How To Plan An Idyllic Ibiza Vacation, According To Insiders
Ibiza never fails to surprise and delight, from world-famous partying and verdant landscapes to beautiful beaches and myriad opportunities for blissful relaxation. Here, travel insiders connected to the island share their secrets for an Ibiza itinerary like no other. By KATIE BERRINGTON
José Manuel Molina, of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
My favorite spot…
“Dalt Vila, without a doubt. There’s something so calming about wandering through its narrow streets. I love soaking up the history, the energy, and the views – especially when you catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean stretching out beyond the ancient walls.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“See both sides of the island: the raw, untouched beauty of nature and the electric energy of its nightlife. Start with a sunrise hike along the cliffs, or a quiet moment on a hidden beach, then step into the night, where Ibiza’s multicultural spirit comes alive.”
The local delicacies to try…
“Bullit de Peix is a traditional fisherman’s dish, full of rich flavors and history. For the best experience, head to Can Bigotes or S’Espartar, where you can enjoy it just steps from the sea. Pair it with a crisp glass of local white wine.”
For the best wellness offerings…
“Start with a hike through the island’s hidden trails, where the views are just as revitalizing as the movement. Then, unwind with a sound-healing session on the rooftop at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – there’s something about the combination of ocean breeze and deep vibrations that resets you.”
The best view…
“For that iconic Ibiza moment, take a boat out to Es Vedrà at sunset. Watching the sky turn gold and pink over the mystical rock formation is pure magic. For something more under-the-radar, hike up to Sa Talaia, the island’s highest point. From the top, you get panoramic views stretching from the coastline to the countryside.”
José Manuel Molina is the general manager of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Talana Bestall, of Six Senses Ibiza
My favorite spot…
“The calas and coves around the north of the island, which is less crowded and has a different energy to the south.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Do the Santa Agnès de Corona hike – it’s an incredible coastal walk that leads to a secluded bay.”
For the best of Ibiza’s wellness offerings…
“Six Senses Ibiza has a phenomenal wellness offering that showcases some of the best healers on the island. Come for the Alma Festival – three days of transformative experiences featuring workshops, healing sessions, sunset ceremonies and community dinners. And for one of our most unique experiences, RoseBar is the longevity club, led by the expertise of Dr. Mark Hyman.”
Talana Bestall is the founder of Alma Wellness Festival, held at Six Senses Ibiza
“What makes Ibiza so special is its all-pervading magical energy
”
Serena Cook, of Deliciously Sorted
My favorite spot…
“I love to swim all year round, and Cala Benirrás, my local beach, is the best spot. The sea is so clear, with a surprising amount of fish life, and there is an extraordinary rock formation in the middle of the bay. The sun sets behind it and drummers come down to the bay to beat their drums to the sunset.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Dance! Dancing in Ibiza is unique. What makes it so special is the all-pervading magical energy of the island. It is careless and carefree – for me, it’s like therapy.”
The local delicacies to try…
“Espardenyas, or sea cucumbers, which are like a plumper version of razor clams, served in lots of garlic… Or for total decadence in one dish, try langoustines, potatoes and fried egg. The jury is out on whether this originated in Ses Boques (one of my favorite, still quite unspoilt, fish restaurants in Ibiza), or Es Caló on Formentera, Ibiza’s neighboring island. And you have to drink the local liquor, hierbas. It is a great digestif served with lots of ice.”
For the best of Ibiza’s wellness offerings…
“Fincadelica is a 300-year-old Ibicencan farmstead, located in the island’s gorgeous countryside, and has everything you need for a wellness reset: you can hike through the woods to see the sea, do yoga on the deck, swim in the saltwater pool, and enjoy healing treatments in the beautiful spa suite.”
The best view…
“Es Vedrà is the Instagram shot – but there is a beautiful hike down the west coast of the island, where you can see the magical enclave from a distance. One of my favorite coastal hikes is called Heaven’s Gate.”
Something only insiders know…
“Ibiza is referred to as the White Island because of the almond blossom that blooms in February. It’s a great time to come and discover off-season Ibiza. My charity, Ibiza & Formentera Preservation, works to preserve the island’s natural beauty.”
Serena Cook is the founder of luxury concierge and events company Deliciously Sorted
Iria Urgell, of Aguamadera
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Ibiza…
“Take a boat around all of the hidden calas around Ibiza and Formentera. It really allows you to experience the essence of the island with beautiful views of the sea.”
The local delicacies to try…
“For breakfast, you must go to a local spot – Forn d’es Port, in Santa Eulalia. For a nice lunch, I would recommend Casa Jodnal, or Es Fumeral, and for dinner, I would have to say La Era at Aguamadera.”
The best view in Ibiza…
“The lighthouse at Portinatx is a must-visit.”
Iria Urgell is the owner of Aguamadera
“The island still has some secret and untouched beaches and countryside spots that have been the same for generations
”
Leane Lacase, of Atzaró hotel group
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Long country walks in the north, to discover rambling pathways and pine-clad forests, are very special.”
For the best of Ibiza’s wellness offerings…
“The Atzaró Spa in the gardens of the Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel estate is a must-try. The 43-meter freshwater pool, spa garden and facilities are iconic.”
Something only the locals know…
“The island still has some secret and untouched beaches and countryside spots that have been the same for generations.”
Leane Lacase is the PR and marketing director at Atzaró hotel group
“Ride a motorbike along the coastal road, up on the north side of the island. It’s an amazing road, with a few top-notch spots along the way to catch the views
”
Xavier Padovani, of the Experimental Group
My favorite spot…
“La Paloma is effortlessly super-cool: a great location, and the food is on point. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with the place.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Go for an early swim in Aguas Blancas, in the north, and watch the sun set at Experimental Beach Ibiza.”
The best view…
“Ride a motorbike along the coastal road, up on the north side of the island. It’s an amazing road, with a few top-notch spots along the way to catch the views.”
Something only insiders know…
“An amazing pottery atelier worth a visit is Alfarería Sa Teulera, which specializes in small statues. Seeing them in my house, I feel I have a small piece of Ibiza with me.”
Xavier Padovani is a partner at the Experimental Group, which runs Experimental Beach Ibiza and Montesol Ibiza
“There is peace and tranquility all around
”
Maga von Korff, of Cas Gasi
My favorite spot is…
“Where I live, Cas Gasi. It’s in the heart of the island and I am surrounded by nature, my olive trees and the silent garden – which is part of Cas Gasi’s regenerative agricultural program. There is peace and tranquility all around.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Every morning, I walk from Cas Gasi to the village of Santa Gertrudis, which takes about 40 minutes, through hidden tracks and forest. Another great experience is a walk along the saline basins at Es Cavallet, the small tracks leading to surprising views of the natural bird life there.”
The local delicacies to try…
“A special treat is scorpion fish, grilled or with salsa verde, when I visit Formentera.”
Maga von Korff is the owner of boutique hotel Cas Gasi
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