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It’s fair to say that Ibiza is one of the world’s most popular choices for destination weddings. The wonderful temperate climate – with 300 glorious days of sun a year – plus frequent and affordable flights from most of Europe count hugely in its favour of course, but what really sells this Mediterranean gem when it comes to planning unique and memorable nuptials is its stunning selection of seaside venues.
From rustic and romantic bohemian beach settings, to modern and glamorous clifftop terraces, ceremonies, receptions and parties can take any style you desire, with the shimmering sea adding that vibrant pop of turquoise in the background of all your wedding snaps. If you’re looking to get married in Ibiza with beach or sea views, our team of on-island experts have selected some of the best wedding venues with spectacular views on the white isle. All you have to do is say ‘I do’ to your favourite one.
Having Es Vedra rising majestically from the Mediterranean Sea as the backdrop to your wedding arch is the fantasy way to say ‘I do’ in Ibiza, and 7Pines Resort Ibiza delivers all the requirements for an awe-inspiringly beautiful event. With iconic cliff top views and azure waters surrounding the stunning promontory, plus various locations across the venue to host different stages of your celebrations – ranging from bohemian chic Cone Club to the glass-fronted, infinity-view Upper Cliff Terrace Restaurant – the resort can also accommodate all your guests, so the celebration can happily spill over into a two or three-day affair without any concerns about getting people home afterwards. With a world-class spa within the resort, all pre-wedding preparation and post-party pampering is completely covered, all you need to do is get ready to have the time of your life.
Tucked away in a picturesque and private cove on the far west of the island, Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito is a gorgeous beach venue ideal for a relaxed and bohemian wedding. The Ibiza dream of a secluded white sandy cove, with waves lapping at the shore, and rustic wooden decking surrounded by stunning natural scenery is brought idyllically to life at this seaside restaurant, part of the well-respected and incredibly professional Mambo Group. The in-house wedding team design beautiful bespoke weddings, with a multitude of packages available to suit any size or budget. The versatile location can also be configured to fit your desires, from a barefoot beach ceremony to cocktails overlooking the headland, including drinking and dancing long after the sun has gone down.
Ibiza’s only exclusive wedding venue, Elixir sits atop one of the most exquisite and romantic viewpoints on west coast of the island. The quiet sandy cove of Cala Codolar sits at the foot of the relaxed venue’s white winding staircase, while the iconic rock of Es Vedra proudly commands the terrace vistas, just picture-perfect ready for those iconic Ibiza sunset wedding shots. Dedicated to the sole purpose of private events and weddings, the entire location has every little detail considered when it comes to your magical celebration, including mouth-watering menus that can be adapted to your style and tastes. Guests cannot fail to be wowed as they approach their beachfront destination, across the cliffs of the south-west of the island, and then be wowed yet again as day turns into night and you wander down to the beach for sunset or dancing the night away under the stars rounds off your unforgettable day.
Boasting hotels all over the world, and with over 60 years of experience in professionally planning spectacular weddings, the Melia team behind the hotel ME Ibiza deliver fabulous bespoke events with a view. Just steps from the shoreline of S’Argamassa beach – on the edge of Santa Eulalia – couples can choose between a range of locations for their ceremony, cocktails and dinner, from simple poolside elegance to stunning rooftop privacy, all with the sound of waves lapping at the shore, and breath-taking views across to Formentera in the distance. The adjoining Nikki Beach Ibiza makes a superb party addition for livelier affairs, and with a range of rooms and suites to suit all your guests at ME Ibiza, the destination wedding can easily double as a friend and familymoon too.
One of Ibiza’s most in-demand seaside wedding venues, the secluded and romantic Amante Ibiza perches on the edge of the rustic cliffs found down a dusty camino, just minutes (but worlds away) from the touristic resort of Cala Llonga. Available for exclusive hire for your special day, the venue can accommodate a minimum of 60 adults and a maximum of 130 on its split-level terraces and sandy main floor. A Balinese hut on the sand forms an idyllic altar, whilst tall swaying palm trees serve to provide shade the sunny dining area, where white tablecloths and elegant seating look out over the natural bay of Sol d’en Serra. The Mediterranean menu is simple yet sophisticated, in keeping with the tasteful theming. Cocktails (not to mention plenty of seaside photo opportunities) take place on the wooden decked tiki-bar, before guests wander up the staircase to the restaurant interior where dancing and drinking until the early hours closes your Ibiza wedding.
With 14 glamorous locations all around the globe producing countless acclaimed events for the last 20 years, events team at Nikki Beach Ibiza in Santa Eulalia are well experienced in realising even the wildest of dream wedding wishes. The stylish seafront Ibiza wedding venue can host up to 800 guests with world-class Mediterranean views plus stylish architecture and design. The all-white décor with tribal influences is perfect for a modern marriage celebration and the exceptional entertainment can be tailored to your taste and style. Next door, ME Ibiza hotel is perfectly placed to accommodate your guests, while every little detail from bespoke menus to unbeatable music can be completely managed in-house, leaving you to just kick back and enjoy your day celebrating friends, family, life and of course, love. Happily ever after starts at Nikki Beach Ibiza.
Those seeking an authentic bohemian beachfront wedding should head straight for Atzaró Beach at the southern end of the stunning beach at Cala Nova. Beautiful turquoise waters create a stunning backdrop to your celebration, complementing the natural pared back style of the relaxed venue itself. Part of the renowned Atzaró Group, brides can expect their dreams to be realised with all the high standards in quality, service and style that the group is famed for. Offering extensive seafront terracing with dining, seating, lounging and social areas, the restaurant can be adapted for groups of varying sizes, whether you take the space exclusively, or prefer to create a special private zone for you and your guests. However you set up your wedding day, the incredible views and laid-back atmosphere offers an Ibiza wedding experience that’s impossible to beat.
For a five-star luxury wedding day, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay has all the seafront style and islnd elegance that any blushing Ibiza bride could dream of. An array of deluxe rooms and suites can acommodate your guests, whilst the various venues and spaces throughout the resort can be used for different elements of your event. With two pools to choose from, your ceremony can be whimsical and waterfront, or set high in the sky on the rooftop terrace to ensure privacy and stunning Formentera views. The relaxed barefoot chic of Chambao fits a bohemian vibe, or perhaps you’d prefer to wow guests with a signature Japanese lunch or dinner at Nobu restaurant itself. When evening arrives, the party begins with a private event space available for your celebration, as the glittering lights of Ibiza marina twinkle in the distance at the end of the promenade. Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay proves there are far more perks to a destination wedding than just the sunny weather.
For a laid-back and luxe seaside wedding, bursting with vibrancy and life, look no further than Aiyanna Ibiza, found at the centre of Cala Nova, a long, golden sand beach on the north-east coast of Ibiza. Owned and operated by the same team behind iconic Ibiza wedding venue Amante Ibiza, you can rest assured that all the finer details will be catered and cared for with same level of professionalism for which both venues are renowned. Aiyanna Ibiza oozes a relaxed atmosphere, with its brightly decorated umbrellas bringing splashes of colour to your theming, while the unassuming modern rustic vibe is highlighted through natural materials on the decking and seating. Lovebirds can invite between 50 and 140 guests for their exclusive event, and the choice of menus mixes western Mediterranean cuisine with Eastern mezze platters, all focused on honest, and nutritious ingredients.
Aficionados of fine dining and fabulous views look to Cotton Beach Club for their seaside weddings. The clifftop restaurant overlooking the bay of Cala Tarida offers five-star service and first-class cuisine served on its distinctive white wooden terrace right in front of the sparkling and turquoise Mediterranean Sea. With a stunning rooftop cocktail bar that can also function as a ceremony area, and an interior dance floor for late night partying, this iconic spot has become one of Ibiza’s most popular choices for luxurious romantic weddings. The impeccably professional team of chefs, waiters and managers run a tight ship when it comes to your once-in-a-lifetime event, and your guests will be impressed from the moment they arrive, thanks to the unforgettable views, spectacular service and mouth-watering menus.
When it comes to Ibiza, I am, I suppose, what newspapers, magazines and travel agents refer to as a destination expert. I live and breathe (and constantly write about) this island, and if you want to know what to do, where to go, who to see or what to buy on any given day – and I mean 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – I’m your girl. I love planning an Ibiza itinerary for friends – of all ages, with kids, on romantic holidays, party holidays, the lot. I can give you the lowdown on what you might need to book well in advance, where it’s ok to just walk-in, what you should pay for and what you can hold out for guest list for, and sometimes, even when somewhere popular is booked out, I can probably still help you get in. Not that I’m bragging or anything. But when it comes to organising a holiday anywhere else… I am THE WORST!
Regular readers of this blog may remember that I’m not a big fan of travelling. Leaving the island is hard for me – like, it hurts my heart to get on that plane, not to mention creates all kinds of inner emotional turmoil for me. But that’s another story. And one that makes me feel good about my own carbon footprint, if nothing else! Today’s story – well, the one on my mind anyway – is about the process of travel planning. Clearly, some people excel at it (literally, like Excel spreadsheets detailing every minute of every day of their travel plans – yes, I am looking at you Mrs B), thriving on getting to know their destination prior to arrival – reading all the books, from the Lonely Planets to the historical books and the novels alike. And then, there are people like me, who leave absolutely everything to the last minute, ignorantly arrive at their destination with very little idea of local custom (in my teensy tiny defence, I always do learn how to say please and thank you on the plane), and hope to god (or Buddha or Garuda or Ganesh or Itzamna) that someone else knows the way to all the good stuff.
I wasn’t always like this. I remember when I was planning my first ever trip to Ibiza… I was all over the internet, every minute of every day (and for this I apologise to my former employees). I had ALL the books, I knew all the myths and legends, I had a list of must-visit places, should-visit places, probably-visit places, and places to visit if there was any time left on the itinerary. I knew all about the climate. I knew how the public transport system (or lack thereof) functions, I knew how to get myself on a guest list, I knew who was who in the clubbing hierarchy. I guess you could say that even back then, well before I’d even stepped foot on island soil, I was almost a destination expert. So what has changed?
Is it that Ibiza just takes up so much space in my brain – not a bad thing, by the way – that there’s no room for any other destinations? Is it that the thought of leaving the island (even for a FUN holiday and celebration with friends) terrifies me so much that I just try to block the fact there ARE other cool places in the world out of my mind? Or have I just become 100% useless at organising holiday plans? I often blame my intense procrastination on getting my travel plans in order on the intensity of my work. I do often work up to 12 hours a day… but I’m also able to manage sneaking in a few episodes of Gwyneth’s goop lab on Netflix at the end of the day (don’t judge me) so, err, am I really using my own time wisely?
Take today for example. I got up early – like, really really early – so I could do all things necessary to get my visa and book my flights to go to my friend Ms SS’s wedding next month (the date is scarily close). I washed my hair, I put on make-up, I played around with Photobooth trying to find my best angle for the visa picture, then I decided that the lighting wasn’t flattering enough so I would need to go to a photo lab to have proper passport style portraits taken. I started to search for the flights – I KNOW exactly which flights I want to take already – and then I started to wonder about the connecting flights to BCN and whether I had the resident’s travel certificate that allows us 75% of the cost of flights to the mainland or other islands, and then realised it was expired so I had to go to the town hall for another one.
By that time, I needed to get to work and so both tasks have again been relegated to tonight. On top of that, I know I need to go to the doctor (do I need vaccinations? Or don’t I need vaccinations? Also, I need some sleep-friendly meds for the flights, antibiotics just in case, and so on, and so all – but when I try to make an appointment via the clinic website, it says my password isn’t valid, when I ask to resent password nothing happens, I figure, the hospital is just a ten-minute walk from my house so I’ll go sort it out in person… later. But later, after I’ve finished work, the hospital is closed for the day. This is the kind of way my brain works – it just does not have the capacity for prioritising travel. And so, I end up being penalised. The cost of flights go up. Or the flights sell out. I find out there’s a three-week wait for tickets to the theatre shows I want to see. I kick myself every time I travel for being this way, but I just can’t seem to shake it.
While I do find my whole lack of planning very frustrating and stressful as the days nearing my vacation approach, I have to admit – the adrenalin of leaving it all to the last minute and letting it throw my life into disarray is kind of thrilling. And that getting on a plane, with little to no clue about what you’re about to arrive to is also intriguing. Sometimes it’s awesome – you learn so much, meet so many cool people, and discover so many new facts that you feel childlike again. Other times… it’s a disaster. You can’t speak the language, you don’t know your Ubers from your Lyfts or a Grab and a taxi, you visit monuments at the worst possible time of day for crowds and visibility, you pack the wrong wardrobe for the climate or customs, and you’re a sucker for someone looking to rip off a dumb tourist. But at this stage of the holiday planning game, I’m going to take my chances yet again.
Fortunately, in this case, I have some VERY organised friends on the ground who are like my guardian travel angels (the trio of Mrs S, Miss S and Ms SS), and who I am most grateful for. But when I’m planning my return route back to Ibiza, you can rest assured I have every step of the way meticulously handled. I choose connecting flights at a certain time of day to get the best light and views from the plane windows. I know which window seats to choose so I can watch the wing dip over Dalt Vila and take a classic Insta-snap as we fly high over Es Vedra. I know how to navigate that luggage carousel like a master, and am one of the first people (touch wood) out of the arrivals hall and into a taxi, having already added (or removed, depending on the season) layers to my outfit to acclimatise to the temps. And obviously I’m a know-all who always tells the taxi driver what the fastest route to my house is. I usually know exactly what I’m going to have for lunch/dinner (after reuniting with my cats of course) and calculate the exact right amount of time between my homecoming and my first work meeting so as not to have jet lag. So why, oh why, can I not do this the other way round? Answers on a postcard please…
The dawn of a new year traditionally marks the time brides (and grooms) traditionally get planning in earnest for their Ibiza summer weddings and it seems 2020 is no exception. Once you’ve secured the venue, confirmed your guest list, and sent out the invitations, it’s time to get down to the really important details. Obviously finding the perfect dress is a priority, but so is securing a team of Ibiza wedding beauty experts to complement it – not to mention beautifying your bridal party.
The search to find the perfect squad to create the bridal look you’re dreaming of starts here – our carefully curated list of Ibiza wedding experts contains all the names you need to know to make your vision a reality. From stunning hair and picture perfect make-up to luscious lashes, manicures and pedicures; not forgetting detoxifying and relaxing massages, smoothing and brightening facial treatments plus spray tans, aromatherapy and much more, these professionals have the clarity and imagination to manage every last detail, while ensuring even the toughest of bridezillas has a calm and stress free wedding morning – no tears, no tantrums, no troubles.
Creating a beautiful bridal face is a breeze for renowned Ibiza make-up artist and JAM FACE founder Jo Mackay, who has been beautifying brides in Ibiza for over 10 years. After training and working with MAC Cosmetics in London for many years, she provided her in-demand services for fashion and beauty editorials in glossy mags such as Harpers Bazaar and edgy publications like VICE Magazine, backstage for TV shows such as Britain’s Next Top Model and on A-listers at high profile award ceremonies in addition to many other exciting projects. Based here on the island, Jo brings her valuable combination of editorial and beauty experience to her work with brides, in addition to an insider’s knowledge of the island’s light and conditions – all the skills that are needed to deliver perfection for those all-important wedding photos. Also the island’s premier brow expert and a skilled hair stylist, Jo’s razor-sharp eye allows her to identify exactly what works on each unique face, guaranteeing a picture-perfect and flawlessly finished look for every JAM FACE bride.
A lush set of lashes is top of the list for beauty conscious brides or grooms – especially when it comes to those wedding close-up photos that capture your cherished memories forever. Mascara – yes, even the waterproof kind – is a risky business, with the likelihood of happy tears flowing throughout the day, to say nothing of the summer heat playing havoc with your make-up in the blazing Ibiza sunshine. Enter Jayne Brami, founder of famed Ibiza beauty brand Lash by Jayne, and the island’s premier specialist in high-end, semi-permanent eyelash extensions for women and men alike. With more than a decade of experience, Jayne works closely with her clients to deign the perfect flirty flutter – whether simply to enhance your natural look or take it to the next va-va-voom level. Taking just one to two hours to apply, either at the Lash by Jayne studio near Salinas (a few minutes from the airport) or at your own villa, the luxurious light-weight lashes can last between four to eight weeks, meaning your natural beauty look lasts all the way throughout your honeymoon too.
Award-winning hairstylist and make-up artist Louise Maxwell brings creativity, consciousness and calm to any Ibiza wedding day thanks to a truly unflappable presence and years of experience beautifying brides, models and rock stars. Even the most stressed out mother-of-the-bride will find themselves put perfectly at ease by Louise and her team as they set about creating flawless and natural-looking finishes all round on the day itself. Pre-day preparation is key to a smooth delivery, so each bespoke look is designed, based on hair type, skin tone and bone structure, together with matching mood boards, current trends and the all important dress, while also paying close attention to the distinct Ibiza climate (and future hubby’s preferences of course). Most importantly, Louise advocates for conscious and ethical skincare, haircare and make-up brands where possible, so for the planet-aware bride-to-be, there’s no need to compromise on your wedding day.
For full service pre-wedding pamper planning, look no further than Glam Ibiza. The island’s number one glam squad – headed up by beauty expert Laura Boland – will have you primped, preened and prepared for your celebration from the moment you touch down and keep you glowing through the honeymoon. From customised Dermalogica facials and skin-smoothing micro-dermabrasion treatments, to streak-free spray tans, eyelash extensions, and OPI manicures and pedicures performed with military like precision, the brand create bespoke wedding packages for wedding parties, that may include rejuvenating head-to-toe massages with detoxifying anti-cellulite scrub to get your skin buffed and beautiful, late night appointments for twilight relaxing facials or group bookings with a team of therapists for hen and stag relaxation days. With a video consultation to get deep into your desires, plus a face-to-face visit upon arrival, bridesmaids, groomsmen and the entire wedding party can be catered to, with treatments available at Glam Ibiza HQ at Aloe Valley on the Santa Eulalia road or in the comfort of your villa, hotel room or apartment. And after the blow-out of the big day? A restorative massage package will soon soothe those sore heads and swollen feet ready for the next party.
American-born make-up artist and hair stylist, Diva Borrelli works between Ibiza and Los Angeles with her satisfied clients sending her to jet-set wedding destinations around the globe, from Ibiza (obviously) and Mallorca to the Amalfi coast, San Sebastian, California and beyond. Describing herself as an ‘inner beauty make-up artist, Diva is passionate (in fact, obsessed with) about beautiful, healthy skin and clean beauty regimes that work to enhance a bride’s inner beauty and encourage gorgeous glowing skin, and works with practices that she believes ‘make the soul shine’, including aromatherapy, crystals and more. Her background in fashion editorials (think Vogue and Marie Claire, no less) plus a wealth of experience and knowledge with different nationalities and ethnicities makes her a veritable specialist when it comes to matching your exact and unique skin tone, while her list of celebrity clients testifies to her ability to fulfil even the most particular of fancies. Using organic, cruelty-free and chemical-free products, Diva’s sustainable and green make-up kit will be part of your trial too, so you can prepare and treat your skin ahead of the big day. Then when it comes to flawless perfection ready for the photographer’s close-up, there’s only one diva on the day, and that’s you.
It’s no secret that true beauty comes from within, but it also doesn’t hurt to call in the professionals when planning for those all important days – like your wedding – to be sure of a flawless face. Beauty conscious brides-to-be in Ibiza look to MedSpa Ibiza for a holistic and innovative approach to wedding preparation. Specialising in technologically advanced and non-invasive treatments, a scheduled program of therapies, facials, acupuncture or detoxification massages can get your whole body ready in the build-up to the celebratory event. For those looking to enhance their natural look with some aesthetic treatments such as fillers and Botox, MedSpa Ibiza can also work with you for results that look natural rather than fake. Great for group hen party occasions, their unbeatable VitaminDrip service can be administered directly at your villa on the morning of the big day, to leave your entire party feeling revitalised and energised for the day-long party ahead. And of course, it’s perfect for dealing with that post-wedding hangover the morning after.
Ibiza’s original hair and make-up agency Smack Ibiza was founded by professional make-up artists Corina Smith and Sara Muhammad back in 2009. Coming from creative backgrounds working in the London fashion industry, the last ten years has seen their Ibiza business flourish as they bring their high-quality editorial and personal service to the island, establishing Smack Ibiza as the go-to-brand brand for Ibiza beauty, including bridal services for hundreds of Ibiza weddings. Pioneering the use of airbrush foundation and silicon-based waterproof products on the island, Corina and Sara developed their own style of make-up application suitable for the climate of Ibiza, and so are perfectly placed to ensure long lasting results and flawless skin for the entire length of your special day. Manicures, pedicures, eyelash and eyebrow tinting plus Beaubronz spray tanning can all be added to your bridal beauty package. Whether you’re a boho bride, a timeless classic, or an edgy, fashion-inspired type, the Smack Ibiza attitude is that your big day is all about you, so the team work closely with each bride to ensure total satisfaction with their looks on the day.
For all-day-long perfection, and even a change of look from day-to-night, professional hair and make-up artist Thu Nguyen has all your bridal beauty needs covered. Since training at the well-known Beauty & Fame Academy in Munich, she has specialised in creating looks for weddings and hen parties here in Ibiza, loving the challenges of the warm climate, and using the latest techniques to suit the light and photography of the bridal occasion. After the detailed planning and trial stages, where the unique look is created and tested, Thu is on hand for as long as you need on the day itself, providing touch-ups for those all-important photographs (or after some emotional tears smudges your eye shadow) and even an evening option, should you or and guests like to change their looks for the reception or party part of the night. Forget diamonds – Thu Nguyen is a girl’s best friend!
Over the holiday break, the entire world has been inundated with heart breaking images of the devastation caused by the bushfires that are raging wildly out of control in Australia. Today, we woke up to news that rain has finally started to fall across the country, bringing some relief to fire fighters and those in the direct danger zones – but this doesn’t mean we can afford to look away. Now, you may be wondering why – in a blog completely dedicated to Ibiza – we are reporting about news from the other side of the world. The answer is simple: White Ibiza is a brand that was founded by Australians, is run by Australians and employs Australians on the island. We love our adopted home of Ibiza, but right now, our motherland desperately needs our help.
So with that in mind, I ask you to please, forget about Ibiza (if only just for today) and turn your attention down under… For once in my life, I am (almost) without words to describe the deep loss and gut-wrenching sadness I feel when looking, from afar, at what’s happening to my home country. There isn’t much I can tell you that hasn’t been said by people far more knowledgeable, more eloquent and indeed closer to the tragedy than I am. Most of us are aware of the truly horrific statistics, but if you aren’t, here’s a quick recap: over 18.6 million hectares burned, 28 lives lost (three volunteer firefighters and 25 civilians), 2,683 homes decimated (among 5900 buildings destroyed) and an estimated ONE BILLION animals killed – and these numbers are sadly growing by the day. It’s quite hard to fathom – the numbers of animals, insects and birds killed is almost beyond comprehension. But it’s a cold hard fact. Scientists are saying the fires will cause the extinction of many species unique to Australia – it’s not just the cute beady-eyed koalas who are getting all the news coverage that are at risk. Photo: Matthew Abbott for The New York Times
If you’re not from Australia, or haven’t travelled around the country beyond its major cities, you may not be able to grasp the vastness of it all – to put things in perspective for Europeans, the fires have completely decimated land mass that is almost equivalent to the size of England or Ireland; that exceeds the size of Paris; that would go from Andorra, Lleida, Girona and Tarragona on the outskirts of Barcelona, cross the entire city and jump the sea to reach Ibiza and Mallorca. You can see more on the map here. When I look at it, I can’t help but think of a poem about Australia we were forced to learn in school when I was a kid: My Country by Dorothea MacKellar and wonder if our landscape is going to have changed so much after the fires so that the poem won’t mean anything to future generations.
Mackellar wrote of her love of our ‘sunburnt country; a land of sweeping plains; of ragged mountain ranges; of droughts and flooding rains.’ She continues on to speak of ‘her beauty and her terror’ understanding all too well how Australia – for all its glory – can indeed inflict hardship on its inhabitants; but she also spoke of regeneration: ‘For fire and flood and famine; she pays us back threefold.’ All Australian expats (of a certain poetry learning age) around the world right now are hoping she was right, and are probably feeling the way MacKellar did when she wrote the poem’s final verse: ‘An opal-hearted country, a wilful lavish land. All you have not loved her; you will not understand. Though earth holds many splendours; wherever I may die; I know to what brown country; my homing thoughts will fly.’
And there, wouldn’t you know it, I’m crying again just from recalling something that as a child, to be really honest, I thought was boring! Never has it felt more apt. I have never ever felt so simultaneously far from home and yet connected to my roots. What is happening in Australia has shaken us to the core; it’s irrevocably changed not only our landscape and environment, but who we are as a nation. Indeed, it’s brought a country together – watching the heroic deeds performed by normal, everyday human beings (from our brave ‘firies’ and invaluable animal rescuers to volunteers and more) via satellite makes me far more proud to be Australian than I have ever felt before.
You may have seen in the newspapers that the government in Australia is currently being slammed for many reasons – from neglecting its duty to perform the back burns that could have helped prevent some of these fires; for its lack of climate change policy, and its poor contributions to the relief efforts. True, all of it (again, better journalists than me have reported on this – I urge you to seek them out), but I believe that now is not the time to get into politics. We can’t go back in time to prevent any of this from happening, but we can act to help those affected and those who need help now. Now is the time to help, in any way you can. If, like me, you feel helpless on the other side of the world (every inch of my being wants to go back to Australia and become a volunteer in an animal shelter right now), there are many ways you can act. Donate – anything is better than nothing. Can you sew or knit? Make joey pouches, crochet birds’ nests. The effects of this apocalyptic few months are going to last a lifetime, so the sooner we pitch in the better.
Now here’s the part where I am asking – no, I am IMPLORING you – to take ten or so minutes out of your day and do something to make a difference. Whether you donate 10€, 100€ or 100,000€ or more (I’m thinking of you here, my dear friend Chris Hemsworth for your million dollar contribution), it is ALL needed. I think it’s important that YOU decide where your money goes, so below is a selection of charity links I recommend you choose from, but of course, feel free to do your research and donate to whatever organisation you like – just check it’s verified.
If (like me) you want your donation to go directly to helping animals (those poor little creatures who cannot possibly help themselves) – from veterinary services and medical supplies to delivering food supplies (did everyone see it ‘rain carrots’ for the wallabies?) and helping to restore the natural habitats, these charities can help: WIRES Wildlife Rescue (NSW) WWF Australia Wildlife Victoria Port Macquarie Koala Hospital Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary If you’re watching the heroic efforts of the firies and are recognising how limited their resources are, donate directly to the state fire services below. Maybe you have a soft spot or friends and family in a particular state. Maybe you want to split your donation across the country. The choice is yours. NSW Rural Fire Service SA Country Fire Service QLD Fire & Rescue VIC Country Fire Authority WA Bushfire Service TAS Fire Service (ask for donations through the local Red Cross) If your heart goes out to the people in the communities who have lost everything, the Red Cross and Salvation Army and the First Nations Community Relief Fund are the places to send your donations. Red Cross First Nations Communities Fire Relief Fund Salvation Army And finally, if you’re the type to be influenced by your favourite celebrities (no judgement, I promise!), then these two are by far and away the most reliable sources to send your hard-earned cash too. And I just want to say: Celeste Barber – you are my absolute hero, and should stand up and be counted alongside the heroes of our nation right now due to your incredible fundraising efforts – the largest EVER fundraiser in the history of Facebook. You little beauty! Celeste Barber Facebook Fundraiser Leonardo Di Caprio’s Earth Alliance Australia Wildfire Fund
There’s so much more I wanted to write. I wanted to write about how my mother has been living in an evacuation zone (thankfully, the fire diverted and her home is safe) and how, I didn’t even consider where she lives as the ‘bush’. I wanted to tell you how I used to walk to school through a gully every day (oh OK, I often bunked off and just hung out in the gully) where koalas really truly lived in the treetops. I wanted to tell you about the time I saw a wild kangaroo in the street outside a holiday home we’d stayed in on the south coast. I wanted to conjure up all the amazing memories I have as an Aussie kid, learning about possums, sugar gliders, wallabies, echidnas, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, emus, kookaburras, goannas, cockatoos, galahs, tree frogs and crocs of course, and I just took them all for granted as part and parcel of our environment.
But I can’t. Because every single time I try to think back to those things, all I see are the images of THOUSANDS of charred animal carcasses in the bush – well, the space formerly known as the bush – that have been flashing up on the news all week. Seeing their little paws all balled up and their bodies twisted in pain and torture, as they’d tried to flee flames that were just far too ferocious for anyone to survive… thinking how horrific their final moments must have been. Once you’ve heard a koala scream, it’s a sound you can’t un-hear. And here come the water works again – I can’t see my screen again for tears. So what I will say is this. Please, please, please do whatever you can to help. Because even when the news fades and isn’t on the front page anymore, we need to keep in mind that this is not the last we’ve seen of the bushfires – it (terrifyingly) is only just the beginning…
Out of office on: Happy new year!It’s that time if year when you send an email – to pretty much anyone except online shopping boutiques – and you automatically receive the out of office bounce back. It makes perfect sense; it’s the holidays, most people are home celebrating with friends and families and don’t require a lot of services, advice or witty banter online. Usually, I am not one of these people. As most people who know me know, I am quite a perfectionist and am what could be called addicted to my work, and so I very rarely switch off. In fact, I can tell you the last time I switched off: December 2016, for four days. But today, I’m feeling the urge to join the ranks of the rest of you out-of-officers and take myself a mini-break. Deep breath in!
You see, even when I travel, I take my laptop and I am the one who is frantically smashing on her keyboard on trains, in taxis, in the airport, on the plane. I’m the one who is incredibly frustrated that there’s no internet on board planes. And I’m the one who often misses important moments because she’s sitting in her hotel room ‘working remotely’ or ‘on a deadline’ or jumping on ‘one last call’. But let me be clear – this is no woe is me email. I like my life like this. I LOVE my work. But this time, starting from today, right here, right now, I’m going to try and step back just a little and see what it’s like on the other side.
With that in mind, I’m going to cut myself short (who knew that was possible?) for the very first time in my life, put my out of office on and go and join my friends in the pool. But before I do that, there’s just one last thing I’d like to say: Thank you so, so much to everyone who reads this blog week in and week out. Thank you to those who’ve been reading since the beginning; thank you to those who tune in and out on the occasions that suit them; thank you to the newbies who’ve only recently discovered it. I wish you all the happiest of new years, wherever you may be ringing in this new decade, and send you you all a lot of love. I’ll be back, rested and who knows, maybe even tanned, in time for my next blog and we can pick up where we left off. Have fun, party safe and remember what Ram Dass said: We’re all just walking each other home.
As we’re all very aware, ‘tis the season to be shopping and while normally I’m dropping hints so big Santa can spot them from the North Pole, this year I find myself feeling a little differently towards the tradition of Christmas gift-giving. Now (take note Santa) that’s not to say I’d say no to a present if someone happens to have one wrapped and waiting for me under their tree (I’d be ever so gracious and also probably also quite overexcited), I’m just feeling a little more conscious these days. Conscious of commercialism, conscious of the waste caused by so much packaging and gift wrapping, conscious of my carbon footprint when ordering things online, conscious of over consumption and of course, conscious of budget.
So when I started to think about writing my Christmas wish list for dear old Santa – and anyone else on the good old world wide web who happens to stumble across it – I realised that all of the things I really wish for right now are things that don’t require any money; things that can’t be wrapped; things that don’t do any harm to the environment; and things that I can’t even take home with me. For a minute there I felt incredibly grown up by knowing the difference between needs and wants at Christmas, but then as I put Pikes’ Sunny’s Christmas Karaoke playlist on repeat for the fifth time today and felt the reindeer ears on my head wobble as I sang along, I realised you don’t have to be a grown up to be able to enjoy the spirit of Christmas AND live more consciously too.
Christmas wish #1: NO STAR WARS SPOILERS PLEASE I cannot express how much I am staying off social media until Christmas Eve, when the cinema in Ibiza finally (FINALLY! Do you hear me Cine Regio? We deserve it in English on opening night too!) screens Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in its original language version. It is absolutely killing me that there are people out there who know how the saga ends – with previous episodes of the franchise, I have been known to to Barcelona to watch the premiere in English (yes I’m a mega-fan) but this year, some other important commitments kept me in Ibiza so I am waiting with baited breath, buns in hair and special R2D2/C3PO leggings on in anticipation. And I’m blocking my ears, can’t hear a word you’re saying about it, fa la la la la, la la la la laaaaa…
Christmas wish #2: PEACE AND LOVE FOR ALL ANIMALS Yes, yes, and for all mankind too – but we need to be voices for those who can’t speak. There’s been so much furore in Ibiza recently (and rightly so, I believe) about animals being shipped off to be put to sleep if they haven’t been adopted, and there has been a horrific spate of goat killings in Formentera (don’t Google it if you don’t want your heart to break), not to mention the slaughter of the goats of Es Vedra, and I’ve seen two of the owners of Ibiza’s voluntary animal shelters who are being evicted from their premises who need help. Every single day without fail I see new baby kittens up for adoption on Facebook, ALL of whom have been dumped by owners. WHO are these people? HOW could you throw an animal away like garbage? I really wish a solution can be found before more animals are harmed unnecessarily – I’m not really sure what it is, or even how to help more (I have adopted enough cats, I walk dogs from the shelter and I donate to animal charities), not just in Ibiza but all over the world.
Christmas wish #3: GOODWILL TO ALL PEOPLE In today’s gender-sensitive climate, I thought it best to be careful not to colloquially say ‘to all men’ anymore! But I digress – if you read my blog last week, you’ll know that we’re all becoming more and more aware that the holidays are a tough time for many many people (and if you didn’t read it, click here to get the scoop). As I sit here writing somewhat tongue-in-cheek wish lists, I’m all too aware of my own privilege and I’m even more grateful for my own happiness. I wish that we could all just get along; I wish everyone knew that they are valued and loved; I wish nobody felt alone or hurt or helpless. I wish we could find a way to end suffering for those who can’t see a way out. I hope we can all strive to be better humans, long after the Christmas warm and fuzzies have passed.
Christmas wish #4: FOR CLIMATE CHANGE TO SLOW DOWN We’ve been talking about this till we’re blue in the face, but it’s not stopping Australia from burning; from animals (even the most basic koalas that I grew up with! Not to mention more exotic or noble creatures) becoming extinct; from people losing their homes and worse still, their lives. Talking is also not stopping the sea being polluted more than ever before, even though it seems like so many of us are living as consciously as possible. It’s not stopping places like Venice crumbling after more floods; it’s not making the world change its eating habits; it’s not keeping our coral reefs alive; it’s not stopping people from travelling to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s a tragedy that’s unfolding with each new year – now a new decade is upon us and part of me dreads to think what might happen. Which leads me to…
Christmas wish #5: PUT SUPERHEROES IN POLITICS Now, I’m not one to discuss politics (you know the rules), but things are just getting a bit out of hand now, aren’t they? Given the recent UK election, and today’s announcement that Donald Trump has been impeached, it’s actually kind of hard to stay away from these kinds of conversations. I know we live in a bubble here in Ibiza – well, those of us who are unaffected by Brexit anyway – but it would just be nice if Wonder Woman and Thor could come in and sort everything out with the lasso of truth, plus the mighty hammer. It would be nice to live in a world where the people in power looked after those less fortunate, and that doesn’t seem to be the way we’re headed. Let me just call my friend Chris Hemsworth and see what he can do.
Christmas wish #6: LET IT SNOW IN IBIZA I’m not talking about the sleet that covers the north of the island on super cold mornings. I’m not even talking about those little pretty snowflakes that float on down to the Balearics every couple of years but melt the second they hit the ground. We need more than a flurry! I would just love to see – even for just one day – our whole island covered in fluffy white powder (no jokes here people) with kids (err, and me) making snowmen and sledding down the Dalt Vila ramp. I’d love to see the Santa Eulalia river rise back up and then freeze again, so we could ice skate along it. As a girl who grew up in the southern hemisphere and spent Christmas in raging heat, I thought moving to Europe would afford me fairytale festive seasons. That’s not to say I don’t love Christmas here in Ibiza, I would just love it even more if it snowed…
Your favourite beach restaurant has been packed away, and those famous dining destinations you visit every summer have shut up shop for six months, so where on earth does a hungry island visitor – or resident for that matter – go to eat in the off-season? The truth is, the winter is really the time that many of Ibiza’s best restaurants really come into their own. It’s the perfect time to explore the island’s inland villages and sample the many menu del días (traditional set lunch menus) on offer.
You’ll discover secret little spots in the hills for a romantic evening, snuggled up with your loved one next to a cosy fire, or the best fun and festive places to plan a big reunion dinner out with friends you haven’t seen since May. There are some wonderful places to eat in winter, whatever the occasion, and some great offers too if you know where to look. Our team of year-round island experts have done all the hard work for you – trying, testing and most importantly tasting their way around Ibiza to bring you this list of winter restaurants.
For a leisurely weekend lunch or indulgent romantic dinner, the charming and intimate A Mi Manera – found on the famous San Juan restaurant road in the island’s north – is an ideal spot. The quaint and cosy interior works equally well for a group of friends celebrating, as for a couple looking for a secluded supper, thanks to the traditional farmhouse layout of the restaurant. The Mediterranean menu has a strong Italian family influence, with authentic homemade pasta and fresh garden produce from the restaurant’s own backyard farm featured in many dishes. The charcoal grill uses prime cuts of Wagyu, Kobe, and Black Angus beef, alongside mouth-watering local pluma Iberica. Open for lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and for long lunches on Sundays complete with live music in the sun-drenched garden. Keep your eye on their social media for other special events including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve feasts.
The undisputed king of the San Juan restaurant road, Bambuddha has been known as an iconic summer dining destination for the past 20 years, but this winter, to the island resident’s immense pleasure, the legendary MediterrAsian temple continues serving up its signature cuisine until the end of the year. Open weekly from Wednesdays till Sundays from 7pm, island residents receive a 20% discount once you’ve sign up for their Resident Members card. On Wednesdays, it’s all about the six-course Chef’s Special for just 45€ per person, whilst Sundays play host to The Infamous Bambuddha Buffet, an all-you-can-eat feast featuring all the restaurant’s classic dishes plus some new favourites for only 35€ per person. On other nights of the week, the à la carte menu covers all your dining desires, drawing on only the finest ingredients and a healthy amount of local produce. Bambuddha is also open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve – reservations highly recommended so you can celebrate in style.
For fad-free raw, plant-based and vegan cuisine, botanical eatery Wild Beets, in the centre of Santa Gertrudis village, covers all the bases. A popular destination for healthy eaters in the north of the island, it’s often said that you can tell when winter has arrived in Ibiza because the stylish floating fireplace is re-installed to replace the fans in the light-filled restaurant interior. The extensive menu features carefully calibrated dishes combining fresh, local and seasonal produce with nature’s healthiest ingredients, so whether popping in for a quick juice and a tofu scramble, a coffee and raw Beetroot ravioli, or settling in for a long leisurely lunch over a quinoa and hempseed Protein bowl, there is something tasty for every occasion. The regularly returning local crowd makes for a friendly vibe whatever the time of day, and children are catered for too, making this a handy pit stop after the school run or a run-around in the village playground.
For mouth-watering Italian influenced cuisine served in a cosy deli-style restaurant, head for hip rustic eatery, Bottega Il Buco in the chic village of Santa Gertrudis. The first international outpost of the acclaimed NYC restaurant brand by Donna Lennard, the Bottega Il Buco team host buzzing aperitivo sessions from Monday to Saturday throughout the winter from 5pm until 7pm, giving guests the chance to sample some of their signature ancient grain focaccia with its endless variety of toppings, along with delicious wines and bespoke cocktails. On sunny winter days, the terrace is a gorgeous spot to linger, whilst in the evenings the snug interior makes a great place to meet friends, or settle in for an early supper. The menu is inspired by local produce and ingredients, along with some hard-to-find Italian delights, which can also be bought from the store itself should you wish to recreate the Bottega Il Buco magic at home. The restaurant is also hosting a special Christmas lunch, with limited seating so reservations are essential.
For a winter lunchtime destination with wow factor, famed island restaurant La Escollera on the rugged and deserted Es Cavallet beach is hard to beat. Often crowded with tourists in summer, as soon as October hits, this stunning unspoiled beach in the heart of the Las Salinas nature reserve is transformed into a natural paradise, enticing island residents out of their winter hibernation. The sunny and expansive La Escollera terraces boast views across the waves to Formentera and the iconic Dalt Vila, making it a stunning spot for lunch. Don’t be surprised to find the alfresco spaces full if you turn up on a sunny day without a reservation, but there’s also a huge interior, boasting those same views – also ideal for days where it’s a little chilly outside. The traditional Mediterranean menu has been passed down through generations of the owners’ family, but in recent year’s it’s also been tweaked to include some creative vegan options. Must-tries are the classic paella recipe, Black Angus sirloin and salt-baked dorada, while sushi lovers will also be impressed with the extensive options on offer. Open 365 days a year, with a friendly and fun atmosphere, La Escollera is a treat to return to again and again – no matter what the weather.
If the thought of spit-roasted chicken or ribs makes your mouth water this winter, then look no further than La Chickeria in Santa Gertrudis – open all year round from 12.30pm until midnight. Recently opened this summer – you’ll find it next to the Spar supermarket on the main road through the village – this is the fifth eatery, from the Dutch Van’t Spit group, who have a chain of these family-friendly concept restaurants in Holland. Focusing on antibiotic-free chooks grown naturally and free-range, the 100% plant-fed chicken is then expertly roasted by ‘Spitmaster’ chefs on Spanish charcoal, using custom-made grills for that perfect smoky yet juicy barbecue flavour complete with crispy skin (everyone’s favourite part). Homemade sides of chips, corn, salads and sauces complement the package, and the whole shebang is also available for takeaway if you don’t mind the wait. With a buzzing front terrace, a cosy interior and a secret garden in the back, there’s always space for your get-togethers, catch-ups or date nights. Live music takes place in the garden on weekends, so be sure to check out La Chickeria’s social media for line-ups special events.
When looking for a winter dining spot to settle down for a while, to catch up on some remote work, to host a meeting or just to go over the dally gossip with a friend, make a beeline for the all-new Ve Café, adjacent to W Hotel on frontline of the southern end of the promenade in Santa Eulalia. The bright and colourful seafront terrace is ideal for basking in the winter sun or keeping an eye on the kids playing on the beach, and the stylish interior features free high speed WiFi and handy power sockets for your laptop or phone – ideal for travellers and corporate nomads alike. The 100% plant-based kitchen menu offers tasty winter warmers, like sweet potato soup or roasted vegetables with tahini and lemon, alongside the restaurant’s signature staples of Buddha bowls and hummus bowls, all made with locally sourced produce and organic ingredients. Of course with so much good healthy stuff in the main courses, it’d be a sin not to linger for dessert – these indulgent delights are definitely worth saving room for. Open daily from 9am for breakfast, and until 5pm for lunch.
Healthy eating isn’t just for summer, so if you find yourself craving some serious goodness and food that sustains, make Passion Café your year-round restaurant of choice. Two of the brand’s six locations, Passion Marina and Passion Santa Eulalia remain all winter, from 9am until 5pm daily, with a fresh and hearty winter menu perfect for filling breakfasts, brunches or warming lunches. From Buddha bowls, black bean burritos and Beyond Burgers, to avocado fries and delicious dahls, the vegan and vegetarian options are second to none, although there’s also something on the menu to satisfy the carnivores in your group too. Chicken, salmon, hearty curries, deluxe burgers, steaming hot soups, keto-friendly dishes – the options are almost endless. With the island’s most extensive and creative drinks menu (from ‘trendy’ lattes and health-boosting shots to smoothies, juices and more), plus desserts that are the icing on the cake (pardon the pun), it would be easy to spend the entire day here. Both restaurants are blessed with enormous sunny terraces, so even if you might be a wearing a scarf, it’s still possible to pretend it’s summer as you sip your super greens!
When it comes to the art of a really great burger, beef, chicken, vegan or otherwise, Project Social in Santa Eulalia has pretty much reached perfection. The extensive range of toppings and fillings may take a while to sample (all the more reason to visit!), but once you’ve found your favourite, you’ll be back, like so many others in this part of the island. In winter, the friendly vibe and regular faces makes this a vibey destination whatever the time of day, and the many special offers keep Project Social affordable for locals too. From Monday to Friday, the Breakfast Club includes a coffee and a juice for 10€, with a menu packed full of everyone’s favourite morning dishes (think pancakes, avo toasts, acai bowls, full English and veggie brekkies), while the 11€ Lunch Menu features burgers, ribs or hearty salads with a choice of drinks. Everyone’s favourite Fish & Chip Fridays, and traditional Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings on the weekend give you even more reasons to spend time here, and did we mention Backgammon Club, Tequila Thursday and the nightly Hours of Happiness?
A good lunch in Spain always involves a menu del día, and tucked away on an unassuming side street in the village of Santa Gertrudis, you’ll find one of the island’s best at Can Mimosa. The 200-year-old converted farmhouse has a lovely sunny courtyard perfect for whiling away the lunchtime hours, and the weekly changing menu makes the most of locally sourced seasonal produce, including ingredients plucked straight from the restaurant’s own vegetable allotment right outside the kitchen door. A choice of three courses costs just 17.50€ and includes plenty of vegetarian or vegan options. Time-honoured dishes like chickpea broth and endive salads are served with baked dorada or vegetable cous-cous, with classic such as apple crumble or crema Catalana for desserts. Sundays in the garden are all about traditional Sunday Roasts (reportedly the very best on the island), served with Bloody Marys and a side of live music for a truly sociable way to enjoy the weekend. A New Year’s Eve feast is also in the works – the perfect place to fuel up before heading out to party.
A blue Christmas without youMost of us associate the holidays with good times. Maybe some slightly annoying times (Susan at your office Christmas party, the inappropriate uncle or embarrassing mum and dad at your family get-together, paying for overnight delivery but receiving gifts a week late – you get the drift) too, but on the whole, it’s all about fun, love and giving. But sadly (and increasingly) there are also people for whom the holidays are painful, sad and lonely, and it’s these people the rest of us need to show up for at this time of year (and beyond). And today, rather than wax lyrical about Ibiza as always, I’d like to dedicate this blog space to what we can do to make a difference.
I want to start by saying I’m by no means an expert; at the bottom of this blog is a list of people who are. I am very fortunately one of the aforementioned people who loves the holidays, however at the same time, I am also someone who has been affected by suicide at this time of year. I am someone whose friends and family have been heavily affected by depression; I am someone whose local community revolves heavily around never-ending good times, and I am someone who is becoming more and more aware that these never-ending good times are the cause of some seriously dark and troubled times for those around me. And I am not the only one – I don’t think anyone is immune these days.
Despite the fact the topic of mental health is becoming more and more prominent in our society these days, there are still far too many people suffering in silence. While suicide has no bias – it happens within all age groups, all nationalities, all backgrounds, all communities, all income brackets, all genders and non-genders and so much more – there is currently an epidemic of men committing suicide. It’s the highest cause of death among men aged under 45 in the UK alone, while every 40 seconds around the world, a person takes their own life. That’s coming close to one million per year. On top of that, statistics show that for every one person who commits suicide, there are around 20 more who have attempted it (and those are only the ones who have disclosed it, there could be many more).
This is absolutely heartbreaking, and to those of us left behind, it’s baffling. We cannot fathom how the person in question didn’t know or understand how loved they were, or that they didn’t think there was anyone to talk to, or that they just couldn’t see any other way out. We (and when I say we, I mean those of us who are not struggling with their own mental health) can’t understand it, because we are not suffering the way they were. We see all the ways that things could have/should have/would have improved if only they had reached out. If only. It’s the phrase you see most often in online tributes to those who have taken their only lives. If only he’d reached out to me. If only she knew how loved she was. If only she could see the outpouring of support for her now. But ‘if only’ always comes too late.
In many cases, we’re not aware that other people are suffering in silence. Sometimes it’s the happiest, most fun people in your life who have been experiencing the darkest times (this is prevalent in Ibiza, and the dance music industry in general) for many years. So what can we do? We can do is listen more carefully. We can pay attention. We can encourage our friends to talk more (with our real voices, because texts and online chats or social networking can be so easily misunderstood or not taken seriously), to listen more, to encourage more human connection. Allow our friends to express their thoughts and opinions without judgement. Of course, it’s not easy – we’re not therapists or doctors. We don’t know what the warning signs are; sometimes there are no warning signs at all.
This link is particularly helpful if you are concerned about someone: https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/worried-about-someone/
If you happen to be the person who is feeling like there’s no way out – THIS is the sign that you need to reach out NOW. If you feel like you can’t be honest and authentic with your friends, family or community, there are support networks out there where you can speak to someone completely non-judgemental (see below), and confidentially. The world we’re living in today is a very very different place to just 10 years ago – so much has changed that can make day to day life much more difficult. Social media gives us a façade to hide our truths, our authentic selves, to project a different image to how we actually feel on the inside. While most of us have down days, or experience sadness, loss, grief at some stage of our lives, we also know that time – along with the support of friends, family and professionals – can help heal everything. If you feel like you are an exception to this, please, please, please think again. There is no problem that doesn’t have a solution.
It’s OK not to feel OK. It’s even more OK to admit you don’t feel OK and to reach out and ask for help. There is zero shame in reaching out – it could just be the thing that saves, and changes, your life. They say on average that when one person takes their own life, 135 people (on average) are directly affected. If only they knew that before making such a tragic decision. When it’s someone who is a vital part of a community (say, dance music and Ibiza), the amount of people who are affected is monumental. Every one of these people are human: daughters, mothers, sons, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, neighbours, even customers.
What they are not is hopeless, helpless, a burden or alone, no matter how much it may feel that way. We have so much to learn about mental health. About depression. About grief. About addiction. About anxiety. About chronic pain. About the many, many conditions that cause suffering on a daily basis. But what we do know is that suicide can be prevented with the right support. Please share this blog with anyone you think may need to read it; share it with as many people as you can – because we all need to be more aware of being there for one another, more so now than ever before. It doesn’t have to be a blue Christmas… but it would be without you.
HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS AND LINKS Thank you to the many friends of mine who posted these helpful links and information on social media this morning after yet another devastating tragedy in the dance music community. We hope by sharing them here on this platform they may reach people in need, or those who can help others in need.
IBIZA (English speaking)
Samaritans in Spain 900 525 100 (24 hours)
Counselling in Spain www.counsellors.es/HELPLINES.htm
IBIZA Counselling +34 650 122 554 www.ibizacounselling.com
SPAIN (Spanish speaking)
El Telefono de la Esperanza 717 003 717 / 971 461 112 www.telefonodelaesperanza.org/islas-baleares
Prevensuic App www.prevensuic.org/
Emergency 112
UK
CALM 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight daily) www.thecalmzone.net/
Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours) www.samaritans.org
Maytree 020 7263 7070 www.maytree.org.uk/index.php
MIND 0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm) www.mind.org.uk
Papyrus 0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm) www.papyrus-uk.org
USA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
AUSTRALIA
Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au/
INTERNATIONAL
suicidestop.com/suicide_prevention_chat_international.html
www.befrienders.org/directory?country=ES
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines
MUSIC INDUSTRY SPECIFIC LINKS
AFEM The Electronic Music Industry Guide to Mental Health www.associationforelectronicmusic.org/afem-mental-health-guide-for-the-electronic-music-industry/
Help Musicians www.helpmusicians.org.uk
Music Mind Matters www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
Music for Mental Wealth www.musicformentalwealth.com
Music Support www.musicsupport.org
Winter is a fabulous time to visit Ibiza, and not only to enjoy the temperate climate and stunning nature in this season. As soon as the summer tourists leave, the winter social calendar springs into life, and new corners of the island pop up for exploration. Whether enjoying the natural surroundings and discovering new walks, or learning new skills with the whole family, the list of activities to keep everyone busy in the off-season is endless and full of variety. From sports and fitness, to numerous educational and craft workshops to more indulgent days and more – there’s even enough nightclubs to fill up a naughty weekend. Our team of island experts (who also happen to be year round residents) have compiled a selection of things to do in winter when you’re planning an island escape – the only difficulty will be fitting everything in.
Bring family and friends together while to practicing crafts or learning new skills at Numero 74 L’Atelier in the heart of the cosmopolitan village of Santa Gertrudis. The unique concept store and health food café runs a series of creative workshops and classes for all ages every weekend, all of which are perfect for fun family afternoons, or just dropping in for an hour with a friend. Choose a two-hour introduction to ceramics to get your hands on a potters’ wheel, or pop into a knitting class to get some tips to try at home. Creative Saturdays also include a World Food Buffet for 25€, so you can fuel your creativity with a fab feast. Meanwhile, Family Day Sundays features classes running all day from 11am until 7pm, so you and your little ones can spend plenty of time creating together. There’s also a festive Raclette night every Thursday if you prefer to get cheesy rather than crafty!
With over 300 days of sunshine, the opportunities to get out in nature in Ibiza aren’t simply limited to summer, and Walking Ibiza gives you the chance to enjoy Ibiza’s landscape, and expand your social life at the same time. The weekly guided walks are a chance to make new friends and discover hidden corners of the island. There are four weekly walks including Short & Sweet, around five kilometres, the BIG WALK, more than 20 kilometres, plus mindfulness walks and classic island routes – all include introductions to local flora and fauna and some interesting stories along the way. Be sure to add the Christmas Eve Charity Walk which starts at 10am in San Juan if you want to get a head start on burning off those festive calories, not to mention the New Year’s Eve walk and lunch, starting San Mateu at 11am, to your diary. Those left standing can start the new decade with the New Year, New Guide, New Walk from Can Jordi on Friday January 3, 2020 at 10am. Best feet forward!
Chilly winter afternoons are best spent indoors, so head to SOMM Wine Shop in the centre of Santa Gertrudis to combine two of the best out-of-season pastimes – vino and shopping. Tucked up a secluded pathway, behind popular health food café Wild Beets, the owners of this inviting specialist store see themselves as talent scouts for wines, with a team of highly experienced sommeliers selecting the best producers from vineyards around Europe. Whether looking for a particular bottle for a dinner party, or just browsing to discover a new favourite, this is the place to find a passionate wine advisor with plenty of information and fascinating stories behind each supplier to help you choose your tipple. Keep an eye on SOMM Wine Shop’s Facebook page for regular events over the festive period too, including mulled wine evenings, and tasting workshops.
One of the best things about Ibiza in winter is the exclusive shopping that can be found once the summer fashions disappear. Design store Blink Ibiza in Ibiza town is full of unique pieces from a collection of hand-picked designers that you won’t find anywhere else on the island. From gorgeous jumpers to natural wool ponchos, the careful selection makes it easy to find something you love – or something for someone you love at Christmas. There are simple classic jerseys from SIYU, and urban sweats for him by Barcelona’s Syngman Cucala, plus bohemian antique jewellery made here on island by Circa Ibiza, Italian handbags from MASqueMas, Parisian scarfs from Inouitoosh and ethically produced cashmere by Solopuro. The cream of the crop of European designers, just steps from Ibiza’s main square. Happy shopping!
Private chefs and healthy eating gurus The Ibiza Kitchen are ready to transform your winter eating habits with some practical, fun and informative lessons for Ibiza residents running on Thursday December 12, 2019 and Friday January 3, 2020. First up is Eat For Our Future, a two-hour teaching, cooking and eating session that looks at ways to create less food waste, to make your animal produce stretch further than just one meal and to build a menu plan around seasonal and local ingredients. January’s workshop looks at How To Eat Well Without Dieting, finding ways to connect to food in positive way and instil healthy eating habits that make you feel good every day. Considering that so much of the winter season in Ibiza is taken up with dining (when not walking, wine tasting or shopping!), it’s the perfect time to get into the kitchen and learn some impressive new skills.
For island residents, summer months are often spent working far too hard, so when winter rolls around, it’s all about indulging in some well-earned me time. Fortunately for those who live here, the luxurious spa at Atzaró Agroturísmo in the heart of the island remains seven days a week all year round, making it a heavenly spot to relax during the quieter off-season months. It’s not just for residents of course – hotel guests enjoy complimentary spa access and visitors can treat themselves to a spa day, complete with lounging around on daybeds in the lush orange groves on those beautiful sunny days and enjoying healthy cuisine from La Veranda restaurant. The sauna, sauna pod and hammam at Atzaró Spa bring the heat whenever the need arises, and wide menu of treatments and massages using organic Atzaró-grown plant-based products are at the heart of your experience. A daily schedule of yoga and wellness classes ensure your wellbeing too. This is one self-care escape that everyone thoroughly deserves this winter.
Dedicating some time to charity couldn’t be easier or more rewarding than taking the dogs from local animal shelter Sa Coma out for a lovely long winter walk. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings from 9am until 11.30am, volunteers are invited to just turn up whenever they can, and exercise a pooch. There’s a whole range of rescue pups housed in the centre, behind the fire station on the San Rafael highway – the turning is just opposite Hipercentro – so you’re be assigned a dog dependant on your size and experience. Then through the woods and around the surrounding footpaths, you’ll take your hound for their run of the day. The more regularly you can go, the better you’ll bond with a particular dog, and if you think you could find room for them at home, of course these are all up for adoption too. Just remember, a dog is for life – not just for Christmas.
Although many winter activities seem focused on being healthy and active, this is still Ibiza, and it wouldn’t be the white isle without a little late-night naughtiness. The major super clubs have closed their doors, but weekends in winter are still buzzing, with at least three discotheques hosting events for those who aren’t ready to hang up their disco (house or techno) boots just yet. Cabaret restaurant and club Lío Ibiza remains open on Friday and Saturday nights, with parties from local promoters Game Over, Zoo Project and Ibiza Talents. The Cirque Du Soleil collaboration club HEART Ibiza also stays open weekends, with events from labels like Moon Harbour and promoters such as La Troya. Ibiza Underground has some sporadic parties planned (keep your eye on their Facebook page for details), while newcomer Octan Ibiza throws a weekly shindig on Saturday nights. On New Year’s Day, you can’t go past the legendary Circo Loco at DC-10 – plenty of opportunity to be led astray if willing.
It’s been a long-standing New Year’s Day island tradition that locals unite on the beach at Las Salinas at lunchtime, to plunge into the new year with a fresh and frisky dip in the Balearic Sea before heading down the road to Circo Loco at DC-10. In recent years, the the fun-loving crew behind family-owned wine store Vino & Co have turned the tradition into a more official event in the very best way possible, by very generously bringing plenty of wine, and bringing a sense of order to the thousands of people who come to the beach to participate. The team – who are no stranger to NYD dives, as it’s also a tradition in their native Holland – assemble a gathering in the centre of the nature reserve of Las Salinas, right on the beach between the now-closed beach bars of Malibu and Beso Beach, and organise swims on the hour at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm followed by a communal feast – all swimmers are invited to bring a plate to share. Swimming is optional of course, usually dependant on how much wine has been consumed!
Well, would you look at that? It’s already the most wonderful time of year again! Halloween came and went in the blink of an eye after we wrapped up the summer season and now there’s a giant tree standing tall at the top of Vara de Rey, quaint little wooden market huts in the square and the streets are festooned with festive lights – it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. There’s something so old fashioned and charming about Ibiza at this time of year – despite the evolution of the island, it still seems to have escaped the clutches of Christmas commercialisation…
I’m not saying retailers aren’t wringing their hands with glee at the thought of all that extra Christmas trade (after the mayhem of Black Friday is over, or as I prefer to call it, Bleugh Friday), but here there seems to be a lot less overkill when it comes to gift giving. The shops just trade their regular hours, day in, day out. They close on Sundays, like always. You hear far less Christmas carols – or bastardised pop versions of Christmas carols – than you do in any city! Gift wrapping services are minimal to say the least (think store-branded bag with a sparkly gift tag – no gift wrapping stations or choices of paper and ribbon). You don’t see countless stocking stuffer gifts that are rendered completely useless after the first moment they were opened. There seems to be a lot less greed here at Christmas, and along with that, less waste. It’s not totally minimal but it’s not Oxford Circus.
Which brings me to the lights. One of the things I’ve always loved about Ibiza at Christmas is the simplicity of the lights strung across the main streets (31 on them according to the local newspaper!). For many years, they were recycled, simply rotated from street to street so it always looked different – aside from the ‘Bones Festes’ at the entrance to Ibiza town, which still makes me giggle even though I know the translation. Last year, new energy efficient lights were introduced and hopefully these too, will be rotated around the island rather than simply replaced by a new-fangled design like other major cities in the world. The lights will be switched on this Friday November 29, 2019 at 6.30pm (which must make all the pre-Christmas naysayers happy – sticking to traditional timelines like this) by none other than the goddess Tanit, which seems like a very bizarre Christmas deity (or, err, celebrity) but hey, it’s Ibiza and who are we to argue?
In my ideal world, the official Ambassador of Ibiza, Paris Hilton (I’m not kidding – she really has been ordained), would jet into town and do the honours, or maybe her island highness Charlotte Tilbury, who was born and bred in Ibiza and could do an in-store appearance just a little down the square in Sephora after she’d done her switching-on duties. Or maybe it should be the Mambo King, Javier Anadon, alongside his sons the Mambo Brothers in honour of their A-list DJ status, with an after party. What about Carl Cox (could he also dress as Santa? ‘Ho-ho-yes!’), or Papa Sven? The truth is, once the summer is over, the remaining population of Ibiza isn’t likely to be interested in superstar DJs or famous faces (and vice versa!), especially when it comes to lighting Christmas lights – and that’s what makes it still so quaint and charming.
I have always loved Christmas. Always, always, always. I believed in Santa Claus (or at least pretended to believe) right up until the point where I couldn’t get away with it anymore, and on the inside, I still secretly hope to hear sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling too, on Christmas Eve. I have always loved the way a Christmas tree lights up a room – even without the lights on! I love collecting decorations – even the ugliest of felt decorations from the late 70s in our house had a story – each year and adding them to my collection, and I love that magic moment when the tree is finally ready and you add the angel on top. For me, it’s always got to be an angel. I love giving gifts – if I lived in a city I would be the worst for buying into the commercialisation of Christmas, so perhaps it’s better that I live here and follow a more frugal gift giving style!
But, I am indeed a purist when it come to my tree. It won’t be going up until December 1 and it will come down on January 6, promptly. These dates were instilled into me as a child and no matter how much I love Christmas, I can’t break the rules (although there was one year that I left the tree up until March, but I’d been in an accident so couldn’t physically do it – suffice to say though, I definitely did experience bad luck!). If other people want to put their tree up before D.Day, that’s their choice – and I totally understand why you would! Who doesn’t want more Christmas joy in their life? And if you take it down in February, or later, well, if you want to risk the evil spirits taking hold of your home after the ‘twelfth night’, again, that’s your prerogative.
Here in Spain, the twelfth night is actually also celebrated as part of Christmas – Kings Day, as it’s called, is the day children receive their presents (from the three kings, not Santa – though you’ll find these days they often get both), so I’ve come to love Christmas even more ever since I moved here. It’s the occasion that keeps on giving – whereas in Australia, the UK or the USA, you’ve moved onto New Year and the subsequent hangovers and resolutions, here, we take a break to party and then get back to the Christmas festivities. The more Christmas the better!
We may not have snow in Ibiza, we may not even have weather cold enough to warrant wearing a Christmas sweater, but our little island/small town Christmas is just about as perfect as it can get if you ask me (which you didn’t). We’ve got oysters and champagne in Plaza del Parque, we’ve got Christmas hippy market at Las Dalias, we’ve even got gluhwein and chestnuts roasting on an open fire at San Jordi flea market on a Saturday. We’ve got the goddess Tanit lighting our Christmas lights! We can have Christmas lunch on the beach (and yes I KNOW we can also do that in Australia, but it’s far too hot there to enjoy eating anything at all). We’ve got Casa Maca’s awesome Christmas Market. We’ve got the Three Kings Parade on January 6! It’s the Christmas that keeps on giving. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve just got to go and put on my Kylie Christmas album and start unpacking the decorations in preparation for Sunday morning – because I wouldn’t dare do it a moment before, but that doesn’t stop me from singing along!
