Photography by Noam Ofir

So you think the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plains? Think again! Anyone who’s been in Ibiza this week will tell you otherwise; when it rains in Ibiza, it well and truly pours. While to the untrained eye (or uneducated visitor) the storms may seem like a calamity, to the locals, the annual October downpour is a welcome respite from the hectic pace of life, an excuse to go into semi-hibernation and perhaps even a much-needed all-over cleanse and purification of our beloved island at the end of the season.

However if staying holed up in a hotel with your honey isn’t your idea of a blissful Ibiza holiday, we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of Ibiza in a rainstorm… Umbrella not included.Shop till it stops

IBZCODE photographed by Ana Lui

When the going gets wet, the wet go shopping… If it’s raining cats and dogs outside, but you’ve only packed the bare essentials for an Ibiza beach holiday, you can rest assured Ibiza town’s retailers are here to help from head to toe, having proudly unveiled their autumn winter collections recently.

Switch your stilettos for sturdy-yet-sexy leather boots by Natalia Aparicio or keep your tootsies warm in Love From Australia ugg-style boots, both available from IBZCODE, team your flirty summer dresses with staples like skinny cargoes and sassy jeans from reVOLVER and top it off with a one-of-a-kind leather jacket handmade by designer Christine Astruc for Arizona. Tip – ask your hotel for an umbrella, because Ibiza’s shopping strip is not undercover. All the more reason to spend time trying on new clothes!

Indulge in comfort food

Cardamom Cafe, Lounge & Restaurant photographed by Gypsy Westwood

Rain, hail or shine, not matter where you are in the world, you’ve got to eat! What you may not know is, although many of Ibiza’s restaurants are famous for being outdoors or on the seaside, they also boast intimate indoor settings for weather conditions just like these.

Watch the waves hit Cala Jondal from the rustic interior of Yemanja, enjoy a cosy candlelit dinner ensconced in Marina Botafoch’s Trattoria Del Mar, or try the delicious three-course set menu at Villa Mercedes while watching the rain pound the port of San Antonio. On Sundays, tuck into a traditional roast in the warm, homely surrounds of Cicale or huddle by the fireplace while indulging in a hearty lunch at Cardamom Café, Lounge & Restaurant. Be sure to make a reservation, as you can bet the entire island all have sustenance in mind too.

All-weather indulgences

Ibiza Gran Hotel Open Spa

Treat your mind, body and soul to a serious pampering session in one of Ibiza’s famous day spas. From relaxing massages and moisture-boosting facials to full body scrubs, wraps, manicures and pedicures, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in a fluffy white robe and listening to the therapeutic sound of the rain to make the most of your big day in.

Take a trip up north, for a Magic Moment in Hacienda Na Xamena’s Spa La Posidonia or head into the countryside for an exotic escape to Atzaro Spa. City-siders can take a break from their retail therapy at Ibiza Gran Hotel’s Open Spa, while those on the island’s east side can head to M Wellness in Santa Eulalia, where you can also enjoy a healthy snack from The Kitchen afterwards, or Miss W’s favourite, hit the indoor pool deck at Bodyna Spa – just because the sun’s not shining doesn’t mean you can’t recline by the heated pool!

Prep your home for hibernation

KsaR photographed by Ana Lui

Those island locals getting ready for the chilly months ahead may find the rainy days perfect inspiration when it comes to giving your home a seasonal makeover. Warm, wooly throw rugs, thick fleecy blankets and plenty of cushions, lamps and candles are the quickest fix when it comes to revamping your interior for hibernation – just imagine cosy nights in with a vino tinto and DVD!

Whether you’ve got an apartment, finca or luxury villa (or for those travelers who don’t mind paying an baggage fees!) and make your way to the island’s best furniture and décor showrooms, Magazin, Lotus and KsaR to stockpile your winter warmers.

Hit the road

No, we don’t mean hightail it to the next ferry to Formentera… au contraire! Just because it’s a little soggy outside doesn’t mean you can’t do a spot of sightseeing – in fact, the chance to checkout Ibiza underwater is a pretty rare, so you may as well make the most of it.

Wet weather hotspots include Sa Caleta, Cala Jondal, Cala Nova and Es Torrent for those who fancy seeing the local surfers (yes really!) in action and the lookout points of Es Mirador or Sa Talaia, where you can watch the haze settle over Es Vedra and Ibiza’s countryside. Exclusive Rental Cars offer all-terrain 4WD vehicles perfect for the rainy conditions, so grab a map or GPS and above all, please drive safely!

Get bikini ready

Photographed by Barbara Di Giacinto

It’s notoriously steamy in Ibiza after a storm has cleared, and once the burning sun has dried out the sand, the hotels have put the sunbeds back out by the pool you’ll be wanting to sunbathe in a flash. So either before, after or in lieu of comfort eating, why not drop in to one of the island’s many yoga classes to ensure you’re looking fab, not flab, when it’s time to top up your tan? You’ll find the perfect yoga class to suit your style and level in the White-Escapes Wellness Calendar.

Research your next Ibiza holiday!

Traveling with your laptop, iPhone or iPad? What better excuse than to stay in bed, order room service and let your fingers do the walking… on White-Escapes of course! Download MP3s mixed by Ibiza DJs, check out our photo galleries, read tales of Miss W’s island escapades and read interviews with the people behind the scenes, and behind the decks… and if you’re not on the island at least we can help you be here in spirit.