Beach club hopping – by sea!

While most charters religiously set sail on the classic Ibiza to Formentera route, the south coast of Ibiza offers an equally as glamorous and exciting itinerary… perhaps even more so, if you count beach club hopping among your favourite holiday pastimes.

Why rely on drivers or taxis, when you can really make an entrance as you access all of Ibiza’s best beach clubs by sea? Spend the day zipping from boat to beach – starting with champagne brunch at BEACHOUSE Ibiza in Playa d’en Bossa. Cruise around the coast, where the always stylish Es Cavallet is your next port of call: La Escollera, El Chiringuito and Chiringay all offer a boat tender service.

Perhaps Ibiza’s most iconic beach destination, afternoons spent sailing up and down the stretch of Las Salinas provide options aplenty. Lunch or mojitos at Jockey Club or Guarana Salinas Beach Club are the perfect warm-up to joining the authentic Balearic vibes at Sa Trinxa. Make a splash into the Med from the famous walkway, or simply walk the plank and wait for your Zodiac to collect and return you to your vessel for the next leg of your beach club hopping journey.

The late afternoon is when the party really gets started in Ibiza’s beach clubs, and the crème de a crème of boat-to-beach destinations will be warmed up nicely for your nautical arrival. You’ll hear the beats coming from Blue Marlin before you’ve pulled into the bay of Cala Jondal, where Ibiza’s movers and shakers are found spending sun-soaked afternoons on the beach – also known as ‘networking’.

Here’s where that famous Ibiza spontaneity comes into play – do you let the skipper sail back to Ibiza town minus your crew, as you party through sundown into the early hours at Blue Marlin, or will you be tempted by the lure of homeward bound sundowners at the island’s most luxurious of seaside cocktail lounges, Experimental Beach Ibiza at Es Codolar? Wherever the whim takes you…

House of heritage

Those stories however, are well documented. What comes next for Pikes is yet to be written and the 2017 summer season lies ahead like a book of empty pages, ready and waiting to be filled with new tales of adventure, debauchery, fun and fabulousness. At the heart of the new chapter of Pikes are owners and Ibiza Rocks founders Dawn Hindle and Andy McKay. After acquiring Pikes in 2011, they were determined to respect the hotel’s heritage while putting their own stamp on the iconic space. “We feel the hotel is a living, breathing museum to everything Tony built,” explains Dawn. “We needed to modernise it, but we never wanted to strip away its identity.”

The Pikes ethos has always been to make guests feel as though they were staying in a private home – a hedonistic grown-up escape.

This passion for preserving history is evident in the 2017 refurbishments, where no two details are alike. “We want to keep each room individual and special, so we renovate ad hoc,” says Dawn, who scours the globe for unique pieces to breathe new life into the older spaces – be it taxidermy, vintage furniture or art. “Of course, there are things we will never touch, like the terracotta bathroom that was in the Club Tropicana film clip – you can’t! But the hotel was built in the 70s and things do wear out. It would be easy to rip everything out and start from scratch, but we love the individuality and want to add to it, not subtract from it.” A new, match made in heaven collaboration with eclectic British interior design and homewares company Rockett St George further builds on the hotel’s heritage, with custom designed wallpaper created using the imagery from the famous Pikes photo collection and cool neon signs emblazoning location appropriate phrases such as Kate Moss’s rather logical ‘Why the fuck can’t I have fun all the time?’ across the walls. Bespoke scented candles dubbed ‘After the disco’, cool cocktail kits, quirky notebooks disguised as bedside Bibles and mirrored disco balls are now found for sale in every room (and online). “We thought it might stop people nicking everything!” says Dawn.

Rockett St George were also invited to completely redesign Room 9 of the hotel, showcasing their dark, vintage-inspired aesthetic via black-painted walls, retro peacock chairs, mid-century cocktail trolleys, bold neon signage, quirky lighting, wall-mounted zebras and much more. Think Tender is the Night meets The Factory with a splash of punk rock in between. Described as ‘grotto-fabulous’ and ‘bohemian back to mine’, this is the room you want to be seen in at Pikes this summer. While the Pikes vibes is indeed all about mingling and making new friends, you can make it easy for yourself by simply reserving the room! A facelift was also given to the iconic Freddie’s Suite in order to further enhance its usability and fun factor. A cool pull-down bed has been added (“Just because I’ve always wanted one!” laughs Dawn), evoking that authentic house party feeling, while walls have been lined with the aforementioned wallpaper and eclectic chic palm tree lamps and neon signs softly illuminate the space. The floor has been levelled out to allow more space for dancing, the bars have been redesigned for easier access and there’s even a secret bookcase door separating the dance floor from The Potting Shed bar.

Pikes is the perfectly balanced sum of its parts – amazing music, eclectic style, interesting people, delicious food, wonderful wine and an anything can happen ambience.

The jewel in the crown of Freddie’s Suite is the new DJ booth – once a tiny, ramshackle wardrobe – redesigned by none other than DJ Harvey, who was recently named Pikes’ ‘Cultural Attaché’. Harvey also collaborated with Pikes on the installation of a new Void sound system and custom lighting in Freddie’s. All the better to dance to my dears, as DJ Harvey’s Mercury Rising residency returns to Pikes for its third consecutive season on Monday nights from August 7 to September 25, 2017. The beauty of a Pikes party is that absolutely everyone is welcome – provided you’ve signed up to the guest list (easily done here). Hotel guests dance alongside holidaymakers, island locals, Ibicencos, rock royalty and well-known Pikes characters such as Sunny in his fancy dress boudoir or bathtub karaoke room. The summer 2017 party line-ups are serious stuff, with Paul Oakenfold hosting a four-week series of parties every Wednesday in August, while Saturday nights are the signature Pikes House Party, with special guest headline DJs including Artwork, Leon Vynehall, Bushwacka! and PBR Streetgang. More international artists including Simian Mobile Disco, Midland, Mr Saturday Night Live and Mike Mayer, guest star on Mondays in July as London ‘it’ club XOYO host their first Ibiza residency, XOYO Loves…

Rounding out all the elements of Pikes is Room 39, the in-house restaurant – open to non-hotel guests for breakfast, lunch, poolside snacks and dinner alike. With chef Lee Milne at the helm for a third season, 2017 sees the restaurant define its culinary identity with a new sharing style menu drawing on the British heritage of the owners and loyal clientele, with splashes of Tony Pike’s Australian influence, plus a distinct nod to the Spanish location and traditional tapas style of eating. On Thursday nights throughout summer, Room 39 hosts ‘Pikes Open Kitchen’ inviting guest chefs to take over for the evening – a new pop-up platform to showcase exciting new gastronomic ideas from around the globe. An impressive wine list – much of it hailing from mainland Spain – completes the Room 39 offering, with many of the varieties (even those at the top of the scale) available by the glass. Cocktails, in true Club Tropicana style, are expertly shaken and stirred poolside (though unfortunately not free!) and the Pikes Sunday Roast provides the perfect taste of nostalgia to wrap up your weekend. All in all, Pikes truly is the sum of its parts – each piece of the puzzle perfectly complementing the other and resulting in unforgettable holiday experiences.

Giving unto others

Though you don’t see its name emblazoned on billboards or flashing up in lights, the boutique Agroturismo has been a constant draw card for lovers of style, interior design, art and luxury getaways since its inception in 1997. A lovingly restored 16^th century finca is the heart of the hotel, surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, standalone suites, a deluxe wellness cabin, Bedouin yoga tent and an array of chill out spaces, dining areas, cosy corners and laidback lounges. The hotel’s reputation as an authentic home away from home is well deserved – many guests return year after year, after experiencing firsthand the warm and welcoming service that makes one feel a part of the Es Cucons family.

The well-travelled family behind Es Cucons possesses a history steeped in art and style, evident in the hotel’s elegant fusion of vintage style and contemporary design.

Barcelona-born owner María Rodríguez Castán says she ‘just knew’ from the age of 14 that one day she would open a hotel in Ibiza. The island was a very special place to her grandmother, and she would spend her summer holidays here every year with the family – who boast a background in international hotels. After travelling, studying and working around the world, Maria felt the island’s famous magnetic pull and began searching for the perfect property to transform into a hotel alongside her parents, Juan Francisco Rodriguez and Maribel Castán, partner, sister and in-laws – an ongoing family affair! The Santa Agnes finca was a ruin, considered ‘in the middle of nowhere’ at the time of acquisition, though Maria had the foresight to see its unspoiled location as a future haven for those seeking to escape the confines of city living. Today, her paradise – with extraordinary gardens expertly designed by Pasi – is easily accessible, and welcomes a combination of families, couples, creative and corporate types through its enormous rustic wooden doors, yet still retains a sense of calm.

Maria’s drive comes from the idea of creating a hotel that offers the experiences and services she would personally like to receive when travelling. While the hotel is constantly evolving to reflect changes in style and services, each change is subtle – a beautiful, organic improvement on its previous incarnation that continues to win the hearts of international guests both old and new. WiFi, complimentary bicycles, babysitting services, a library, games, a swimming pool, deluxe double sun loungers – no detail has been overlooked. The bedrooms and suites – 15 in total – are an elegant fusion of country chic and contemporary design. It is the little touches, like a welcome shot of locally fermented Hierbas Ibicencas presented in a vintage crystal bottle, or fresh-picked flower arrangements from the onsite gardens perfectly positioned on rustic shelving that give each space a true feeling of homeliness. Upon sinking into the plush bed, it is clear a good night’s sleep is imminent.

The philosophy of Es Cucons is simple: the owners give unto others as they would like to receive themselves when retreating on holiday.

The health and wellbeing of guests is of ultra importance to Maria and her team, which includes an onsite therapist trained in Ayurvedic wellness techniques and a variety of massage styles in addition to yoga and Pilates. Treatments can be selected from the extensive menu or customised to suit your needs, and Es Cucons also hosts group wellness, yoga and women’s retreats throughout the year. With nothing but the sound of the frogs and birds floating across the airwaves, your total relaxation is guaranteed. Cuisine too, plays an important part in day-to-day life at Es Cucons, with the in-house restaurant also open to non-hotel guests for their famous breakfasts, luxe, lazy lunches and decadent dinners alike. Head chef Enrique Ocon selects only the finest local produce – including many ingredients plucked straight from his onsite vegetable garden – to create a Mediterranean inspired menu that is high-end, yet homely. Meanwhile, behind the bar, long-term team member Angelo tends his exceptional bar with passion and flair – forget stock standard cocktail lists: recite your favourite flavours then enjoy a bespoke concoction.

The owners of Es Cucons clearly have an eye for design and style – with all pieces placed within the hotel personally sourced, designed, handcrafted or built with the hotel in mind – and they are also for sale, should you wish to take (or ship) anything home! From large, striking artworks by the renowned artist Sergio Saez gracing the entrance hall and contemporary design chairs by Lobster Bay on the alfresco dining terrace to the industrial style lighting in the restaurant and distinctive boho-luxe fashion and accessories hand selected by Maria and showcased in the foyer. It’s this eclectic chic aesthetic that has seen Es Cucons go on to inspire a multitude of Ibiza villa renovations; set the scene for stylish magazine editorials, picture perfect backdrops for a thousand Instagram posts and even seen their own offshoot boutique synergistically opened in another, smaller 16th century finca in the village of Santa Gertrudis, run by Maria’s sister Barbara and her husband Jaime, still keeping it in the family. Often imitated but never replicated, it is this authentic ambience of the hotel that keeps Es Cucons at the top if its game and inspires never-ending loyalty with guests.

Come one, come all…

With just eight rooms in total, the space has an authentic home away from home feel. Think Goldilocks and the three bears – once you’ve checked in, everything is j-u-u-s-t right. You won’t hear the sound of cars within this heavenly getaway, though surprisingly, it’s conveniently located to some impressive beaches and popular, bustling villages. Nothing but love and laughter echoes through the shared spaces at Can Talaias – in fact, you’d be hard-pressed to hear anything aside from the rustle of trees and tweets of the birds. Can Talaias was originally the home of famed British actor Terry-Thomas in the late 60s, however in recent years, the property has been successfully run by his son Cushan and wife Laetitia, who carried the family legacy on in true Ibiza style. With two young children of their own, the couple possesses an intuitive understanding for the needs of families when staying in their hotel.

At Can Talaias, kids are surrounded by lifetime memories in the making – fun times by the pool with family and newfound friends, days spent frolicking in the countryside with the friendly pet dogs and cat (who also happens to go on walks with her canine pals!), or admiring the flock or peacocks in pens, and feeding gorgeous pot-bellied pigs in the paddock. A special kids’ corner filled with games, books and toys awaits, alongside an all-new cubby house and trampoline outdoors. There are two suites and a superior room ideal for families who want a little extra space between mum, dad and the kids. Cots and highchairs are available on request and of course, grandma and grandpa are also welcome to stay in the rooms next door. A live-in babysitter – who also happens to be a qualified masseur – is on hand to take care of the little ones when parents need a break, be it for a beach day, romantic date or party night.

Kids are well catered to on the hotel menu – going above and beyond the standard options of chips and rice for your mini-me. Laetitia and Cushan understand the need for nutrition, particularly difficult when on holiday, and so their organic kitchen is on hand to heat up veggies for bubs or whip up a healthy kids’ meal when needed. For families with toddlers or babies, the location is ideal as a trip to the beach is just a few minutes drive down the road, taking away any stress about packing up the car, travelling, finding parking and then the drama if you need to return home quickly. Cala Boix and Pou des Lleo are at the end of Can Talaias’s road, boasting soft golden sand and shallow waters perfect for children. The beautiful crystalline waters of Aguas Blancas, and the gentle waves of Cala Nova (the home of Atzaró Beach restaurant and beach club) are also nearby. Alternatively, kids can play in the children’s section of the hotel pool – separated from the deeper section by a giant stone for safety.

The beauty of Can Talaias is that it offers something for everyone. Lovers of health and fitness can check into the beautiful Agroturismo and enjoy yoga or personal training sessions on the lush green lawn, long hikes into the hills to take in some simply breathtaking views at all times of the day or extensive walks to beaches and nearby villages. Sunrise, early mornings, afternoons, the colourful sunset hours or magical moonrise – no matter how often you take the trails, it is impossible to get bored. Massages are also available – amongst nature or in the comfort of your suite – when you need to sooth sore muscles, and the experienced chef plucks fresh and organic produce from his own garden, and sources other local ingredients, in order to create healthy and nutritious meals. Can Talaias has also long been popular with creatives – harking back to its heritage, perhaps – with writers, painters and other artists often checking in to use the space to finish their masterpieces. There’s almost an unwritten rule among guests – live and let live. While there are no communal tables, many guests often end up socialising by choice and becoming friends, and for the more solitary types, there are many comfortable chilled corners to indulge in that much needed ‘me-time’. And for those seeking some authentic Ibiza retail therapy, the iconic Las Dalias hippy market is in close vicinity – just a few minutes drive, or an enjoyable 45-minute walk through a secret back route directly from the hotel.

There’s also no denying Can Talaias is an incredibly romantic setting, which makes it popular with holidaying couples and honeymooners alike. Whether it’s taking in an amazing sunrise, magical sunset or mystical moonrise, the views are almost heaven sent. Candlelit dinners for two on the terrace, couples’ massages and the perfect central location to explore the romantic terrain of the north, it is a lovers’ paradise. Speaking of love, weddings can also be accommodated at Can Talaias if guests secure the eight suites for a minimum stay to ensure exclusivity. Imagine, making this your home base as you prepare for your big day with your nearest and dearest. Think close-knit dinners, pre-wedding cocktails, post-wedding brunches and farewell sunset cocktails – not to mention the wedding of your dreams, of course!

Life simply flows at Can Talaias. For every different type of guest, there is a different daily itinerary. By the time families have finished their breakfast and are moving onto the pool area, newlyweds are arising late and can enjoy the terrace to themselves, or alongside tranquil health fanatics, who are enjoying a healthy brunch after morning yoga and a swim. Later on, as the families pack up and head out for a day of adventures, couples and singles can soak up the sun by the pool. There’s something about the laidback, effortless chic of Can Talaias that means everything just falls into place, from morning until night. There’s no greater time to experience Ibiza than the gorgeous springtime, when Can Talaias really comes into its own, in living colour with lush green grass, colourful flowers and majestic skies. Opening on April 6, 2017, early bird guests receive a special discount of 10-percent for three-day stays in April or 15-percent off five-day bookings. In May, reservations for five nights or more will be given a 10-percent discount and for extended stays, even bigger discounts can be applied – contact the hotel directly for more information and be sure to reserve soon to guarantee your space.

All about the feeling

Now entering its eighth season, the little hotel with a big heart exceeds every expectation. Making guests happy is what makes them tick, and drives them to innovate with every new season. Surprisingly, The Giri Residence  – extremely intimate with just five suites – is still one of the island’s best-kept secrets. As the hotel evolves on every level, there are no bells and whistles. No songs and dances. There is no ego. It is a quiet achiever. They simply let their guests feel the changes, upgrades and improvements via personal experiences.

Stepping out of the huge wooden doorway into the charming village of San Juan is the first fairytale moments you’ll experience at The Giri Residence, but it certainly won’t be the last.

Adding luxury and glamour to the heart of a rustic countryside village – a combination rarely found in Ibiza – style seeps out of every corner of this design hotel. But this aesthetic is merely a first impression. Authenticity is found beyond its beauty, starting with its magical location. The village of San Juan is the real Ibiza. In the heart of the countryside, it is off the beaten track, immersed in nature, yet the island’s contemporary offerings are easily reached within a 20-minute drive. The hotel, its home base and local community are intrinsically connected – San Juan is a big part of what makes The Giri Residence so special.

One of the elements that makes The Giri Residence unique in Ibiza is the highly intuitive service. The team (almost a one to one ratio with guests) are there when you need them, invisible when you don’t and above all, capable of creating exceptional holiday experiences. Staff are highly trained to ‘read’ guests in order to allow them to deliver the style of holiday they desire. The Giri Residence provides guests the space and freedom for guests to retreat in privacy, or the warmth and interaction for a more social stay – the choice is yours. The team also goes above and beyond the call of duty to arrange anything you need while exploring the island, or to experience within the hotel walls. The international guest list proves it resonates with people from all corners of the world – everyone is welcome here.

Intimate in size, yet grand in nature The Giri Residence offers the same high-end services as a luxury resort, with more flexibility and personalised attention.

Head chef Carlos has been at the helm of The Giri Residence kitchen for eight years and is on hand to personally curate meals for each guest, in addition to creative daily specials. Ultra laidback, Carlos subtly interacts with guests then sources organic produce from his own vegetable garden plus fresh local seafood and meats to create meals tailored your tastes and dietary requirements. Passion for his craft is evident in every dish. How and where you choose to dine at The Giri Residence is up to you. Take breakfast by the pool, lunch in the garden, dinner over candlelight in the dining room. On colder evenings, cosy up by the fire or on a hot summer night, snack on the open-air terrace or just kick back in your suite and order room service. For those nights when you want to step out in your finest, the hotel’s renowned sister restaurant The Giri Café is right next door, and you’ll never have to worry about finding taxis, or being a designated driver!

Step inside the luxurious in-house spa and relaxation is guaranteed. You’re in the best of hands, quite literally, with two therapists delivering an array of Ayurvedic treatments in addition to classic massage styles. Meanwhile, in the great outdoors, the dedicated yoga instructor offers one to one sessions in the morning sunlight, plus weekly drop-in classes while a personal trainer can put you through your paces surrounded by nature – be it in the campo, on the nearby beaches or onsite. Magazine-worthy interiors, spacious suites, spa-like bathrooms, lush green grounds and a sparkling swimming pool set the scene for your stay, but it is the little extras that make a holiday at The Giri Residence unforgettable. Guests may come to Ibiza with a list of ‘must-dos’ however once they’ve been enveloped into the Giri world, and really, truly relax, it can be easy to forget about previous expectations and just enjoy the moment. It’s all about that feeling…

Where winter fire burns bright

Ibiza in summer is a sight to behold. Famous for glamorous beaches, luxury lounging around, yachting across the glittering Med, long lunches and even longer dinners… anyone who’s holidayed here in summer knows all this and more. But those on the inside know Ibiza in winter is pure, unadulterated magic. While the rest of Europe shivers under a blanket of snow topped with a sheet of icy sleet, Ibiza is basking under bright blue skies and crisp clean air. Things may be quieter (no traffic! easy restaurant reservations!) but there is one place where the light has always shone right through the winter: luxury Ibiza Agroturismo Cas Gasi. With year-round direct flights from all over the mainland and Europe including Paris, London, Milan, Geneva, Amsterdam and Eindhoven, it’s now easier than ever to treat yourself to a mid-winter holiday at the island’s premiere boutique hotel.

Surrounded by lush gardens and forests, Cas Gasi has been a beacon of elegant comfort since its inception. Summer sees guests lounging poolside after yoga, sipping freshly pressed juices, taking jaunts over to Formentera and organising their moves from the home base of Cas Gasi, strategically located in the centre of the island. In winter the hotel really takes on a homely feel – which makes sense, as it was once the owners’ beloved family home! The huge fireplace warms the living room’s plush sofas and invites guests to enjoy the hotel’s library – perfect for cosying up with any number of the cool coffee table books or literary classics with a hot drink, cocktail or bottle of wine. Quiet and soothing, Cas Gasi in winter is entirely heart warming, as some guests come and stay a week or more, and others escape for a long weekend. It’s the perfect time of year to connect with oneself or loved ones, to create wonderful memories with each other in this charming yet sophisticated location.

The delicate scent of artisan baking tends to waft out of the home kitchen and fill the main house with mouthwatering hints of shortbreads and cakes. The exclusive in-house restaurant maintains its regular menu throughout the winter with the addition of seasonal delicacies such as locally foraged mushrooms and winter root vegetables plucked directly from the Cas Gasi organic vegetable garden, not to mention game season when local pheasant features as speciality of the house. While eating is obviously a major pastime for most travellers, it’s lucky that the Cas Gasi gym and spa remain fully operational. There is nothing like a long soak in the Jacuzzi followed by a sauna session and a pre-booked spa treatment after a day of island exploring… or even just a day of nothing much at all!

Enjoying Ibiza in winter is a delight. Walks through the pristine forest, bike rides to the local villages, strolls along deserted beaches and coves under a winter sun fill the heart with romance and calm. And coming home to Cas Gasi at the end of the day is like returning to a picturesque sanctuary. Under-floor heating creates a cosy companion to the open fire. The cinema room and vast selection of classic films, the signature Cas Gasi soundtrack of smooth jazz, breakfasts brought to your room, afternoon wine tastings, a private dinner or a feast with friends – spend your days and evenings exactly as you wish. December sees the island come alive with the arrival of a loyal international crowd to share in its annual Christmas and New Year celebrations. As they say, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Lights are strung, the markets and shops are packed with people, parties are hosted and good cheer fills the towns and villages. The perfect antidote to the greyness of a cruel winter elsewhere, an off-season stay at Cas Gasi is a simply magical experience – the perfect gift to yourself or to your loved ones this Christmas!