July - Viva Warriors at Sankeys. Steve Lawler, Steve Bug and my fave Romanians Livio & Roby. 'Nuff said. See you out and about!
Restaurant of the Week.
Siesta (what a great name, yes?) was the area for this week's lovely dinner at the 34yr old Samovar restaurant. Fancy a home-made ice-cream with twelve different flavours? Samovar is so the place to go.
Things to Do / Places to Go.
Rather than race around on mopeds this week, I chose instead to sedately pop along to the Pure Form jewellery showcase event at Atzaro that I mentioned last week. If you're curious about whether it's worth a note in your diary for next year, check out my thoughts here.
I also finished my 10 session trial at BodyForming – 20 minutes exercise equals 5hrs traditional fitness training – really? Click the link above to see if it was a load of rubbish or whether it actually worked…
I also found time to pop down to the new Beach Bar called HIDDEN in Cala San Vincente, run by the formidable team that is Chris Edwardes (Cocktail Guru) and Amanda Blanch (Interior Designer). It's a great place to get away from the madding crowds and enjoy the quieter but oh so beautiful side of Ibiza.
Whilst not yet fully open but already serving fabulous tapas and with customer service to make you feel like a V.VIP in a gorgeous setting I enjoyed lunch at Babylon (formerly “Mango's” between Santa Eulalia and Es Canar – drive up the main road between the two resorts and just before the Eroski supermarket on the left, look out for the “Princess” sign on the right. Turn down here and follow the road to the sea and you've arrived.) Gosh, it was beautiful!
Whilst I'm in the mood for sharing a few tips, add Aura to your diary for 9th August. They're hosting the amazing Urban in Ibiza After Show with special guest Super start DJ Goldie and Brandon Block. Bring it on!
As Stivi has already mentioned, with the weather screaming “Beach bars!”, Atzaro also officially open their Beach Bar tomorrow. Yes please and thank you!
Next week I am looking at car hire on the island and giving you the heads-up on why some of them seem so cheap and where real quality can be found. Look out for it!
In August, we're also looking at Stag and Hen parties which make the island a European favourite in September – places to stay, things to do – we'll be covering it all for you to make sure you have the best possible experience on this beautiful isle.
In the meantime, check out our “What's on / Ibiza events” calendar or pop across to clubbing to get the news and tickets that count!
On behalf of the team at Ibiza Spotlight, wishing you and yours a great weekend!
Cat Milton.
Know this; Know Ibiza
Pure Form photograph courtesy of Tamas Kooning Lansbergen