Just got back from Ibiza, and although
the South of the island will always hold a special place in my heart - with its
charming rustic beaches, long lazy lunches and epic music moguls - I have been
told it’s all about the North. And having spent the last 4 days on various
adventures, along dusty tracks, surrounded by sheep, on a spiritual journey (and
totally out of my comfort zone) I couldn't agree more. For that truly authentic experience you have
to head away from the hustle bustle, bottles and sparkles, and towards the
heart of what makes Ibiza so unique and real. But ‘only tell your friends’
because we wouldn’t want to Cipriani the whole island now would we?
Cala de Bennaris
A favourite among the alternative
crowd, this is a really magical spot. Head there on a Sunday at sunset to
mingle with the hippies and watch some 40 bongo drummers accompany the sun on
it’s decent. Its 27km north of Ibiza town, surrounded by hills of pine trees,
and remains relatively unspoilt. There are 3 restaurants around the area but
they are also rustic and in harmony with the whole vibe of the area. It’s a fantastic
experience and totally exhilarating.
Starting in June, head to Las Dalias
in San Carlos, every Monday night from 7pm, for the night market. Opened in
1985, this is a very popular venture and people come from all over the island
to eat, drink, shop and listen to live sessions by talented artists. With over
160 stalls selling everything from clothes to jewellery, bags and art, you will
definitely find something – alternatively chill out in the Bedouin tent, check
out the Soul Bar or try out the Mediterranean exotic cuisine. It’s so popular they will be opening on
Tuesday nights too for July and August.
Hacienda Na Xamena
Secreted away in the north of the
island, is an elegant luxurious hotel, 10 minutes from San Miguel. Perched on a
cliff top with amazing views over the Mediterranean from the exotic sun and
pool terraces, this hotel attracts a glitzy international crowd and houses
several good restaurants. Rooms are large, the design has Zen-like Eastern
influences and many of the rooms have terraces with their own hot tubs for
those romantic nights in. Although there are over 70 rooms, 4 restaurants and 3
pools, the ambiance here is super chilled and tranquil, and perfect for a
romantic getaway. Double rooms from £220 a night.
Based in
Sant Gertrudis, this Italian trattoria serves
some of the best wood burning oven baked pizza I have even tasted inside or
outside of Italy. Great quality, great atmosphere and a very cool colorful crowd
– it’s the place you come to for true Ibiza spirit. This cozy spot is a
definite must do. The owners have three other places in Ibiza but this is by
far my favorite because of its unique décor and amazing food. They have even
started their own record label – Macao Café Music – groovy! Open from 1pm-4pm
and 7.30pm-12pm.
La Paloma
Tucked away in the village of San
Lorenzo is this family run establishments and probably one of the best
restaurants in Ibiza. Servicing a small selection of fresh, mostly organic and
always delicious Mediterranean food, it’s a firm favourite among the original
crowd. The setting is a charming old finca creating a relaxed unpretentious
atmosphere with a rustic boho edge. Closed on Mondays, and open all day, make
sure you book for dinner.
The Giri Residence
The Giri Residence Hotel & Spa is
an award winning boutique hotel, located in the village of San Juan. It's
international luxury in a truly rural Ibizan setting. The design is Bali
beautiful, stylish and contemporary, offering an exclusive experience in a
traditional finca that is over 150 years old. There are just 5 guest suites, a
15 metre pool and a Spa Suite in the basement area, complete with mood lighting
and treatment rooms as well as a plunge pool and Jacuzzi. It’s a home away from home, heavenly, and
exactly how my fantasy villa looks like. Staff are really lovely, creating a
warm and welcoming atmosphere, and will even go out grocery shopping for you to
provide tailor made meals. Awarded by the Sunday times as one of the best 100
hotels in the world, rated by Conde Nast and Tatler, it’s the perfect
escape. And check out the Giri Café next
door, its yummish!
Cami de Balafia
Tel: +34 971 32 50 19
This
is one of the best kept secret in Ibiza. Located on the street from Eivissa to
Sant Joan de Labritja, it is Ibiza’s version of a Gaucho or Goodman but so much
better. The food is simple, but excellent. Whatever you order always comes with
tasty aioli, hand cut french fires and the BEST mixed salad or tomato and onion
salad. The tasty grilled lamb chops or t-bone steak are my favorites .The
service, the ambiance and the value is worth it. If you come to Ibiza, live in
a finca, go to the beach and end your day here - you got it right. Don´t bother
asking for the menu, there is none. Usually it´s better to reserve a table
during the season, but good luck getting through. Overall a true culinary experience.
Amante
One of the most beautiful settings
in Ibiza, this is the perfect beach to visit when you are looking for a super
chilled day. Based near Santa Eularia, overlooking one of the most beautiful
coves in Ibiza, a trip to this beach club is a must. Built into the cliff, it’s
modern, luxurious and has amazing food. Definitely book in for a massage, he is
unbelievable... and so good looking... it will be hard to stop after the hour
is up.
Menu is small but very good. The food
is perfectly presented, great portion sizes and really delicious (and all the
better as they use lots of local ingredients).The setting is like a little
jungle area covered in lights and is superb. To top it off there is great recognisable
music played each night, friendly and attentive staff, and a fab mix of a chilled
atmosphere outside and a cool club inside. Perfect for an all in one night out,
a special occasion or just dinner with friends. The customers are generally a stylish
'grown-up' crowd, with the occasional VIP. Best nights are on a Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday.
Located
amidst an orange grove in the centre of the island, Agroturismo Atzaro is a
century old family-owned finca which has recently been converted into an oasis
of tranquility. It also offers the well known Atzaro Spa with a variety of
treatments, hamman and lap pool as well as evening entertainment on the grounds
as guests dine to live music, DJs, jazz nights and art exhibitions. And for something really interesting take the
kids to the ‘Healing Day’ – something for everyone looking for spiritual enhancement.
Rooms from around 290 euros a night.
