Ibiza has long been one of the world’s premier summer-sun holiday destinations, although in recent years many visitors (including myself) have been put off by the seedy ‘Ibiza uncovered’ style publicity that the island has received. Thankfully, the White Island is now moving away from this tacky lads-on-holiday image, and is once again attracting a more up-market style of tourism.
This is hardly surprising if you take a moment to consider what Ibiza can offer to the discerning visitor, with fabulous white beaches adored by the rich and famous for decades, unspoilt pine forests, white-washed villages, a whole range of restaurants offering the best of world cuisine, world-famous nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet.
Ibiza is again becoming ‘the’ place to be seen, so for those after a piece of the limelight, strut your stuff through the old Ibiza institution Pacha, or have a long lunch on the beach at the Jockey Club, and you are guaranteed to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
If you are looking for a relaxing week away from it all, take my advice and go in early May; the weather is perfect, and the island is all but deserted compared to the madness of August. You will get beautiful beaches all to yourselves, and great service at all the restaurants.
The level of service has improved greatly as well, with activities such as water sports, hot air ballooning, mountain-biking, boat rental and yoga easy to find and well-priced. For the full rock-star service, I would recommend hiring a villa complete with chef, maid and chauffeur; some villa rental agents are even offering a concierge service through which you can book tables at exclusive restaurants, get VIP tickets to the best clubs or arrange other services such as masseurs in your villa.
Ibiza is famous around the world due to its amazing night life, although it offers several other things as well. This island is one of the most visited ones in the group of the Balearic Islands in Spain, and maybe the one which attracts the highest amount of young people as well.
From June to endings of October, Ibiza’s night life, as well as the rest of the attractions in the island, is at its best moment due to the fact that it is when the highest among of tourists arrive. This way, if you wish to meet the island when all pubs, discos, cafes, bars, restaurants, and all other spots are open, you should chose a date between those months.
Before planning a trip to Ibiza, it is important to consider the fact that during August, this island receives a great amount of tourists due to what prices tend to rise and it might be very difficult to find a hotel room available. This way, it is very recommendable to make sure of counting on a hotel room before arriving or trying to visit the island once it becomes less crowded.
There are several methods of transportation available for tourists in Ibiza. This island counts on an important amount of taxis as well as buses in such a way that going from one point to another should not be a problem. There also are several car rentals for those visitors who wish to rent a car, and in such case it is recommendable to make sure there will be one available at the time of visiting the town, especially if it will be during August.
Besides its night life, Ibiza also offers many other activities suitable for visitors of all ages and preferences. One of the main activities which attract visitors to this spot is going to its beaches. This island’s beaches are extremely beautiful and allow tourists to relax, sun bath, swim, dive, and surf among many others. Besides this, those visitors who enjoy sports would be able to choose from a wide range as well since Ibiza allows them to practice biking, tennis, golf, and karts among others.
For my holiday in Ibiza I chose a hotel in the My Barcelo chain, “Barcelo Portinatx – Adults only”. An Oasis of tranquility in the nightlife of Ibiza. Yes, it may seem strange but also in Ibiza you can find a corner of tranquility, where uncrowded beaches, crystal clear water, white sand mix with unusual serenity, peace and relaxation. I do not deny that I struggled a little in the search, but then I found this newly renovated, adults only hotel in the northern area to the west. The lobby is fresh, welcoming, with the skilful hand of a designer who has been able to retouch the entire theme structure, without excesses. Friendly, smiling, young and helpful staff.
Breakfast and dinner are held on the first floor of the structure with a clever buffet arrangement, delicate and sometimes refined dishes, with a good selection of cold cuts, cheeses, vegetables, fruit and desserts.
The hotel has two swimming pools on two different floors, very quiet, in which a lounge background accompanies guests’ moments of relaxation with a bar and poolside service. The property also has a massage area in the upper pool.
We come to the room (a junior suite with sea view) practically new, fresh design, very well air conditioned with a terrace balcony overlooking the pool and a (timid) view of the sea. Not far from the hotel there is also a small, non-reserved, but nice and quiet beach. However, near the hotel (about 300 meters) you will find two beaches, large, free and equipped. Very close to a car hire (about 50 euros a day for a small car, essential to reach the center of Ibiza).
We come to the points that I recommend to improve.
First of all, the parking lot. It is not easy to park, uneven ground, roots spilling out of the ground can even damage the car. The pool, as mentioned, is very beautiful, but unfortunately in the vicinity was often a smell of stagnant water / sewer.
The property does not have a gym. The lift is unique and therefore, too often, busy or even shared with the service staff. It is very far from the airport (perhaps one of the most distant structures) and the shuttle service costs 100 euros each way.
In any case, it was a happy stay that I recommend.
If you are planning your summer holidays, think twice before rejecting the idea of Ibiza as your chosen destination…I think you will find yourselves as pleasantly surprised as I was.
