June 21, 2012
Summer Destination Guide: Ibiza
Whether you’re looking for festivity or a little R&R on your holiday getaway, Ed01’s next destination in its Summer Series has got it all. Famous for its nightlife and outrageous summer scene, Ibiza has been called the party capital of the world, but away from the bars and nightclubs, the island’s enchanting pine-covered woods, pearly white-sand beaches, and rural resorts in the northeast are ideal for quiet vacations.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea to the east of the Spanish Peninsula, Ibiza is sunny and laid-back, with a signature bohemian style. There is an airport just outside its largest town—Ibiza Town—that is well-served by national airlines from mainland cities in Spain.
FACTS
*If clubbing is your thing, the best time to visit is in July or August, but the island is lovely in the spring and fall as well, when most of the crowds have gone home but the skies are still sunny and the jewel-blue waters are still warm.
*Well-known for its summer club parties and the electronic music that originated from them, the island was always destined for a rockin’ good time; its port was founded by Phoenician settlers—who dedicated it to their god of music and dance—in 654 BC.
*Ibiza’s official languages are Eivissenc and Spanish, but due to the influence of tourism and expatriates living on the island, several other languages—including German, English and Italian—are also commonly spoken. Thus, polylinguality is the norm on the island. ¡Olé!
WHERE TO STAY
Ibiza Gran Hotel
Overlooking the harbor and surrounded by gardens, this luxurious oasis—complete with a casino, spa, and wellness center—amidst the crazy nightlife is a good place to recharge your batteries.
www.ibizagranhotel.com
Passeig de Joan Carles I, 17, Ibiza, Spain
971 80 68 06
Atzaro
This hip, rural retreat nestled within its own orange grove is located in the northern part of the island, where it is quieter, making it ideal for tranquility. Complete with 21 rooms—some decorated in a traditional finca style and some with a more modern, zen decor—the hotel offers a chill-out zone with DJs and cocktails, a spa for rejuvenation and landscaped gardens.
www.atzaro.com
Crta Sant Joan, Km 15, Santa Eularia Des Riu, Ibiza, Spain
610 60 26 99
Es Cucons
Fifteen shabby-chic bedrooms are set in a magnificent country house right in the heart of rural Ibiza, creating a laidback, cozy and romantic hotel, perfect for spending time with your partner.
www.escucons.com
Cami des pla de corona 110, Santa Agnes, Ibiza, Spain
971 80 55 01
Cas Gasi
Recently restored, Cas Gasi is an old country house dating back to 1880. Surrounded by Mediterranean pine forests, olive groves, almond trees and terraced orange groves in the heart of Ibiza’ countryside, the hotel is a peaceful haven full of traditional Ibizan architecture, rural charm, and views overlooking both valley and sea.
www.casgasi.com
Camino Viejo de Sant Mateu, Ibiza, Spain
971 19 77 00
WHERE TO EAT
La Brasa
Serving Mediterranean and traditional cuisine with a twist, this restaurant is the go-to place for grilled meats, seafood, other local specialities.
labrasaibiza.com
Carrer de Pere Sala, 3, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
971 30 12 02
Ama Lur
This classy and elegant restaurant serving seafood and traditional Spanish dishes is always packed, but well worth the wait.
www.restauranteamalur.com
Calle del Escultor Vicente Beltrán Grimal, 2, Ibiza, Spain
971 314 554
Es Torrent
Be sure to book a table in advance, as the restaurant catches fresh fish to order for diners to enjoy while watching the sunset in the idyllic setting.
www.estorrent.net
Cala Sa Caixota, Sant Josep, Ibiza, Spain
971 80 21 60
Café del Mar
Known for its sunsets and chill-out music, this famous San Antoni beach bar is perfect for lunch or daytime drinks.
www.cafedelmarmusic.com
Paseo de Vara de Rey, 27, São Antonio, Ibiza, Spain
971 342 516
WHERE TO SHOP
Ganesha
Elle Macpherson and Jade Jagger like to stock up on vintage finds, Spanish kaftans and Indian-style frocks at this little shop selling classic clothes, quirky accessories and bespoke furniture.
Calle Guillem de Montgri 14, Ibiza town, Ibiza, Spain
34 971 192 282
Las Dalias Hippy Market
The tradition of artisans gathering to sell their wares on weekend mornings began when the first hippies arrived on the island in the 1950s. Today, Las Dalias is one of the best outdoor hippy markets in Ibiza. Every Saturday, visitors flock to the market to buy local and exotic bohemian essentials, decorative fabrics, handcrafted accessories, and exotic antiques. Stop by the cafes in the market area for freshly squeezed juices and Ibizan pastries.
www.lasdalias.com
Carretera de Sant Carles Km 12, Santa Eularia, Ibiza, Spain
Purnima
By the old market square, this cozy, rustic space with rows of colorful beading is the go-to shop for personalized ethnic jewelry, statement jewelry, and boho-chic trinkets.
Calle de la Cruz 12, Ibiza, Spain
Revolver
Get your fashion fix at this popular designer boutique in the heart of historic Ibiza. Bringing a high fashion, international feel to the old town, Revolver sells a stylish and eclectic mix of brands ranging from Twenty8Twelve and Vivienne Westwood to See by Chloé and Alexander McQueen.
www.revolveribiza.com
Calle Bisbe Azara 1, Ibiza, Spain
971 318 939
WHAT TO DO
Clubbing
No trip to the party capital of the world would be complete without a visit to one of the island’s many nightclubs. Get VIP treatment at Pacha (Avinguda del Vuit d’Agost, Ibiza Town)—the island’s most expensive club, choose from five different themes at Space (Playa d’en Bossa, 10, Ibiza), have fun with foam at Amnesia (km 5 Ibiza-San Antonio road, San Rafael), or dance with DJ Tiesto at Privilege (Calle de Ibiza, 7, San Rafael).
Ibiza Rocks
If live music’s more up your alley, check out Ibiza Rocks Hotel, the island’s prime live music venue which hosts concerts every Wednesday. Previous headliners include Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Keane, and MGMT.
ibizarocks.com
Club Paraiso C/ Cervantes, 27, San Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, Spain
971 347 774
Galeria Van der Voort
A must for all art-lovers, this historic gallery exhibits works by world-famous painters and photographers, as well as creations made by up-and-coming artists from Ibiza and neighboring island Formentera.
Carrer des Pla de Vila, 13, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Cova de Can Marçà
Discover the subterranean world of the island in the biggest natural cave in Ibiza.
Insider Tip…
“Some of the best days I have had in Ibiza have been spent on Es Torrent beach. Get some sunbeds under the thatched umbrellas, and when you’re hungry order some pimientos de Padrón to tide you over until you have a late lunch at the restaurant that has some of the best fresh, grilled fish. It stays light close to 9 pm in August so on more than one occasion I have found myself swimming in the sea watching the sunset.”
Valerie Boster (Bookings Editor at Vogue) enjoying a stroll on the beach
And relaxing on a boat in Formentera
WHAT TO WEAR
Inspired by the stunning landscapes and bohemian spirit of Ibiza, this collection has all the boho-chic pieces and mix-and-match accessories essential for a night out or a relaxing day on the island.
Featured brands include:
A Peace Treaty
LaSuna
Sequence
Yigal Azrouël
