This week has been a delight. When you travel, you can often encounter the familiar and for some that's very reassuring - the Irish pubs, the English pubs, the same 'friendship bracelets' on a market stall that can be found in any country. Ibiza has its fair share of the familiar. Yet if one were to only experience this, you run the risk of missing out on the magnificence of the island, the 'magic' as so many of us that have explored this gorgeous isle refer to.
Restaurant of the Week
This week, much to my own amusement, I did for the first time in eight months have an English meal. I popped into the Queen Victoria, a British Family Pub (with a beer garden!) in Santa Eulalia, tucking into a Steak and Ale pie. Very good it was too but in all honesty, I like the Ibicenco way of life, the island cuisine. The freshness of the meats, the sea-food always pleases me and I was therefore delighted to have dinner in the gorgeous resort of Cala Vadella at a traditional island restaurant, Maria Luisa.
If you're on the West Side of the island or simply fancy escaping the crowds whilst you watch the spectacular sunset, check it out!
Things to Do.
I also found time to undertake a catamaran cruise between Ibiza and some of her surrounding islands. Ironically, I wasn't overly looking forward to the experience but at the end of a wonderful - and really good value - day, I was reminded yet again to keep my assumptions in check. This cruise is suitable for all the family and I am pleased to be able to say, "Highly recommended" - about that "magic" I referred to earlier - this is a great way to experience some of it.
Of course tonight the island has two unique events to titilate.
Aura has their spectacular ¡ESPIRITU LATINO! event, including dinner.
Somewhat earlier the Ibiza Preservation Fund is holding an Art Auction - Invitation Only but there's still time to get on the guest list - to both highlight some key conservation concerns and raise money for these. The event is sure to attract some key island people.
Hotel of the Week.
This week, as the sunsets become even more vibrant, Les' recommendation is the Arenal in San Antonio (just up the road from the restaurant I mentioned earlier..!)
"Here we have another option for enjoying San Antonio's famed sunsets - Arenal Hotel - and with the fantastic Arenal beach right in front of the hotel, you just step across the sea-front promenade which takes you right into the heart of the town in less than 5 minutes. It even has an indoor, heated pool for those cooler days early and late in the season."
NB. Les, our Head of Hotels, is a genius. This week I was required to stay overnight in Formentera and he recommended a 'simple' venue for me. I arrived, expecting very little but was absolutely charmed (more to follow on that later in the week with a "Formentera Special" - if you can't wait but want to book now, check out Rosamar Hostel, Formentera) but how lovely to directly experience his recommendations and find they are often understated.
Villa of the Week.
KT, without any prompting, also found a beautiful villa in Cala Vadella called Casa Alfredo. Sleeping up to 8 people, it doesn't just have a pool but a fitness room as well!
New to our portfolio, there's great deals to be had for both September and October. My suggestion - get booking!
Club News of the Week.
I sat in a meeting yesterday with the Clubbing Team. The amount of energy and enthusiasm these guys have is just incredible! I can't quite figure it but despite their extraordinary schedules and nocturnal lifestyles, they were all full of life and eager to work out what they were going to this week. Stivi, Head of Clubbing, offers his recommendations: -
"Our clubbing team was out and about a lot last week, so make sure you check out our review section for the latest ones, there are loads!
One place that I haven't mentioned yet at all this summer (basically because I didn't want everyone to know!) is Ibiza Rocks House, a.k.a. Pikes Hotel. Home to the "real" Ibiza Rocks after parties and a lot of cool and special events, there are two biggies coming up there in the next two weeks; this Saturday 25th August enjoy "An audience with Govert De Roos". It is the second event of this series (the first one happened in June) featuring photographers which had the biggest stars in front of their lenses and is not to be missed.
Following that, on Sunday 2nd there's "Freddie Rocks Ibiza" - make sure you grow yourself a moustache up until then!
And for the proper club heads, here are my picks again for the next few days (must confess it's hard to pick ONE per night, there's so much going on in August!):
Thursday 23rd August - ENTER. at Space. I'm not a fan of Grimes I must say, but her only Ibiza appearance this year is still something. And apart of this, Richie Hawtin takes control of the discoteca all night on one hand and on the other hand you've got girl power on the terraza with Magda and Maya Jane Coles...great!
Friday 24th August - Sasha's Never Say Never at Ushuaïa, this time with Steve Lawler and Guy Gerber (live) apart of the man himself.
Saturday 25th August - one of those nights where you have three good parties lined up! Carnival at Sankeys has an excellent line up (MK, DJ Sneak, Miguel Campbell, Pirupa, Shonky...), but also Defected at Pacha is tempting with Dennis Ferrer and Solumun and to make it even worse, Format B and 2000 and one are special guests at El Row at Privilege....decisions, decisions.
Sunday 26th August - You do know by now which party I'm going to suggest on a Sunday do you? Of course. THIS ONE.
Monday 27th August - Cocoon at Amnesia. Sven and Richie on the terrace plus Joris Voorn in the main room - 'nuff said!
Tuesday 28th August - Carl Cox at Space. Even though it is exactly the only date of the whole summer where Carl himself won't be there, the line up is stellar - Dubfire and Green Velvet in the discoteca and John Digweed and my fave dutch DJ Michel De Hey on the terraza.
My god that's going to be an exhausting few days! Bring it on!"
For and on behalf of the team at Ibiza Spotlight, wishing you and yours a fantastic weekend!,
Cat Milton.