The Credentials:
The undisputed party island of the world, Ibiza is often used as a byword for excess. But I had also heard via various sources that Ibiza has another side to it: a bohemian, lounge-cool and breathtakingly beautiful side to it. So I wondered if a family could holiday in luxury while still marveling at the bohemian party scene. I gladly took on this investigation with Him and the Smalls to discover this oft-misunderstood white isle…
Sleep:
With only 11 sleeps in hand, I had to choose our accommodation carefully. I had heard about the Atzaro hotel (central Ibiza) long before we had decided to make Ibiza our summer holiday destination. However, the hotel, sushi lounge bar and spa with additional beach location further up the Eastern coast, exactly sum up why Ibiza should not be mistaken as simply an island of insane clubbers. He and I decided to go against the grain and take our Smalls to a hotel less suited to them and more suited to the lounge lizards we wished to be.
And we were delighted. Although we all slept in one room (something I usually object to) and there were no specific kids activities (normally a strict criteria so that I can holiday with Him too), we were delighted. Neither of us managed to use the spa during our three-night stay – but we didn’t need to. With only 20 rooms, by day the hotel feels secluded, remote and wonderfully well-catered. By night, there’s a DJ on the decks, the sushi bar kicks into action, the most glamorous Ibizans arrive and the party begins. While I’m sure the kids were unaware of the astounding people-watching opportunities, they were thrilled by the food, music, entertainment and of course the unusually late nights.
After our magical stay at the Atzaro, the Insotel Fenicia Prestige on the outskirts of Santa Eulalia had a tough act to follow. The hotel is one of the newest five-star spa hotels on the island and, a few steps from a local beach, offers a large pool, an impressive array of restaurants and bars and… Conference rooms. And so, while there was no doubt that our vast and extremely comfortable suite (two bedrooms with an adjoining sitting room) was perfect family accommodation, I did feel that we were staying in an efficient conference centre rather than an Ibizan luxury family hotel.
He says that I am unfair and that He would stay there again. I, on the other hand, like reception to recognise me when I’m locked out of my room or to occasionally greet the Smalls with a friendly ‘hola’.
Local Santa Eulalia, Ibiza’s third largest resort, is certainly a destination for families seeking a beach holiday. There is a beautiful, palm-lined promenade running the length of the broad and sandy beach, (which is perfectly safe for the kids), with a selection of hotels and apartments in and around the town itself.
Dine:
On an island not much larger than the Isle of Wight, I was blown away by the quality of the meals. My favourite was La Paloma, where Jade Jagger and friends are regulars. Healthy food is served in a truly blissful setting. He loved Ca’s Pages with its (manly) enormous meat grill and local Ibizian fare. The Smalls adored El Chiringuito on El Cavallet beach; it has a mini club where they can do arts and crafts once they have eaten their weight in burger and chips. In most restaurants, there is a DJ working his magic and now home, I am finding eating in London a little soulless without the background tunes.
Out & About:
I strongly dislike beaches overcrowded with Brits abroad, and I knew we had to do our research to avoid disappointment. In preparation, I had contacted the most Ibiza-knowledgable PR I knew (she even got married there) and she immediately sent over her must-see list. On top of this, she persuaded me to practice some yoga with her friend and client, Larah. As founder of Ibizia Retreats, Larah is as integral to the island as anyone could be. Specialising in yoga and wellbeing while you holiday, she immediately converted me to her way of life. With both of their input, I was beach-bound. After a little trial and error, our favourite beaches were in the north and east of the island: S’Aigo Blanca, Es Cavallet, Bennirras and Cala Portinatx. I should just add that we had a disappointing trip to Cala Nova (over-sized sardines) until we clapped eyes on the concept that is Atzaro Beach set above sea level. This exclusive location played host to Jade Jagger’s 1971 party and had us dancing all night with the Smalls to Grove Armada.
There are a number of private beach clubs for the utterly-beautiful-without-kids, but we did spend a half-day at Amante Beach Club, just to see how the other half holiday. Run by ex-international DJ, Dave Piccioni, we found the menu to be as breathtaking as the view and, of course, left with his CD in our beach bag.
The Best Thing:
No arguments about where we holiday next summer. We are already looking for a villa on the island.
The Worst Thing:
Apparently San Antonio’s nightlife, along with finding a parking space in Ibiza Town are the worst things about the island. So we avoided both.
