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Are these the last days of luxury?

Quite unsurprisingly, in this summer that has perhaps been the strangest on record in Ibiza’s history (if not the world’s), global travel restrictions and the more recent local lockdown regulations have seen much of the island’s tourist trade heavily reduced, which means many of our favourite island businesses will be closing their doors earlier than usual. We’re definitely grateful for the semblance of a summer season we were able to experience, and there are still a few days and weeks left to make the most of some of the most luxurious destinations on the island before they go into early winter hibernation. If you’re on the island, or have the opportunity to travel to the island in the coming days, here are the places you don’t want to miss – and watch this space, as next week we’ll be sharing some local hidden gems that are remaining open even longer.

The most luxurious, long lunches

Long, luxurious lunches have always been what Ibiza is all about, and if you’re on the island and a lover of fine dining, then there are a few hotspots you should add to your agenda before their kitchens close for the season. By day, there’s no mistaking the gastronomic excellence at Chiringuito Blue, set on the seafront in Santa Eulalia and taking diners on a journey of Mediterranean flavours that traverses Israel, Italy, Turkey, France and of course, Spain. A little further down the coastline is the iconic Amante Ibiza (open until the end of the month), where the high quality Mediterranean menu rivals the stunning views of the secluded cove below. Closer to Ibiza town, on the beach at Talamanca, Chambao (closing September 20) at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay offers a classic feet-in-the-sand chiringuito-esque dining experience that’s all about freshness and authenticity. Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito – [pictured] on the west coast of Ibiza – is another of the island’s best beach dining experiences, with a great grill and seafood menu, and those of us who live here in Ibiza have our fingers crossed it will remain open all year round as usual.

Sail away, sail away, sail away…

M/Y Sea Story Vanquish IBIZA 2019

We can almost hear what you’re thinking. Boats don’t need to close for the season – they can set sail to Formentera any time they have a charter. In a way, this could be true – however for boat charter companies, or even private boat owners, the daily costs of maintaining and mooring a luxury yacht generally require daily customers using the facilities. With the reduced amount of holidaymakers on the island, this means many yachts are being dry-docked and winterised earlier than usual, in order to avoid unnecessary damages.

All is not lost however – we still have a hand-picked fleet of some of the finest luxury vessels that are still on the water (until the end of this month at least, with the possibility of some in October), which means you can cruise over to Formentera for a luxe lunch or with catering on board; you can whizz around Es Vedra and play with luxury watersports toys, or you can enjoy a smooth sailboat ride at sunset around the north west coast of Ibiza. Boat days are always the highlight of any summer, no matter how much of a seasoned Ibiza veteran (or local) you are, so be sure to take one last sail before the season is out.

Shop till they stop

Retail therapy always has, and always will be, a part of holiday culture. And whether you’re looking for that perfect little local souvenir or just want a once-in-a-lifetime splurge session, Ibiza has everything you could wish for and more. Lovers of true designer luxury should head straight to Marina Ibiza, where the glossy floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors of Dior, Dolce & Gabbana [pictured], Burdelier, TAGHeuer, Giuseppe Zanotti, Hublot, Las Noches Ibiza and LOEWE are all still open (until at least the end of this month). Sure, you can buy the collections online, or back in the city, but there’s something so glamorous about disembarking from your yacht to go on a shopping spree here.

For more unique, vintage-inspired and ideal-for-Ibiza party pieces, there’s no better boutique than Annie’s, in the heart of the cobbled square of Dalt Vila. Blessed with an unrivalled eye for style, owner Annie Doble personally selects each and every piece stocked in the store (and is often spotted wearing them!) and has regular customers like Kate and Lila Moss, Rita Ora, Giovanni Battaglia and Paris Hilton gracing her doors, along with Ibiza’s own fashionistas, stylists and models. If you don’t leave Dalt Vila with an armful of Annie’s signature orange paper bags, were you ever even there?

Don’t let the sun go down on the season

OK, OK… we know, the sun will always set in the west – no matter where you are in the world, and whether you’re locked down or not – but you have to admit, there’s something super special about witnessing it from one of Ibiza’s best sunset watching platforms, with a Balearic soundtrack to boot. The most authentic of them all (in our humble opinion) has got to be La Torre Ibiza, where the Mambo Group have recreated those original Ibiza chill-out sunset vibes, with a line-up of the very finest Balearic DJs each night – not to mention great food, cocktails, and a rustic setting that includes tables peppered all the way down the rugged cliffslide towards the sea [pictured].

For those who still love a taste of the sunset strip, both Café Mambo and Café del Mar remain open until at least the end of this month, complete with music, magic and those front row sunset views. Over towards Cala Conta, it’s Cone Club at 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza that has risen up as a sunset star in 2020, with its nightly sunset rituals (complete with DJs and a ritualistic gong beating as the sun sinks into the sea) and amazing Spanish-inspired menu. The hotel’s Pershing Yacht Terrace also offers great tapas and unbelievable bespoke cocktails with Es Vedra views at sunset – both venues close on September 20, 2020, so be quick!

Indulge in decadent dinners

Those who love alfresco dining are probably already dreading the extra-long winter season ahead, so be sure to make the most of the island’s open-air restaurants while you still can (especially without the late nights spent dancing until dawn in our sadly-missed clubs). There’s no finer dining than under the stars on Talamanca, on the deck of the super chi-chi Nobu restaurant (in the hotel of the same name – closing night is September 21, 2020), where you can luxuriate over chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s unique Nikkei menu and heavenly sushi and sashimi, given a uniquely Ibiza twist. Likewise, under the stunning Balinese temple [pictured] of Bambuddha, dine on the restaurant’s signature MediterrAsian cuisine – bringing flavours from the orient to Ibiza, and fusing them with the best of the island in one of the most stunning settings we’ve ever seen.

Head west to 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, where this weekend is your last chance to dine at The View – another heavenly Asian-inspired eatery with front row views to Es Vedra. Speaking of Es Vedra, you can’t get much closer than La Mesa Escondida, within the stunning boutique hotel Petunia Ibiza. Here you can sample some of the island’s finest farm-to-table Italian inspired cuisine, with the energy of the famous rock radiating towards you. Further up the hill, Can Domingo continues to delight with its impressive Italian fine dining à la carte menu and street food options on the back terrace. And no gourmet trip to Ibiza is complete without heading up into the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila for a glamorous starlit alfresco dinner at La Oliva, El Olivo Mio or La Torreta (in our opinion, that’s all the more reason to visit three times).

Sweet dreams are made of this

While many of the smaller boutique hotels have announced plans to remain open until at least the end of October, if not longer, the time has come for the island’s larger resorts to begin closing their doors this weekend, and up until the end of September. If you feel like a last minute long weekend, or perhaps you’re a resident looking to treat yourself with a fancy staycation – now is the time! 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, on the cliffside at Cala Conta (closing September 20), has everything you need within its spacious grounds, from restaurants, a cocktail bar and pools to a luxurious spa and boutique – it’s even got its own pair of stylish Pershing Yachts, should you desire a sunset cruise.

Back towards Ibiza town, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay [pictured] is preparing to close its doors on September 20, meaning this is your last weekend to indulge in its incredible service and facilities and spend time by that glamorous pool. Up north, The Giri Residence is predicting a rise in the demand for staycations, and is offering island residents an incredible 40% off their room and suite rates for the remainder of the season, with an additional discount on spa treatments. With only five rooms in the whole hotel, you’ll need to be quick to snap one up!