White Isle: The Balearics are hard to beat.
Eat, sleep, waves, repeat
Photos @CrystalMcClory
There’s something magical about Ibiza despite its reputation for being a bit of a party animal. Beautiful nature, incredible restaurants, beach clubs, swimming, sunbathing, stylish hangouts, leisurely lunches, wellness, yoga, and of course dancing!
An island of contrasts. Life is all about balance.
Cala Benirrás has spectacular sunsets with drummers, a hippy market and pedalos.
Look over the crystal clear sea as the sun sets behind the rock formation of Cap Bernat or ‘God's finger’. Listen to the waves lapping on the shore and the gentle drumming whilst sipping sundowner cocktails at Elements.
Photos @CrystalMcClory
Health and happiness, and delicious brunch are on the menu at Passion Café: superfoods, green juices and matcha lattes.
Lilac shimmers on the salt flats as we head to the turquoise water and white sand of Salinas Beach, hidden in the dunes. Lunch at old-school Jockey Club with a magnum of rosé or partake in paella at Beso Beach. Pacha’s Flower Power procession parades on the sunny beach - all smiles and sparkles in front of the sparkling sea. At Sa Trinxa for music and big jugs…of sangria, then sunset at Experimental Cocktail Club.
Music and magic are everywhere in Ibiza.
Sail across on a boat from Marina Botafoch to Talamanca beach, sea breeze ruffling hair. Spacious, bright hotel Ocean Drive Talamanca has a sustainable ethic ‘with a heart that beats to the rhythm of music, art, technology, innovation, responsibility and multiculturalism.’ Its rooftop OD Sky Bar has infinity 360 views, so relax and enjoy the best views of the bay.
Ocean Drive
Boutique Hotel Pikes is an institution – Wham’s Club Tropicana video was filmed around the iconic pool and the hotel has had a refurb, contemporary and stylish, with a wink to Pikes eccentricities and a sprinkling of timeless rock ’n’ roll. Enjoy a decadent dinner and pre-party cocktails at poppy pink Pamelas. Paco Fernandez plays live, contemporary, fun Balearic Flamenco nights! Wind your way through the Sunset Terrace, Bathtub Club, to Freddies nightclub.
Pikes hotel
Wander through the winding streets of UNESCO Old Town /Dalt Villa, past historic buildings, lively restaurants, shops and galleries. Lights twinkle above the shiny cobbled streets, as we enjoy the club night processions parading past.
We browse the night market, buy cherry merchandise from the Pacha shop and admire the ostentatious yachts on the marina. For great people-watching and atmosphere, dine at La Torreta in the plaza or colourful El Olivo Mio Restaurant. At the foot of the slope is authentic tapas restaurant La Bodega, with a buzzy atmosphere, fun staff, and hierbas shots. Mexican cantina Chidas has tasty street-style tacos and agave.
UP at The Standard rooftop has panoramic views in the heart of the Old Town. Set in a white building, with bright, eclectic décor and lush landscaping. Wine and dine in Jara restaurant or on the roof beneath the stars for stellar views of the Castle of Ibiza.
The Standard Hotel
We love shopping at Sluiz Ibiza a fun store with cool interior homeware and furnishings, it’s like Ikea on acid! For the wow factor and cool vibes, head to eclectic hub House of WOW with a fabulous cocktail lounge and concept store SPRMRKT.
After a boat ride, sun and sea spray soaked, we head to cute restaurant Marytierra Santa Eulalia on the marina, with batik tablecloths and super staff.
Cala Bassa beach Club is great for lunch with friends, by turquoise waters in a beautiful cove with a DJ playing and endless bottles of rosé. Casa Jondal is a lavish restaurant on Jondal beach, with sublime food on a wonderful, shaded terrace. Its picturesque setting draws island insiders and A-listers alike.
Abbotts Travel work with Classic Collection 4* and 5* hotels, from exclusive and ultra-modern adult-only properties to family-friendly. Airport lounge passes, private resort transfers and concierge service make the perfect start to your luxury holiday.
7Pines
Perched on a clifftop within 7 Pines Resort Ibiza, ‘The View’ has exceptional cuisine and incredible sea views of Es Vedra. An uninhabited island surrounded by sea, myths and legends, Es Vedra is magic and mystery.
Insotel Fenicia in Santa Eulalia is a small, classy luxury hotel and a great family option with separate kids' facilities in a great location.
Setting the contemporary dining scene alight is flame grill restaurant La Llama in W Ibiza. Boho-chic design hotel W Ibiza brings a more playful vibe to this part of the island.
W Hotel
New Hotel Mongibello is inspired by the Amalfi coast and the Ibiza of the 60s. This destination hotel evokes the Italian Dolce Vita in the Mediterranean.
Elegant with a touch of rebellion just minutes from the Santa Eulalia promenade.
Read more about Hotel Mongibello here.
Hotel Mongibello
Near Siesta, my favourite sunrise place - get up or get home in time to witness the stunning sunrise. Enjoy a mud bath at Aigües Blanques - don’t worry about your swimsuit - nudism is allowed on this beach.
Described as magic by guests who didn’t want to leave is wonderful hotel Six Senses, Check out dining destination HaSalon under the olive trees, and secret speakeasy bar The Beach Caves.
La Paloma, a delightful restaurant in San Lorenzo is an old favourite. Soak up the ambience at Casa Maca for farm-to-table dinners under the stars, with an impressive grill, great cuisine and alfresco dining. Its special atmosphere is evocative of the energy the island is so well known for.
Photos @CrystalMcClory
I love the White Isle and try to catch as many beach clubs and breathtaking sunsets as possible. Sunset dinner on the rocks looking out to sea is gorgeous at Hostal La Torre, our table lit with a jam jar filled with shells. Eden is a remote restaurant in Punta Galera - we navigate the hilly drive like a cross between Driving Miss Daisy and Formula 1 Grand Prix. It’s worth it for the epic view. Feel-good vibes are at Sunset Ashram in Cala Conte. Kumharas near Oceans is favoured by the locals, or try a sunset cruise.
Ibiza is glorious by day, glamorous by night. Sun beating down on the beach, Balearic beats playing.
And, of course, there’s clubbing…
Everything in moderation including moderation.
Written by Crystal McClory
Ibiza is calling…
Call Abbotts Travel, 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA, 020 8989 9445, info@abbottstravel.com
Check out Ibiza offer here!
with Classic Collection - 7 Pines Resort, Ibiza, for 7 nights of 5* Luxury.
See the Travel article featured in the July issue of Absolutely West Essex and Absolutely Essex magazines