There are so many things to do for families in Ibiza with its stunning coastline, bright orange sunsets and dazzling countryside. There are all kinds of activities from horse riding to surfing, great family restaurants. But what kind of accommodation do you want. For some families, choosing a villa is the perfect way to spend quality time with the family. It means you get your own private space for kids to run around and play; the family gets quality bonding time and the parents can put their feet up.
A villa also gives you more intimacy and the feeling that you can do everything to your own time plan. The fact that a villa is self-catering brings its own benefits too: younger kids often have fussy dietary requirements, which can be catered for more easily when you are in the kitchen plus their eating timetable often isn't the same as a hotel's – this gives you much more control to make snacks for the day or give them food when they are hungry. Parents don't have to go to bed at the same time as their kids and can relax with a glass or two at the end of the day, knowing that when they get up, they know exactly where their kids will be and that they will have a game to play or a pool to swim in.
For family friendliness, you will want to know that the villa is safe and has enough to distract your brood. This could mean checking to see if there is a gated swimming pool for security or to stop the little ones getting bored as well as games or children and home entertainment. Each villa on Ibiza Spotlight is carefully vetted and detailed information is provided on each one plus they are all in quiet zones also, so you are guaranteed some get-away-from-it-all peace and quiet. This is important and you should check with the villa owner what they offer for families just to be sure before you book - you want a happy holiday after all.
With that in mind here is a selection of some of our top picks from Ibiza Spotlight for families. First up are those close to the beach and then those more inland, depending on your preferences. On an island of this size of course, a beach is never far away.
NEAR THE BEACH
Villa Cala Martina (Ref. 031)
Near to the family resort of Es Caná and in easy walking distance of the lovely Cala Martina beach is this completely refurbished finca. Its large living room gives ample space for the family to dine together and there is air-con throughout to help keep down the summer heat. Being completely fenced, the villa is an ideal choice for your privacy and security and it sleeps up to six people. Santa Eulalia is nearby as is the famous hippy market of Punta Arabí.
Sea view Villa Cala Conta (Ref. 009)
Close to the lovely sandy beach of Cala Colodar and a short drive to San Antonio is this compact villa that comes with its own tennis court and infinity pool. The pretty outside terrace is perfect for soaking up some rays and taking in the gorgeous surrounding views plus there's a barbecue and the villa is fenced off for privacy. Deceptively spacious and airy inside, there are lots of mod cons including aircon and Wi-Fi and it sleeps up to seven people.
Country Villa Benirrás (Ref. 021)
In this villa, the kids get their own play area and a fenced off pool so they can play happily all day; there's even a Jacuzzi for the adults. This 300-year old refurbished villa sleeps up to seven adults and one child, is close to the famous Benirrás beach in the island's north and there's a supermarket in San Miguel close by. There's a well-equipped kitchen with a high chair and you can rent a cot for a small sum. Here you will be away from the bright city lights amongst some gorgeous nature.
INLAND
Country Finca Santa Eulalia (Ref. 047)
This modernised farmhouse has a private gated pool, cleaned regularly by the owner as well as a table tennis table for a knockabout with the kids. There are plasma TVs in the bedrooms and up to eight people are accommodated. You are close to Santa Eulalia or the more sleepy and pretty San Carlos for days out, shops and bars. Shaded areas abound outside and inside you have majestic wooden-beamed ceilings. This makes a great place for families with small children.
Villa Santa Gertrudis (Ref. 007)
More rustic style in this villa just outside the achingly pretty Santa Gertudis with its top-class restautants and bars. You get lots of private grounds to stroll around; the pool is gated plus there's a children's play area outside with a lots of sun loungers on the terrace. Its location makes it easy to get around the island, from the culture of Ibiza Town to the many watersports activities in San Antonio. There's plenty of space for relaxing here: you might not want to leave.
For a truly independent family holiday with everything you need to accomodate your kids, a villa could be your best best. Get booking today.
There are lots more villas on our website as well as hotels and apartments. Remember to check them out first for great quality and variety.
WORDS: Julian Heathcote
