Thank you!
News has it that tourism across Spain increased by a whopping 7% in May this year, compared to last years figures. Within this, the Balearics was the third biggest benefactor of this surge.
It made me sit back and look at what might be the contributing factors.
Ibiza is unquestionably beautiful and offers a fantastically generous range of things to do, to suit every age, and almost every inclination and interest.
However, as I watched and pondered, I saw something else. I witnessed and indeed was the recipient of the most outstanding warmth of welcome and customer service at a number of venues, facilities, restaurants and businesses across the island. In fact, I don't know any other Ibiza, 99.9% of the time.
In times of trouble, real or otherwise, the one thing we can do as individuals is to step forward and be the best we can. When entire teams do that, then you don't just enjoy a great meal or perhaps a fun boat ride but an experience. That to me is what Ibiza is about - one of the greatest experiences imaginable and a worthy location in which to come and relax, to enjoy, to wind down, to party, to escape, to marvel.
To the thousands upon thousands of islanders and workers who make Ibiza what it is, with enthusiasm, dedication and consideration, our unreserved thanks. There is no question that the foundation of this islands success as a fantastic holiday destination is in large part due to you. Let's get ready to have a super July and August - here we go -
Things to Do
Live Art - Will you be immortalised?
Looking for more than just the average dining experience whilst on your precious holiday to the magical Ibiza island? Fancy a spot of art and culture with your foie gras? Head (elegantly of course) down to Somiart. Dreamily situated on the beach front of Santa Eulalia, the restaurant, quite aside from serving delectable, Mediterranean cuisine and mixing a mean cocktail, is hosting a live art event in aid of local disabled children's charity, APNEEF. You may find yourself immortalized in a classic work of Ibiza art. You will definitely have a wonderful evening. Heads up!
Exploring Ibiza - Ecstatic Dance
No drink, no drugs, no shoes, no chit-chat. Just dance. One could not imagine the energy and enjoyment of this event. Held weekly, each Monday evening at Garden of Light, this event is open to residents and holiday-makers and honestly, we couldn't recommend it more highly.
Alice-in-Wonderland wall-less door and more...
We heard flutterings of excitement about the opening of Babylon Beach Bar in Es Cana this week hosted by perhaps Ibiza's favourite funky icon Vaughan, 30 years resident at Pacha and genuinely lovely bloke. We knew it was going to be good.
From the impeccable service to the chilled grooves from resident DJ George Solar to the stupendous Mediterranean cuisine it was yes, yes and yes. The rustic meets recycled interior featuring a surreal, Alice-in-Wonderland wall-less door and candelabras made of driftwood is stylish, cool and clever. Wondering what I mean? Go see for yourself! (
For our Children.
Last year we caught up with Noahs Summer School, for children aged 6-12 years old and were super impressed. To our delight, we can confirm the summer school will again be running on the island this year. Please find full times, contact details and prices here.
Insider Knowledge
To the best of my knowledge we have the most comprehensive What's On / Events calendar on the island. Today alone features 33 different activities and they are hi-lighted for everyone, be you a resident or a guest of Ibiza. We invite you to immerse yourself in the fun and experiences available!
Restaurant of the Week.
Will Elements be our new Beach Restaurant of choice for 2013? We were beyond impressed and found ourselves not just enjoying a meal but an experience. The magic that is Ibiza can all be found right here. Enjoy!
Villa of the Week
Country Villa San Lorenzo (Ref. 018), private typical Ibicencan villa ideal for a group of friends or family, fully equipped including Wi-Fi and an Ipod-Dock and with a fenced pool and bbq area. Located in the midst of beautiful countryside, the villa is close to many fine dining country restaurants, and within 15 min reach of beaches like Benirras and Aguas Blancas. Ibiza Town is 17,5km and Santa Eulalia only 7km away. It sleeps 7 people in 4 double bedrooms sharing 2 bathrooms.
And now with a Last Minute Offer - July and August - 25 Euros discount per night!
Hotel of the Week
The Hotel Argos gives you the best of both worlds, right on the sandy Talamanca Beach with Pacha, El Lio and the Botafoch Marina close by and the old town and port of Ibiza just a 5-minute ferry ride away. Recently completely renovated and with services which include free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a gym and two Jacuzzi's, you can expect every modern comfort in a relaxing location.
Fashion Tip of the Week
Gentlemen, one size does not fit all. This is especially true when it comes to purchasing trunks. Life is better on the beach. Observe a few tips and you'll be pulling more than seaweed out of your pants as the sun goes down. As with jean buying, keep swimwear tailored, with a flat front and fly. Hem line lengths are key to getting it right. Short men: elongate your profile by keeping hems above the knee. Tall? Balance proportions with longer board shorts. Add vertical stripes for balance. Big boys keep shorts mid thigh, tailored and in darker colours.
To see more Fashion Tips, please check out Leena Bhatti's regular Fashion Column here.
Clubbing News of the Week
Stivi, Clubbing manager - "We're slowly approaching high season on the island and more and more parties kick off their 2013 Ibiza summer. From next week onwards, every club is running every night of the week and the choice of parties is immense this year.
In the next ten days, the last two clubs will open for business. Eden in San Antonio had to postpone their opening because of ongoing building work, so in the end their first party will be Judgement Fridays on 5th July and the proper and official opening party is on Sunday 7th July (Full On with Ferry Corsten).
Over in Ibiza town, BOMBA will very soon announce the big date everyone is waiting for... And just speaking about opening celebrations, newly opened Pacha Resort Destino has a big opening fiesta today with Solomun & co (so while you're reading this, we're already partying at Destino, cheeky eh?!).
Other than that, news is that Ushuaïa now also do boat parties, on Sundays from San Antonio and including entry to Avicii at Ushuaïa on the evening of the same day. Make sure you do at least one boat party while you're on the island, see our boat party guide for more info.
Ah, and just before I forget, if you wondered who's behind all the clubbing news and reports, interviews and previews and general nightlife banter, check out this little piece we've just published the other day. See you on the dance-floor then?
Look out For...
Normally, I would end this column with wishing you and yours the very best from the Ibiza Spotlight Team but this week, allow me to gift you this too... a brand new video, released only yesterday morning, from Jacob Gurevitsch. The song has just been signed to Cafe del Mar and will be released officially tomorrow.
Jacob will be playing live, along with celebrated singer Erran DD, at Cafe Mambo on 21st July.
Please enjoy!,
Cat Milton