Photograph courtesy of Dynamic Lives

Working in the demanding, high-end VIP and concierge industry in Ibiza means, knowing all the right people and being seen in all the right places – sounds like a nice life right? But given that schmoozing is all part of their day jobs, what is it about the Ibiza lifestyle that keeps inspiring Ibiza’s most well-known concierges on a day-to-day basis?

We get the lowdown on living in Ibiza from Ibiza’s best VIP and concierge consultants, including Serena Cook, Paloma Bonder, Club P and Dynamic Lives.

Serena Cook photographed by Ana Lui

SERENA COOK, DELICIOUSLY SORTED
‘When I first came to Ibiza 16 years ago, I was stunned by the island’s natural beauty, essence and soul,’ says Serena Cook, founder and CEO of Ibiza concierge service Deliciously Sorted. ‘Mediterranean coves, unspoilt countryside, wild flowers and sweet, all pervading smells of pine and rosemary… Yet what makes the island totally unique, Ibiza’s true soul, is the fabulously cosmopolitan population that shares the same attitude: anything goes…’

‘And the best example of this attitude anything goes (hardly a secret!) is DC10 on a Monday afternoon!’

While the summer days and nights are hectic, Serena adopts the Spanish custom of following siesta hours and spends lunchtimes escaping to the peaceful tiny (and island secret) cove of Cala den Serra, where there is no mobile phone coverage! ‘I swim off the rocks, recharge my batteries and go back to the office in the afternoon revitalised.’

George Burdon (right) photographed by Annie Peel

GEORGE BURDON, DYNAMIC LIVES
‘After 12 years of living in and visiting Ibiza, I’ve discovered some fantastic activities which I now highly recommend to anyone who wants to appreciate the true beauty of the island!’ says George Burdon, of Ibiza concierge company Dynamic Lives. ‘Try one of the following: a sea kayak trip around the coast with a gourmet lunch in one of the many bays; a horseback trek by moonlight and followed by dinner at of the great restaurants on the San Juan road; a tour along the fantastic coastline by mountain bike or open top 4×4 trip.’

It’s no surprise, given that George confesses to loving everything about Ibiza, from the countryside to the coast that he has a host of top white isle tips. But it’s also the people of the island that keep him coming back season after season. ‘The people are great and I have a real connection with them.. I love the local attitudes and really respect how they’ve maintained traditional culture alongside tourism.’

Christian & Merete Marstrander, photographed by Annie Peel

CHRISTIAN & MERETE MARSTRANDER, CLUB P
‘We love living on the island due to all the amazing possibilities you can discover in Ibiza,’ says Christian Marstrander, who relocated to Ibiza in 2009 with his wife Merete to set up VIP and concierge company Club P. ‘It takes time to get to know and understand the island – for us the winter is just INCREDIBLE! People visiting should spend a minimum of 14 days here to get to know the island better.’

Having totally immersed themselves in Ibiza’s lifestyle and culture, they’re more than happy to share their newfound love for the island, particularly its alfresco, foodie culture. ‘Starting the day at trendy, upscale places like Nassau Beach Club or Blue Marlin is great, followed by a nice chilled glass of cava and sunsets at Cap d’es Falco, and finishing with a funky night in the VIP at Pacha,’ is one way they like to enjoy the island, but on a more secret tip, they love lunching at Amante Beach Club followed by the legendary no-fuss dinners at the ‘no-name- fish shack in Talamanca. Heading out to Formentera is another of their favourite escapes, making a beeline for Juan y Andrea in the sand.

Paloma Bonder photographed by Geoff Fenney

PALOMA BONDER, IBIZA SOLUTIONS
Born and bred here in Ibiza, Paloma Bonder, founder and director of concierge agency Ibiza Solutions, is a shining example of an island resident who loves Ibiza and wants to share its beauty and energy with the world. ‘I love living and working in Ibiza because when spring comes, the sky is bright and blue, the trees are green and the fields full of flower, pink, yellow, poppy flowers,’ she explains. ‘I love driving through the dusty San Juan roads and stopping for a freshly squeezed orange juice just off the main road, where they sell oranges and avocados that grow here on the island. Then I love the red skies streaked with navy blue as the sun goes down and the day finishes to give space to the well-known nights of Ibiza’

The self-confessed foodie is also passionate about fresh produce and great service, letting us in on her favourite Ibiza gastronomic tips. ‘I really enjoy the sabish and brownies at La Paloma (they are the best on the island!), and fresh fish with fresh salad and Ibiza potatoes to escape from the craziness of the island at midday at 4 Latas in Talamanca. At Can Bigotes, it’s been the same dishes for the last 30 years, they don’t accept credit card and you feel as if time had never passed with their bullit de peix.’

In addition to her favourite places, Paloma cites the people of the island as an inspiration. ‘I like how people expand inside on this island. The old hippie vibe still is strong and makes us all remember that we are alive and here to live and enjoy the journey!’

Michael Janitor photographed by Ana Lui

MICHAEL JANITOR, AORAKI IBIZA VIP & CONCIERGE
Parisian Michael Janitor of concierge agency Aoraki came to Ibiza for the first time just three years ago and instantly came to the realization that the island was the place he wanted to live and work. ‘I was attracted by the amazing mix of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the calm, the blue, the simplicity and quality of life plus the nice open and creative people of the island. All in perfect union with the international mix and chic atmosphere – just like it was in Sant Tropez 30 years ago.’ Basically, he fell in love with it all.

Given that a very important part of his work is to adapt to the client’s wishes, expectations and desires, taking a break on the island is essential and when his time is his own, Michael says there’s nothing better than a quiet lunch under the shaded umbrellas by the sea at Restaurant Es Xarco, enjoying the fresh fish with the house speciality, ‘Patatas de san lorenzo’. Afterwards, it’s over to Talamanca for a sunset cocktail on the Sa Punta roof terrace, enjoying the views of Dalt Vila which Michael says are better than any film set.

‘Ibiza the island where everything is possible… enjoy it!,’ he says with a smile, dreaming of summer nights ahead spent in El Ayoun, the new Pacha venture El Lio, followed by the Pacha VIP for Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta and the list goes on. ‘In Ibiza, you have ALL the choices!”