Where Saints Go for the Weekend: Ibiza
Thanks to its reputation as the party capital of the world, pure white beaches, crystal blue seas and delicious local food, it’s no wonder that Ibiza remains a true gem of a summer holiday destination.
If you’re looking for some saintly insight into the best beaches to visit, places to fill your culture boots and the finest spots to watch a golden sunset whilst dancing the night away, you’ve come to the right place!
This week, we’ll take you by the hand and let you in on the areas that we reckon all Saints need to experience on this glimmering Balearic Isle. This blog is your guide to letting your hair down and experiencing a Mediterranean weekend escape to remember.
What’s more, Ibiza already enjoys a healthy WSG connection– it’s a firm favourite amongst our co-founders, Mark and Tracey. How about that for an official endorsement!
Where Saints Stay - Pikes Hotel
Located off the eastern coast of Spain, Ibiza is the third largest of the autonomous Balearic Islands. Famed for its nightlife and tourism scene, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has more than its fair share of experiences for a weekend break to remember.
If it’s only the very finest of accommodation that you seek, head straight for Pikes Hotel. Founded by the legendary Tony Pike (named by Boy George as the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza), your weekend trip base comes personally recommended by Mark and Tracey.
Situated 1.6 miles away from the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, this 15th century stone mansion was converted into a hotel back in 1978 and has been writing its own history ever since.
Wham!’s 1983 banger Club Tropicana was filmed here, helping to cement its reputation as a hotspot for the rich and famous looking to boogie the night away. Freddie Mercury even toasted his 41st birthday here – I bet that was an occasion to remember!
Featuring 26 rooms in total, Pikes is centred around luxury and features a distinctive Moroccan décor feel. Each room has a unique theme, heavily decorated with dark wood and ‘off the wall’ flair. Anything but ordinary, you may say!
Don’t forget to indulge at Pamela’s, Pikes’ award-winning restaurant. Head chef Lee Milne excels at serving up treats such as tender lamb shoulder, grilled sea bream and delicious pavlova – just the ticket for zapping your taste buds with authentic flavours and ingredients.
There are still bookable dates available in August at the time of writing, plus plenty of availability in September. If you’re looking to celebrate the lifting of lockdown in style, why not go for the full rock ‘n’ roll experience at Pikes?
Credit – Pamela’s at Pikes
Where Saints Eat - The Fish Shack
Steering clear of the well-trodden path in search of hidden gems often bears fruit, and Ibiza is no exception.
Venture down to the edge of Ibiza town and on to Talamanca Beach, and you’ll come across the most unassuming of restaurants. Don’t be alarmed though, as appearances can be deceiving - The Fish Shack is rustic dining taken to the extreme.
Situated under umbrella canopies with the shimmering blue sea lapping just metres from your feet, this humble eatery is home to some of the most authentic seafood you’ll ever experience.
Credit - Urban Junkies
Make sure you sample the grilled squid and prawns for the full maritime experience, and bring some cash as well (card isn’t accepted). This treasure trove of a restaurant has super friendly staff, whilst the food is as fresh as fresh can be.
Even if you’re no seafood fanatic, other dishes are available, whilst watching the sun dip below the endless horizon is a treat all in itself.
For a change of pace one evening, make sure to check out the Cala Bonita restaurant. Located on the secluded beach of S’Estanyol, this is THE place to enjoy a truly spectacular sunset.
Seafood, barbequed meats and cocktails are the call of the day (and night) at this highly sophisticated beauty spot located in a gorgeous part of the island. For a candlelit romantic dinner to remember, make Cala Bonita your first port of call.
Credit - TripAdvisor
Where Saints Go for Culture - Dalt Vila (Old Town)
Declared a UNSECO World Heritage Site in 1999, Ibiza’s old town (Dalt Vila) is packed to the rafters with captivating cobbled streets, historic sites such as the stunning Santa Maria Cathedral (dating back to 1235 AD), unique Catalan Gothic style buildings and whitewashed homes.
And that’s before you’ve even sampled the authentic restaurants and markets! Craft shop afficionados will be in their element in Dalt Vila, thanks to the local artisan shops and stalls selling gorgeous handmade gifts and trinkets.
Antique items, charming Ibizan style clothing and bold pieces of modern art are but just a few of the gems to be uncovered here. Take some time to soak up the laid back, bohemian atmosphere and revel in the array of sights and sounds on offer.
Credit - Adjuntament d’Eivissa
Where Saints Go to Relax - Alma Beach
No trip to Ibiza is complete without visiting Alma Beach.
This one comes personally recommended by Tracey, and is a fantastic location for a seriously chilled out lunch or dinner.
Their Instagram page should be enough to whet your appetite before your trip. Think plenty of rattan, scrumptious food, drinks by the sea and a relaxed bohemian atmosphere that’ll have you clamouring for more.
You’ll find this beauty spot in the cove of Port des Torrent - it has three restaurants for you to choose from, depending on whichever gastronomical delights you fancy sampling.
Lie back, quite literally, and indulge as the sun sets on another day in paradise – hammocks and luxury sun loungers are aplenty, along with live music to help you dance the night away. It’s a hard life sometimes, we know! (Can you spot where the influence for some of our WSG chairs and stools came from in the image below?)
Another prime location to watch the sun go down is Sunset Ashram at Cala Conte – as the name suggests, this idyllic spot is perfect for capturing some quality photos at golden hour.
You’ll soon be feasting your eyes on the varied array of food, including sushi and Hindu selections alongside the more traditional Mediterranean offerings.
There’s also a beach bar for a more informal vibe, so whatever mood you’re in, you’ll be more than catered for.
Live music and DJ performances come as standard, so bring your dancing shoes and get ready to paint the town (or rather, beach) red!
Credit - @almabeachibiza
Where Saints Go to Party - Cafe del Mar
Finish off your visit to this sun kissed isle with a little trip to paradise. Founded in 1980, Café del Mar is world-renowned for its chillout vibe, cocktails, unique décor and music.
Speaking of, how many other cafes do you know that regularly release their own music compilations around the world? Yep, having released their iconic CDs for decades and more recently their own streaming content on Apple Music and Spotify, this original sunset bar certainly doesn’t do things by halves.
Credit - Café del Mar
Nicknamed the ‘original home of chill’, you’ll soon be tapping along to Balearic beats with a glass of something special in hand at this most iconic of venues.
Café del Mar is open from 4pm until late every day, but be sure to book a reservation due to its immense popularity.
Whether you’re into your Caipirinhas, Tequila Sunsets or Porn Star Martinis, there’s a tipple for everyone. Why not try an eponymous Café del Mar cocktail to sign off on your trip with a flourish – a sprightly concoction of Ciroc Peach vodka, Ron Zacapa 23, Blue Curacao, lemon and pineapple juice ought to get things going!
Credit - @cafedelmar
So, there you have it. The perfect location to spend a long weekend escape – what better release can there be after over sixteen months of lockdowns and so much uncertainty and trepidation?
Endorsed by Saints, for Saints, Ibiza has it all.
Oh, and whilst you’re booking that, make sure to check out George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations on Channel 4, Wednesday 28th July at 9pm. A few familiar Barcelona Bar Stools, Aztec Nest Tables and Oxford Ottomans are due to make an appearance… We’ll say no more for now!