As the season draws to a close, our Ibiza travel guide rounds up the spots we enjoyed this summer on the party paradise
Words Helen Brown
Where to stay
CAS GASI
Cas Gasi is a heavenly boutique hotel that feels worlds away from the rest of the island, despite being just a 20-minute taxi ride away from the town of Ibiza. Set within four hectares of organic garden, olive groves and orchards, this beautifully restored country home emerges from assorted flora, all white-washed and traditional stone. Owners, husband and wife duo Margaret von Korff and Luis Trigueros, have made the place feel like a family home, making it an ideal location for a tranquil Ibizan getaway. Taking great care to maintain the authenticity and decoration of a typical Mediterranean house, it’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate with two swimming pools, chillout spaces, an open-air yoga deck, fully-equipped gym and spa, and hosts year-round yoga, detox and wellness retreats. With just 12 suites, Cas Gasi is one of Ibiza’s best-kept secrets; a paragon of a hotel that pitches itself as a hideaway.
CASA MACA
Just as laid back but situated closer to the rest of civilisation on the island is Casa Maca. Though only 10 minutes from the airport and five from Ibiza town, this boutique stay maintains a blissful sense of tranquility, due in most part to its position atop a lush green hill, making it the perfect Ibizan getaway. As such it has spectacular views directly across to the iconic skyline of Dalt Vila which can be enjoyed best from the glittering pool. Set in a 300 year old farmhouse, Casa Maca is incredibly rural but boasts all the modern touches you’d expect from a five-star stay. The high-end Mediterranean restaurant offers seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and is fast becoming a gastronomic destination in itself. With just 10 rooms, total tranquillity is guaranteed for guests, while the restaurant is open to everyone, meaning the magic of the location is never lost on locals and visitors.
Where to eat
VILLA MERCEDES
Located in the south west of the island and once a humble fishing village, San Antonio has established a name for itself as one of the world’s top holiday spots, not just for Ibiza’s party-goers but for families of all ages. It’s ultimately famous for the Sunset Strip, a collection of bars where thousands of people gather every evening to watch the sun go down as world renowned DJ’s playing at Cafe Mambo and Cafe del Mar provide the soundtrack. However, with one of Europe’s largest natural harbours at its heart, the town is the perfect location for watersports, beaches and gorgeous waterfront eateries like Villa Mercedes. From its privileged position overlooking the port and yacht harbour, this converted Ibicencan villa serves a Mediterranean-fusion menu that excels in flavour. Stand-out dishes include the aubergine tempura, garlic prawns and the Baja California fish tacos. Creative cocktails are served from the fully equipped outside bar and there is a chill-out area and a large stage for daily live music performances, making a must go to destination for your Ibizan getaway.
CALA GRACIONETA
Far enough away from San Antonio to lose the masses but close enough to walk is Cala Gracio, a typical Ibizan beach with powdery white sands and pristine waters. But for something that is really off the beaten track, you’ll want to walk around the line of the coast to Cala Gracioneta, a tiny beach with the same commendable characteristics as its bigger counterpart, but with an intimacy you can only dream of. It’s here you’ll also find El Chiringuito, a beach bar and restaurant by the respected Mambo Group and rumoured to serve the best Paella on the island, though we rate it for its exceptionally generous portion of delicious calamari. Look out for live music nights where everything from flamenco fusion to contemporary Latin pop jazz is played.
What to do
Monday
Claptone Presents The Masquerade; pacha.com
Tuesday
Craig David’s TS5 Pool Party; ibizarocks.com
Wednesday
Paradise @ DC10; paradise.live
Thursday
Afterlife @ Hï Ibiza; hiibiza.com
Friday
Agoria Presents Drift @ Blue Marlin; bluemarlinibiza.com
Saturday
ANTS @ Ushuaïa Ibiza; unitedants.com
Sunday
Sin Sundays @ O Beach Ibiza; obeachibiza.com
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