It's so nearly here. We can all feel it. Summer.
The air's changing, the sunsets stunning in their late spring glory and the weather, well it's just spoiling us rotten. I've already got a tan!
I've even bumped in to a stag party – those boys knew their stuff, getting out to the island early and having the best of everything fresh, ready and waiting for them. Cheap car hire, pre-season hotel discounts.
Clever boys – hope the new wife is impressed.
(I wonder if they used our Stag & Hen Party Guide?)
Lovely lads on a Stag Weekend at Cala Vadella, mid-April
Hotel of the Week.
I asked Les (Ibiza Spotlight Hotels) what his recommendations would be for this week.
Without hesitation he recommended Sol Bahia Apartments in San Antonio for the renowned Ibiza sunset views. Apparently you couldn't do better.
“Either break out the cocktails and enjoy it from your very own balcony, make sure to book a full seaview, or just take a 10-minute stroll along the promenade to the famed Sunset Strip and join the crowds at Café del Mar & Mambo.
Add to that the brilliant and highly praised personalised service provided by Bartolo & his family and the clean, bright, up-to-date accommodation, what more could you ask for!!”
Opening of the Week.
Amante Grand Opening
The one that personally caught my eye was Amante. A beautiful three tiered beach club restaurant looking out over Sol d'en Serra where the moon rises over the waves and the island of Formentera shimmers on the horizon. Sounds idyllic? It is!
The gossip before the Grand Opening last Sunday was fun. I spoke to one chap who near drooled for David Piccioni, the powerhouse behind Amantes success (as well as the head of Azuli records), seriously raised the bar on beach club openings for this year.
David Piccoini & daughters enjoying Amante Grand Opening, 2012
Nightmares On Wax headed up an impressive line-up and it was broadcast live via Sonica FM. Not a standard beach club opening by any measure.
As the sun set, the full moon rose across the waters and the party jumped up a level. There was no other place to be that night.
Stivi, Ibiza Spotlights clubbing expert tells us more about the occasion - Amante Grand Opening, 2012
Restaurant of the Week.
I popped down to Pura Vida restaurant, tucked away on the golden sands of Playa Nui Blau, between Santa Eularia and Es Canar for lunch this week.
I was expecting a good meal but went back to the office completely blown away. (I perhaps shouldn't have mentioned in quite such luxurious detail the menu as I'm sure staff munchies went up a notch in the afternoon. Oops.)
I was so impressed that I wrote the experience up – including the menu! Take a peek at Pura Vida.
Lars (chef), Alexandra (Owner) & Simon (Head of Services)
Formidable team behind Pura Vidas cuisine
Gosh, it's going to be a good year for those staying near Santa Eulalia with both Amante and Pura Vida on the doorstep.
Things to Do
After all the food and drinks, it was time to investigate something a little more active.
One of my personal favourites is Walking Ibiza and for a while I volunteered to be their residential photographer just so I would never miss a walk!
Guess it's time to share this little secret with you all – have a look at Walking Ibiza here (Ibiza Spotlight review)
Planning Ahead - Healing Ibiza, 07th October 2012.
Now, let me ask you a question. Have you ever had friends rave about a movie or book so much that you've avoided it? After all, nothing can be that good, right? Then you read the book or watch that movie and go “Damn, they were right” and find yourself sheepishly raving about it too? Cue my reaction to Healing Ibiza Day at Atzaro.
Ibiza has many sides to her and each is of world standard. Countering the huge super-club energy of the island, Ibiza is a world hub for the holistically inclined and home to some of the best healers, spiritualists and therapists to be found.
Just twice a year “Healing Ibiza” day is hosted at the five star Atzaro agroturimso hotel. Open to all everyone was raving about it as the day out not to miss.
Beautiful venue (understatement!), mouth-watering foods, and a day of healing practices, chill-outs, thought leadership level talks and live music just scratches the surface of the event.
With Ibiza Spotlight as sponsors I thought I really should pop in. I stayed for five hours and was hugely impressed. It was like that movie everyone was raving about. Now I am too. To see what it was all about pop along to our Facebook photo gallery (you might recognise a few faces!).
The next Ibiza Healing day is October 07th. I've already put it in my diary.
It's almost the weekend and the hint of summer decrees it's time for the parties to start rocking.
Aura is opening this Friday and I suspect anyone who misses it will be rightly envious. See you there? (click for map to help you find the party)
Medieval Fiesta is on the schedules for many families this weekend. An island extravaganza.
The following weekend we have the first ever "MODified Ibiza", 18th- 20th May at the Playa Bella Hotel.
Remember the days of Mods and Rockers – time to re-live the glory days and best of all, it's free. (live music and good old vinyl, which seems to be relighting the fire for all generations)
Have a lovely weekend!
Cat Milton.
Ibiza Spotlight
PS. Next week I've asked the Head of Clubbing to give me the inside track on what has got his attention. I can't wait!
