Monday, June 13, 2011

The Insider guide to... IBIZA!














This Mediterranean pearl of an island is located a mere 50 minute plane ride from metropolitan Barcelona, but when you arrive, you feel like you`ve landed on another planet. Whether you want a relaxing vacation, a never ending party marathon, or both – Ibiza has it all. Follow the trails of the hippies, or in the footsteps of Paris Hilton and P.Diddy. Low key or VIP. This is the best of what the the island has to offer the picky traveller. We send our clients here throughout the summer season and always reccomend the below spots. The next thing required is access and thats where we come in. If you require a host on the ground giving you access all areas then get in touch at www.TeamSpainNYC.com 

HOTELS

There is an abundance of luxury hotels around the island, but the downside is that the most fantastic ones are located far off the beaten track. The ones listed are the best ones in Ibiza town.

Ibiza Gran Hotel - 5 star SPA hotel in Ibiza harbor. Nice, relaxing pool area.
Oceandrive Hotel - in Ibiza harbor. Pool area with pool partys. http://www.oceandrive.es/main_es.php
El Hotel – Pacha`s own hotel. Very chic and minimalistic. Not a very impressing pool area. Right outside Pacha. http://www.elhotelpacha.com/english/
Hotel Corso – SPA hotel in Ibiza harbor. Nice pool area with pool partys. http://www.ibizacorso.com/en
All the hotels inside the walls of Dalt Vila are recommended for the picky traveller who seeks luxury in a more quiet, authentic setting.

BEACHES & BEACH CLUBS

Most of Ibiza`s beaches have blue flags for its crystal clear, clean turquoise water. There are no sharks around Ibiza, but watch out for jellyfish on windy days.

Ses Salines, Sa Trinxa – a long sandy beach with crystal clear water. Sa Trinxa has been around forever, and used to be a hippie hangout. Now, the beach restaurant attracts an international mixed crowd of jet setters and hippies, both locals and tourists. Great food and music.
Playa d`en Bossa – is the longest beach on the Island. Sandy beach, but not impressing water. At Bora Bora, you can get the party started around brunch. A young crowd, mostly tourists. Ushuaia Beach Club, tucked away behind the rolling sand dunes on the south end, is an exclusive beach club/lounge/restaurant attracting a more mature, international crowd.
Es Cavallet – the so - called nude and gay beach is also very popular with bikini-wearing straights. Sandy beach, clear water and several beach restaurants.
Cala D`Hort – Pebble and sand. Has the most beautiful beach view on the island, and also one of the islands best restaurants located nearby.
Playas de Comte (Cala Conta) – two beaches in one. Both sandy. Clear water. Great sunset view.
Cala Jondal, Blue Marlin – pebble beach with exclusive sunbeds and a restaurant. Popular day and night. International jet set crowd.
Formentera is another island an hour away by boat. Also called the European Caribbean. Amazing beaches and water. Fabulous seafood restaurants and a fantastic sunset view. Jump on the ferry, or preferably rent your own sailboat or yacht.

SUNSET SPOTS

Watching the sunset whilst on Ibiza is a must. A truly magical experience. While famous Cafè Del Mar used to be the first and only sunset bar in San Antoni (which has the best sunset view on the Island) is now merely a tacky tourist trap with overpriced and lousy cocktails. You should buy the soundtrack, though.

Alma de Ibiza SPA Hotel – Go to the SPA, have dinner, then watch the sunset from this lush hotel on the top of a mountain. The hydro treatment is a must. http://www.almadeibiza.com
San Antonio sunset strip – go as far away from Cafè del Mar as you can get. The longer, the better. The view and music is the same.
Playas de Comtes – Bring drinks and snacks and watch the sunset on the beach.

RESTAURANTS

Dress code at these establishments is nice, but not strict. At beach restaurants, wear something other than swimwear. Reservations a day ahead is smart during high season. Seating until midnight, but the best time to go is around 10 pm, then head to a bar before going to the clubs. Tips are not included in the bill. 

Es Boldado: located on a hill next to Cala D`Hort beach is one of the oldest and best restaurants on the island. Famous for its fantastic view and seafood. Make sure you try the traditional Ibizencan Café Calleta.
Yemanja – located next to the famous Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal, this restaurant has tranquility, fantastic food and a lovely view. Make sure you book a table on the beach.
El Ayoun: this Moroccan palace of a restaurant, which also has a separate sushi bar, turns into a great pre - party spot around midnight. Inside and outside seating in mesmerizing surroundings. A short ride outside Ibiza town.
La Braza: BBQ meat and seafood is prepared in front of you. Located in a quiet, rustic, romantic garden in the center of Ibiza town.
Los Dos Lunas - Mediterranean-meets-fine-Italian cuisine in a romantic garden setting. Make sure you book a table outside. A short ride from Ibiza town.
La Oliva – food inspired by the flavors of Provence, the Mediterranean and Ibiza. Located inside the fortress walls of Dalt Vila.
B.for / Planet Sushi: The islands best sushi according to the word of mouth. In Marina Botafoch, Ibiza town.
Ancient People: Indian in a laidback atmosphere. Great food and great deal. Ibiza town.
El Pirata – crave a thin Italian pizza? Go to one of the two El Pirata in Ibiza town.

LOUNGES & BARS

Km5 – a restaurant, bar lounge in a luxurious Bedouin style oasis off the beaten track, but worth the hassle of getting there.
El Ayoun – this Moroccan palace of a restaurant, who also has a separate sushi bar, turns into a great pre - party spot. Inside and outside seating in mesmerizing surroundings.
Blue Marlin – beach club during the day and a lively dinner and pre - party spot at night, a great spot to be seen!
Atzaro – is a place you should spend a whole day. Start at the SPA, get a tan in the Japanese garden, have dinner at the restaurant, then drinks at the cool bar lounge.
Es Vivè Hotel – this hotel is hosting pool parties and pre - parties in a very different setting.
Base Bar – If you are to stroll the busy marina street; this is the place to stop for a shot or two before heading to the club. A popular place for locals and tourists.
Bar Alegria – where the locals go. Best mojitos in town- the perfect place for a shopping - timeout.

CLUBS

Pacha: the first club on the isle is the most exclusive and elegant. Beautiful and famous clientele, some of the best parties, and four rooms with different music. Pacha also has a roof terrace with chill out music and a posh sushi restaurant on the ground floor. Pacha`s music profile is mainly house. Dress to impress. Best time to arrive is at 1.30/2 am. Close at 07 am. Any night is good.
Space: In opposition to Pacha, the crowd at Space dresses down, not up. The party gets going already at 7 pm, and the venue is located off Bora Bora Beach Club, so may start the party on the beach, then move on still wearing next to nothing. The club is open until 7 am. Music profile: techno, hard house and minimal. VIP areas are not recommended at Space. Cover is usually 40 euros, but look for discount/free entry flyers on the beach.
Amnesia: To have a good time at Amnesia, a table is recommended as the main floors tend to get too crowded with euro trash. Amnesia has the best foam parties on the island, but beware the foam can stain your clothes. Stay at the VIP area to avoid couture depressionBest time to arrive is at 1.30/2 am. Close at 07 am.
Underground: Low key club where you can see famous DJ`s partying on their nights off. Also popular with the locals and therefore open all year around. No cover, no dress code, and no VIP. Many DJ`s start their career here, so if you want to be ahead of the game, check this one out.
DC10: A shabby shed alongside the road to the Salinas Beach. Music profile: Hard techno and trance. No VIP, no dress code - pretty much anything goes. Due to heavily drugged clientele be prepared for police razzias. Cool to check out just for the mayhem. Very popular among the hard core partygoers.

OTHER

Season & Climate: the clubbing season lasts from the end of May until the end of September. But Ibiza has lovely climate and temperatures from the start of March until November. Average temperatures during summer: water 25 – 34 degrees, air 25 – 40 degrees. Hours of sunlight: 12 – 14.
Sightseeing: Dalt Vila Fortress (built in the 16th century) in Ibiza town is the heart and soul of Ibiza island. Charming restaurants and hotels and a fantastic view of the city. Rent a car and take a road trip around the 572 km2 small island. Bring, swimwear, food and drinks and stop whenever you see a pretty spot. It doesn`t get more Ibiza than that.

EVENTS: 

Ibiza Music Summit: The world music industry comes together for one week to discuss business and kick start the season with amazing parties. Every May. www.internationalmusicsummit.com
Fiesta De La Terra: Every August 8th from midnight, there is a huge firework display in the Ibiza harbor to celebrate Fiesta De La Terra (Earth Festival).


For more information get in touch at indiromero@teamspainnyc.com or call on +1 646-708-5712 

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