Summer would not be complete without a trip to the White Isle. While I may have only discovered the magic of Ibiza relatively late in life - my first visit was as a 26 year old - I remember being immediately drawn to this magical island the moment I touched down and now I can’t imagine life without it. From the whitewashed fincas and heartstopping sunsets, to the crystal clear waters and the buzzing, tapas bar-lined streets of the Old Town, there’s nowhere else like it. With a wave of newness washing ashore this season, a dose of Balearic bliss needs to be high on the agenda for summer 2017.
One of the island’s most iconic establishments, the legendary Pikes Hotel should be must-visit. The stunning 500 year old finca, infamous as the setting for Wham’s Club Tropicana video, hidden within the hills of San Antonio, is the epitome of the island’s bohemian spirit. Since its restoration in 2011 its been the setting for some of the island’s best parties each summer with residencies from some of music biggest names. This summer’s relaunch sees the hotel team up with interiors brand Rockett St George for a makeover of Freddie’s nightclub - the setting for Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday party - and Room 9, which will decked out with peacock chairs, a faux tropical oasis of palm trees and specially commissioned artwork. For thos who can’t resist a slice of Pikes style, there will also be an exclusive new collection of homewares available to purchase, including giant mirrored disco balls, neon signs and ‘After the disco’ scented candles.
As if the lure of an iconic setting, aquamarine pool and kitsch chic interiors wasn’t enough, each season Pikes also hosts a series of unique pop-up music, art, food and club events - this summer sees the return of Richard Turner from London restaurant Hawksmoor for a host of exclusive restaurant pop-ups as well as Anne Simonjsen, author of Evissa - The Ibiza Cookbook, who will be visiting to cook traditional local Ibicencan food for guests at a special event in June. Definitely worth booking in for. www.pikesibiza.com
Ibiza is always a winner in the gastonomy stakes - the seafood is a daily indulgence whenever I’m on the island - but this year there’s a new addition to Playa d’en Bossa’s dining scene. Sure to draw in a crowd thanks to its strategic location between Ushuaïa and Hard Rock Hotel, TATEL Ibiza (pictured top right) features a menu transported from TATEL Madrid, created under the expertise of its sister restaurant’s head chef Nacho Chicharro. Offering a fresh Balearic touch, diners can enjoy popular dishes from TATEL Madrid such as the truffle stuffed tortilla alongside more Mediterranean inspired choices such as fresh fish, a variety of rice dishes, cold soups, oysters and caviar, all complemented by an outstanding wine cellar. It’s a big space - with capacity for over 300 people, 100 diners - and being set to open until 3am it’s sure to add a new dimension to the area’s nightlife. With a host of different interlinked areas, including a large terrace with views of the Med and a private VIP space, the jewel is the copper DJ booth, creating the ideal space to enjoy the famous Ibiza sunsets with entertainment provided by the highly acclaimed USHUAÏA IBIZA, supported by live performances from singers, percussionists and DJs. www.tatelrestaurants.com/ibiza
Shopping admittedly hasn’t been that high on my agenda before, bar the odd market, my days are generally spent villa-side soaking up the sun by a pool. Fans of laid back Ibizan style though could do worse than pay a visit to La Galeria Elefanta, a concept store in Santa Gertrudis featuring a collective of curated fashion, accessories and homewares from across the globe, all with the hedonistic style of the Balearics. Run by British wayfarer Victoria Durrer-Gasse, the store is the perfect antidote to the brash boutiques of the south. www.lagaleriaelefante.com
For a slice of Balearic glamour, award-winning makeup and hair expert Louise Maxwell rents out her utterly stunning Moroccan-inspired villa over the summer. Famed for being the island’s best-connected and most-wanted expert, with a celebrity clientele including Amal Clooney, Jade Jagger and Cindy Crawford, Maxwell’s service is so sought-after that she launched The Ibiza Collective - a personally cherry-picked collection of high-end hair and beauty professionals from around the globe to meet the ever-increasing demand on the island. It’s no surprise that her property oozes sophistication and style. Set in stunning walled gardens with a pool boasting views over the countryside, it’s a total oasis. Pictured bottom left. www.ownersdirect.co.uk/accommodation/p8029357
With a wealth of lush hotels on the island it can be an overwhelming task trying to choose where to reside. This year however I’m heading straight for the Ibiza Gran Hotel. Situated mere seconds from Pacha in Ibiza Town, it boasts a spectacular destination spa (pictured bottom right) of more than 1,300m² purely dedicated to revitalising body and mind and divided into four exclusive experiences all of which complement each other in order to offer guests a unique experience of profound wellbeing.
The Ibiza Gran is also home to La Gaia, a culinary hotspot specialising in ‘Nikkei’ cuisine, the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian (if you’ve been to Chotto Matte in London, you’ll know how good it is). Head chef Óscar Molina has recently returned after a month in Peru working with some of the best chefs in town and, subsequently, La Gaia’s new menu is inspired by his recent culinary adventures. Not to be missed. www.ibizagranhotel.com
