The length of Ibiza's coastline is 210km. The length of the M25 motorway looping around London is 188km. My point? Ibiza is tiny! That said, even now, some three months into writing this column, exploring the best of Ibiza - her hotels, villas, restaurants, things to do and with Stivi and team covering off the super Clubs (Ibiza is home to the largest club in the World - Privilege - and Stivi's there on Monday), there is still a sense of having not touched the surface.
Unlike London however, there remains a wonderful sense of space, of tranquility on this tiny isle. The population of London officially stands at just over 8 million people as I write, ballooning slightly because of the Olympics. Ibiza's residential population is just over one hundred thousand people, across some 517km2 of mountains and valleys. (although as Stephen writes, in just one day 42,000+ visitors flew in!)
Things to Do
This week I found two things to do that I hadn't previously known had existed. One touched me to my core, both had me thrilled.
In the north of the island I heard about a hidden valley, a valley for horses. I heard talk of a Horse Whisperer, a man who was looking after these horses, helping them recover from mis-treatment. A valley one could visit and indeed ride out of, ride to the beaches with these aforementioned horses for a days trekking. I went to visit and found much more than I was expecting - Ibiza Horse Valley
In complete contrast I then found myself on a small but gorgeous 'semi-rigid' (boat), exploring the waters of Cala Salada, a stunning beach just minutes by sea from San Antonio. Aside from the amazing location the moment was precious because for the first time I could skipper the boat myself. Licensing laws on the island are strict when it comes to taking boats out onto the waters here and usually it requires a qualification but not with Motonautica Ibiza.
Starting out before the day got too hot, I even found time to stroll around the islands Original Hippie Market, near Es Cana and with more than 500 stalls, it was a shopaholics delight - thankfully with lots of quality goods on offer rather than the 'tat' I've become so accustomed to seeing at other markets across Europe.
Restaurant of the Week.
My evenings were much the same; full of contrasts - a Full Moon celebration at the new Atzaro beach bar, Cala Nova (next event 01st September).
My dinner at the DECO 1940's styled restaurant at Es Vive (Figueretas) was a pleasant surprise - a new venue, open to both hotel residents and the public.
Then a night at Aura with friends as Daddy G from Massive Attack stepped up to the decks - check out tonight - Goldie is in town at Aura for an after-party!
Spa of the Week.
Hannah from our Clubbing Team, once somewhat wary of Spa days took off to explore the 4* Bellamar Hotel Spa (you don't need to be staying at the hotels to enjoy these spa's) and seems to be becoming a convert...
Leena Bhatti, our Fashion Expert turned her attention to the boys and in a new column this week, one of our favourite transvestites Jade Buvez decided it was time to share her experience and expertise with other trannies contemplating visiting this island of ours.
Was that to be all? Never, on Ibiza.
Hotel of the Week
Les, our Hotel Expert, recommends Ibiza Rocks Hotel for the week. As he says, "Be right where the action is, Ibiza Rocks Hotel, with some of the best indie-rock bands live on stage on the pool terrace each Wednesday and Friday until 19th September. Definitely one for the lovers of the Ibiza music and party scene."
Villa of the Week.
KT found a gem! Perfect for small groups or those with children, again the price of this villa completely took me aback - it's so inexpensive!
Talking of children, across the island, illegal villas are being advertised left, right and centre with hiked up prices that make you want to weep and there's simply no need for it. Bottom Line: Every villa listed, every villa rented via Ibiza Spotlight is legally registered and insured.
Be safe and have a fantastic holiday - and more often than not, save money! Check out Can Agustin near the gorgeous and rather chic village of Santa Gertrudis - pool incl!
Club News of the Week.
Stivi, our Club Expert and team have it covered - can you hack four nights in a row? They've got the recommendations if you've got the stamina!
"August heat - check. Crowded beaches - check. Packed clubs - check. Free parking spaces - none. Welcome to August in Ibiza! After the Radio1 Weekend (see review section as always), we take a look back at the first part of the season. Read this report to see what's hot and what's not.
Here are some personal recommendations again for the next few days...
Friday 10th August - Paul Kalkbrenner (Sky and Sand anyone?) plays one of his rare Ibiza live performances, hit Ushuaïa this evening. Sasha - host of the "Never Say Never" parties will be there as well of course! And as Ushuaïa stops at midnight, why not continue at Pacha with Pure Pacha? Maya Jane Coles and Guy Gerber (live) join Pete Tong this week.
Saturday 11th August - Maybe in search of the Music On afterparty? But maybe a quiet one for once? If that ever happens during the season.
Sunday 12th August - It can only be Space's 23rd birthday! We Love are pulling out all the stops for this one and it's going to be a big one for sure!
Monday 13th August - I used to be a huge trance music fan when I first came to Ibiza and even though the genre sounds very different nowadays, I still enjoy it from time to time. So if there is the opportunity to hear the biggest trance DJ of today playing a straight 7 hour set in the world's biggest club - what do you think where will I be?...
See you on the dancefloors!"
Well now, let's see what we can pull out of the bag for next week, shall we? Until then and on behalf of the team at Ibiza Spotlight, wishing you and yours a fabulous weekend!
Cat Milton.
PS. If you would like us to review your restaurant, or check out your 'things to do' for island visitors, get in contact! If it's good, we'll write about it.