TRAVEL
Originally published on Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Ibiza’s Hidden Hotspots
Your last chance to grab a piece of the Summer.
Summer taunted us with one glorious day of heat last week – but we’re no fools. Now that it’s mid–September ‘back to school’ is in full swing, and we know what that means. So, you could either immerse yourself in all things Fall - Fashion Week , Design Festival , light weight coats, and closed toed shoes - or you could throw caution to the wind, grab your Havaianas and go where the sun still shines for more than a day to catch those excellent closing parties .
Check out some of UJs Insider Ibiza faves:
Top Beach
While Salinas still has it going on (head past Jockey Club to Sa Trinxa for a hipper, less moneyed vibe) our favourite beach this year is Cala D’hort. A long lunch at Carmens beach-side restaurant (booking in advance is essential) gets you some of the best sea-food on the island and stunning views across the bay to Es Vedra. From there it’s a simple hop into the sea followed by a well-earned siesta on the sand.
Top Restaurant
If you’re lucky enough to get a table (there are just 6 and to reserve you need to turn up in person and leave a deposit) then Bigotes restaurant is the ultimate Ibizan dining experience. Occupying a small cove off Cala Mastella, guests eat under a canopy on the sea shore. Open for lunch from 2pm only, the starter (there is only one) comes from a huge fish stew with potatoes and saffron, which is then mixed with rice to form the main course. For dessert its Cafe Caleta (a combination of coffee, alcohol and ice-cream.) And that’s it. An unforgettable experience and all for Euro 20 per person.
Top Sunday
For those who like to combine partying with sunshine, great food, a seriously glamorous crowd and the beach, head to Cala Jondals, Blue Marlin for live acts (when we were there last month NYC disco legend Barbara Tucker whipped the crowd into a veritable frenzy) and DJs late into the night. Top tip – avoid the expensive Blue Marlin restaurant and head to Yemanja next door. Same quality food (the seafood is a must), better views of the bay, great service, and less than half the price.
Top Pre-Party
For people watching, great boutiques, bars, restaurants and a cosmopolitan crowd head for Ibiza Towns Calle De La Virgen quarter around midnight. For drinks check Bar 22 for its great terrace, and Pomelo for amazing (and reasonably priced) sea-food and a louche Ibiza vibe. Mama Pomelo has been running this place for the past 30 years. For shopping check the unique jewellery at ‘La Senora de los Anillos’ in the centre of Calle De La Virgen. Owned and managed by charismatic local, Daki - don’t be afraid to haggle. For those planning on clubbing this is also a great spot to see Ibiza’s theatrical Disco Parade and buy reduced entrance tickets.
Top Party
The most talked about party in Ibiza this year is the Zoo Project , the only outdoor clubbing venue left in Ibiza and set (yep you guessed it) in a disused Ibizan Zoo. If you can find tickets and want to dance in one of three arenas (one of which is known as the Seal Pit) as the sun sets over the hills of Benimussa then this is undoubtedly the place for you. And it even has a pool. Every Saturday from 4pm.
Top Newbie
If you always hit Cap de Falco or Sa Trincha , it’s time you tried El Chiringuito , which is also in the neighbourhood. Located on Es Cavallet (the second nude beach in Europe, or so we’re told), it’s a chic all day retreat, with delicious fresh Med eats - read gambas spaghetti for two, plates of jamon, huge summer salads- with crisp rosés to match. Crowd, music, style, and location- this place has it all, and would be a great venue for a private party. Top marks to the new owner Jonathan, who works the room, giving the space a very welcoming, lunch with friends type of feel.
Top Name-Check
This year every big DJ seems to be throwing, or thinking of throwing a last minute soiree at Ushuaia . If you can remember the venue’s name, you’re doing better than us.
For Accommodation
Check out Mr & Mrs smith (highlight is Atzaro), Tablet , International Villas , and for a UJ fave- go Hacienda.
For a complete listings of closing parties visit here.
by JB
