One of Europe’s dreamiest destination, Ibiza is the larger of the Balearic Islands and a bit of a paradox. It is famously infamous for its wild party scene and all-night raves, and yet it is a dazzling gem of the Mediterranean offering a haven of blue skies, sun kissed beaches, azure seas and a laid back vibe. May of every year heralds in the start of the season with opening parties at clubs like Pacha Lio and Blue Marlin. Over the next few months the locals are outnumbered by the millions of tourists that descend upon Ibiza. By July and August the season is at fever pitch, marked by parades and fireworks in celebration of patron saint days and a festival in the Old Town. Come September, the season draws to a close but not before the hugely famous closing parties up the ante with their high octane festivities.
The parties are not restricted to the clubs alone. If clubbing is not your thing but you still want in on the action, hotels like the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort host pool parties. Surprisingly, despite the blood pumping pace the party scene sets, there are many that throng to Ibiza for its peace and quiet. Home to pine clad hills, sleepy hamlets, rural villages, yoga retreats, spa hotels, pristine beaches and secret coves, this little island is the eternal enigma. Away from the maddening crowds, you can stroll down the hidden beaches, take a dip in the purest and bluest waters of the Mediterranean and soak in the sun to your heart’s content without having to spare a single thought to who might be watching. Checkout out our roundup of must-sees for a luxe vacation in Ibiza. By Varsha Sehgal
Where To Stay
The Ibiza Gran is undoubtedly the best address in town. Rubbing shoulders with the glitterati and DJ’s like David Guetta and Calvin Harris is a common occurrence here and the poolside is no stranger to flowing Pucci dresses, Eres bikinis and coveted Hermes Birkins. Home to the very famous Cipriani restaurant, the Ibiza Gran has a buzzing casinos as well. Besides hobnobbing with the elite, the spa at this hotel is also another excellent reason to make it your choice of lodgings when in Ibiza. Offering an array of wellness treatments, massages and facials, it is a great place to unwind after a night of partying hard.
Lunch Time Ideas
Cotton Beach Club is the most happening rooftop in Ibiza. As if the freshest seafood, superb wines and fabulous company were not reasons enough, the panoramic views below and beyond at this restaurant make it a must on your dining itinerary. Entertainment that includes live bands and singers creates a lively mood. A walk down to the beach, watching the sunset is the most sublime ending to a lovely afternoon here.
During the day, the party happens at the Blue Marlin. You’ll want to book a cabana by the sea and order a pitcher of the Ice Moet champagne. While away hours basking under the sunshine, you will be surrounded by gorgeous people while the DJ plays some very hip tunes. The lunch here is casual and without frills, but they host parties in the summer so it’s worth checking their events calendar ahead of your visit.
Juan y Andrea can be found on one of the most immaculate of islands, Formentera. Lunching on exquisite caviar, paella and seafood while overlooking every shade of blue the sea ever had to offer is an experience in itself. This restaurant has welcomed many a famous face and influential guest and because of its commitment to excellence and great service has earned its stripes for which it has worked diligently over the years
When The Sun Goes Down
Renowned for its much celebrated and colorful cabarets, world class performers and surprise acts by mega stars, Lio’s is in a league of its own. Getting on their list is a mission in itself but securing a VIP table is well worth the Euros spent. Fresh oysters and octopus are doused with the finest of Dom Pérignon and unabashed excess is the order of the night.
Fine champagnes, chilled out tunes, excellent examples of Japanese and Peruvian food give KM5 a very free spirited vibe. This open-air bar/restaurant/club is known to host some very decadent and glamorous parties throughout the summer and is a hotspot for the jetsetting crowd.
Now a huge clubbing brand across the globe, Pacha Ibiza is where it all started. An institution in itself, this club is legendary for attracting the cream of the electronic music clique. No visit to Ibiza is ever complete without at least once walking through its doors. Inside, the DJ’s work the crowd like the perfect symphony but if it is a breather you need or prefer to enjoy your cocktails seated down then the terrace is always a good idea.
Beach Combing and Island Hopping
Dalt Villa is in historical Ibiza with fortifications from the Renaissance. The main entrance is quite impressive and the drawbridge flanked by giant statues leads onto an ancient cobbled stone courtyard which flows onto the main square. Within these walls you will find Gothic Catalan buildings, private chapels, gift shops, art galleries and the Cathedral of Santa Maria d’Eivissa.
To the east of Ibiza is Es Vedra, a jaw-droppingly beautiful island of many myths and mysteries. The formidable mountain looming from above the sea according to many is the tip of the sunken city of Atlantis but whether true or not, it’s an uninhabited reserve and the third most magnetically powerful spot on our planet. Besides the bits of trivia, this island begs a visit because of its sheer magnificence.
When in Ibiza a day on the seas is a must! If you love nature then you need to set sail for Formentera. A forty five minutes hop across the Med from the port at Ibiza will land you in turquoise waters and Europe’s answer to the Caribbean. Here you can dip your toes in crystal clear waters or laze on pristine beaches or sample some fabulous seafood delights caught fresh every day. While Ibiza burns the candle at both ends, in sharp contrast Formentera marches to its own slow and melancholic beat.
