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The Glad Game

Over the past few months, I’ve done my very best not to go down the slippery slope of spending hours lost on/in social media. Given the year we’ve experienced, it’s not surprising at all that people are spending more time ‘socialising’ online – for a while there, what choice did we have? – but I can’t help but notice that the type of unsolicited comments people post on public forums tend to lean towards the negative side of the spectrum. I know, I know, everyone is entitled to freedom of speech but when I realised that my own mood was being affected by what I was reading, I also knew the easiest way to avoid that was to direct my attention elsewhere.

Sure, I still scroll through my feeds a couple of times a day (I’m only human), I check in on certain groups for info and assistance (shout out to all The Real Ibiza Residents and thank you Lesley Donald for posting all the need-to-know COVID info every damn day since March – you deserve a medal!), and I select my news sources wisely. Even when limiting my time online however, it’s still hard to completely avoid everything that triggers you on social media (for me it’s pro-Trumpers, anti-vaxxers, fake-pedo-hunters, blatant racists, constant-complainers, anti-clubbing evangelists, conspiracy nut jobs, aggressive Ibiza know-it-alls among others – you can see why i find it hard to navigate!), so I came up with a trick that helps me turn my attention elsewhere when I feel myself getting sucked into the vortex…

Now, before anyone points it out – I know the obvious solution would be to unfollow those who provoke me, but sometimes (in my opinion, not all the time, but definitely sometimes) it’s worth keeping your eye on the general mood and vibe in your community, or amongst your online friends. The old saying keep your friends close and your (fr)enemies closer springs to mind. So, instead of getting all worked up by threads created by people I’ve never even met or paying too much attention to all the negative energy that dominates so many online spaces, I simply decided to look for the good in everything – a bit like Pollyanna’s ‘Glad Game’. Turn that frown upside down. Always look on the bright side of life. Make the most of what you’ve got. Gratitude is an attitude. You get my drift…

I think I was probably around seven or eight years old when I first read the 1913 novel Pollyanna, and its sequel Pollyanna Grows Up. Despite my own propensity to complain or be sarcastic, the concept of the Glad Game stuck with me throughout my entire life and has helped me through countless situations. Still, I could never have imagined I’d be referencing it a few decades later, smack bang in the middle of a global pandemic. But here we are! Obviously, at the time the books were written, perky little Pollyanna had no idea that the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic was just around the corner – I wonder what she would have made of that! Anyway, as usual… I digress.

Putting a positive spin on things isn’t always easy at the start. First of all, you (well, when I say you, I mean me) really have to wonder why you feel so triggered by certain people, or certain opinions that aren’t aligned with your (and again, I mean mine) own. It can be difficult to discover that perhaps you aren’t really as open-minded as you once thought; it can be equally as challenging to find that friends you thought you knew very well are actually operating with a fundamentally different life philosophy. I’ve learned to accept that every time I make a snap judgement about someone (‘OMG can you believe she thinks we are going to have 5G robots activated in our blood?’), that same person could be making a snap judgement about me in reverse (‘OMG can you believe she is gullible enough to believe what a doctor tells her?’). Live and let live has certainly gotten a lot trickier lately – but we should still be GLAD that we are free to have our own opinions.

Once you’re over that hurdle, it gets a lot easier. The more you start looking for the positive things in life, the more you’ll see and feel them – that’s my experience anyway. It’s a skill that gets easier with time and practice. In the words of Pollyanna: ‘There is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it.’ And on that note… below are some of the things that I’ve noticed in Ibiza while looking on the bright side recently. Side note: In line with my positive perky Pollyanna attitude, I’ve intentionally left out the negative trigger element that led me to discover the good news. No point dwelling on anything bad – high vibes all round!

  • Some generous local restaurants have been sending hundreds of meals to the staff at the Ibiza hospitals, as a thank you for their tireless and brave work.
  • A return to empathy, as neighbours, who may never have known each other’s names just a year ago, are now regularly checking in on each other’s health and wellbeing.
  • Island residents are making a big effort to support their local shops and farmers – from fresh produce and beauty products to Christmas decorations, hand-made masks and so much more.
  • A barter community has been established amongst like-minded residents, who are now swapping their skills or trades for household appliances, home-made meals, fresh fruit and veggies, furniture and clothing.
  • Ibiza kids are adapting and evolving – but not complaining – about the changes to their school and social lives.
  • Adults are retraining and discovering a whole new set of skills or talents they didn’t realise they possessed before. For some, it’s a whole new lease on life – not to mention economic survival.
  • Residents are complying with the obligatory mask-wearing, showing much respect for the elderly and at-risk communities, healthcare and frontline workers and friends and family.
  • Everything is generally much cleaner and more hygienic. There can’t be anything wrong with cleaner tables and freshly washed hands!
  • More people are joining gyms and yoga studios (within the socially distanced regulations of course), or are out hiking, running and biking in the great outdoors, boosting their immunity and in general improving their health and fitness levels.
  • From coast to coast, the island’s sea water is the most crystal clear it’s been in years, filled with fish and turtles and still tempting enough to take a dip in December.
  • Police officers are using their powers for good – taking the time to be kind to little kids in the street, being understanding to those in need, and lenient on those who accidentally (genuinely) break the rules around curfew and mask-wearing.
  • There’s a renewed sense of hope among business owners, with the news of a COVID-19 vaccine stimulating anticipation for the summer 2021 season.
  • Islanders are adapting to the temporary local curfews – going out earlier, eating earlier and returning home earlier – in order to support those restaurants and bars who remain open.
  • The introduction of mandatory testing to enter Spain is making it so much easier for people to safely visit their loved ones over the holiday season.
  • People from all walks of life are getting involved (as volunteers or through donations) with the mammoth charity efforts to help feed those who are hungry in Ibiza, and to donate gifts to children who otherwise might have missed out on a visit from Santa this year. And on that note…
  • Christmas is still on! Hello blue-lit tree on Vara de Rey; hola sparkly fairy lights; welcome back market stalls and a socially distanced ho ho ho to good old Santa, who’s probably quite happy not to have to have hundreds of kids sit on his knee this festive season!

Now, I’m not saying life as we know it right now is easy. I’m not saying looking for the good, or expressing some gratitude, is the failsafe solution to the problems society is facing on a global scale. BUT IT HELPS. After all, it can be hard enough to live life, to act normal, to do your job (if you have one), to parent your children (if you have them!), to be a loving partner, a good friend, a good pet owner, to socialise safely and to shine your light towards the proverbial end of the tunnel while there’s an overarching air of sadness around us. It’s even harder if you’re also losing sleep while worrying about what other people think or say on the internet. But if this year (and Glennon Doyle) has taught us anything, it’s that we can do hard things, so why not do them while channelling a little Pollyanna?

‘Be glad. Be good. Be brave.’ Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna, 1913.

Handmade for comfort and joy

When Tara Sfez first launched the Numero 74 brand of ethical, organic, consciously created clothing, it was born from the desire to help women in a Thai community that had helped her family during a difficult time. The label became an international success, and expanded into children’s toys, blankets and homewares and in 2018, opened its flagship store in Ibiza, Numero 74 L’Atelier, in the heart of the Santa Gertrudis village. The store – which serves as a café, retail boutique and creative workshop for islanders of all ages – is run with the same ethos as the label, from the healthy and organic local ingredients used in the kitchen and the sustainable collections in the store, all the way to supporting healing through creativity in its varied workshops.

When the effects of the 2020 crisis started to become apparent here in Ibiza, Tara – known to her friends and throughout the Ibiza community as Poupy – was passionate about keeping the Numero 74 L’Atelier dream alive, albeit on a streamlined, socially distanced manner. Now, more than ever, she believed the island’s visitors and residents needed healing through beautiful experiences more than ever. Over summer, the brand offered luxurious take-away picnics to enjoy safely in the campo or on the beach, in addition to providing workshops in homes, villas and hotels, small-scale bespoke events complete with styling and catering, plus the existing instore offerings. Now that the winter months have arrived, Tara has refocused her vision and created an all-new concept that’s filled with tidings of comfort and joy.

It all started last winter, when the Numero 74 L’Atelier team would come to work wearing their own black cardigans or jumpers over the signature, organic cotton uniforms created by the brand. Of course, they needed to keep warm while working – there was no doubt about that! – but Tara felt inspired to create some winter knits in keeping with the organic aesthetic, soft textiles and rich colour palettes the label was known for. An avid crochetier and experienced knitter, Tara set about designing patterns for a handmade mohair sweater and jumper her team could wrap themselves up in over the cooler months and created the first samples herself. Then, alongside team member and fellow knitting aficionado Anika, an entire staff uniform collection was handmade here in Ibiza.

It wasn’t long before Numero 74 L’Atelier customers began asking the team where they could get their hands on these stylish pieces. The chunky, cosy sweaters and oversized kimono wraps were oh-so-perfect for winter days spent lazing around the house, or as a snug layer to throw over your outfit when out and about on the island. This sparked an idea in Tara’s mind, however the onset of the island lockdown meant it would have to wait… until now. With the summer season done and dusted, and the seasonal chills kicking in, it’s time for the knitting needles to come out of storage and a new collection to be unveiled – one with a soul-warming touch that makes investing in winter warmers (for yourself or as gifts) all the more rewarding.

“When I opened Numero 74 L’Atelier, I had a dream to be able to produce something locally,” says Tara. “When I was visualising the struggles people on the island would be experiencing this winter, I thought it would be great if we could find women on the island who could knit for us – from their own homes – and create a source of income for them. I felt it was what was needed right now.” She placed a call out on Instagram, asking for knitters to come to Numero 74 L’Atelier and learn more about her new project, and has since built up a collective of around 15 local women, of all ages and from all backgrounds, who hand-knit the luxurious designs – now also including scarves, beanies, mittens and childrens pieces – that are then placed on sale in the boutique, and in the new Artisan e-shop on the brand’s website to ship around the world.

The women’s circle gathers every Saturday in the Numero 74 L’Atelier workshop, to submit the beautiful pieces they have poured their hearts into knitting throughout the week. Tara and her team invite the knitters to join them for lunch, and to share knowledge between them, and with any others who may want to learn to knit themselves. “It’s really beautiful,” says Tara. “I see so many positive things in this project. We can see and feel the love and happiness of these women through the products they make here in Ibiza – they are so proud, and that was part of the goal too, to create that mindset.” Each heart and handmade piece takes around one full day to produce, and comes with a label signed by the knitter so you know you’re purchasing an authentic product.

“The project is about transmission,” says Tara. “It means if someone on the island can’t afford to buy the finished project, they can enrol in the workshops at Numero 74 L’Atelier on a Saturday (25€ for two hours), and learn the basics, or if they already know the basics, they can learn to make the models we have. We also offer them a 20% discount on the wool in our shop, so they can create the same product at a much lower price. The workshops are open to everyone – you can come simply to learn and make your own, or you can keep learning until you are skilled enough to start producing in your own time and create a job for yourself. Some of the women we’ve met are super skilled and are already developing new patterns with us.’”

For Tara, this new initiative is the fruition of a long-term dream to support the local community and bridge the gap between the busy summer months and the long winter. “It’s a beautiful circle,” she says. “It will evolve. I hope to develop the concept further in the future, to encourage creativity and include things like crochet, ceramics and macrame.” The final piece of the puzzle of course, is that sales of the gorgeous knitwear – made from fluffy mohair or soft virgin and alpaca wool – go straight back into the local community. “The island is suffering right now, and this project is about supporting Ibiza,” Tara concludes. “With the new Numero 74 L’Atelier e-shop, we can also ship worldwide to those people who couldn’t come to the island this summer, or who love Ibiza and came in summer but are back home now and still want to support the place they love.” Just in time for Christmas…

A little help for our friends

After months and months of reading news filled with the words unprecedented, uncertain, unexpected, unnecessary, unfair (and the list of un-words goes on), we believe now is the time for the 2020 rhetoric to shift to a positive note. Yes, so many lives have been flipped upside down and back again – and a lot of them might be flipping all over again – however these challenging times have also revealed some truly inspiring stories, uncovered incredibly motivational people, and highlighted the wonderfully good side of the human spirit. If you feel like you need a break from scrolling through election results, lockdown rules, travel restrictions, virus statistics, conspiracy theories and even banal celebrity gossip, please don’t put down your device just yet – these kind-hearted and hard-working Ibiza organisations need a little help from our friends and will give you a reason to smile.

Food for thought… and our friends

This island has long been associated with hedonism, excess and wealth, but those who live here all year round know that for many islanders, the off-season months can be hard. When the crisis hit Ibiza back in March, a new non-profit organisation was launched by Ibiza entrepreneur Luke Peppe, and a passionate team of volunteers, to ensure no family in Ibiza went hungry while the island was in lockdown. What no one could have anticipated was the incredulous number of people in Ibiza who – due to reasons beyond their control – could not afford to put food on the table for their families. At the same time, another inspiring local, Marco Martín, was also doing his best to provide food to those in Ibiza who were struggling through his own initiative, Carritos Solidarios MM. Fast forward to today, and the two charities have joined forces to create a super-charity, and are currently providing food to well over 6000 people per week in Ibiza (in addition to the local Caritas, run by Cruz Roja). On an island with a population of around 150,000, that figure is truly heartbreaking and the reality is – it may rise as we head into deep winter, with many restaurants, bars and hotels that would normally be open all year round being forced into temporary closure, along with the farms and providers that may have supplied them.

You could fill any of Ibiza’s superclubs to the brim with 6000 people on any given night of the week last year – and today, the same amount are on the brink of going hungry each day. There are now many regular food drives taking place around the island – for example in schools, in over 70 supermarkets or at major meeting points – plus raffles, competitions and auctions being created to help raise money that will be converted to food vouchers for fresh meat and dairy products at Spar supermarkets around the island (find out more at the link below). The charities are also calling for volunteers, to man supermarket trolley collection points and help distribute over seven tonnes to Ibiza families each week. While the lockdown itself lasted a few months, the knock-on effects will continue throughout the entire upcoming winter and perhaps beyond – if you’re not on the island, but are in a position to help those who need it, you can also make a financial donation via the link. And if you are in Ibiza, and you are struggling to find money to eat, or are perhaps sacrificing your own health and welfare in order to provide for your family, please don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance, without judgement. No one should ever go hungry, on an island where so many people live in such abundance.

Click here to visit the Ibiza Food Bank website to find out how you can help.

Caring for cats… the kings and queens of the internet!

If there’s anything that the lockdown has taught society – above and beyond washing our hands, coughing into our elbows and learning what an effective social distance is – it’s that cats are well and truly the leaders of the universe. What would a lockdown day be without a steady stream of cat memes? In fact, were you even on Instagram if you didn’t LOL at a snap of a cat, or indeed, post one yourself? Ibiza has always been known as an island that is sympathetic to the plight of feral or stray cats, with a handful of local non-profit organisations and an army of volunteers focusing on rescuing abandoned or mistreated kitties, trapping and neutering colonies of cats in the wild to avoid overpopulation and also keeping said colonies fed, watered and as healthy as possible, plus re-homing those cats who’ve been dumped, rescued and nursed back to health.

Care 4 Cats is perhaps the best known cat charity on the island, having been established over 20 years ago and growing ever since. Fortunately, throughout the lockdown, volunteers were able to get permits to continue their feeding and rescue efforts, however once the island was reopened for business, the charity lost almost 50% of its funding due to the pandemic. On one side, this is due to the fact many of the government trusts the association received grants from have temporarily closed down, and the other it’s the fact that they have received less donations. Of course, it’s completely understandable that in these times people aren’t able to give as generously as they may have been able to in the past, if at all, yet this doesn’t stop the clowders of cats around the island requiring food and medical assistance on a day to day basis – not to mention breeding (and multiplying rapidly) if they aren’t sterilised. If you are in a position to make even the smallest donation to these most wonderful organisations, please click the link below. If you’re here on the island and want to do more, you can volunteer to foster rescue kittens while they wait to be rehomed, or – even better – why not adopt your very own Ibiza rescue cat? Sabine’s Cats is an amazing animal rescue centre who work tirelessly to rescue and rehome cats – but if you aren’t able to adopt, you can still make donations of pet food or money through the link.

Click here to visit the Care4Cats website and donate, or here to contact Sabine’s Cat and adopt an Ibiza rescue!

Spiky but not sharp… help our hedgehogs!

Meanwhile, down at ground level – literally – there’s another population in Ibiza that’s constantly in need of assistance, and that’s the island’s hedgehogs. While these cute little bundles are definitely spikey, they are (sadly) not always the sharpest tools in the shed. Hedgehogs often find themselves in all kinds of trouble, for example, by wandering off onto the roads at night time, by wandering into people’s yards and being attacked by other animals, and even by eating slugs, which infect them with parasites. Enter Can Hog – a hedgehog hospital run by founder Adila Hiam, who initially used to take in rescued hedgehogs and hoglets that she’d spot on her travels in Ibiza. Over time, she began to become known as Ibiza’s official caregiver – and as the animals are protected in Ibiza, she undertook a qualification in order to be able to nurse them back to health – and Can Hog turned from a big-hearted hobby to a full-time hospital.

While hedgehogs may not be physically affected by lockdowns or human health crises, Can Hog is, as less tourists have visited the island to leave donations, and less local people are able to volunteer, or make donations of cat food (yes, that’s what nurses them back to health – anything but fish-flavoured, in case you were wondering) due to their personal limitations. At the same time, there’s around a hedgehog per day dropped off at Can Hog for rehabilitation and they often take up to six weeks to heal. You can find cute bumper stickers at shops around the island, offer to foster a little patient or orphaned hoglet as it builds up strength to be released into the wild, or make a donation to feeding and vet costs via the link below if you have a little extra to share with these tiny members of the Ibiza ecosystem.

Click here to contact Can Hog for more information on how to donate or volunteer

Adopt, don’t shop… Ibiza’s four-legged homeless friends

Sure, cats get most of the glory on the internet, but it’s lovely, loyal dogs who receive more screen time, be it in television shows, TV commercials or in movies. Toto, Scooby Doo, Cujo, Lassie, Snoopy, Old Yeller, Rin Tin Tin, Santa’s Little Helper and even the cynical Brian Griffin – the list is almost never-ending. And just like Ibiza’s homeless and helpless hoglets and kittens, there are plenty of shelter dogs out there looking for new homes, or volunteers to help them stretch their legs each day, in addition to shelters seeking donations of blankets, beds, bowls, food, medication and of course, money.

You can’t put a value on the love of a four-legged friend, and during these times when people may be experiencing less human contact than usual, that’s all the more reason to adopt a pooch! A dog gives you a reason to bounce out of bed in the mornings, to get out amongst nature, and also a warm furry heartbeat to snuggle up to at night. Here in Ibiza, Sa Coma is an animal shelter in the heart of the island, that’s currently in desperate need of help in any way you possibly can. A lot of the dogs in the shelter are large dogs, that require plenty of walking and volunteers are encouraged to visit the shelter and take a hound out in the beautiful surrounding countryside for an hour or so on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 11am, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Adoption, of course, is the ultimate end game and it’s hard not to fall in love with each dog you walk – they’ve all perfected the art of ‘puppy dog eyes’. Visit the link to see some of the sweet faces looking for new families, and find out more about volunteering, adoption or donating.

Click here to read more about Sa Coma, and get in touch about adopting or walking a shelter dog, or making a donation.

Santa Claus IS coming to town (and the campo) this year

It’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ibiza, as the towns and villages have started stringing their Christmas lights in the streets, and the local government are encouraging residents across the island to decorate their homes and apartments in an effort to bring as much socially distanced festivity as possible to end the year with a sparkly bang. Sadly, all the usual Christmas events for kids – such as the annual fun fair and the big Three Kings parade, plus markets and special parties – have been put on hold for 2020 (for obvious reasons) but there’s talk of sending Santa and his elves through all the streets of each town so kids don’t feel that the Grinch has taken over the island.

There’s no denying this Christmas is going to be tough on many people around the globe this year, and here in Ibiza it’s no different. Some may experience mental health struggles without being able to travel to see their nearest and dearest, and others – as above – may find it difficult to put food on the table each day, let alone prepare a festive feast or source gifts from Santa. With this in mind, a local NGO – Equip Voluntari, who also work alongside Ibiza Food Bank – have launched a Christmas gift donation program to ensure every child in Ibiza receives a Christmas gift this year. At the moment they have over 200 kids on their list, which is no doubt increasing by the day. If you’ve got the ability to play Secret Santa for an Ibiza child who otherwise may feel as if they’ve been put on the naughty list, Equip Voluntari has seven collection points across the island where you can leave a wrapped gift for boys and girls in three age groups (babies to 36 months, children 3 to 12 and teenagers 13 to 18). Santa is definitely considered a key worker in these challenging times – but he might need a little anonymous help from his friends to make sure every kid in Ibiza gets a gift this year.

Call Sheila from Equip Voluntari on +34 674 464 038 or visit the Facebook page for more information

Architectural freedom

The ultimate goal for any person working in a creative field is freedom. It’s tough to achieve as – even in the most solitary of artistic endeavours – there is the inevitable moment of compromise and collaboration. In architecture, creative freedom always comes with a caveat. There are legislative constrictions, topographical obstacles and the sometimes impossible desires of clients. For the architects involved in Sabina Ibiza, an exclusive property development in Ibiza’s west, freedom was the concept right from the start.

Conceived by British property developer Anton Bilton with co-founders Agustín del Pino and Glyn Hirch, Sabina Ibiza is a collection of ultra-luxurious homes designed specifically to attract and create a community of like-minded people. Designed to be built in stages, the first phase – now complete – consists of a communal clubhouse and a series of homes designed by Ibiza’s most illustrious architects – Jordi Carreño, Rolf Blakstad and Jaime Romano.

Carreño has been involved in the Sabina Ibiza project since 2015, and was responsible for the master plan. The site sits on 17 hectares of Mediterranean gardens and pine forest under Sa Talaia, the highest peak on Ibiza. The concept was refined over many brainstorming sessions aimed to find a way to convert the three founders’ vision into reality. “It was a process,” says Carreño. “I had to find order in all the ideas to arrive at where we are today. There was a moment where everything changed and started to make sense – that was when I proposed that each of the houses should be one level. That single element brought cohesion to the volumes of the whole estate.”

In addition to being the architectural coordinator of the project, there are also also six of Carreño’s own designs included in phase one. “For this project, my goal was to bring a modern, global viewpoint to the traditions of Ibiza,” he says. “There is a clear intention of maintaining links to the Mediterranean and the island and without departing from that idea, I wanted to bring it further into the contemporary.” Carreño’s homes connect the ancient and established farmlands of Ibiza with the flourishing Mediterranean gardens of Sabina Ibiza. The shape is elongated and opens completely on one side, flooding the spaces with natural light. The flat roof is covered with greenery and scattered with wildflowers, providing a seamless transition between the natural environment and the architecture.

One of the many gifts Sabina Ibiza has afforded Carreño is the opportunity to closely collaborate with some of his island colleagues plus a roster of big international names. It’s rare for an architect to step into the studios and minds of his peers. “To get to see how each of these architects work was a privilege,” he says. “Normally you see their projects when they are finished, but this time I got to see the process and stages. I had access to their kitchens and got to see how they cook. It was very special to work so closely with people of such standing.”

The Blakstad name has a long association with Ibiza. Rolph Blakstad, the founder of the architectural and design firm of the same name, arrived in Ibiza in the late 1950s and set up his studio in the 1970s. Today, the legacy is continued by his children, with son Rolf taking the helm. With a style firmly rooted in the history of the local architecture, a Blakstad home has become shorthand for a certain style of modern farmhouse. “It’s very much about the flow between the interior and exterior spaces,” Rolf Blakstad says. “Because 80% of living on Ibiza is done outdoors, we make the two realms unfold into each other.” With shapes reminiscent of the crumbling farmhouses still seen across the island, Blakstad’s Sabina Ibiza designs contain notes of historic importance with a modern outlook. Bright and spacious with clean simple lines, he aims to create comfortable year-round living.

The Clubhouse and Temple in the communal parts of the development were also designed by Blakstad and set the general tone for the way life at Sabina Ibiza will evolve. “The concept as a whole was fantastic,” Blakstad says. “I have deep gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in this project. It was really something special.” The Blakstad style slides faultlessly into the landscape, both complementing and contrasting with the designs of other architects.

Jaime Romano is the third of the local architects to be involved with Sabina Ibiza. When he was first approached he had his doubts about the project, but soon came to realise the scope and goal could work, and work beautifully. “Jordi’s layout was very clever,” he says. “It has harmony and consistency and I was very confident in the vision.” Romano’s design has a touch of California modernism about it with slender pillars and sharp edges. “It’s a contemporary approach but with local materials,” he says. “The textures belong to the Mediterranean.”

Romano used Piedra Marés, a sandstone found in southern Italy, Menorca and Mallorca – the very same stone that was quarried by the Phoenicians in Ibiza. The quarries left behind in the Balearics and some parts of Italy are beautiful and ghostly reminders of architecture’s ancestors. The method of extracting the stone leaves uneven vertical lines carved into the surface, at first wobbly from the hand mining methods of the Phoenicians and Romans, then slowly becoming more uniform as the centuries went by, bringing with them machinery and precision. “You can see how the technology advanced by looking at these quarries,” says Romano. “I cut the stone to emulate these beautiful old spaces.” The result within Sabina Ibiza is stunning – a manifesto to the project’s Mediterranean roots.

Working with a developer is not always easy as creativity and fiscal concerns can be a challenge to each other, however each of these master designers has found the Sabina Ibiza experience to be singularly freeing. While the common restrictions remain, creativity was permitted to flourish with little interruption from the founders and their team. “One of the advantages of working with Anton was that we were given a blank canvas,” says Romano. There is no one author to this effort, built with unfailing commitment and anticipation. The overarching theme and shared philosophy beyond beautiful aesthetics is the desire to do something wonderful and to do it well. The outcome is a communal work of art.

Diversity in design

Designing, building, renovating, landscaping, interiors, exteriors, lighting, plumbing, carpentry, styling – oh my! In the early stages of any Ibiza residential project, there’s so much to consider and for a homeowner, it can feel as though the end stage is a lifetime away. Enlisting Bloom Studio Ibiza – a full-service architecture and interior design studio – takes away any stress and uncertainty out of such works, as the team of on-island experts sees projects through from concept to completion with a clear vision and unrivalled creativity – not to mention a meticulous and achievable time frame. At a time when many people are seeking to create a home that truly is their haven, or invest in a second home where they can seek solace from the world when needed, the Bloom Studio Ibiza team are in high demand.

Specialising in high-end residential projects – ranging from new builds to large-scale renovations or restorations – Bloom Studio Ibiza was founded by British-born and qualified architect Kit Maplethorpe in 2016. His experience in Ibiza dates back to 2011, both independently and in collaboration with the island’s biggest names in architecture and project management. Prior to that, Kit worked his architectural magic on luxury homes in the UK after qualifying as an architect in 2007. As the demand for his services and expertise on the island increased (through word of mouth alone), expansion was the next logical step and Kit assembled a dream team of architects and interior designers hailing from technical, creative, artistic and production backgrounds – Bloom Studio Ibiza was in business.

Today, the team is headed up by Kit, who combines his creative prowess with the technical skills of his colleague Sam Benoist Jackson, an experienced architect who specialises in the finer details such technical drawings, designing carpentry packages, mechanical engineering, electric lighting plans among other elements. Rather than using a signature style or typical brand aesthetic, Bloom Studio Ibiza work closely with each client, opting to design unique concepts that align with each project’s location and the owners’ style and needs. Their strength lies in the ability to develop a bespoke home concept, then break it down to the very finest degree – from the way shelves are fitted to how different materials junction with one another, documented through an intricate series of 3D drawings so there are no hidden surprises throughout the process. They take the vision and build it virtually, to ensure it can also be implemented onsite.

While the brand’s heritage is based heavily in architecture, it wasn’t long before Kit realised he needed to extend the Bloom Studio Ibiza services to include interior design and decoration. It’s only natural, after all, that when a new home or renovation is complete that it will also require decoration, and keeping the styling on par with the design of the home ensures a consistent feel, and authentic essence, throughout the house. This is where the style-savvy skills of Ibiza-based interior designer Sarah Elkabas – who boasts a background in international fashion styling – comes in. Alongside her assistant Florence Gillot, who joined the team in recent years, Sarah works tirelessly to source one-of-a-kind pieces that are j-u-s-t right for each project, and often collaborates with designers to develop bespoke furnishings from beds and sofas to alfresco dining suites, chill-out beds and much more.

Together, the Bloom Studio Ibiza team are an incredible asset to any Ibiza project. When architects and interior designers are involved on a project together from day one, the creative and functional possibilities become endless – not to mention much more achievable than if you were to approach the design and decoration of your home as two separate tasks. While Kit and Sam are working behind the scenes to create stylish and functional spaces, Sarah and Florence are getting to know their clients tastes and lifestyles in order to be able to kit out each space with not only the right aesthetics, but also with furniture and décor that works in tandem with the property, and the people who use it. Being able to switch off from the technical side of things, and think in terms of beauty, ambience and functionality, allows them to think outside the box, while staying true to the style of the building – needless to say, there are no cookie cutter interiors in any Bloom Studio Ibiza project.

This ethos runs to the exteriors as well. For Kit and Sam, no two projects are alike, and this diversity in their work is just the way they like it. Slick and contemporary new builds, rustic ancient farmhouses transformed into family homes, urban structures in the heart of the countryside and ultra-luxe finca restorations that breathe new life into an old home – the original style of the house and its location influences the architecture throughout, from the structural layout of the interior spaces to the terraces and gardens. It’s all about balance. The entire team at Bloom Studio Ibiza love the challenge of working with a property refurbishment – finding solutions to their client’s needs within the existing structure, and drawing on their varied experience and vast knowledge to make them a reality.

The flow between the architecture and interiors is evident in every project – absolutely everything – be it the tapware in a bathroom or kitchen, to the art on the walls, the ceramics in the kitchen or even the lighting and soft furnishings – has been chosen to be client-specific. Sarah has a huge database of luxurious brands she can draw on when needed, however much of the furniture used in Bloom Studio Ibiza projects is bespoke. Sarah prefers to design pieces that fit with the house, understanding that each project is completely personal and just as no two houses are alike, nor are the people who live within the spaces. Her well-honed intuition means she suggests pieces of furniture before you even know you need them – a rare skill on an island where instant gratification is often the driving force behind interiors – and if it doesn’t already exist, she has the contacts to have it custom-made to order.

While each of the key team members at Bloom Studio Ibiza are creatively driven, no technical detail is overlooked and the foursome have spent years building up a portfolio of trustworthy contacts, from the very best plumbers, electricians and carpenters on the island, to builders and other tradesmen. There’s no fear of a ‘mañana mañana’ work ethic when embarking on an Ibiza project with Bloom Studio Ibiza – from the initial conceptual drawings, through to tender, project management and then the finishing touches with furniture and décor, the works are seen through personally on a day-to-day basis by the team themselves – right up until the moment the owners fly into Ibiza and are handed the keys to their home. Most projects are completed within a nine month time frame, with various projects in different stages all year round, meaning that for Kit, Sam, Sarah and Florence, every single day is different, keeping them inspired, motivated and passionate about their work.

Return of the blogger

So… have you missed me, dear readers? Did anyone even notice I was gone? I’ll probably never know the answer to the former, but I’m pleased to say the second is a rhetorical question. You see, I’ve received a handful of messages lately asking what happened to my blog and if I was OK. In fact, I’ve been asking myself the very same questions since I decided to take a sabbatical from blogging back in May, as we neared the end of our national lockdown, and the island was preparing to lift its restrictions on tourism and salvage what was left of the summer. Wow, how time flies…

In short, nothing happened to my blog – it’s still here and I was just taking a break from writing it, for reasons that I’ll go into below (should you care to read them) – and yes, I’m OK (thanks for asking!). It was a strange and very short season here on the white isle in 2020 – just as it’s been a strange year all round in most places. It’s still strange – nothing yet feels ‘normal’. For me, the past few months have been a very intense period of ups and downs, highs and lows, dark and light, positive and negative, happiness and sadness, anxiety and inspiration, denial and deep soul-searching – just like they were for many others. And as a result, after 12 years of using the White Ibiza platform to express my feelings all year round, I decided to keep them to myself for a change.

Sure, I could have written some token, perky, fluffy posts of positivity about the sun shining in Ibiza or the blissfulness of Ibiza’s beautiful beaches, declared that life was like the bohemian 70s again or even just waxed lyrical about my cats (my favourite subject), but it wasn’t where my head was at. I didn’t feel comfortable pretending everything was OK when in fact, my mind was racing and my heart was pounding on a daily basis, worrying about the state of the island, and indeed, the world. I wanted to write about things that really mattered. I wanted to share my true thoughts – even when they were a bit dark and doomy, or perhaps not even related to Ibiza – and yet, I stopped writing for fear of being judged.

You see, over the course of the lockdown period, I was called (among other things) a sheep, a fascist (I mean, really?), ignorant and blind for sharing my personal thoughts through this blog and on social media. My thoughts, by the way, are not hugely controversial or offensive, they’re based on common sense, and are 100% my own – they are not the opinions of White Ibiza or pay-for-post advertisers. I found myself with stalkers and haters (par for the course, when you put yourself on a public platform, I suppose), including one who was publicly shaming me, another who was privately sending me streams of aggressive and argumentative abuse, with endless links to conspiracy-type spam, and a few who were just plain creepy. And while in previous years I may have had the strength to handle it, this time it really got to me. 2020 wasn’t your ordinary year, after all.

As a writer, you (should) learn to accept criticism for any work you’ve felt confident enough to share on a public forum – developing a thick skin is part of the job, no matter how sensitive you may be. But these random strangers had me questioning whether my opinions mattered, whether they were relevant enough, if they were insensitive (I hope not!), just plain self-indulgent (surely on your own platform, that’s OK to some extent?), and whether I was justified in sharing them with our readers at all. There’s something a little frightening about someone you’ve never met attacking you every single time you express an opinion that is different to theirs. It starts to feel personal, like a vendetta. Someone challenging your ideas is one thing – someone hating on you for the sake of it is another. Ah, celebs – I don’t know how you do it!

I remember very clearly the day I decided to stop posting. It was a few days after the murder of George Floyd in America, being horrified and heartbroken after watching that video and the subsequent media frenzy that surrounded it. I found myself confronting the concept of systemic racism (both as an individual and in our society) as I watched the BLM movement grow. As I always do when something stirs up emotions in me, I started to write. And I wrote and I wrote, and as always it was therapeutic… and yet, when I’d finished the piece, it felt too personal to share. At the time, I used the excuse that it ‘wasn’t very Ibiza’ and pushed it to one side. On one hand, I was worried how my opinions about something happening on the other side of the world would be perceived by our readership; on the other, I was simply afraid of being the target of abuse.

The following months were a blur, as we navigated our way through a summer season unlike any other. While everyone else had been at home baking banana bread, learning a language, practicing yoga, doing home workouts, home schooling their kids or even just binge-watching TV, I was tap-tap-tapping on the laptop from morning until way into the night, writing anything and everything except my own opinions. In between epic all-nighters, all I could do was sleep. So, when the ‘season’ started, I wasn’t in the mood to socialise, to go to the beach (although regular readers of this blog will know I don’t like the beach – finally, I had an excuse!) or do anything that involved physical exertion. I was exhausted – drained, burnt out and still feeling worried about the state of life as we know it. Aren’t we all? (Side note: this is not a woe is me post in any way! I have a point and I’ll get to it below.)

Then, the season was unexpectedly cut short, and I found myself with more time to ponder my own thoughts. It wasn’t long before I felt the urge to put pen to paper again (or fingers to keyboard, as the case may be). That time spent away from blogging, feeling all the feels – not faking it for content, or fluffing things up to sound like life is perfect – was good for me. Because now that I’m back at the computer, I’ve got courage in my own convictions again. Instead of thinking about a return to ‘normal’ or dwelling on what we’ve lost or missed, I believe it’s time to change the narrative, and work towards a more evolved future, focusing on what we’ve learned. One thing I’ve learned is that our little island is a survivor and it will get through whatever else 2020 throws at it. And I’ll be right here where we left off, sharing my thoughts and opinions as we get through it together. That’s right, dear readers – Miss W is back.

Living la vida local

The summer season as we know it has come to an end much sooner than usual in 2020, however for those who still have an October trip on the cards, all is not lost! The island has simply segued into winter mode a little earlier than expected, and if you’ve ever heard an Ibiza resident wax lyrical about the off-season, then you’ll know you’re in for an extra special treat. Our on-island team – all year-round locals themselves – have rounded up a list of the best places to dine in Ibiza this October. Fantastic food, both rustic and luxe settings, that same warm Ibiza service and no crowds – this month, it’s all about living (and dining) la vida local!

Breakfast: The best way to start to the day

In summer, islanders are usually up and off to work – perhaps with a quick homemade coffee and a tostada before hitting the road. In ‘winter’ however (yes, we know it’s autumn, but here in Ibiza, locals tend to simply split the year into two seasons, summer and winter), there’s plenty more time to treat yourself to the types of brekkie or brunch spreads you often see tourists sharing on Instagram – and thankfully, there are still quite a few places open that tick all the right boxes in terms of freshness, variety, quality and indeed, quantity! None of our team members can walk past a Passion Café – Marina Ibiza, Vara de Rey [pictured], San José and Santa Eulalia are all still open – in the morning without being tempted in by the scent of the island’s finest coffee, then staying for the mega breakfasts on offer. All types of pancakes, the island’s biggest avo toast menu, eggs aplenty, creative juices and smoothies, healthy bowls, corn fritters – you name it or you crave it, you’ll find it at Passion.

Meanwhile, over on the west coast of the island, there’s a new place in town that’s piqued our interest when it comes to brunch – Hawker Beach Club Ibiza looks over the beach of Cala de Bou and offers a creative breakfast and brunch fusion that crosses continents and cultures – from yoga brekkies and the classic full English, to New York style salmon bagels and then over to Latin America for arepas or Thailand for Yam Kai Do with a fried egg and back to the Med for a Spanish tortilla with jamon Iberico. There are only a few weeks left to try it, so be sure to book a table before October is out. In the village of Santa Gertrudis, Numero 74 L’Atelier is another breakfast favourite – fresh baked croissants and pastries, healthy bowls with tapioca or seasonal fruit, banana cake, Ibiza almond cake (we love cake for breakfast!), all available to eat in the sunny, spacious garden or take-away to sit on the beach. Just around the corner, at Wild Beets (another island institution when it comes to health and wellness), you can tuck into healthy and homemade, plant-based dishes such as blueberry porridge, almond and coconut raw porridge, chia breakfast bowls, eggless scrambles and so much more.

Beach lunches: Because the sun’s still shining!

Ibiza ‘winters’ are renowned for being filled with sunshine – apparently the sun shines on Ibiza for 300 days a year and aside from the odd monthly downpour, we often don’t see cloudy skies until at least February. All the more reason to live the beach life, and there are still plenty of amazing places to indulge in a long, luxurious seaside lunch – if you know where to look! You’ll need to be quick if you want to catch lunch at the iconic Amante Ibiza, which remains open until the end of this month, much to the delight of locals who can’t find the time to nab a table in the summer. Back towards Ibiza town, just a few minutes’ drive down the bumpy camino to the secluded cove od S’Estanyol, Cala Bonita also remains open (locals are hoping it will sustain its usual year-round hours), serving up some of the finest fresh Mediterranean fare right on the beach.

Over on the west coast, the stunning Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito [main photo] continues to impress locals and visitors alike daily with its Valencian style rice dishes and amazing grilled meats and fish – not to mention the beautiful views and relaxed ambience of the protected cove it presides over – reservations still highly recommended. And finally, on the south east coast of Ibiza, looking out over the sands of Es Cavallet and across to Dalt Vila, the family-run institution that is La Escollera [pictured] has always been a resident’s winter beach restaurant of choice – open 365 days a year and offering a combination of dishes based on decades-old family recipes and new contemporary creations (with a great selection for vegans). If you’re thinking to the future and wondering about Christmas in Ibiza, this is the place to be!

Campo classics: The countryside shines in autumn

When the seasons change (in this case we’ll concede to call it autumn), there’s nowhere more beautiful to be than the gorgeous Ibiza countryside. The light is just a little more golden, the air just a little more crisp (note, not cold!) and a breeze rustles the treetops with an air of romance that’s unlike the heavy, humid summer days and nights. It’s fair to say that the north of the island shines at this time of year and there’s an array of restaurants in the heart of the campo that remain open so you can dine beneath the trees, by fields of flowers (or sheep) or even right next to the organic garden where your food has been grown. La Paloma has long been a local’s favourite, from the days when it was a secret, until now, when it’s almost impossible to score a walk-in during summer. In the off season however, the pace is a lot slower – lazy lunches in the sunny garden from Wednesday to Sunday, or get cosy in the interior by night from Thursday to Saturday.

Keep driving north and take a right turn to follow the winding roads to luxury Agroturismo Atzaró, where the garden restaurant La Veranda offers the opportunity to sit beneath the shade of a vine-covered trellis, surrounded by beautiful lush lawns, orange groves and ancient olive trees. Farm-to-fork is the concept here, and you won’t find any fresher – the produce comes straight from the expansive Atzaró Vegetable Garden, right onsite. Back on the road, and just before you reach the village of San Juan, Shamarkanda offers a rustic hideaway, with an amazing fusion restaurant saluting the best of Asia and the Mediterranean alike, with live music on Sundays. And of course, one can’t visit San Juan without paying a visit to the iconic secret garden, The Giri Café [pictured] – whether by day or by night, the magic of this restaurant has been winning the hearts of island foodies for a decade now. Be sure to pay a visit before the season is up!

Date night: Where to snuggle up for winter romance

The arrival of winter in Ibiza normally gives couples an excuse to bunker down and Netflix and chill, but after experiencing a three-month lockdown right before summer, it’s easy to see why islanders in love (or those on the dating scene!) are keen to still spend their nights exploring the island. We’re not ready to stay home or inside just yet! Dining alfresco is still a possibility – though wrapping up warm is recommended, as restaurants can sadly no longer give clients blankets to keep warm due to the C-word – and with some of the most beautiful, and Instagrammable locations in the world on our doorstep, it’s not hard to find a place with cosy corners, great food and an intimate, romantic atmosphere to spend your date night.

La Mesa Escondida, housed within boutique hotel Petunia Ibiza, wins hands-down when it comes to views – the restaurant has a front row view of the mythical rock of Es Vedra, with fine Italian and Mediterranean food that equals its epic location. There are still a few weeks left to enjoy La Mesa, so be sure to check it out before it closes for the season. La Torre Ibiza, on the west coast of Ibiza, offers the double dreaminess of an Ibiza sunset – soundtracked by the best Balearic DJs no less – combined with fantastic food, and is the perfect place to while away an October evening. Back inland, on the famous San Juan restaurant road, the softly-lit space of Nagai [pictured] offers plenty of cosy corners perfect for lovers – especially for lovers of sushi and fine Japanese fusion cuisine. A newcomer on the Ibiza culinary scene is the in-house restaurant at Cas Gasi near Santa Gertrudis – now open to the public and helmed by one of Ibiza’s very finest chefs, David Reartes. Open all year round, the restaurant introduces a new level of gastronomy to Ibiza, one that no foodie should miss.

Group gatherings: Because we can’t do it in our homes!

At the moment, the current health and safety restrictions mean Ibiza homes can only host up to five people in total, which can put a dampener on group gatherings like birthdays or special occasions. And while restaurants also have limits on the amount of guests per table, there’s nothing to stop your friends being clever and booking multiple tables in one venue, right? (Let’s just keep that our little secret for now though). Some of our favourite places in Ibiza have menus that are ideal for sharing – and whether you’re a group or just a small table, it’s still nice to know that the age-old tradition of breaking bread with friends can still be enjoyed, even if it is on a slightly smaller scale.

For the ultimate in barbecues, we can’t go past the magical alfresco setting of Casa Maca [pictured], on the outskirts of Ibiza town and overlooking Dalt Vila – ideal for a sunny weekend lunch. If you’re looking for something more traditional, Tapas Ibiza – as the name suggests – in San Antonio serves up the finest selection of both typically Spanish and twists on tapas, and has long been loved by locals all over the island. In Santa Gertrudis, Bottega Il Buco remains the place to be seen (and to spot visiting A-listers and models – yes, even in October, you never know who you’ll be sitting next to!), snacking on focaccia by the slice by day or by night and sipping fine organic wines. Just a little further up north, Bambuddha never fails to satisfy, with its temple-like setting and amazing MediterrAsian menu, not to mention ‘all you can eat’ evenings and a big screen for the football. Back in Ibiza town, there’s no better place to share a meal with friends than Locals Only – how could we not congregate there, with a name like that? Of course, it’s not exclusive to islanders – rather, the name implies that citizens of the world should all feel welcome to dine here, and with amazing lunch specials, the freshest produce, a creative Italian-influenced menu, and a buzzing atmosphere at night thanks to its Plaza del Parque location, there’s all the more reason to go there, my dears…

Party time: Civilised and socially distant, of course

We’re all very much aware that 2020 is the year that Ibiza lost its famous nightlife scene, however that doesn’t mean islanders weren’t allowed to have fun! It just had to be pre-arranged, pre-booked and partaken in a slightly more civilised and socially distant manner – with a much earlier bedtime than many of us are used to. Well, they say change is a good thing and the only thing we can do with these government mandated changes is try to look on the bright side, and from our perspective, the bright side is that some of our favourite, more intimate places, remain open and there’s more space and time for us to enjoy them in the winter!

Pikes has always been an island institution when it comes to hedonism, and they’ve managed to keep the hotel’s authentic spirit alive this year no matter what restriction has been thrown at them. There’s just one week left to experience the magic – be it indulgent gourmet pizzas and burgers, washed down with champagne and cocktails as you chair dance on the sunset terrace or by the pool, a decadent evening meal in the hot pink Pamelas restaurant, watching the inimitable blondewearingblack sing live on Friday night, tucking into the final Sunday Roast soundtracked by The Brothers Grim and special guests next weekend – make the most of it before winter hibernation sets in! Of course, there’s always good vibes to be had at Bambuddha’s in-house bar, Tantra Cocktail Palace – where you can sip on bespoke cocktails or fine wines before or after your MediterrAsian feast, but for an all-year-round haunt with a very Ibiza twist, we can’t go past our favourite cocktail bar, Paradise Lost [pictured], in the back streets of the gypsy quarter in Ibiza town. Now serving up tasty quesadillas, so you don’t need to quaff your cocktails before rushing off for dinner, the little bar with a big heart is one of the last bastions of hedonism in Ibiza town – again, socially distanced, closing up a little earlier than usual (but opening earlier too!) and with lots of hand sanitiser of course!

Creating miracles

Wellness coach, timeline therapist, NLP practitioner, shamanic healer, sacred womb awakener, human behavioural expert – these are just some of the titles that have been bestowed on Kelly Morgan by those with whom she has trained over the years, but the string of words together on paper don’t do justice to her powerful work. An expert in activating her clients’ divine feminine power, she uses a combination of the many tools and techniques she has studied, experienced and practiced for many years in online circles, private one-to-one sessions and even free programs and challenges – Kelly feels called to share her skills with as many women as possible, in whatever way resonates with you most. In her eyes, the more women living in alignment with their true purpose, the better this world will be.

But what exactly IS the divine feminine? And why would one need their womb awakened? Aren’t wombs just about periods and babies and that’s that? Kelly – a former corporate banker who followed her heart to Ibiza to become a personal trainer and nutritionist, only to experience another extreme life shift after a personal trauma a few years later that led to her current path – hears these questions often. And she gets it. There are always going to be sceptics and doubters, but at the same time, there are literally hundreds of women who feel a strong calling to take part in her programs – whether they are seeking to connect with their divine feminine or it’s just a hunch that Kelly Morgan’s program will lead them to where they want to be. There’s something so calm, reassuring and empowering about her presence. Regardless of where you stand on the scale of scientific to spiritual, Kelly expertly guides you to a deeper understanding of her work, and most importantly, to results that speak for themselves.

If you’re not already clued-up (and that’s ok, not all of us are), your divine feminine is a power that resides deep within you – and it’s not about ‘girl power’, or any kind of radical feminism. You also possess a masculine energy – identifying the difference, and striking the balance between both is key to a happy, grounded and successful life. Your womb is the physical anchor for your feminine power, and your masculine energy should support this, not fight it. Kelly describes the womb as having a special transmutational power – of course, if we look at it simply, it’s the place where an egg turns into a fetus and then transforms into a baby (and isn’t that a kind of miracle in itself?) – but there is also a magic happening in this womb space that you can tune into to harness your creative energy. This pure, primordial energy can be tapped into to birth anything you like – be it your latest business venture, that book you’ve always wanted to write, a new life change or new relationships – the possibilities are endless once you understand how to harness its energy. And Kelly Morgan is there to facilitate tapping into that power, regardless of what stage of life or spiritual journey you may be at.

Kelly’s clients tend to be women who are successful entrepreneurs – often from, but certainly not limited to, the wellness world – who may be feeling a little lost, perhaps missing something in their lives but they can’t put their finger on what; there are also women who feel burnt out from climbing up the corporate ladder seeking wealth and success, and want to continue with their careers but minus the constant masculine hustle and pressure we experience in society today; and there are those who have been through emotional traumas, be it relationship (or lack thereof), emotional, physical or childhood issues. What’s important for Kelly Morgan is that her clients turn up and participate in the work – she is here to hold space, support and lead you through a specially designed series of exercises, activities, journalling, energetic work and activations (among other things), but she is not here to tell you what your life’s purpose is, or find the solution to your issues. The whole aim of her work is to lead you to that truly wonderful point of self-realisation, and then help you activate and apply that potential in real life.

The beauty of Kelly’s work is that much of it is done online, meaning no matter where you are in the world (or what travel restrictions you happen to be under at the time), you can access her programs from the comfort of your own home or safe space. In the past, Kelly she has hosted retreats in Ibiza in the past and plans to host another just as soon as some order has been restored in our universe – with spring 2021 on the cards for the next retreat date. Right now however, she invites women from across the globe to access her online ‘Initiate the Divine Feminine’ programs, which are available as a six-month group mentoring circle (with a maximum of nine participants to ensure a highly personal approach), or as private one-to-one coaching work. Depending on the type of person you are, depending on your needs and depending on your lifestyle, you choose the program that suits you and Kelly Morgan will be there to hold space for you to show up, feel safe, be heard and seen with zero judgement, as you awaken your intuitive wisdom and acitivate the real you hidden beneath layers and masks you’ve put in place over the course of your lifetime.

Private coaching is obviously the most discreet version program – with complete confidentiality that only you and Kelly will be sharing information – and is 100% tailored to suit you. For some people, the assurance of discretion is important, and being given the opportunity to heal deep wounds on a one-to-one basis appeals to them, which Kelly is completely empathetic to. In the circles however, women will not only receive Kelly’s tailored guidance – they also gain instant access to a sisterhood of like-minded women, who come together on a weekly basis and can feel free to shed the masks and hold space for one another – here, it’s OK, to not feel OK. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK not to cry. It’s OK to share your personal stories, whether it’s relating to career, childhood trauma, distorted masculine relationships, sexual abuse – wherever you are on your journey, Kelly Morgan will meet you there, and she stresses, it’s not a competition. All issues are of equal value. She curates the intimate circles carefully to ensure all women are compatible, and stresses that this is not a program for someone who simply wants to turn up and listen. You have to be ready and willing to do the work.

As a very general guide, the six-month circles involve a two-hour weekly meeting, in which Kelly offers some teachings and insights, opens up the space for women to speak freely, and finishes with some energetic work or a meditation, so you will both see and feel a difference mentally and energetically. Outside of the meeting, participants are given extra weekly tasks based on their personal needs – often journal points, reading or meditations – so they can continue working on themselves in the days between sessions. Private coaching too, follows a similar format, however on a solo basis. For Kelly Morgan, the most satisfying element of her work is the moment she sees a client tap into their inner knowing – the magical moment they realise they can see, and even feel, their own future, as they wish it to be, and know how to create it for themselves. “I won’t lead the way, I won’t fix them, I won’t even tell them what their issues are even if I can see them,” Kelly concludes. “Because when they discover it for themselves, that’s the real magic. There was no guru, no expert, no therapist, no clairvoyant robbing you of your power to look within. I just hold the space and encourage you, but it’s all within you – and no one can ever take that away from you.”

Clients who have completed the program find that things come much easier to them, they can live comfortably from their intuition, that they are able to enjoy their successes without being instantly pushed to the next challenge, that they’ve broken the ‘fight or flight’ pattern and can relax into living a good, happy and balanced life – changes that can feel like a miracle. If any of the above strikes a chord with you, and you’re interested in working with Kelly Morgan, she is offering a free four-day challenge commencing on October 12, 2020 (sign up here) to give you a taster of her work without any pressure to commit to a full program (although many challenge participants in the past have become converts!). Each of the four days (the group meets for one hour a day) are designed to introduce you to the concepts of feminine and masculine energy, learning how to strike the balance between them, experiencing success with flow and ease, and basically learning to live an easier, happier life, have more fun and enjoy your successes by doing less, in a different way – the feminine way.

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!

The best Balearic breakfast spots

As we’ve all established in the weeks gone by, getting up early is the new getting home at dawn. Without nightclubs to tempt us out until daybreak, and as restaurants are now required to close at the very civilised hour of 1am, it seems like getting a good night’s sleep is inevitable (well, for most of us!). Fortunately, there’s plenty to do in Ibiza of a morning – and fuelling yourself up for the day ahead is of utmost importance. Our team have rounded up a selection of the very best breakfast and brunch spots on the island, for you to start your day in a happy way. Whether you hit the beach, go shopping, hiking, exploring or even back to bed after that is completely up to you!

Chambao, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Talamanca, South East

Nothing says holiday like dining with your feet in the sand, and at Chambao – the chiringuito style eatery housed within luxury resort Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – this is exactly how you can start your day. The restaurant serves breakfast from 8am to 11am, to hotel guests and external visitors alike – prior reservations are essential – and the gourmet spread on offer is enough to tempt you to take your breakfast here each and every day of your trip. Of course, there’s all the continental goodness you’d expect from a resort of such luxury, but on top, there’s eggs how you like them, cooked to order of course, all types of avo toasts, cereals, mueslis, oats and fresh yoghurts, tostadas with classic Spanish toppings and so much more. Coffee, juice, smoothies, bubbles… you name it, whatever you want to wash your breakfast down with will be delivered directly to your table, as you look out over Talamanca beach.

Cone Club, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, Cala Conta, South West

Taking your first meal of the day directly in front of the mythical limestone rock of Es Vedra has got to ensure plenty of good energy is going to continue throughout your day, right? Cone Club, the stunning cliffside restaurant at 7Pines Kempinksi Ibiza, is open for breakfast seven days a week – to members of the public in addition to hotel guests – from 8am until 11am. Serving up a direct-to-table version of its formerly famous buffet breakfast (due to current health and safety restrictions), you can opt for  cold cuts, fresh-baked bread and pastries and fresh fruit and yoghurt, plus the brand’s own homemade jams. Upgrade to à la caret and you can choose from breakfast classics such as eggs Benedict, or Cone Club’s signature amaranth porridge with coconut milk and fresh berries. Freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, coffee made by expert baristas and even French Champagne – this could just be one of the very finest brekkies on the island. Closing on September 20, 2020, so be sure to reserve your table soon.

Hawker Beach Club Ibiza, AxelBeach Ibiza, Cala de Bou, South West

If you haven’t yet had a chance to sample the sights and delights of Hawker Beach Club Ibiza in its debut season, then we urge you to move quickly and book a table (especially for breakfast or brunch, then you can laze around on a daybed all day afterwards) before it closes for the season at the end of the month. Set in the LGBTQI+, hetero friendly hotel complex AxelBeach Ibiza, overlooking the Med on the west coast in Cala de Bou, Hawker Beach Club Ibiza is the brainchild of chef Laila Bazahm, whose redefined street food concept has been winning the hearts of island foodies since it opened. The breakfast and brunch menus take diners on a journey around the world through dishes such as the Latinx Pride – arepas with corn pancakes, avo mash, black beans and poached eggs – and the New Yorker (scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on a poppyseed bagel with a ‘schmear’ of cream cheese). There’s a twist on the full English, a Mediterranean feast (including a classic tortilla) and a yogi-friendly healthy platter, but our favourite has to be the Hawker Style – a Thai-inspired Yam kai do with Thai friend egg salad, spiced cauliflower, slaw and roti flatbread. Oh – and the chicken waffles from the brunch menu simply can’t be beaten. Get it while it’s hot!

La Cava Ibiza, Vara de Rey, Ibiza town

La Cava Ibiza, right in the heart of the pedestrianised main square of Ibiza, Vara de Rey, has long been a favourite with locals for breakfast and this summer, as tourists are waking up earlier and heading into town to explore, it’s become even more popular than usual. Sit on the sunny terrace – September is the perfect weather to enjoy the fresh Balearic breeze – and watch the world go by, or if you’ve got a meeting, or are working remotely, the stylish interior offers a better space in which to see your computer screen. The menu is as varied as the clientele, with options such as the classic English breakfast, Eggs Benedict or a Norwegian take with scrambled eggs and salmon. In true Spanish style however, the tostada menu is extensive, with all types of toppings to suit your tastes, and the bagel menu is there to satisfy those with a more hearty appetite in the mornings. If you have a sweet tooth, pancakes – choose between berry and ricotta, Nutella and strawberries, or bacon, agave syrup and banana – are made fresh to order. Service is always with a smile (no matter how early in the morning you arrive) and the prices are accessible too.

La Torre Ibiza, Cap Negret, North West

A venue that’s more well-known for its nightly salute to the sun, as it sets into the sea right in front of the venue, La Torre Ibiza is one of Ibiza’s hidden gems when it comes to eating breakfast. Set on the rugged cliff’s edge at Cap Negret, on the north west coast of Ibiza, the culinary offerings between 8am and 11am include a healthy feast that includes açai bowls, scrambled tofu or Greek yoghurt with granola, or for something more hearty, try the poached eggs served with avocado, salmon and crunchy country bread. The views here are sensational, no matter what time of the day you visit, and with plenty of hiking trails surrounding the Mambo Group owned restaurant, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before heading out on an adventure. Open all year round, the hostel welcomes island residents and external guests to join them for breakfast daily, but prior reservations are recommended.

La Veranda, Atzaró Agroturismo, San Lorenzo, North East

The authentic, luxurious grounds of Atzaró Agroturismo have long been in demand with locals, jetset travellers and holidaymakers from around the world. If you’re fortunate enough to be waking up within the hotel, you’ll be familiar with the famous breakfast spread at La Veranda – everything you’ve ever dreamed of in terms of fresh fruit (much of it plucked from the onsite huerta, yoghurts, fresh-squeezed juices, cold cuts and more – and the accompanying à la carte menu, where your every morning craving can be satisfied. The hotel always welcomes external guests for breakfast, provided a prior reservation is made, and you can dine in the trellis-covered alfresco restaurant space, or take a seat in the stylish, Ibicenco-styled interior should the weather be a little chilly towards the end of season. A truly authentic island experience.

Numero 74 L’Atelier, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

In the bright, heart of the cosmopolitan village of Santa Gertrudis, Numero 74 L’Atelier champions breakfast and brunch, whether it’s to eat in their spacious garden dining space, to take home with you in eco-friendly containers, or to pack as a picnic to take to the beach. The menu has all tastes in mind, with a ‘Sweety’ section including the classic coirssants and pain au chocolats, tahini cookies, Halva porridge with sesame, honey, almond milk and nuts, while the ‘Salty’ side of the menu looks after those seeking classics like eggs Florentine, or delicious homemade cherry tomato and pesto tarts, or the restaurant’s signature ‘happiness bread’ with sour cream. A truffled tortilla is ideal for brunch time, once your taste buds have had time to awaken, while the coffee and juice menu is almost as extensive as the food menu itself. A truly beautiful way to start the day.

Passion Cafes, Ibiza town, Marina Ibiza, Santa Eulalia, San José

When talk turns to breakfast in Ibiza, 99% percent of islanders and holidaymakers alike are definitely familiar with the string of Passion Cafés across the island – and the other 1% are surely just about to discover the joys of Passion for themselves. Founder Lana Love has always been a pioneer when it comes to healthy food in Ibiza, and while her menus are indeed conscious and foodie-forward, she doesn’t neglect those customers who just want to tuck into something hearty like fluffy pancakes or chocolate smoothies. Of course, eggs and avo toasts are specialities here – in all four locations – as are freshly baked croissants and pastries, granola, açai and so much more. The juice and smoothie menus take up an entire side of the A3 sized menus, and feature an array of health-boosting drinks as well as delicious warms drinks and as for coffee? Well, that’s Lana’s very own passion, so you can be sure it’s as close to perfection as you can get in Ibiza. You name it, you crave it, you’ll find it at Passion.

Pikes Ibiza, San Antonio, West

Once renowned as Ibiza’s most hedonistic place to spend the night dancing until dawn, Pikes Ibiza has redefined itself in this ‘new normality’ to cater to those who are up and at ‘em early… ish. Twice a week, the iconic hotel and its new restaurant Pamelas Ibiza host two unique brunch events: Tuesdays are the domain of DO.Yoga, where hotel guests and visitors alike can book in for a 9am yoga session, followed by a classic Pikes brunch (with or without the alcoholic trimmings, depending on how you feel after class). Of course, non-yogis are also welcome to book a table for brunch should they wish, with the day (brunch is served to non-yogis from 11.30am until 4pm) sound-tracked by some of the island’s very finest selectors, including Andy Wilson. On Saturdays, the Absolut Elyx Brunch is the star of the morning show, with Brother Mark (Broadbent, one half of The Brothers Grim) and Jazz N Palms spinning their finest and most eclectic Balearic beats for your brunch enjoyment. Order a main brunch course – think the signature Pikes breakfast, eggs Benedict, scrambled tofu, smashed avocado on toasted sourdough or an Angus burger (or its plant-based opposite) – and you’ll receive a complimentary Absolut Elyx and tonic to wash it down. All the more reason to book a table…

The Giri Café, San Juan, North West

The good folk at The Giri Café have long been champions of breakfast in Ibiza, with their stunning countryside garden the perfect place to take your first sip of coffee as you ponder the day ahead. The circumstances surrounding this strange season meant that the restaurant wasn’t able to offer a daily breakfast service as in previous years, but fear not! The Giri Café is open on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast and brunch – due to popular demand, reservations are absolutely essential, and if you visit on Sunday, you can peruse the San Juan Artisanal Market afterwards. Once settled into the garden however, immerse yourself in the peace of the campo and enjoy free-range eggs from happy hens, avocado toasts, cardamom waffles, min tea-infused chia pudding, overnight oats with coconut, mango and hazelnut, scrambled tofu, an omelette with marinated spinach, baked tomato and raw mushrooms, and of course, all the fresh juices, smoothies and coffees you can think of.

Wild Beets, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

Wild Beets is a thriving island institution, set in the heart of the bustling Santa Gertrudis village, and filled with a community of like-minded people with a desire to make ethical and conscious choices when it comes to food, and indeed, lifestyle. The breakfast menu here is cruelty and fad-free, full of sumptuous dishes calibrated for maximum colour, flavour and nutrients. Favourites include the blueberry porridge with omega seed mix or gluten-free toast topped with smoked ‘no salmon’ and cream cheese. Wild Beets is also known for its incredible range of cold-pressed juices, shots, boosters and elixirs – whatever your ailment (or even if there’s no ailment at all), the cure can be found within the alchemy of their kitchen.