Love the skin you’re in

Some people revel in nudity and the feelings of freedom and empowerment it brings them. Yet for others, the very thought of being naked evokes feelings of awkwardness, or even worse, shame – be that through social conditioning or self-confidence. Here in Ibiza, Open Spa – the luxurious wellness centre within the Five Star Grand Luxe Ibiza Gran Hotel – offers an all-new full body treatment that helps you embrace the beauty of your bare skin, no matter which camp you fall into; once you’ve experienced it for yourself it’s hard to fall back into any body shaming habits.

The treatment in question is the Glow Body Treatment by Anne Semonin – an incredible 90-minute treatment using all natural, aromatherapy-based products to restore your skin’s surface – body and face – to a pure, smooth and glowing state. The introduction of the cutting-edge Anne Semonin range to Open Spa in 2018 has been hugely successful – the award-winning products and custom-designed beauty treatments offering the perfect level of results-based luxury to Ibiza Gran Hotel’s discerning guests and visitors. Founded in 1985, the brand has over three decades of experience in pioneering products and treatments – all of which can be customised to suit your skin type.

As with all treatments at Open Spa, the Glow Body Treatment begins with a short relaxation session in the low-lit waiting area, complete with a heated lavender compress on your shoulders to ease you into it, cosy slippers on your feet and an array of herbal teas, fruits and chocolates at your fingertips. Your therapist then leads you to the pristine treatment room and gives you a brief introduction to the treatment ahead – you’ll be asked what kind of results you’d like to achieve (relaxing, energising, detoxifying or restorative) and offered four different oils to sniff in order to discover which your body is drawn to, or which you’d prefer to experience. Surprisingly – your subconscious will, on occasion, step in and make you feel attracted to a certain scent, for example lavender if it feels you need to relax.

It’s worth listening to your intuition (combined with the wise words of your therapist) in order to get the best results. Once you’re lying face-down on the massage table, the pampering begins. A beautiful, all-natural exfoliator – the Anne Semonin Nude Body Scrub – is applied in long, firm strokes all over your body. Obviously, a scrub is a little rough in texture, but the gentle, rhythmic massage serves as a balance to any abrasiveness. Given that the product is all natural, including pink quartz powder, hibiscus, lemongrass, sea salt and citrus oils, you can feel it doing nature’s good work on your body as the rough textures removed dead skin and the fragrant oils restore moisture at the same time. As your therapist works her way over your body, from top to bottom, back to front, be sure to breathe deeply – the heavenly aromatics contribute to the relaxation process.

After taking a shower to remove the grains of salt all over your body – another incredible aromatic experience as the water further activates the scent of the oils – you return to the massage table for part two of the treatment. Your chosen oil is gently massaged all over your body in order to deeply nourish, further soften and re-mineralise the skin, in the same style of massage as the original scrub, an experience that almost soothes you to sleep. Mixed in with your oil is a touch of another of Anne Semonin’s cult beauty products, Glow, an essential oil-based essence that adds an instant hint of pearlescent sun-kissed bronze to your skin that means you can walk out of your treatment looking like you’ve just walked off the beach. The product has been designed to adjust to all skin tones and also offers further hydration throughout the day.

The finishing touch of this treatment is an express Anne Semonin facial, to ensure every last centimetre of your skin leaves the treatment room glowing. A gentle cleanse and detoxifying exfoliation is followed by a hydrating oil and moisturiser, plus just the right amount of Glow. As you rise from the massage table, it’s impossible not to love the skin you’re in – it’s baby smooth, glowing like a bronzed goddess, feeling almost brand-new and still tinged with a heavenly aromatic scent. If every woman (and man!) in the world could experience this treatment, our collective body confidence would be raised through the roof. If only they could teach this feeling in schools…

The Glow Body Treatment is suitable for everyone – for those who’ve just arrived, looking to start their holiday fresh after a long-haul flight, it’s the ideal way to slough off tired skin cells and start anew, looking gorgeous and bronzed by the pool. For island residents who’ve spent their summer enjoying the beach, it’s also the ideal refresh – removing traces of sun damage and restoring the skin’s surface to silky smooth without losing your tan. For brides looking for the ultimate wedding day glow, for party girls looking to dazzle on a night out or for those who may not be a sun-worshipper at all, but want to treat themselves to the feeling of simply spectacular skin – this treatment is for all of you.

Island life

There are sunsets and boat days and old towns and beaches; there are cocktails and dreams; there are no worries in the world. Island life is simple, uncomplicated and you don’t need material things to be happy (aside from your phone in order to use the aforementioned hashtag). Except, as most of us have all come to realise, Instagram is not real life, and as such #islandlife is not #realislandlife (a hashtag that is yet to reach 500 posts).

Real island life – just like real life anywhere in the world – comes with its own trials, tribulations and triumphs that are not always Instagram-worthy, but are indeed a big part of island life on a day to day basis. I believe island life teaches you patience. Don’t even get me started on the concept of ‘island time’. Combine that with the Spanish mañana mañana mentality (which I can assure you is very real) and you spend half your time wondering whether your meetings or appointments are real or figments of your imagination.

People are surely one of the very best aspects of island life in my opinion. Ibiza is a small island, and as such, it’s got small town syndrome: everyone knows everyone, which means everyone knows everyone else’s business. This can be a good thing, for example if you’re looking for contacts or like-minded friends, but it can be a bad thing if you’re seeking anonymity (as some people who retreat to an island are want to do). Just this morning I met my newest neighbour – she smiled, said hello, introduced herself and immediately invited me over for a glass of wine (yes! In the morning! I love her already). Now, I don’t remember experiencing such warmth or friendliness anywhere else in the world in my life.

Here, people are open. They are happy to get to know their neighbours, no matter what walk of life they come from. Speaking of neighbours, I live in an area that’s populated by gypsies – and when we say gypsy here, it’s not a derogatory term. These are big local families, who all live in the same street (and have done for generations), who basically spend all summer outdoors (often in pyjamas), having barbecues and parties and celebrations in summer. One of my favourite things – a true #realislandlife moment for me – is when it gets really, really hot, the papas who live behind me break open the water pipes in the street and create a splashing, gushing fountain for their little kids to swim and play in. Sure, it’s highly illegal – but the joy on the children’s faces prove that it’s worth it.

Ibiza is truly a melting pot of cultures – there are Ibicenco families with hundreds of years of heritage; there are expats from all over the globe who’ve adopted the island as their home; there are the guiri-cencos who are born to one Ibicenco parent and one foreigner (a guiri) and then over time, there are their own offspring­ (is there terminology for that?). There are seasonal workers and there are those who relocate here permanently and there are those who are here for a fleeting amount of holiday time each year. And you know what I love most? Everyone’s got a story. Island life, for me, is listening to all these stories. Who needs a library when you’ve got all these amazing tales to be told? Well, that brings me to my next point.

Culture is indeed a little limited on an island – if you’re looking for arthouse cinema, art exhibitions, design, high fashion, literature, even trending street food, well, you might want to take a holiday and visit a city. Now, this can make you lazy or it can make you curious. We have the internet at our fingertips, quite literally, and so instead of feeling frustrated, seek and ye shall find. Island life is meant for enjoying island things – the weather is beautiful and the beach is on our doorstep (though many who live here will tell you #realislandlife means you don’t get to visit the beach as often as you’d like). And who needs high fashion on an island anyway – it’s so hot a bikini and a sundress will suffice in most situations and for anything else, you can order online (or tap into the unique creations of island brands – or Zara, quite possibly both).

That being said, the inefficiency of the island postal service really takes some getting used to. It doesn’t matter what the sender has paid their local post office in the country of origin to get a parcel to you within X amount of days, it doesn’t matter whether you pay for Amazon Prime, nor does it matter how swish and high-tech the all-new renovated Ibiza town post office looks – once said parcel arrives in Ibiza, it will sit on a shelf in the Correos for at least a week before anyone attempts to deliver it to your house. Attempt being the operative word – rarely does a parcel ACTUALLY arrive direct to your door – rather, your friendly neighbourhood courier or postie (mine is very lovely and quite cute, actually – can’t blame him for the inadequacy of the Correos) simply brings a slip with your name on it directing you to your nearest post office to collect said parcel yourself. Then you have to trudge to the post office or courier’s warehouse in 34-degree heat (because there is no parking in the area) and have to line-up for around 45 minutes to an hour just to sign for your parcel. Half the time they can’t find it, which means even more waiting and whatever you do, DO NOT forget your legally recognised form of ID because a bank card or driver’s license from another country does not cut it and then you have to repeat the whole thing again.

On the subject of queuing – no one does it here on the island. There’s a whole weird system of people standing and sitting all over the place (be it a bank, the post office or the hospital) with no sense of logic. The trick is to simply ask ‘la ultima?’ as you walk in, so you can identify who the person is before you, then you can join the free-for all. Island life means waking up on a random morning only to discover you have no electricity – not through any fault of your own, it’s just that today’s the day the electricity company decided to do some works in your street. And no, they have no idea when it will be restored. Same too goes for water. All of a sudden… you have none! And speaking of water – #realislandlife means you can’t drink the tap water, so you’re constantly buying bottles in bulk and wondering how it will ever be possible to reduce your plastic waste? Those who live in villas and country houses will often have a giant water reserve that is filled up by the Agua Potable trucks you see around the island, so for them it’s a matter of being aware when reserves get low. Oh – and checking for snakes in your water tank too. Once one of those slippery suckers gets in there, it’s contaminated and while you can still use it to shower, you have to go back to buying bottles of water to drink…

The beauty of visiting the store to buy water so often means you get to know your local shopkeepers. If you forget to bring your wallet one time – no pasanada! That’s totally fine. You can pay them next time. The level of trust and openness on the island is really nice to see. My friend Miss L, who also happens to be a mum, tells me this, along with a sense of freedom, is one of the most wonderful things about bringing up a child on the island. Her son has grown up seeing the farms where she buys her veggies from and meeting real animals, not in a petting zoo. She says Ibiza kids are super conscious about what and how they eat for this reason. And when it comes to eating – the island (and Spanish) way is to take your children with you anywhere, at any time without fear of being judged. Children are in nice restaurants with their parents after 8pm (which is standard city ‘no kids allowed’ hour) and thus learn how to behave in public from an early age.

We are surrounded by nature – even in our biggest ‘cities’, the beach is just a ten-minute walk away. Kids are encouraged to play outside rather than on an iPad – that’s not to say they don’t get tech-time, but they’re not ruled by it. This could be partly because the island’s internet is still so damn s-l-o-o-w – heaven forbid you need to upload something in a hurry! It’s fast enough to stream Netflix though and I can assure you, #realislandlife includes as much binge watching as it does beach time. Getting from A to B if you don’t have a car is definitely a struggle when it comes to island life. We don’t have Uber, our taxis are almost non-existent in the height of summer (and they just don’t come when you call them), and the public transport system schedule seems to be the same as it was in the 70s. For one of my friends to get to Ibiza town by 9am, she needs to catch a 7am bus from Santa Eulalia – true story. And yet, it’s just a 25-minute drive. But you can’t fight it – it is what it is, and real islanders use it as time to catch up on their reading, emails, admin, podcasts… just like those who travel a two-hour daily commute to get to their jobs in big cities.

Our supermarkets are stocked with the most limited selection of products – even the biggest ones (and there are more and more of them springing up this year) still only stock basic brands. They just fill more shelf space with them! I am constantly perplexed as to why I cannot buy Charlotte Tilbury make-up here in Ibiza – I mean, she grew up here! And as for electronics – well, let’s just say come August 1 every year, every single electronic store on the island has sold out of fans and dehumidifiers (even though previous years should have taught them to double their order) and there’s no chance of finding one until the restock in September. And if you’re thinking of ordering from Amazon – well, remember what I told you about the postal service. You simply learn to plan ahead. Whenever I travel to a city, I feel like a little country girl who’s found herself in a supermarket/department store/mall for the very first time. Half the time I need excess luggage just to make up for every day purchases.

But here’s the thing I’ve learnt living on an island. You don’t need fancy shampoo or special flavoured cheeses to be happy (though they are nice). You don’t need 24-hour supermarkets or restaurants serving all-day breakfasts or coffee shops specialising in long-named drinks you can’t even pronounce. All you need, as The Beatles famously sang, is love. You just need to love the island and all its ups and downs, and you’ll love #realislandlife. Despite the humidity and the never-ending mould it creates, despite the unrelenting heat and consequent sweat trail down my forehead, despite the queues and general lack of organisation, despite the limited shopping resources and tourists overrunning our towns for half the year, despite the lack of decent greeting cards available, despite the lackadaisical approach to life (and business!) in general, I love my #realislandlife. I wouldn’t swap it for any other life in the world. It may not be #islandlife, but I’ll keep following the hashtag anyway. After all, it’s beautiful. It’s aspirational. It’s like a highlight reel of all the best parts of #realislandlife and a reminder of what inspired me to move here in the first place.

Mediterranean romance

Cotton Beach Club possesses that in spades and with the extra element of an extraordinary view, you’ve reached the heights of romance. The terrace curves around the bay of Cala Tarida, presenting 180-degree vistas of the gleaming Med, where one could say romance was born in the shape of Tanit, the Phoenician Goddess of love. The evening starts with a sharp intake of breath as you enter through the reception area to the terrace. The view is (almost!) indescribable, especially as the setting sun casts its spectrum of pinks across the sky. Champagne is called for, naturally, or perhaps a cocktail such as the signature Cotton Island or Aperol Affair. Stars appear, twinkling and blushing, while Tanit’s legacy threads right through the island, culminating on the terrace of Cotton Beach Club. And there’s that perfect table for two, on the front line, with all that Mediterranean magic stretched out before you.

There’s no rush, just the gentle sound of rolling waves from below. Starting with a shared plate of sashimi and one of Cotton Beach Clubs classic rolls is guaranteed to up the romance factor. Favourites like the Cotton Roll with torched Norwegian salmon and unagi sauce or the Ibiza Roll with soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber and wasabi mayo are utterly delicious. To follow, there is nothing more romantic than a plate of oysters – not too many, just enough to excite the palate. It’s time to move onto the wine list. The Cotton Club wine list is an extensive selection of highly curated drops. All the European favourites are represented, alongside some highly prized bottles from small producers. A scattering of excellent natural wines are there for the adventurous and are well worth the foray into this new world of winemaking. New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and Greece all appear in the form of beautiful bottles.

With the temperatures staying steady right through the night, a chilly crisp white such as the French Château Castigno or the deliciously fragrant O Luar do Sil from the Spanish Rías Baixas is an ideal choice. Evenings requiring something super special would be well suited to the Mártires 2016 from Finca Allende in Rioja. Its pale colour, subtle fragrance, mineral notes and silky mouthfeel make it a wine to remember. It’s a well-known fact that food can be an elixir for love and romances have been forged over gourmet moments throughout the ages. The Cotton Beach Club menu is unwittingly full of heady choices. Seafood features heavily and it will be hard to hold back. The spicy king crab starter is a conversation piece while whole baked fish, classic Spanish rice with prawns and chargrilled cod are just a few of the offerings available. Additional decadent options include Segovia suckling pig, a melt-in-your-mouth lamb shoulder roast or for vegetarians, an aromatic curry which is rumoured to have aphrodisiacal properties.

Now with the moon glowing high up in the inky sky leaving a glittering trail across the sea, the time has come for dessert; the most romantic part of any meal. The deconstructed tiramisu is a heavenly plate of rich ice cream, crunchy chocolate and Amaretto infused cookie powder. The Chocolate Texture adds an element of humour with toffee on chocolate powder, brownie and chocolate crumble sprinkled with Pop Rocks. Romance doesn’t always have to be serious. With the sweetness of a sticky dessert wine (try the Austrian Alois Kracher Beerenausleese or a classic Lustao Pedro Ximénez) its time to take your lover’s hand and lean back into your chair. After a satisfying meal the stars, the moon, the sea lapping at the shore are all there at your feet. There’s no need for words but if you must, make sure they are whispered sweet nothings, like little prayers of gratitude to Cotton Beach Club and, of course, Tanit.

24 hours in Formentera – La Savina and Playa Llevant

The outside world is at touching distance and yet Formentera still feels like an exclusive and secluded paradise. The energy of La Savina ebbs and flows throughout the day as visitors filter on and off the endless fleet of ferries from Ibiza. At the end of the day, a subdued and gentle calmness is left behind, breeding a satisfying feeling of content for those who remain onshore, because just for a little while longer, you have the pleasure of indulging in the lesser-known Formentera life.

8.30am – Breakfast

A stone’s throw from the bustle of the main port, Quimera is a quiet and serene little situ for breakfast accompanied by an idyllic morning view. This newly-renovated hidden gem with ancestral Spanish heritage boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere and Mediterranean style menu created by a Michelin star awarded chef, although breakfast is a relaxed affair. A tropical-inspired seating area on the breezy terrace overlooks L’Estany des Peix, a calm lagoon (complete with a covert beach) that leads out into the open sea, scattered with llaüts, the traditional local fishing boats. Watch the water glisten as boats roll in and out and fill up on a wholesome breakfast of freshly baked croissants or Grandma’s homemade scrambled eggs, washed down with a freshly squeezed juice – the perfect fuel-up for the day ahead. www.quimerarestaurant.com – +34 971 322 279

9.30am – SUP

The Stand Up Paddleboarding phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down in 2018 and Formentera’s calm waters are the ideal place to combine fun and exploration with balance, relaxation and strength. Saigu, in La Savina, gives you the opportunity to see Formentera from a new perspective, with professional SUP instructors leading you on a stunning scenic route around the north coast of the island, before wading through crystal clear waters and later arriving at the nature reserve of Es Palmador to explore the marine environment. Advance reservations for these early morning three-hour adventures are essential – suitable for all levels of experience. www.saiguformentera.com – +34 674 409 358

1.30pm – Lunch

This unexpected and unassuming little chiringuito is tucked neatly within the sand dunes of Playa Llevant and hidden from view, creating a discreet and tranquil lunch spot that’s far from the madding crowds. There is a certain type of Caribbean charm about its stripped back, rustic presentation, complete with wooden furniture and sandy floors sheltered beneath a cool wicker shade. Tantalising aromas of fresh seafood, rich pasta dishes and tapas escape from the kitchen, complemented by warm staff and attentive service until 8pm daily. www.kiosko-vapormanolito.business.site – +34 669 30 9 802

3.30pm – Beach

While it’s just a short stroll from the popular white sands of Illetes, Playa Llevant is a peaceful respite – which explains why this less familiar stretch of coastline is the place celebrities opt to spend their heady Formentera days (making it prone to the odd paparazzi). Soft white sand and a gentle breeze even in high summer create the most relaxing environment and depending on the daily wind change, the sea can alternate between a flat pond of transparent waters to a windsurfer’s paradise of turquoise crashing waves. Either way, a day spent here is one to remember.

8.30pm – Sunset drinks

Ibiza might be world-renowned for its famous sunset strip, but sunsets in Formentera are equally as spectacular. As the day winds down and as the air cools, the glorious sunset paints the Balearic sky intense shades of red, pink and orange on a clear night. This natural spectacle is always a must-see and can be viewed from many points around Las Salinas. Sa Sequi boasts a picture perfect setting, with the landscape of La Savina on the left and the hazy outline of Ibiza on the right. Carefully curated music complements the chilled atmosphere as the light slowly falls, illuminating the north of the island and effortlessly capturing the silhouette of Es Vedra on the horizon. www.sasequi.com – +34 622 853 340

10.30pm – Dinner

Ibiza’s most popular Brazilian hangout recently opened the tropical doors to its Formentera outpost on the dock of the bay in La Savina. Expect a tasty infusion of light, fresh and rich Japanese cuisine – a staple cuisine in the Brazilian diet since thousands of Japanese families migrated to the country after the First World War – plus the very finest Brazilian cocktails, all enjoyed with panoramic views of La Savina and the twinkling harbour at night. A fun and casual dining experience with warm, speedy service and authentic music – a buzzing way to either end your day or kick-start your Formentera night. www.temakinho.com – +34 602 645 973

11.30pm – Night cap

For some, the night is still young and the great advantage of dining in the port at La Savina is that the best bars are all within walking distance. Just a few steps away from Temakhino, Aigua offers a stylish lounging area ideal for a night cap – its cosy, candlelit setting on the picturesque marina is the ideal place to soak up the scenery. Kick back on low-slung seating and sip on expertly made cocktails; savour the sea breeze to the sounds of clinking boat masts and reflect on the day gone by. This is the part of Formentera life most day-trippers never get to experience. +34 971 323 322

12.30am – Sleep

Set on the cusp of the road leading from La Mola right through to La Savina, Can Aisha is a secluded sanctuary of calm and pure bliss, yet just minutes away from all the island’s action. This complex of five studio apartments with contemporary Spanish touches make for a highly inviting and comfortable stay. Each apartment shares a luxury garden area with a private swimming pool surrounded with cacti and soft white sun loungers. Chic is an understatement and whilst feeling very exclusive, the complex is perfectly positioned in proximity to the best beaches, bars and restaurants. With less than one kilometre drive away from each town, staying here means the island is your oyster! www.canaisha.com – +34 616 654 982 Words and photos by Mimi Gerrard-Morgan Playa Llevant photo by Ana Lui

Siesta forever!

‘That’s ok,’ I thought to myself. ‘I’ll just have a little nap and it will come to me when I wake up.’ And before I even put my head on the pillow, the idea had come to me, just like a little thought bubble emoticon above my head. Good old fashioned siestas – one of my very favourite things about daily life in Spain. I was an advocate of siestas long before I ever moved to Ibiza, although prior to relocating they were usually only something I could indulge in on the weekends. (Truth be told, in my former life as a magazine editor, I took sneaky secret siestas in the back seat of my car between meetings when necessary. Don’t tell anyone!) When I first arrived on the white isle, I would wake up late, potter around the house and then by the time I’d gotten up, showered and was ready to head out to go shopping or buy food, I’d be perplexed by all the stores (and it really was ALL of them back then too!) being closed between 2pm and 5pm. I couldn’t understand how a business could want to close in the hours when people like me needed them most. Hello! Potential revenue over here!

Fast forward about two years and I started singing a completely different tune. I realised there was no point fighting this long-standing tradition and started to comprehend the local working mentality – it’s not about the money honey. Siestas became my friend. Trudging around in the stifling 34-degree (plus!) August heat makes you sluggish and sleepy. Late nights spent enjoying the fruits of Ibiza combined with early morning deadlines make you feel quite dozy by mid-afternoon. And then of course, there are those days when the enormous lunch you’ve eaten simply puts you into a food coma. The solution for all of the above? Siesta! I often hear people say they find it difficult to take siestas – that it’s too hard to get out of bed in the afternoon and start the day all over again. That once they fall asleep, there’s no waking them up. Or that they don’t want to waste the daytime hours. Of course, there are also those who work typical office hours and don’t have the opportunity to take naps (I feel for you!). To each their own I suppose, but for me, the siesta has become somewhat of a daily ritual. If I miss out on my siesta – which does happen from time to time during the busy season – I get crabby and find it difficult to concentrate for the rest of the day and find myself far more likely to reach for an evil Red Bull in the afternoons.

I try to take an hour-long siesta at some stage between 3pm and 5pm. I’ve been known to have them later in the day, but I feel like once you’ve passed 7pm it technically becomes a disco nap, not a siesta. The first thing I do is decide – like Goldilocks – where exactly I shall spend that blissful hour of daytime sleep. I’m fortunate to have many choices. On the weekends, I’m more likely to siesta on the sofa and in the winter months, I love curling up in my bed wrapped in duvets and blankets with my cats. In spring and autumn, I have a lovely shaded daybed on my roof terrace that is perfect for afternoon naps, though the cats prefer to hide beneath it. And in between, I also have my ‘siesta bed’ (which is really just the spare bed that happens to be behind my desk in my office). Once I’ve found the siesta spot that is j-u-u-s-t right, I can usually fall asleep in a matter of seconds. All I need is complete silence – the phone and computer volume must be turned to silent (the ping of an email arriving in your inbox is the easiest way to spoil a perfect siesta in seconds) – a fluffy pillow and some kind of light cover (yes, even in mid-August – it’s like a security blankie thing for me) and I am out like a light. It’s ironic – at night I can find it difficult to fall asleep, with zillions of things whirring around in my brain, and yet by day, even when I have a zillion MORE things going on around me, I have no problem blocking it all out and just letting myself zone out.

I also have no trouble waking up from my siestas – as long as my alarm is set for PRECISELY one hour. Any less, and I am likely to keep hitting the snooze button for the next two hours, and any more and I fall into a super deep sleep that defeats the purpose of napping. But one hour is my perfect siesta time. It refreshes me. It revives me. It relaxes me. It makes me happy! I am also certain it increases my productivity in the afternoon hours. Over time, I have developed the ability to literally sit up, open my laptop and immediately get back to work. Of course, if I have a meeting planned, I’ll freshen up (no one wants to see bed hair) but I always feel motivated to get right back to it. The most difficult thing about having a strict siesta ritual like this is that it’s hard to keep up when you’re travelling. My friends find it bizarre that I can be in another country on the other side of the world and come 4pm, I want to go back to the hotel and hit the hay. But that’s ok – my favourite place in the world to travel to is actually Formentera, where its totally acceptable to siesta daily. I think no matter where I am in the world, for the rest of my life, I will be dedicated to the art of siesta-ing. Siesta forever! Disclaimer: The beautiful siesta spot above are not actually my own. These are the stunning siesta locations within luxury Ibiza villa Can Riviere, found within the White Ibiza Villas collection. I’m just waiting for the day they invite me over to try them all to find the one that is just right!

Dining that ticks all the boxes

These days, the success of a hotel no longer just depends on the style of its rooms, the size of the swimming pool and service with a smile – to be truly successful means ticking the box next to a multitude of factors, and high up on the list is world class cuisine. Guests want to be wined and dined on their doorstep; they want a five-star dining experience and memories to remind them of sun-drenched days long after the plane has touched down on home soil. It’s in all these categories that Aguas de Ibiza really excels. With a privileged coastal spot in the Santa Eulalia marina on Ibiza’s east coast, Aguas de Ibiza’s reputation as a tranquil haven is well established. A hotel dedicated to sustainability while simultaneously providing laid-back luxury, people come here to restore and rejuvenate mind, body and soul, relishing in an attention to detail that’s unique to the property. This attentive theme weaves its way throughout every aspect of the hotel, and is especially prevalent in its two stunning restaurants, Vi Cool and Alabastro, now officially bona fide destinations in their own right.

Those not yet aware of Vi Cool will understand the restaurant’s myriad successes as soon as they learn that the entire project is the brainchild of much famed Spanish chef, Sergi Arola. Awarded a Michelin-star for his prowess and innovation in the kitchen, Arola’s concept at Vi Cool is taking the traditional idea of Spanish tapas and giving it a uniquely intriguing twist – in flavour and in presentation. The result is a series of multifunctional dishes, perfect for sharing with friends over dinner at the chicly cosmopolitan restaurant. Examine the menu in detail to discover that a whole world of gastronomic novelty awaits. Try cold plates like steak tartar with soy sauce, wasabi and ginger, or sea bass tiradito with ponzu and a spicy rocoto kick. Hot plates include the quintessential Vi Cool bravas potatoes – a must for anyone visiting the restaurant for the first time – chicken wings with kimchi sauce, and roasted, curried prawns with fresh mint. Elsewhere the coca pizzas are a huge hit, topped with typical Iberico ham, fresh Burrata cheese, basil and orange zest. Finish on a sweet note with chocolate served in many textures, burnt Catalonian cream with tangerine sorbet or of course, a cocktail taken on the spectacular alfresco roof terrace.

Meanwhile, Alabastro is found in the hotel lobby, and specialises in plates to be enjoyed by the pool during daytime, or indoors on the relaxing sofas by night. With another great chef at the helm – this time Aitor Monteagud – here, two menu concepts are showcased. Alabastro Pool is all about relaxed, easy dining, whereas Alabastro Slow has been designed around the zero kilometre premise, meaning all food is produced, sold and enjoyed locally, helping local artisans to make a fair living from their trade, and supporting the community in the process. Culinary highlights of this menu include the Balearic garden of textured vegetables, olive sand, bean sprouts and flowers, and ajoblanco of local almonds with lobster, sun-dried tomatoes and cardamom to start. Mains include baked John Dory with black garlic alioli, baby vegetables and pickles, and suckling lamb with pearls of squash, beetroot, courgette and demi glace sauce. And for dessert, delectable options like cheesecake with fresh cheese, mango and citrus fruits, and café caleta cream with Hierbas Ibicencas jelly. The Alabastro Pool menu offers dishes like watermelon salad with organic tomatoes and feta cheese, and sirvia ceviche with tiger milk.

Two restaurants, three contrasting menus, and three entirely different concepts – all united by a passion for local food, an innovative approach to cooking and two star chefs dedicated to ensuring guests receive the very best in ingredients and flavour on the plate. Add in Aguas de Ibiza’s continued commitment to excellence and some superbly relaxing but stylish spaces in which to dine and there’s no doubt that this gem of a hotel really does tick all the boxes.

Romance and magic

Obviously, the chance to combine an island holiday with the nuptials is a bonus and the beautiful locations are plus, however, whether they know it or not, people choose Ibiza for a more spiritual reason. There is a definite magic in the air that attracts romance and love and nowhere is more magical and romantic than the iconic and mystical Benirras beach. Elements Ibiza sits directly on the golden sands of this majestic bay and is an emporium of wedding perfection. From the very start to the very end, the Elements Ibiza events team are standing by to help create the most memorable day of your lives. From simple celebrations to extravagant festivities, Elements Ibiza has you covered.

The Mediterranean Sea is a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable ceremonies. As the sun sets, the colours provide the perfect foil for bride and groom, creating the most photogenic moments. Finding the right celebrant allows couples to tell their personalised story and sets the ambience for the celebration to come. A selection of celebrants are on hand to collaborate on an outstanding ceremony – from spiritual guides to impressive orators, there is someone to suit every event. A dedicated audio-visual team provides lighting and sound to set the mood while flowers and table decorations are thoughtfully chosen for colour and style in accord with the couple’s wedding palette. Elements Ibiza has access to an impressive stable of performers and artists. Acrobats, fire twirlers, Flamenco dancers, musicians, DJs, magicians and performers of all kinds add intrigue, humour and unique entertainment for guests.

Cuisine depends on the time of the wedding and is specially designed to fit the ambience of the celebration. Options include traditional sit-down dinners, buffet or cocktails and canapés. The Elements Ibiza chefs prepare everything from scratch, including Mediterranean classics such as paella, tapas and seafood extravaganzas. Created from locally-sourced seasonal produce, an Elements Ibiza wedding meal is nothing short of heavenly. In collaboration with the kitchen, couples can design their perfect feast matched with delectable libations. Famous for their divine desserts, the Elements Ibiza pastry chefs roll out the big guns when it comes to weddings. Naturally, there is the wedding cake beyond which guests can also enjoy a variety of sweet morsels including the best cheesecake on the island, chocolate fondants, tiramisu and homemade sorbets.

Brides may choose to arrive by boat, skipping across the crystal waters in place of the conventional walking down the aisle. As her bridesmaids escort her onto the sands into the arms of her true love, there will not be a dry eye on the beach. Dramatic and stunning, it’s an arrival to remember. The pier overlooking the sea is a stunning location to exchange rings while Cap Bernat – the rock emerging from the water known by locals as the hand of God – casts its shadow against the kaleidoscope of reds and blues. It’s a natural and striking backdrop for wedding photos. Declare your love in the most romantic and striking settings in Ibiza. Benirras is one the island’s most-loved spiritual centres and iconic weddings should take place in iconic locations. Sensational food, incomparable entertainment, and the most stunning view in Ibiza are all the elements required to create an unforgettable day. Up to 350 guests can be accommodated within the restaurant and terrace for the continuation of the joy, and Elements Ibiza bring it all together.

Queen of lashes

With over ten years’ experience under her stylish belt, Ibiza’s undisputed queen of lashes, Jayne Brami – founder of Lash by Jayne and an Advanced Lash Artist, Trainer and Professional Deluxe Eyelash Extension manufacturer – is, as usual, one step ahead of the pack when it comes to offering the latest lash technologies in 2018. Working all year round in Ibiza, her summer season is already in full swing, with many of the fab flutters you see on Ibiza’s beaches, dance floors and VIP areas right now a testament to her skills. Having seen the lash industry evolve exponentially over the last decades, the desire to raise standards has always been important to Jayne – in fact, this was the catalyst that pushed her to develop her own five-star premium brand and range of cutting-edge products. Tired of working with heavy, clumsy lashes that created a less-than-natural look, Jayne engineered a new phase in lightweight lashes with Premium Velvet Lashes, in addition to developing the safest EU standard adhesive.

With no fear of heavy clumps weighing your lids down or destroying your natural lashes, these revolutionary new products, coupled with Jayne’s extensive industry experience mean you won’t just be sporting a longer lash, but also a longer lasting lash. As your natural lashes continue to shed as they should, around every six to eight weeks, regular top-ups (every three to four weeks) are recommended to keep your flutter looking full, fresh and fabulous. Jayne also stocks M2 Beaute – the ultimate brand for eyelash and eyebrow care – to support and enhance the natural lashes throughout the process. Jayne is not simply an industry professional, but also an artist and a forward thinker, when it comes to using and developing incredibly advanced techniques. Not content with offering her clients Individual Lash Extension and Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions – where between two and eight lashes are applied to each natural lash – this season sees Jayne offering the latest innovation in beauty; Russian Mega Volume Eyelash Extensions. Between eight and twelve lashes are applied to the individual lash to create a beautifully light, feather-like fan across the eye, creating a look that’s a naturally striking masterpiece and uniquely designed to suit each client’s eye shape.

Jayne’s expertise comes into force from the minute you step through the door of her bright San Jordi studio for a consultation. She considers your face shape, eye shape, natural lash placement, plus length and fullness of existing lashes before recommending the length, curl and volume of lash extensions needed, then the artist’s work begins. In addition to her studio, Jayne is also available for private call-outs to villas, boats and hotels, however the ultimate experience takes place in-house, where even the temperature and humidity are controlled to guarantee the best application. Some clients find the experience so relaxing, they’ve been known to take ‘lash naps’! At first thought, you may presume Jayne’s client list is all females, but you’d be mistaken. In fact, Jayne says she’s seen an increase in the number of male clients over the past year, often asking for subtle extensions and added volume to accent their existing lashes – a natural progression from manscara! Male, female, gay, straight – absolutely everyone is welcome at the Lash by Jayne studio all year round, which is ideal for residents who wish to keep a full flutter throughout the cooler months, and a great excuse for an off-season mini-break for those clients who live abroad. The studio’s convenient location – just minutes from the airport – make it the ideal pit-stop after picking up your luggage, so you can continue onto whatever Ibiza adventures await in style.

Conscious and chic

Curated by the phenomenally chic Marinela Cifteli of forward-thinking label kurru kurru, this is a one-stop shop for island fashionistas. The kurru kurru label is paving the way for sustainable fashion with its line of gorgeous, flowing sustainable dresses. Made from cruelty-free silk and printed with toxic-free inks the designs are inspired by the shapes and colours found in the natural world. Macro photographic images of amethyst stones swirl in a dance of pinks and purples while the bright blossoms of mimosa sit proudly against a black background.

The focus on conscious fashion doesn’t stop there. The über-cool men’s board shorts made by Rizo come in an array of prints and colours. Avid surfers and sailors, the founders of this London-based company wanted to find a more ‘soulful, sustainable and sartorial approach to men’s swimwear’. Their shorts are made from 100-percent recycled and recyclable fabric and are digitally printed with earth-friendly inks in small batches. They’ll also recycle your old shorts and give you a 20-percent discount on your next pair. A passion for supporting small, local designers forms the ethos of the Cotton Beach Club boutique. Local label Mia Ibiza delivers a range of easy to wear cotton dresses in sharp geometric shapes. These are the ultimate throw on and go choice for beach lovers across the island. Simple yet elegant they are gorgeously matched with the Mia Ibiza handmade totes sporting the label’s signature triangle motif.

Jewellery line Victoria Deny has a select collection within the boutique. The Italian designer’s pieces take their cues from the voluptuous shapes of nature. The gold and enamel Fragments Ring is highly covetable and sits elegantly on the finger showing just a teasing sliver of skin. The line’s delicate necklaces evoke primal designs in sophisticated finishes. Pieces from jewellery designers gbgh make a confident statement. Their striking Justine necklace is reminiscent of foaming waves running up the shoreline. Rendered in gold or black these pieces only require a simple dress and a pair of strappy heels, et voila! When the party calls for something a little more light-hearted, opt for the fab Swarovski encrusted earrings by Caprice Decadent Bohemian. Fun and bright these are the perfect embellishments to spice up a plain t-shirt and jeans look.

Keeping sun safe has never been easier with a limited edition hand-woven visor. Woven with palm leaves in Bali, the retro design has been given an update for the Ibiza scene. Coming in raw or black, you might as well get both and match them with any number of the beachy accessories on offer from palm tree embroidered espadrilles to beach totes and towels. Once you’ve finished your divine meal on the Cotton Beach Club terrace with that majestic 180-degree view across the Med there is no better way to cap off the day than a visit to the boutique. Gorgeously arranged and selectively curated there really is something for everyone. Pick up a unique Ibiza souvenir, gifts for loved ones and most all something for yourself.

Woah… we’re halfway there

What? I hear some of you think. The season kicked off in mid-May and we’re already in August – this girl is pretty bad with numbers. But no, dear readers, I have crunched the numbers and checked them on a calendar and when you consider the summer extends all the way through until mid-October (even all the way to Halloween if you’re hard core), I can finally feel free to quote the great Jon Bon Jovi. Woooah – we’re halfway there! But what does this mean in reality, besides the fact I get to legitimately quote my childhood hero* in an article? Well, if you’re an Ibiza visitor it means you better get your skates on and book your summer holiday! [Random aside, but since we’re on the subject of skates anyway – have you seen the all-new Roller Disco at The Zoo Project? MUST do that before summer is over!] The clock is ticking, the prices of flights will soon start to rise and hotels and all the best villas will be booked out before you know it. Don’t let the season escape you without coming to visit!

For islanders, it means August – and all of its unique-to-Ibiza challenges – has arrived. [cue disgruntled sigh] If you want to put a more positive spin on it, it means the magical month of September is just four weeks away! [cue wistful sigh]. August is the month the island seems to triple in volume – of people, of cars, of boats, of parties, of EVERYTHING – while also tripling in heat. It’s the month where you really do need to exercise more caution and patience than any other throughout the year. In my opinion, it’s also the month where you need to practice gratitude – while it may seem like an inconvenience to some, this influx of tourism is what allows many businesses to extend their operations to the later months of the year when workers are less busy and have time to enjoy it. For seasonal workers, that’s just two more pay days to save those pennies for your winter rent/travel/living. For people who work all year round, like me, it’s a reminder that there are just over two more months to be frivolous and indulge in all the things that make the Ibiza summer so amazing – whether it’s a highly decadent dinner in a restaurant that closes at the end of summer, or the chance to watch the sun set into the sea from the west coast hotspots or watch the sun rise after a midweek night of clubbing. It means there’s only around two months left where the water temperature is still warm enough to go swimming without cringing (well as far as I’m concerned – it’s only one month!) but then again, there’s only two months to go before it’s easy to park at the beach and even easier to find a place that isn’t crowded.

The thing about the halfway point is, depending on your lifestyle on the island or your relationship to Ibiza, you can look at it in a cup half empty or full kind of way. You can be happy that there’s still so much time left to enjoy the island, or you can be sad that it will all be over before we know it. You can be annoyed that all your favourite places are filled with tourists, or you can be grateful that you’ll have the island to yourself again soon. You can choose to capitalise on the busy season before it disappears or you can opt to hibernate until it’s over. Ibiza means something different to everyone and we should always respect each other’s right to enjoy the island in our own unique ways. Whether you’ve had a good season, a bad season, or a season that is j-u-u-s-t right, you can always apply the lyrics of my all-time favourite song to the remainder of the summer. With 10 weeks down, and with 10 weeks to go, the best is yet to come… We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love We’ll give it a shot Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi – 1986 *A note to any other die hard Bon Jovi fans out there, I must admit, JBJ was never really my favourite. I was much more more a fan of Richie Sambora, the Heather Locklear and Cher dating guitarist. SWOON. I even learnt to play Wanted Dead or Alive on guitar I was so inspired by him, not to mention wearing peace signs and cowboy hats. But that’s a blog for another time… and probably another platform!