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1pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Situated in the sleepy north-west hamlet of San Mateo, Juntos House – a gorgeous restaurant, boutique and clubhouse – invites you to get together with friends for a celebratory lunch on New Year’s Eve before heading back home (or out on the town!) to ring in 2024. Open from 1pm until 5pm, the set menu is 80€ per person (excluding drinks) and starts with flamed tuna skewers with miso mayo, Bloody Mary oysters, Wagyu cecina, chestnut cream, and devilled eggs with wild salmon roe. For mains, choose between pumpkin with labneh, kale pesto and pomegranate; skate wing in beurre blanc with black trompetas; or roasted beef ribs with potato puree and a Juntos Farm salad. Desserts include the ever-popular matcha coulant with Ibizan almond ice cream or or choco rocks with raspberry, marshmallows and tocinillo de cielo. Reservations essential.
From 1.30pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Whether you’re looking for a late afternoon fuel-up before heading out to one (or more) of the many parties on offer on NYE, or if you prefer to settle into the cosy surrounds of Casa Lhasa to indulge in a decadent end-of-year feast, Cassady, Ben and the team are on-hand to ease you into 2024. The San Lorenzo countryside restaurant is open for lunch from 1.30pm until 5pm for lunch, then again from 8pm until the clock strikes January 1! Cosy up in front of the fire, dine on a menu brimming with seasonal farm-to table cuisine, tuck into the island’s finest selection of hand-picked natural wines by the best holistic winemakers from around the globe and enjoy smooth beats from resident DJs in front of a roaring fire. Out with the old, in with the new, Ibiza style!
6pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, La Torre Ibiza invites you to spend the evening on its heated terrace, starting with the iconic Ibiza sunset and then indulging in a set menu created for the occasion. Start with Poget oysters, followed by Peruvian king crab causa limeña, or bao buns stuffed with Black Angus steak tartare. Mains include slow-cooked lamb in oportoreduction or octopus on a fennel risotto with sun-dried tomatoes vinaigrette. Finally, dessert is a 68% chocolate ganache with EVOO and salt flakes on a sourdough bread crisp. Priced at 135€ per person, the menu (with a vegetarian option available) includes wine and 12 lucky grapes at midnight, ready to pop with each chime of the clock as is Spanish tradition. Don’t forget to make a wish – and also a reservation, as spaces are limited.
7pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
There a few better places for people-watching in Ibiza than the glittering setting of Marina Botafoch, where a constant stream of people come and go, superyachts moor and set sail, and a buzz permeates the air – especially on New Year’s Eve. Vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar Mira Ibiza hosts a special NYE celebration that sets the perfect scene for welcoming in 2024, priced at 100€ per person and including a set menu. You’ll be welcomed with an Aperol spritz, followed by plates of Iberian ham with crystal bread and tomato; grilled red prawns; tuna tartare; ragout cannelloni with foie sauce; lamb with Périgueux salsa, shallots and baby veggies; and last, but not least, deconstructed tiramisu with red fruits. You’ll also score a cotillón for the magic moment, packed with sweets and 12 grapes to eat with each chime of the clock at midnight.
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Spend New Year’s Eve in the heart of the Ibiza campo, at charming Italian restaurant A Mi Manera, set on the famous San Juan restaurant road. Indulge in a special set menu that starts a glass of Veuve Clicquout on arrival, followed by fish crudité, smoked salmon with sour cream and Osetra caviar, Cantabrian anchovies, Ibiza red prawn carpaccio with citrus vinaigrette, and a luxe poached free-range egg with 24-month aged Parmesan foam and black truffle slices. The first course includes handmade tortellini in Wagyu beef and country chicken broth, or beetroot cannelloni stuffed with beef ragout and seasonal mushrooms. Mains include slow-cooked suckling pig terrine with apple chutney and chestnut puree; and grilled Mediterranean octopus, while house-made greixonera and panettone with mascarpone cream are for dessert. The menu is 180€ per person, excluding drinks, and reservations are essential.
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Feast, share, love is the motto at Amalur throughout the holidays, and the celebrations continue on New Year’s Eve with a decadent dinner dubbed The Great NYE. Start with a grand platter of seafood – best washed down with plenty of bubbles – along with amberjack carpaccio and trout roe; a jacket potato with caviar, roasted celeriac with fried artichokes, Parmesan and white truffle; or the lush Wagyu tartare. The second course includes tagliolini with carabinero jumbo prawns; purple potato gnocchi with seafood and lemon; risotto with smoked lemon, basil and red Ibiza prawns; or tortello stuffed with 36-month aged Parmesan and white truffle. For mains, choose between lobster with Hollandaise and zucchini terrine; Black Angus sirloin with milkcup mushrooms, artichokes and black truffle; or turbot and seafood. Enjoy desserts by the fire, to the sounds of classic tunes played live the piano, and champagne glasses clinking as the clock strikes 12. The perfect end to 2023 and the perfect start to 2024.
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Count down the 12 chimes of the chapel bells and take in the NYE fireworks display on Sunday night from the privileged harbourside position of Italian fine dining destination IT Ibiza in Marina Botafoch. While waiting for sparks to fly in the sky above Dalt Vila, there’ll also be sparks flying in the kitchen as the talented team curate a special set menu for the occasion. Start with a glass of Perrier-Jouët as you snack on aperitivos of IT Pizza Margherita and cod croquettes. Then take your seat for starters of Gillardeau oysters, sea bass carpaccio with caviar, Josper-grilled scallops, and crunchy aubergine parmigiana. Choose between luxe risotto with prawn tartar or sea bass with pumpkin and truffle and as always, save a little space for sweet treats! Reservations are filling fast – be quick to score your front row seats.
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Wrapping up the holiday season festivities at The Standard, Ibiza is the not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve soiree in Jara – an excuse to get frocked up in your finest, sip champagne and dine on the most decadent three-course set sharing menu with a soundtrack by DJ Pippi and Willie Graff. Start with queen scallops in beurre blanc with caviar; fresh red prawns; and beef carpaccio, followed by grilled lobster with caviar and Hollandaise; and a luxe sirloin with vanilla demi-glace and potato gratin, plus plenty of after-dinner sweet treats including the traditional 12 grapes and party favours at midnight to ensure a prosperous New Year. Then, dance your way into January with DJ Angel Linde spinning into the early hours of the first day of 2024 in The Green Room – places are limited and cost 235€ per person, so booking early is recommended.
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
With parties popping up all over town, Vara de Rey looks like the place to be to kick off the 2024 New Year celebrations and the talented team at La Cava have devised a special set menu for the occasion for 95€ (excluding drinks) or 125€ with a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks until midnight. Start with a welcome glass of cava and an appetiser, then choose from a selection of starters such as Alaskan king crab salad, sirloin tataki, or zucchini and seitan bites. For mains, choose between French rack of lamb with potato and chestnut mille-feuille, Josper-grilled turbot with sweet potato purée or mushroom, gorgonzola and prosecco risotto. Turron cream with red berry sponge cake is the perfect sweet treat, just before midnight when you’ll be given 12 lucky grapes to coincide with the clock striking midnight and the dawn of a new year!
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Stylish restaurant .more. by Cas Gasi is the perfect place to gather your loved ones and celebrate the start of the new year in the heart of the Santa Gertrudis countryside. You’ll be welcomed like old friends as you arrive at the beautifully decorated dining room to enjoy a specially designed menu for 200€ per person (excluding drinks). The menu begins with Gillardeau oysters with lemon and grape caviar; and foie gras mousse with tapioca crisp, followed by cold starters of bluefin tuna tartare; Iberian ham; and citrus-marinated langoustines with caviar. A warm starter of pumpkin and black truffle ravioli follows, then choose from grilled San Pedro with pesto or lamb chops with chantarelle and boletus. Save room for a decadent chocolate dessert, plus a selection of petit fours and a cotillón to toast the new year with grapes and sweets.
8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
A pillar of the island’s culinary scene since 1978, Sa Capella is one of the island’s most in-demand restaurants this Sunday night as the ancient chapel on the hills outside of San Antonio – restored by the famous Mambo Group – hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner curated by chef Martín Vazquez. Start with a glass of champagne and quenelle of steak tartare with caviar, then tuck into entrées like grilled king crab leg; country pâté with carob bread and Ibicencan fig jam; or roasted cauliflower with truffle and Parmesan. Mains include grilled fillet steak, Josper-grilled sea bass or wild mushroom risotto, all served with grilled vegetables, crispy potato mille-feuille or roasted peppers, with a wood-fired chocolate cake for dessert. Seating is limited so reservations essential, and the menu is 145€ per person, including select drinks until midnight.
9pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Spending New Year’s Eve by the sea is the dream of many and here in Ibiza, waterside locations don’t come better than CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia. The gastronomic set menu is 135€ per person (and 60€ per child), starting with an aperitivo of tuna tartar with eel, dashi emulsion and pepper; cod tataki with smoked foie and crispy skin, and cococha of hake in pil pil. The first course is a seafood soup with prawn tartar and kizami wasabi, and the second course is sole with cauliflower purée with coconut milk, roe, and baby vegetables. Cleanse your palate with a passionfruit sorbet, then move onto the third course of sirloin steak with potato gratin and glazed shallots. End on a sweet note with a cacao soup, with almond sponge, plus petit fours of traditional Spanish festive sweets. Save room for the 12 traditional Spanish grapes at midnight!
9pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
We can’t think of a more apt way to say adios to the old year and hola to the new one than at Ibiza’s favourite drinking den, Paradise Lost. On New Year’s Eve, the Sa Penya hotspot opens its doors from 9pm and invites you and your pals to grab a cosy Chesterfield or an alfresco table as you’re treated to an end-of-year soundtrack courtesy of Ben Westbeech, Bekka Rawkins, DJ Dribbler and Justin Harris (Music For Freaks). Settle in for a night of fine cocktails, great music and plenty of good banter from 9pm until 3am. Order a mug of Jimmy’s Hot Winter Grog to get yourself into the festive spirit – and we’ll see you on the other side as we welcome 2024!
9pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
This New Year’s Eve, Lío Ibiza throws a one-night-only cabaret event to ring in the new year on the Marina. The glitz and glamour of the dancers and performers, the high-end cuisine, the sparkle, the surprises – it’s Lío Ibiza, just as you know and love it in the summer months. After the dinner and show, the countdown to midnight will be done Spanish style with 12 lucky grapes and then the dance floor opens to one and all, with global brand Toy Room – along with its famous life-sized teddy mascot Frank and DJ Jon Rocca – taking over from midnight. With a view across the port to the iconic skyline of Dalt Vila, there’s no better dancefloor for watching the fireworks!
11pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Pacha Ibiza remains the island’s hub for free spirits and hedonists, combined with a hefty dose of VIP clients, A-listers and locals, and this New Year’s Eve sees one of the club’s reigning resident DJ kings, Marco Carola, return for a very special edition of his signature Music On party. See in the new year, techno style, as Carola is joined by Andrea Oliva and Chelina Manuhutu behind the decks. This is one of the most in-demand events in Ibiza this party season so get your tickets or tables booked quickly – last year this event sold out fast. There are still some fourth release tickets available, plus a few VIP tables still available, but they won’t last long.
11.59pm – Sunday December 31, 2023
Ibiza’s oldest nightclub is winter’s number one nightlife destination and New Year’s Eve looks set to be a roadblock again. Akasha Ibiza is the historical and community-based club space at Las Dalias Hippy Market in the north of the island and to celebrate the start of 2024, DJ Igor Marijuan plays B2B with Oriol Calvo, followed by Cris 44 and Sena who’ll keep you dancing until dawn. Pre-sale tickets are 25€ online, or 30€ on the door until the club reaches capacity – which is likely to be early, as soon as everyone’s finished their celebratory dinners, they’ll head to the club where the real party’s at!
The Ibiza Christmas diaries – The 2023 Edition
12.30pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
Set a new tradition and head to Cala Llonga this Christmas Eve, where Ibiza’s hottest new high-end Indian dining destination Shanti wraps up its debut season with a spicy bang before taking a well-deserved winter break. From 12.30pm until 6pm, super-skilled head chef Ojas Naware presents a selection of masterfully made thalis for 55€ per person – platters of flavour-packed curries, marinated meats and treats from the tandoor, plus dhals, fragrant rice dishes, pickles, chutneys, chapatis and naan breads. Start with a festive glass of bubbles, then tuck into fish, meat or vegetarian options that include lobster moilee, tandoori octopus, lamb kheema, beef cafrael, and potato, fig and basil patties among others. Dessert is a festive and fresh coconut and chocolate delice with cranberry compote. Reservations recommended but walk-ins also welcome – Mery Christmas, one and all!
From 1pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
‘Tis the season for indulging and Amalur is where you can dress up in your finest and bask in front of the fireplace while a pianist tinkles the ivories. Open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, chef Antonio Boriello has curated a holiday à la carte menu brimming with twists on Italian fine dining. Start with treats from the raw seafood bar like prawns, langoustines and oysters, then move onto Castelmagno cheese with black truffle or crispy egg with topinambur and white truffle. Homemade pasta comes next – try the linguine with lobster, dill and lemon, or smoked taglioni with Ibizan prawns. Delectable mains include duck in orange sauce, and Chilean sea bass with peas, dried tomatoes and mussels but be sure to save room for the festive desserts – la dolce vita natalizia!
1pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
Newly revamped Santa Gertrudis hangout House of WOW is the perfect place to while away the hours on Christmas Eve as you’re waiting for Santa’s arrival – especially when the festive weekend wraps up with the buzzing Sunday Roast. Bring your besties, bring the kids and even bring your furry friends – there’s something for everyone within the stylish clubhouse-style restaurant. This week’s roast special is pork belly, alongside the regular beef and chicken options, and the menu is 39€ per person including mulled wine, and 20€ for the kids menu. There’s a kids’ club to keep the little ones entertained and a soundtrack by DJs Ken Fan, Mental Genius and Dylan Debut to keep your toes tapping while you eat. Last week’s roast was completely sold out – be sure to make a reservation soon so you don’t miss out. ‘Tis the season, after all!
1pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
It may not be your typical Christmas Eve church service, but if food is your religion, then Sa Capella is the place to flock this Sunday, as the ancient chapel on the hills outside of San Antonio – recently restored by the famous Mambo Group – hosts a Christmas Eve lunch curated by chef Martín Vazquez. Start with marinated olives and smoked boquerones in vinegar, followed by starters including Wagyu jerky with tomato bread, wood-roasted lemon Black Angus sweetbreads and the signature Capella salad. In true Christmas fashion, mains are served family-style and include Nebraska flank steak; Josper-grilled wild sea bass; and beetroot and gorgonzola risotto, all served with garden veggies and rustic potatoes with rosemary and thyme. Dessert is a festively flavoured apple tartin with vanilla ice-cream and the menu is 85€ per person, excluding drinks. Bookings essential.
1.30pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
Start your yuletide celebrations early with a festive Christmas Eve lunch in the sun-drenched garden (or the cosy interior if the weather is a little on the chilly side) of Casa Lhasa, in the heart of the tiny countryside village of San Lorenzo. The hearty Sunday roast dinner is guaranteed to evoke some holiday nostalgia, as you dine on delights such as roasted pork, potatoes and baby leeks with crackling; rare roast beef with crispy spuds, carrots and jus; or the extra special suckling goat roasted over rice. Wash it all down with the island’s finest selection of hand-picked natural wines by the best holistic winemakers from around the globe and you’ll still be home with plenty of time to spare before Santa comes down the chimney! Open from 1.30pm to 5pm, reservations are recommended.
5pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and La Torre Ibiza invites you to start your Christmas celebrations with an iconic Ibiza sunset experience. Set on the cliffside of Cap Negret, take a seat on the heated terrace from 5pm and indulge in the specially designed menu for Christmas Eve, starting with babaganoush and pita bread followed by warm burrata salad or mussels with kimchi. For mains, choose between roasted salmon or pumpkin risotto and brie and finish with a creamy cheesecake or dulce de leche flan. The menu is 80€ per person, or upgrade to include beer, wine and soft drinks for an additional 30€ – reservations are recommended. A Balearic twist on the night before Christmas, and the perfect way to kickstart the holiday period with friends and family.
7pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
If all you want for Christmas is a stress-free celebration, then Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the place to be on Christmas Eve. Book a table with your chosen family and tuck into a gastronomic festive feast designed by Jara’s executive chef for 100€ per person, starting with delectable treats like duck and foie gras croquettes, green seafood ceviche and classic Iberian ham. In the spirit of Christmas, mains are served family-style and include chargrilled octopus and slow-cooked suckling pig, or mushroom and ricotta ravioli in sage butter for vegetarians, and there’s free-flowing wine throughout dinner plus a dessert degustation platter. And whether you’re in the mood to be naughty or nice, feel free to stick around for après-dinner cocktails to the sounds of DJ George Solarand a live music performance from Hot Ice Collective, with no fear of being coerced into washing up!
7.30pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
Forget slaving over a hot stove and spend Christmas Eve in the finca dining room at A Mi Manera instead. The warm and cosy venue offers a four-course set Mediterranean menu with an Italian family influence for 80€ per person including one welcome drink. The festive feast begins with starters of baked goat cheese dumplings with shallot confit; and Ibizan octopus carpaccio with hummus, followed by a first course of handmade Wagyu beef tortellini or traditional spinach lasagne with meat ragout. Tuck into classic Christmas beef with truffle purée and salsa, or wild sea bass fillet with artichoke cream, baked cherry tomatoes and seasonal mushrooms for mains, and be sure to save room for a dessert of homemade Panettone with mascarpone cream. Reservations highly recommended.
9pm – Sunday December 24, 2023
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Paradise Lost, there were plenty of night creatures stirring (and some even shaking and muddling!) at Bekka’s Christmas Bosh! Take a seat on the terrace of Ibiza’s favourite drinking den or get cosy on the snug sofas indoors and settle in for a night of fine cocktails, great music by DJs Bekka Rawkins and Dylan Debut, and plenty of good banter from 9pm until Santa comes tumbling down the Sa Penya chimney – or 3am, whichever comes first. Order a mug of Jimmy’s Hot Winter Grog to get yourself into the festive spirit – quite literally – and see whether it leads you on the path to Santa’s Naughty or Nice List. Let’s be honest though, it’s really only going to go one way – lumps of coal for everyone!
12.30pm – Monday December 25, 2023
Spending Christmas Day by the sea is the dream of many and here in Ibiza, waterside locations don’t come better than CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia, an elegant restaurant created by the renowned CBbC Group and recognised by the esteemed Repsol Guide. Open from 12.30pm until midnight on December 25, guests can order from the à la carte menu, making it the perfect place for groups with multiple dietary requirements or a beautiful destination for a romantic meal without committing to a set menu. Choose from big, bountiful salads, an exceptional array of sushi, freshly made pasta, vegetarian dishes, traditional rice options like paella, lobster rice and bullit de peix, fresh fish and meat straight off the grill and there’s a special kids’ menu too – joy to the world!
From 1pm – Monday December 25, 2023
Feast, share, love is the motto at Amalur throughout the holidays and the beloved Italian fine dining destination does it all on Christmas Day, as it’s open for lunch and dinner. Get into the festive spirit with a raw seafood aperitivo – best washed down with plenty of bubbles – and then choose between creative starters from chef Antonio Boriello’s à la carte holiday menu such as scallop, leche de tigre, lime and coriander or beef tenderloin, tomato marmalade with hazelnuts. In classic Italian style, the next course is pasta, with homemade delights including the traditional Fossa cheese-stuffed cappelletto in bolognese sauce, or parmesan and white truffle risotto. Mains include grass-fed beef entrecôte with boletus mushrooms and white truffle; and turbot and seafood with potatoes among others. The festive feast ends on a sweet note with dessert by the fire, sound-tracked by live piano. Just as Christmas should be.
1pm – Monday December 25, 2023
Christmas in the campo is a wonderful way to celebrate the big day, Ibiza style, and there’s no better place than charming Italian restaurant A Mi Manera. Set on the famous San Juan restaurant road, the farm-to-table dining destination is decked out in its Christmas finery and invites one and all to tuck into a beautiful four-course feast for 80€ per person (excluding drinks), inspired by Italian traditions and the abundant Mediterranean produce of Ibiza. You’ll be greeted with a glass of bubbles by Bellavista Franciacorta, before joining your friends and family around the table for an afternoon of wining and dining (see Christmas Eve listing above for menu details), before heading into the countryside to walk it off, Italian style, with a passeggiata, or heading home to sleep it off, Spanish style, with a siesta. Reservations essential.
From 1pm – Monday December 25, 2023
Nestled among the undulating hills of Benimussa, Essència Ibiza is a hidden gem set within the postcard-worthy grounds of boutique hotel Can Vistabella. The restaurant opens its doors to guests in addition to visitors for a special Christmas Menu on December 25, prepared by talented chef Francisco Moreno and his team. You’ll be welcomed with a Cranberry Mule to (literally) get into the festive spirit, then share an array of focaccia, artisanal bread and crackers with jams and homemade chutneys. Meat tortellini in Ibizan chicken consommé with 24-month aged Parmesan is served next, followed by a traditional Christmas roast (choose between succulent beef or country chicken) with all the trimmings. Dessert includes panettone and Amaretto sabayon, plus nougat ice cream – all for just 45€ per person, with prior reservations essential.
From 1pm – Monday December 25, 2023
Cas Gasi at Christmas is truly something special, and the stylish new restaurant, .more. is the perfect place to gather your loved ones and celebrate the holidays. On Christmas Day, head to the heart of the Santa Gertrudis countryside for lunch (from 1pm) or dinner (from 7pm) and you’ll enjoy a specially designed menu for 140€ per person (excluding drinks). The menu begins with Guillemaud oysters with leche de tigre and jalapeño dressing and boletus mousse with tapioca crisp, followed by cold starters of Japanese-style bluefin tuna tartare, and Crescentina with Ibizan Stracciatella and San Daniele ham. A warm starter of chantarelle and boletus lasagne follows, then choose from seafood and fish stew or turkey stuffed with minced meat, cranberries and chestnuts. There’s also dessert along with traditional Spanish Christmas sweets – a festive meal here is the epitome of the most wonderful time of the year.
From 1pm – Monday December 25, 2023
Whether you’re in a large group and don’t want to cook (or wash up!), are looking for a romantic Christmas date day for two, or even if you’re going it solo, o come all ye faithful to Santa Gertrudis restaurant House of WOW on Christmas Day! Serving up a two-course festive feast for 69€ per person (excluding drinks) between 1pm and 7pm, the talented kitchen team have tapped into the ghosts of Christmas past to create a menu exuding nostalgia. Starters include umami oysters, half-lobsters, smoked salmon, prawn cocktails and Stilton blue cheese and there are four delicious mains to choose from: honey and pineapple glazed gammon, roast chicken, grilled entrecôte or a nut rice pudding. Expect all the trimmings on the side, including pork sausage and bacon red cabbage with apples and raisins, plus potatoes au gratin and cauliflower cheese. A feliz Navidad indeed!
Capturing timeless femininity – Rebekka ElizaFusing creativity and sensitivity with her never-ending sense of curiosity, the work of Dutch-born photographer Rebekka Eliza conveys an essence of underlying strength. Her subjects’ femininity is always subtly but sensually celebrated; there is an enduring quality to each image that makes it feel as though it could have been snapped today, yesterday or tomorrow. Photography is a passion that runs deep within Rebekka’s soul, inspired by the very act of living and the abundant nature that surrounds us in Ibiza.
Rebekka’s career in the fashion world began in production and branding, followed by time spent as a self-taught designer – from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Istanbul to NYC – until she felt inspired to pick up a camera and start creating the types of advertising and editorial images she could envision for her clients herself. “I felt like there was something missing,” she explains. “At one point, I was working with a brand who couldn’t find a photographer whose work matched their concept, so I asked them to let me try. I rented a camera and shot some pieces in a studio using a friend as a model. It changed everything.”
Her natural affinity with the camera and innate talent meant she could once again teach herself the tools of her new trade, and since that pivotal moment, Rebekka has never looked back. Her eye for a striking silhouette has seen her work grace the pages of high-end fashion magazines such as Marie Claire, Elle, L’Officiel, ISSUE and White Ibiza Magazine. Commercial campaigns, lookbooks, luxury weddings and one-of-a-kind prints also sit among the pages of her multi-layered portfolio, one that grows and evolves with Rebekka’s determination to capture the perfect, timeless composition.
It was a work trip to Ibiza at the age of 23 that first piqued Rebekka’s interest in the white isle. “Even before I came here, I was so curious about the island,” she recalls. “Then I just kept on coming back. Ibiza is a place where I feel free – there’s no judgement here.” When she became a photographer, Rebekka felt drawn to relocate – inspired by the famously prismatic golden light that hugs both landscape and human form like molten amber. “The light in Ibiza is so different depending on the seasons,” she says. “It’s like there’s a different island out there, four times a year, it’s so versatile.”
Rebekka – who divides her time between Ibiza and Lisbon – finds endless motivation in the simplicity of nature: gentle strolls amid the morning rays with her dog, hills enshrouded by the scent of pine, and the space and time to be creative. And although Ibiza is her second home, as a gifted multi linguist (Rebekka speaks Dutch, English, Spanish and Portuguese), she travels and works all over Europe. It’s a skill that allows her to make anyone feel at ease professionally – in front and behind the camera – always getting the best out of her subjects. “The beauty of women and the beauty of nature are intertwined for me,” she says. “I find it so inspirational.”
On a personal level, she is warm and curious, helping clients to make mood boards and making creative suggestions to enhance the outcome of each shoot, and encouraging models to simultaneously reveal softness and courage. “I’m very visual, and my style is very in the moment,” Rebekka explains. “It almost has a documentary feel to it.” Chiaroscuro is often employed, using light and shadow to add drama to a simple shot of a cut-glass cheekbone, definition to a close-up of a knitted cuff, or breath-taking contrast to an otherwise delicate dress. The resulting images bring Rebekka’s visions to life, from the way jewellery is positioned and the hair and make-up direction to the styling and beyond.
That same idea of nowness is embraced when Rebekka shoots private weddings. “I love to shoot beauty and fashion – weddings were not something I initially wanted to do,” she admits. “Then, there was a client who really wanted my exact editorial and reportage style for their wedding photos, so I said I’d do it and I really enjoyed it.” From intimate church ceremonies to luxurious three-day affairs that encompass pre-wedding dinners, the pre-ceremony preparations, beautiful dinners, late night dancing and much more, Rebekka now lends her skills to only a handful of very select events per year. “I always listen to the couple’s personal stories because it helps me to get into their minds, and that way I can meld my work with their vision on the day.”
Outside of her commercial and professional work, Rebekka also creates elegant works that reflect her own style and taste. Currently selling two private collections online with Dutch gallery, Tones Gallery, each is a more personal retrospective on themes she finds intriguing. ‘Fragments’ explores the creation of lines and shapes in conjunction with light and shadows, while ’Beauty & Nature’ delves into the most recurring element of Rebekka’s work: the intimate relationship between femininity and nature. With clients including Liya in Antwerp, Mateo in New York and model agencies in Paris among many others, Rebekka’s schedule fills up fast. Wherever her work takes her however, Rebekka always embraces the feeling of coming home when she returns to Ibiza, finding refuge and recharging her creative spark on its sun-baked shores.
It’s no secret that Ibiza is an island filled with extraordinary villas. Some grace the pages of glossy magazines or set the scene for fashion shoots while others are more discreet personal dwellings designed purely for the owners’ personal enjoyment. What these luxury properties have in common however, are advanced technological systems – from cutting-edge home automation and intuitive lighting to incredible sound systems and more. Pioneering it all in Ibiza is Concept Installations, the all-encompassing electrical solutions company founded by highly experienced system integrator, audiophile and self-confessed tech-geek, Robert Cashin.
Far from your average sparky, Robert boasts over 17 years of experience in his field. It was during a fateful visit to Ibiza in 2011 – a trip that was only intended to last one season – that he picked up work as an electrician with a local construction company. He’s never looked back, constantly driven to further his knowledge, training and expertise. “I like to think outside the box,” says Robert, when asked about the inspiration behind Concept Installations. “I’ve participated in so many different projects in Ibiza – it’s given me such a broad outlook and vast experience. The audio side fascinates me too – every project is different, and I enjoy a challenge.”
Boasting over 17 years of experience and a never-ending fascination with technology, Robert Cashin leads the on-island Concept Installations team.
The company’s expansion came about when homeowners were hunkering down and creating sanctuaries during the pandemic. Concept Installations‘ projects grew beyond home illumination and audio into much larger-scale conceptual works that transformed private villas into intelligent and intuitive properties – a shift that allowed Robert to indulge his affinity for discovering the world’s most advanced technologies. Regular visits to trade shows opened countless doors with renowned international brands and suppliers, and at the same time, Robert’s creativity began to flourish and his career continued to soar. “It really opened my eyes to what we could do with homes in Ibiza,” he says.
Today, Concept Installations is made up a team of talented, passionate and multi-lingual system integrators and technical experts who share Robert’s enthusiasm for innovation and implementation, and boasts a purpose-built showroom in the heart of Ibiza that allows clients to immerse themselves in a world of high-tech wonder. Step inside to experience an array of indoor and outdoor speakers and audio options; peruse walls that showcase fittings and fixtures like works of contemporary art; and marvel at the impressive custom-built rack that manages to make cables, connectors, knobs and buttons look like a stylish art installation.
Working with the world’s leading brands in audio, lighting, automation and much more, Concept Installations can design and deliver your dream tech-based projects, from home cinemas to private nightclubs and beyond.
The showstopper within the space is the sound-proofed home cinema room. A three-metre screen dominates one entire wall, opposite an oversized comfy sofa and bar-style seating. A Belgian-made Barco projector (considered the best in the world) is subtly tucked out of sight; 17 speakers with 9.2.4 Dolby surround sound (if you know, you know!) are hidden behind fabric and adjustable lighting sets the ambience – all controlled by one remote. Through tailored screenings that include clips from their favourite TV shows, sports matches and films, Concept Installations‘ clients can experience a total audio-visual immersion into one of the hottest trends for rental villas: a dedicated multi-media room and fully customised home cinema entirely designed to match your needs and style.
With a keen eye for design trends, a deep understanding of Ibiza’s vernacular architecture and intense climate, plus an affinity for interpreting exactly what his clients need, Robert’s own role within the company has evolved from system integrator to project manager and designer. Working in tandem with some of the island’s most renowned architectural, landscaping, and interior design firms, in addition to villa owners and developers, he draws on his vast experience and knowledge to develop sophisticated designs from the ground up. “A house is a collection of so many things,” he explains. “It all needs to work together.” His invaluable input, from concept to completion, ensures each and every Concept Installations project is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.
Sourcing fixtures and fittings from all over the world, Concept Installations can customise any project to suit your tastes and home, from mid-century and ultra-modern to rustic farmhouses and sleek apartments.
“It’s still nice to get my screwdrivers out every now again and install things,” Robert says, when contemplating the evolution of his brand. “Especially when pallets with huge boxes of equipment arrive.” Case in point: the impressive 2022 installation of a state-of-the-art C-SEED outdoor television screen that rises majestically from the poolside lawn of a private villa in Ibiza in just 25 seconds. “It was pretty hair-raising after a year of planning,” Robert says. “It had to be crane-lifted into the villa as it weighted 1.6 tonnes. Thankfully it went super smoothly.” It also went viral, with over 16 million views on the Concept Installations Instagram account alone.
What truly makes a Concept Installations project shine is an unwavering quest for perfection. There’s no cutting corners or quick fixes – the brand’s philosophy is all about providing quality and exceptional service. With the entire team based in Ibiza, clients are secure in the knowledge that should an issue arise, the team are on-hand to provide solutions, fast – essential if you’re a villa owner who may only spend a few weeks at a time in Ibiza. “Giving really good service is so important,” says Robert. “I’m always on the other end of the phone, regardless of the time.”
The winter season in Ibiza is when the in-demand Concept Installations team have their work cut out for them, as clients propose improvements to their new or existing homes for the following summer. Garden lighting projects, basement nightclubs, home cinemas, home automations, intricate security systems – everything is within the realms of possibility. All projects start with a discovery call, so Robert can get to know your needs. He cites honesty and transparency as key to managing expectations, delivering the right products, and ensuring the very best results.
As members of CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association), the leading global trade association for smart home technology, the Concept Installations team are also Gold Level Control 4 dealers, KNX partners and Lutron dealers. Each team member has trained extensively with all high-level brands they collaborate with, meaning their rapidly expanding (and loyal) client base can rest assured and trust their expertise every step of the way. “It doesn’t really feel like work to me,” Robert says of his day-to-day involvement in each project. “I take so much pleasure in clients loving what we do. That’s such an important part of running the business – making people happy makes me happy.”
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ibiza town, as the festive lights have officially been switched on, the winter market stalls in Vara de Rey are now open and the jingly sounds of carols float across the airwaves as islanders gather to celebrate in the square every night of the week. Sitting right smack bang in the centre of it all is The Standard, Ibiza, the capital’s hippest hangout, and the place where the silly season action is sizzling, thanks to a host of special events, a new winter menu, happy hours (yes, plural), and much more. There’s even a special room rate (from 179€) for residents, meaning there’s no need to draw straws for designated driver duties.
Whether you’re breezing in for a long weekend, spending a sun-drenched Christmas and New Year in Ibiza or are planning a longer winter sojourn, the 53 sleek and stylish rooms and suites at The Standard, Ibiza make the perfect home away from home. Just steps away from the buzz of local bars, restaurants and shops – not to mention just a speedy elevator ride to the hotel’s own vibe-packed restaurant and bar, Jara – and boasting all the mod-cons (including a mini-bar to-die for) a discerning traveller could wish for, you’ve got the best of Ibiza at your fingertips, 24/7.
Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the heartbeat of the hotel, open to the public for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snack or sip in between. It’s here you’ll find international guests mingling with local characters, while watching the world go by on the sunny terrace or rubbing shoulders with the island’s cognoscenti at the low-lit bar after dark. Make the most of Afterglow Happy Hour, where you’ll get two expertly shaken or stirred cocktails for the price of one from 6pm until 8pm daily and stick around for soundtracks curated by the island’s best resident DJs until late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
It’s also the perfect place to fuel up between bouts of Christmas shopping in Ibiza town, or to indulge in dinner after your day of retail therapy is done and dusted. The new winter menu at Jara at The Standard, Ibiza features sharing-style starters like melt-in-your-mouth char-grilled aubergine with miso, carob syrup and caramelised walnuts and zesty corn ribs with lime and hot spices. Mains include the winter warming entrecôte and bone marrow rice; a creamy mushroom and truffle risotto; the decadent escalope Marques – veal in panko with poached egg, truffle and parmesan – plus roast cod with aji parmentier, pistachio and crunchy sweet potato. Just remember to save room for the sweet torrija with caramelised popcorn, toffee and ice cream for dessert.
O come all ye faithful to The Standard, Ibiza, where a host of holiday events, festive feasts and spirited soirees are planned this Christmas and New Year.
On Wednesday nights in Jara at The Standard, Ibiza, it’s anything but a silent night, as the most talked-about event of last winter returns for another cool season spell, bigger, better and ballsier than ever before. Not Your Standard Bingo sees the good old-fashioned game turned on its head, as the ground floor restaurant space is transformed into a hedonistic playground complete with dance-offs, raucous ball-calls – hosted by Spanish comedian José Boto and Ibiza’s own songstress BLONDEWEARINGBLACK – musical interludes, surprise shots and most importantly, whopping prizes to be won. The games begin from 9pm every week, and you’ve got to plan ahead, as it’s sold out in advance with a waiting list and queue out the door every week.
While the Christmas market stalls outside The Standard, Ibiza have chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you’ll find far tastier treats being roasted inside the Jara kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The all-new new Sunday Roast is a weekly ritual that brings together island locals and clued-up foodies on tour over fab food, great music and as always, up-for-anything Jara vibes. It’s like going back to mum’s place for a roast only (dare we say it!) better – think charcoal-roasted rib-eye, succulent roast chicken, slow-cooked pork belly with crispy crackling, or a hearty veggie pie, served with all the trimmings: Yorkshire puds, piles of spuds, sweet heritage carrots and parsnips, buttery peas, creamy cauliflower cheese and lashings of gravy. Comfort food at its finest, served from 1pm to 6pm.
If all you want for Christmas is a stress-free celebration, then Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the place to be on Christmas Eve. Book a table with your chosen family and tuck into a gastronomic festive feast designed by Jara’s executive chef for 100€ per person, starting with delectable treats like duck and foie gras croquettes, green seafood ceviche and classic Iberian ham. In the spirit of Christmas, mains are served family-style and include chargrilled octopus and slow-cooked suckling pig, or mushroom and ricotta ravioli in sage butter for vegetarians, and there’s free-flowing wine throughout dinner plus a dessert degustation platter too. And whether you’re in the mood to be naughty or nice, feel free to stick around for après-dinner cocktails, with no fear of being coerced into washing up!
Wrapping up the holiday season festivities at The Standard, Ibiza is the not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve soiree – an excuse to get frocked up in your finest and fling caution to the wind as you sip champagne and dine on the most decadent three-course set sharing menu that includes queen scallops in beurre blanc with caviar; fresh red prawns; and beef carpaccio to start, followed by grilled lobster with caviar and Hollandaise; and a luxe sirloin with vanilla demi-glace and potato gratin, plus plenty of after-dinner sweet treats. Then, dance your way into the new year with live DJs spinning into the early hours of the first day of 2024 – places are limited and cost 235€ per person, so booking early is recommended.
Eat, drink and be merry at The Standard, Ibiza this holiday season and start the New Year the way you mean to go on.
Finally, if you’re looking to host your very own private Yuletide event – whether for family, friends, or colleagues – The Green Room at The Standard, Ibiza shines like the star on top of the tree. A chic, underground space that can be transformed for any kind of private event, from meetings and cocktail receptions to private movie screenings (Christmassy or not) and even a spirited game of ping pong, it’s a blank canvas just waiting for you to unleash your Chrimbo creativity and sleigh, baby, sleigh. With its inclusive vibe, array of events, and fabulous festive feasts, there’s no doubt The Standard, Ibiza is the island’s hottest (and coolest!) holiday hub.
For architects, every project presents a unique challenge – something to chew on, workshop and mull over until a solution appears, sometimes as if by magic but more often through (metaphorical) blood, sweat, and tears. For Jason Watson-Todd and his team at Terravita, it’s these challenges that bring the most satisfaction, and this recent project located in San José presented the ideal opportunity to flex their skills and ingenuity.
The couple who purchased the property had already renovated the interiors and were left with a conundrum of peculiar angles, irregular forms, and dead-end voids in the exterior spaces. They knew making a functional outdoor area was going to be an essential component of creating their ideal Ibiza lifestyle, but with such unusual footprints, it would take somewhat of a mastermind to figure it out. This is where Jason and Terravita came in.
Known for an innovative approach to design as well as being Ibiza’s premier eco-conscious architecture and landscaping firm, Terravita has almost 25 years of experience building stunning sustainable homes and gardens across the island. The owners of this villa knew they would be the right choice to create a harmonious and eco-friendly space within the tangled corners of their home’s exterior. Pursuing viable ecological solutions and an outdoor area that encouraged familial connection in addition to providing moments for quite repose was the brief, but the Terravita team weren’t dealing with a neat rectangular block onto which they could impress any number of ideas as with most villas.
On first inspection, the Terravita design team found degraded concrete slabs and the detritus of the home’s renovation scattered within weird angles. This was not a traditional garden, but a series of nooks and crannies that appeared like leftover spaces. “We had to basically turn these odd shapes to our advantage,” says Watson-Todd. “We analysed every square centimetre to figure out how to give a feeling of spaciousness but with privacy and cosiness.”
Watson-Todd began envisioning the outcome through the lens of biophilic design – a concept that connects the occupants of a space with the natural environment. “We try to fuse architecture and nature,” says Watson-Todd. “The idea is to pull the natural elements in and then use materials like woods, clays, rattan, and bamboo to bring contemporary warmth.” In keeping with the Terravita ethos, every aspect of the design and construction adhered to strict environmental protocols.
Beautiful ashy-brown bamboo decking was laid just above the ground to protect the roots of existing trees. Not only is this material a good environmental choice, but it’s almost as strong as steel, and much less cumbersome to care for than teak. Micro-cement has been selected and mixed with natural materials to produce a pleasing texture against bare feet. Clay and rattan accents appear against traditional Ibizan whitewash, and cushions come in an array of jute, linen, and cotton. Of course, in signature Terravita style, solar lighting is employed throughout, casting golden shadows as stars appear in the sky.
The pool fits neatly alongside a stone terrace on one side and seems to disappear into the fence on the other. An elongated built-in lounge is saturated in sunlight, wooden steps are flanked by textured earthen pots, and a cosy patio is enclosed with wood slats tinted a shade of burnt cinnamon. Surprisingly, there’s also a spacious alfresco dining area with a full kitchen, Ofyr grill, and a cantilevered steel dining table. “We wanted to give a feeling of expansion, to find that balance between opening things out and feeling protected,” says Watson-Todd. “When you’re inside the garden, you literally have a microclimate.”
Every aspect of the family’s life was considered in the design, even down to the way they store their surfboards (yes, even in Ibiza!). “They’re in the parking area, and the way we did it makes the boards look like they’re framed,” says Watson-Todd. “It was great fun. I love small spaces because you really have to stretch your creativity.” As with any architectural project, the proof is in the living, and the family has completely fallen in love with their new home. With each unique corner and intricate detail designed by Terravita, these spaces demonstrate the art of reimagining the unconventional into a seamless fusion of nature, comfort, privacy, and style.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, amidst endless discussions, phone calls and text messages, a conversation with my business partner continues to stand out. She asked if we should use our platform to send a message of solidarity. Initially, I hesitated. Our brand is firmly rooted in Ibiza, centred around holiday experiences and the joys of the island. While we are committed to supporting local charitable initiatives, we believe global affairs are best left to those more equipped to address them.
However, that conversation lingers in my thoughts.
I am a director at White Ibiza, and I am proudly Jewish. I have family in Israel, and I find myself in the unfortunate position of hearing stories that convey experiences beyond imagination. I share this message with you today to stand and be counted as a Jew in this world, and to offer our readers a way to actively contribute to peace. If I fail to use this platform to address matters that directly impact not only my family, but also countless others globally, I feel that I would be desecrating the memories of my relatives who perished in the Holocaust, the memories of the October 7 attack victims, and the memories of those who have lost their lives in Gaza.
Setting aside political, religious, and spiritual differences, I have compiled a list of organisations operating in both regions that need financial support through this crisis. You can find it at the end of this email. I have tried my best to choose organisations that are politically neutral – no easy task – and I hope that I have succeeded in this. For those inclined to support other, lesser-known organisations, I recommend using websites like NGO Monitor, Give Charity Review, and Charity Navigator to assess their ratings and ensure your donations are directed as intended. Additionally, it’s advisable to search the name of your chosen charity alongside keywords like ‘complaint’, ‘rating’ and ‘scam’ to identify any potential red flags. If in doubt, choose among the better-known entities such the various organisations attached to the United Nations in addition to the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
The issues confronting the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, are exceedingly intricate. For those situated outside the immediate core of this situation, largely unaffected by its ongoing horrors – whether in Ibiza or anywhere else in the world – I implore you to extend your compassion to all who are suffering under the weight of this moment. Please be mindful of what you share and post on social media and the repercussions those actions may have. Call your Jewish and Muslim friends – we are not okay. Incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia across the world are rising – many people in both communities are afraid and a friendly voice or text message goes a long way. I can tell you this from personal experience.
If you can contribute financially, please consider doing so, but regardless of your means or choices, your personal beliefs and alliances, now is a moment to stand for love, empathy, and our shared humanity.
Am Yisrael Chai.
May their memories be a blessing.
Danni Landa
White Ibiza Director
The fearless founder of Ibiza’s iconic Passion Café empire is accustomed to busy summers after two decades spent serving up the island’s best breakfasts and brunches in multiple locations. Rather than rest on her laurels however, Lana upped the ante in summer 2023, adding two new strings to her already bursting bow: Máona, the specialty coffee house and brand, and Yalla Ibiza, her dream Middle Eastern fusion restaurant in the heart of Santa Gertrudis. So, as the island switches into off-season mode this weekend, some people might think she’d be ready to kick back and enjoy a well-earned break. Those people would be mistaken!
You see, while she was busy creating the concept for Yalla Ibiza earlier this year, Lana always had a second phase to the brand’s launch in mind. First, she’d build a core community of local clientele – completely via word of mouth – who’d spend hot summer nights dining on the stylish terrace, socialising and sipping bespoke cocktails beneath the light of the moon and the stars. And then, when the weather began to cool down, she’d get to work on indulging her passion for breakfasts and brunches – diving deeper into the flavours of the Middle East and creating new menus that married her love of fresh, wholesome, plant-based and vegetarian cuisine with exotic flavours and organic ingredients.
“Breakfast and brunch have always been my thing,” Lana says. “As much as I wanted to open an evening restaurant like this, I’ve also always really wanted to experiment more with the flavours from this vast area, in ways I couldn’t do at Passion.” Autumn days on the Yalla Ibiza terrace are drenched in soft, golden sunlight – perfect for alfresco dining – and there’s also the option of the intimate, interior dining space and the stylish all-weather (shaded and heated) side terrace. Now open daily (excluding Wednesdays) from 9.30am until 4.30pm, the restaurant is set to become a daytime village hub thanks to Lana’s tantalising new brunch and lunch menus, brimming with goodness, tempting with flavour and made with flair. As the brand’s tagline proudly states: ‘Different place, same Passion.’
The most important meal of the day is served at Yalla Ibiza until 1pm and it’s been love at first bite for Lana’s devoted clients since day one, with a plethora of options for those who follow plant-based or vegetarian lifestyles. Choose from light bites like the pistachio or zaatar croissants fresh from the Yalla ovens; choose a Passion-inspired brunch toast, made with locally made artisanal sourdough and topped with combos like avocado, roasted tomatoes, tahini and preserved lemon or the hard-to-resist sweet tahini, banana, granola dust and date molasses. Dedicated foodies will find it impossible to resist the stars of the show however – the hearty and wholesome brunch dishes, made with Lana’s own tried, tested and tasted recipes.
There’s the classic Fattet breakfast hummus – creamy yoghurt tahini served on a crunchy pita with chickpeas, pine nuts, parsley and boiled eggs – and brioche French toast with sumac apple berry compote, whipped ricotta and labneh with lemon zest. Baklava porridge boasts hints of rosewater, pistachio and lemon zest, while the crispy potato and parsnip latkes with herb and rose labneh leave hash browns in the past. Other Yalla Ibiza standouts include Harissa tofu scrambles (another Passion classic, reinvented); the classic Shakshuka; and Turkish eggs made with creamy, salty feta, spiced ‘burnt’ ghee, dill, perfectly poached eggs and sourdough to scoop it all out with. The Yalla Breakfast is the house special and teams crispy spuds with tomato and aubergine sauce with poached eggs, tahini, zaatar, coriander and more chunky bread. And for those who want to dress up their veggie brekkies, sides of smoked salmon and turkey bacon do the trick perfectly.
Good coffee has always been another of Lana’s true passions, and although Máona is closed for the season, you can still enjoy its specialty coffee blends at Yalla Ibiza. There’s also Turkish coffee, done the traditional way (if you know, you know), fresh Moroccan mint tea, light rosewater lattes, cardamom tea and more. Juices run the gamut from pure OJ to pomegranate, rosewater, melon, green and Lebanese mint lemonade, and there are smoothies on the menu too. “A few are stolen from Passion, naturally,” laughs Lana. Be sure to try the Majoon smoothie, made with banana, walnuts, dates, pistachio, vanilla, cinnamon and tahini. With weekend brunches being celebratory events, expect to see some new Yalla twists on classic cocktails soon, and in the meantime, there’s traditional Arak to sip slowly as you wrap up your meal.
When the clock strikes lunchtime at 1pm, the Yalla Ibiza menu makes the switch to cosmopolitan café-style wraps, salads, stews and sides – an easy, fast way to grab a bite in the middle of a busy day, whether you eat in or takeaway. The lentil soup or tofu stew are classic winter warmers, while Fattoush and falafel salads are nice for sunny alfresco lunches. Grab a lush shredded lamb wrap with caramelised onion and mint; try the marainated chicken wrap with alioli – all made with authentic Lebanese wraps and served with garlic sauce, pickled cucumber and tomato, plus delicious zaatar fries. There’s a hearty kofta burger, a light pan-seared tahini salmon and lots of delectable sides, all inspired by Middle Eastern fusion flavours. Don’t leave without trying a slice of pistachio, rose and semolina cake with fresh orange yoghurt on top, or Lana’s now-famous homemade baklava.
The new brunch and lunch offering at Yalla Ibiza is just the first taste of things to come in the off-season. Keep your eyes peeled for Yalla Yoga on the new custom-built alfresco deck, plus ultra-chill live music, meditation circles and special events with henna painting and fortune telling. Lana plans to implement laptop-free zones in parts of Yalla (don’t worry, digital nomads, there’s also a special area for you!) to encourage more community socialising, and you’ll soon be able to pick up express takeaways from the Yalla Deli or have them home delivered through Ibiza Runners.
The launch of the daytime menus at Yalla Ibiza doesn’t mean its existing devotees will miss out on their beloved dinnertime service – the impressive kitchen grill stays flaming from Thursday to Sunday for sharing-style dinners, group gatherings, birthday celebrations, after-work drinks or pre-party cocktails and more. Decadent dinners will continue to be served sharing-style, with dishes being delivered to your table as they’re ready, keeping conversation flowing long into the night.
For Lana, this next phase of her entrepreneurial career is igniting a flame within her that’s reminiscent of her early days at Passion. “I just love being here in Yalla Ibiza,” she says. “Even when I’m not here physically, I’m here mentally! It’s my love right now – and the energy there is just so good. It feels like the right place to be.”
If time machines existed, I would almost certainly travel back to Paris in the 1950s and check in at the Beat Hotel. It was a run-down old hotel situated at 9 Rue Gît-le-Couer in the Latin Quarter that left little to be desired in terms of cleanliness (bed bugs were a problem in the City of Lights back then too!) but was populated by the kind of crowd you’d certainly want to get locked into late night conversations, or roped into wild creative projects, with – you know, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Harold Norse and the like. It was a place where you could pay your bar tab with a manuscript (imagine!), where you could paint your hotel room to suit your style and where you could let your creativity run wild.
It’s also the place that inspired the concept of the Beat Hotel roving arts, music and culture festival in 2011– a festival that returned to one of its spiritual homes (Ibiza, obviously!) last week. Given that science and technology have yet to work out a way to transport me back to the Paris of the Beat Generation (and the fact that I am also quite partial to good personal hygiene), I felt compelled to attend the special Beat Hotel presents Island Times event at UP at The Standard, Ibiza, where a collective of artists from different disciplines congregated for a night beneath the stars that incorporated cuisine, music, literature and more – a contemporary take on the idea of a hotel serving as cultural and creative (and very clean!) meeting point.
In case you haven’t heard, Ibiza is having an unseasonably warm autumn (fab for an extra-long summer season, slightly scary in terms of climate change) which meant it was the perfect temperature to be milling around on a stylish rooftop in the balmy evening air, no jackets required! There really is no better place (in my opinion) to watch as the kaleidoscopic colours of sunset swirl around the iconic Dalt Vila skyline than the rooftop of The Standard, Ibiza. As soon as you step out of the elevator and arrive at UP – high above the hubbub of the main square of Vara de Rey – you feel an instant sense of calm, gazing across at the old town. The chic restaurant space was filled with friendly and familiar faces as the who’s who of Ibiza and the jetsetting music industry were milling about, buzzing with anticipation of what was to come.
As we scooted to our front-row seats (thank you Beat Hotel!), we were served a zesty Paloma cocktail as Andy Wilson of Ibiza Sonica took to the cosy little stage – styled to be all homely with books, lamps, ceramic Tanit busts, houseplants and vintage TV sets – introduce the very first guest, prolific author, part-time DJ and long-term Ibizaphile, Irvine Welsh. Having read his novels over and over again, listening to Irvine’s Scottish lilt in real time as he recounted some stories of his experiences in Ibiza almost felt like the narrator of his books was leaping from the pages.
Dubbing himself a ‘seasonal hedonist’ (he’s been a regular in the summer since 1985), Irvine – in conversation with NTS Radio host and DJ Zakia Sewell – Irvine traversed topics from his writing process (be it therapeutic or triggering), his failed attempts at becoming a musician, the mundane elements of living in Ibiza year-round (hello bank and post office), his wildest times at the Manumission Motel, Acid House brokering the peace deal in Northern Ireland, the way island icons like Tony Pike and Javier Anadon cultivated relationships with creatives, and even a sneak peek into a potential television project he dubbed a ‘political techno drama set at the fall of the Berlin Wall’, there was no shortage of topics and he didn’t shy away from the taboo either. I only wish, in hindsight, that during the audience question time I’d thought to ask him his thoughts on AI!
At the end of the hour-long conversation, I couldn’t help but notice quite a few people craning their necks (and their phones) over Irvine’s shoulder, towards the view of Formentera in the distance. What could be so interesting that you’d divert your attention from the stage, I wondered? And then I saw it. The full moon, rising dramatically from the sea, floating into the hazy pink sky and hovering over Dalt Vila, illuminating the whitewashed buildings with its soft glow, as if someone had switched on a giant lamp in the sky. When Ibiza puts on a show, it really puts on a show.
Speaking of shows, Beat Hotel presents Island Times was far from over! After a brief interlude, Italian composer and ambient musician Gigi Masin, whose dreamy soundscapes are regularly set to Ibiza sunsets, stepped up to the stage for his first ever Ibiza performance. This was the musical performance that had brought the heads out in droves, eager to catch the man himself playing live in such a stunning setting – and he didn’t disappoint. Meanwhile, there was another creative whipping up some magic behind the scenes – Michelin-starred chef (and self-confessed raver) Brad Carter of Carters of Moseley, who was invited to take guests on a culinary journey over the course of the night.
His menu was designed to follow the course of an Ibiza night out, with courses dubbed ‘The Welcome’ – a plump and zesty oyster ceviche with caviar, and the seriously finger-licking good CBC’s Fried Chicken – and ‘The Warm Up’ (a red prawn and lobster cocktail) setting the scene for things to come. As we tucked into our starters, the delicious Ojo de Ibiza vino (my fave!) flowed freely, and local DJ and Namaste resident Gaya Brisa stepped into the booth to signify the transition from day-to-night. As the evening went on, tables of like-minded strangers naturally began joining together as guests became newfound friends, like a game of very well curated musical chairs orchestrated by Beat Hotel.
The next course was called ‘The Main Event’ and the incredible local black pork and sobrasada tacos and OSDB Acid House Hot Sauce (Chef Carter’s own brand) lived up to the name. With Acid House being at the forefront of conversation as well as in our taco salsa, it made perfect sense for the inimitable Luke Una to take his place behind the Beat Hotel booth with a laid-back change of tempo, spinning a very Balearic soundtrack that seamlessly skipped from Brazilian to disco and e-soul as the moon continued its ascent above the old town. The DJ booth was abuzz, with music aficionados and fans stopping by to doth their hats to the musical maestro, who graciously accepted compliments without ever skipping a beat.
As the night drew to a close – with the final stage of the menu called ‘The Cool Off’ – a local fig tart with fig leaf ice cream plus a Patron espresso martini on ice – I was struck yet again by just how magical full moon nights in Ibiza really are. Who needs 1950s Paris when there’s a modern-day incarnation of the Beat Hotel right on my very own doorstep? If anything, I’m thinking about a time machine to fast-forward us into the future, for the next instalment of the Beat Hotel in Ibiza (as long as it doesn’t age me!).
If the spirit of Ibiza were notated, perhaps it would resemble a staccato jazz piece peppered with pops of sound, unexpected pauses and invigorating rhythms. After all, there is nothing predictable about this island, a forever evolving destination that fizzes at different frequencies. In fact, its mercurial nature is core to the island’s role as creative muse, and has been for decades, with everyone from Pink Floyd to Joni Mitchell to Damien Hirst finding inspiration among its scorched landscapes. Now, the legendary roaming festival, Beat Hotel, is tapping into that same source, celebrating all that makes the island special while topping up its cultural cache in the process.
Inspired by the ethos of the original Beat Hotel, a rundown refuge in the Latin Quarter of 1950s Paris that played host to William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso among others, the Beat Hotel festival became a welcoming sanctuary for free spirits and big thinkers back in 2011. At first embedded within the lush green fields of Somerset in the UK, it has since been transported to the dusty, mosaic-clad medinas of Marrakech, and of course, to the Balearics, which have become its spiritual home. Now in its third outing in Ibiza, this year’s event promises to be the best yet.
Taking place across five sun-soaked days from Wednesday September 27 to Sunday October 01, 2023, Beat Hotel returns to connect with the irresistible essence that’s long made Ibiza a destination for the world’s artistically inclined. Unfolding across a series of the island’s most iconic venues, its wide-ranging programme brings together musicians, DJs, authors and spiritualists, each promising to sprinkle their unique magic on a series of early morning meditations, open-air concerts, perfectly soundtracked sunsets and takeovers at the island’s most beloved dance floors. Throw in exceptional food and drink provided by top tier chefs and the recipe is complete.
Though migratory by nature, this year, Beat Hotel is bedding down at west coast boutique hotel Las Mimosas for the duration of its fantastical five-day stint on the island. ‘The Residence’, as it’s known, is a poolside paradise that acts as a social anchor for the colourful characters and discerning music lovers attending the festival, offering the chance to dip in and hop out at leisure. A hand-picked bunch of the world’s most talented selectors are set to play host at the daily Swim Club, including Andy Wilson, Axel Boman, Phat Phil Cooper and The Brothers Grim all spinning tunes poolside, with the echoes of spirited conversation in the background.
Meanwhile, acclaimed restaurateur, award-winning chef and head honcho at Hawksmoor, Richard H. Turner, has been drafted in to expertly man the Beat Hotel barbecue, where he’ll serve up decadent, smoke-infused feasts for hungry revellers. Joined poolside by some nifty-fingered mixologists, innovative cocktails are also on the menu, and taste best accompanied by a deep dive into unexplored topics with new friends, or alongside kaleidoscopic sunset views on the Las Mimosas rooftop. Open between 12pm and 7pm every day of the festival, this is the place to connect, recharge, and embark on musical discoveries.
As the intoxicating black skies of the Balearic night draw in, the festival’s illustrious evening programme takes centre stage. On Wednesday September 27, 2023, festivalgoers will head west to catch Ibiza’s famous sunset at Beat Hotel Presents Sunset Sounds, hosted at the unparalleled Hostal La Torre, just north of San Antonio. Get set for a fusion of dinner, drinks and a soundtrack crafted by a trio of insightful DJs including Zakia, Cami Layé Okún and Coco Maria, resulting in the kind of pastel-kissed memories that linger long after the sun ray’s have glistened on the horizon for the last time.
The glorious gastronomy that is core to the Beat Hotel premise continues on Thursday September 28, 2023 at Ibiza town’s hottest hangout, The Standard, Ibiza. Here, Beat Hotel Presents Island Times, starting with a tantalising three-course meal curated by revered Michelin-starred chef and self-confessed raver Brad Carter (Carters of Mosely, One Star Döner Bar), whose kitchen prowess has won him many accolades and made him a popular television personality in the UK. Taking inspiration from Ibiza’s famous dancefloors, Brad will utilise the abundance of quality, local produce to create courses entitled ‘warm-up’, ‘main room’ and ‘afterparty’. Expect a delicious, world-class menu bursting with flavours, which may or may not have been plated beneath a disco ball.
The fun doesn’t end with dessert on Thursday night – after dinner is when the action at Beat Hotel Presents Island Times heats up. For this special event, the Beat Hotel crew have set the scene for a diverse array of creatives to come together to showcase their respective art forms. Counterculture visionary and author of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh, will be in conversation about his craft, while born and bred Ibicencan DJ Gaya Brisa weaves together a special sunset set. Respected ambient musician Gigi Masin is lined up to play a mesmerising live set, and über-talented selector and collector, Luke Una, rounds out the night. The undisputed star in the Beat Hotel crown, if you can only make it to one event this week, make it this.
After easing into the festival week, the party vibes are taken up a notch on Friday September 29, 2023, when Beat Hotel teams up with alfresco venue Cova Santa. Making the most of the balmy Mediterranean air between 7pm and 11pm will be Raw Silk, Willie Graff and Peruvian producer and DJ Sofia Kourtesis, who’s set to play live beneath the stars. As the clock edges towards midnight, the action heads indoors, where Daniel Avery, Gabrielle Kwarteng and Perel take the reins, before John Talabot and Axel Boman reunite for a special B2B under the guise of Talaboman. On Saturday September 30, 2023, head north to Ibiza’s legendary hippie market, Las Dalias, where Beat Hotel welcomes Camilo Miranda and Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble for a free, pre-midnight soiree, followed by Elias Mazian, Alex Kassian and Suze Ijó at adjoining club, Akasha Ibiza.
Finally, polish off your week of spectacular sonic happenings and cultural musings on Sunday October 01, 2023 at Pikes Ibiza, the legendary venue that’s the Ibiza-born embodiment of the Beat Hotel ethos. Start the day with a well-deserved Bloody Mary by the iconic Club Tropicana pool, to the sounds of Pikes residents The Brothers Grim, Willie Graff and Dicky Trisco, then see where the journey takes you when Louise Chen takes over the Sunset Terrace, followed by a hypnotic melange of mischief and mayhem when Shanti Celeste plays b2b with Roi Perez on the legendary Freddies dance floor. What better way to bid adieu to another unbeatable Beat Hotel festival in Ibiza? Tickets to each event are available online – choose your favourite or attend them all!
