How To Plan An Idyllic Ibiza Vacation, According To Insiders
Ibiza never fails to surprise and delight, offering visitors a wide range of dreamily diverse attractions – from world-famous partying and verdant landscapes to beautiful beaches and myriad opportunities for blissful relaxation. Here, six travel insiders with an expert knowledge of the island share their secrets for an Ibiza itinerary like no other. By KATIE BERRINGTON
José Manuel Molina, of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
My favorite spot…
“Dalt Vila, without a doubt. There’s something so calming about wandering through its narrow streets, past beautiful old balconies and cobblestone paths. I love soaking up the history, the energy, and the views – especially when you catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean stretching out beyond the ancient walls. It’s Ibiza at its most timeless.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“See both sides of the island: the raw, untouched beauty of nature and the electric energy of its nightlife. Start with a sunrise hike along the cliffs, or a quiet moment on a hidden beach, then step into the night, where Ibiza’s multicultural spirit comes alive.”
The local delicacies to try…
“Bullit de Peix is a traditional fisherman’s dish, full of rich flavors and history – the kind of meal that truly tastes like Ibiza. For the best experience, head to Can Bigotes or S’Espartar, where you can enjoy it just steps from the sea. Pair it with a crisp glass of local white wine.”
For the best wellness offerings…
“Start with a hike through the island’s hidden trails, where the views are just as revitalizing as the movement. Then, unwind with a sound-healing session on the rooftop at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – there’s something about the combination of ocean breeze and deep vibrations that resets you. And to finish? A tailored massage at the Ibiza Bay Spa by Six Senses – because no wellness experience is complete without that final release of tension.”
The best view…
“For that iconic Ibiza moment, take a boat out to Es Vedrá at sunset. Watching the sky turn gold and pink over the mystical rock formation is pure magic. For something more under-the-radar, hike up to Sa Talaia, the island’s highest point. From the top, you get panoramic views stretching from the coastline to the countryside – this is a side of Ibiza many don’t take the time to see.”
Something only insiders know is…
“I challenge you to uncover the magic of the winter season!”
José Manuel Molina is the general manager of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Talana Bestall, of Six Senses Ibiza
My favorite spot…
“The calas and coves around the north of the island, which is less crowded and has a different energy to the south.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Do the Santa Agnès de Corona hike – it’s an incredible coastal walk that leads to a secluded bay.”
The local delicacies to try…
“Over the past few years, Ibiza has become a culinary destination. You can’t go wrong with seafood. My personal favorites are a local Ibizan rotja fish [grouper], carpaccio de gamba [prawn] or cigalas a la plancha [grilled langoustines].”
For the best of Ibiza’s wellness offerings…
“Six Senses Ibiza has a phenomenal wellness offering that showcases some of the best healers on the island. Come for the Alma Festival – three days of transformative experiences featuring workshops, healing sessions, sunset ceremonies and community dinners. And for one of our most unique experiences, RoseBar is the longevity club, led by the expertise of Dr. Mark Hyman. Whether you’ve had a long Ibiza night or you’re coming to rebalance and reset, it’s the perfect way to recharge.”
The best view…
“Es Vedrà at sunset. It’s always a winner.”
Talana Bestall is the founder of Alma Wellness Festival, held at Six Senses Ibiza
“What makes Ibiza so special is its all-pervading magical energy
”
Serena Cook of Deliciously Sorted
My favorite spot…
“I love to swim all year round, and Cala Benirrás, my local beach, is the best spot. The sea is so clear, with a surprising amount of fish life, and there is an extraordinary rock formation in the middle of the bay. The sun sets behind it and drummers come down to the bay to beat their drums to the sunset.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Dance! Dancing in Ibiza is unique. What makes it so special is the all-pervading magical energy of the island. It is careless and carefree – for me, it’s like therapy.”
The local delicacies to try…
“Pimientos de padrón are the little green peppers served as an appetizer – where one in 10 is extremely spicy! Also worth trying are espardenyas, or sea cucumbers, which are like a plumper version of razor clams, served in lots of garlic… For total decadence in one dish, try langoustines, potatoes and fried egg. The jury is out on whether this originated in Ses Boques (one of my favorite, still quite unspoilt, fish restaurants in Ibiza), or Es Caló on Formentera, Ibiza’s neighboring island. And you have to drink the local liquor, hierbas, which is made on the island. It is a great digestif served with lots of ice.”
For the best of Ibiza’s wellness offerings…
“Fincadelica is a 300-year-old Ibicencan farmstead, located in the island’s gorgeous countryside, and has everything you need for a wellness reset: you can hike through the woods to see the sea, do yoga on the deck, swim in the saltwater pool, and enjoy healing treatments in the beautiful spa suite.”
The best view…
“Es Vedrà is the Instagram shot – but there is a beautiful hike down the west coast of the island, where you can see the magical enclave from a distance. One of my favorite coastal hikes is called Heaven’s Gate.”
Something only insiders know…
“Ibiza is referred to as the White Island because of the almond blossom that blooms in February. It’s a great time to come and discover off-season Ibiza. My charity, Ibiza & Formentera Preservation, works to preserve the island’s natural beauty.”
Serena Cook is the founder of luxury concierge and events company Deliciously Sorted
“The island still has some secret and untouched beaches and countryside spots that have been the same for generations
”
Leane Lacase, of Atzaró hotel group
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Long country walks in the north, to discover rambling pathways and pine-clad forests, are very special.”
The local delicacies to try…
“Ibiza has become a foodie destination, which means you can try a different delicacy every day. The farm-to-table food at Aubergine Ibiza is often on visitors’ bucket lists.”
For the best of Ibiza’s wellness offerings…
“The Atzaró Spa in the gardens of the Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel estate is a must-try. The 43-meter freshwater pool, spa garden and facilities are iconic.”
Something only the locals know…
“The island still has some secret and untouched beaches and countryside spots that have been the same for generations.”
Leane Lacase is the PR and marketing director at Atzaró hotel group
“Ride a motorbike along the coastal road, up on the north side of the island. It’s an amazing road, with a few top-notch spots along the way to catch the views
”
Xavier Padovani, of the Experimental Group
My favorite spot…
“La Paloma is effortlessly super-cool: a great location, and the food is on-point. For me, it encapsulates the very best of Ibiza. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with the place.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“Go for an early swim in Aguas Blancas, in the north, and watch the sun set at Experimental Beach Ibiza.”
The best view…
“Ride a motorbike along the coastal road, up on the north side of the island. It’s an amazing road, with a few top-notch spots along the way to catch the views.”
Something only insiders know…
“An amazing pottery atelier worth a visit is Alfarería Sa Teulera, which specializes in small statues. Every time I see the statues I bought from there in my house, I feel I have a small piece of Ibiza with me.”
Xavier Padovani is a partner at the Experimental Group, which runs Experimental Beach Ibiza
“There is peace and tranquility all around
”
Maga von Korff, of Cas Gasi
My favorite spot is…
“Where I live, Cas Gasi. It’s in the heart of the island and I am surrounded by nature, my olive trees and the silent garden – which is part of Cas Gasi’s regenerative agricultural program. I feel grounded on this fertile soil; there is peace and tranquility all around.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…
“It really depends on your lifestyle. I have probably ‘done it all’ when it comes to Ibizan experiences. Nowadays, what I find a real luxury is being able to do wonderful walks through the countryside. Every morning, I walk from Cas Gasi to the village of Santa Gertrudis, which takes about 40 minutes, through hidden tracks and forest. Another great experience is a walk along the saline basins at Es Cavallet, the small tracks leading to surprising views of the natural bird life there.”
The local delicacies to try…
“I always enjoy sardines, anchovies, mackerel and red mullet. A special treat is scorpion fish, grilled or with salsa verde, when I visit Formentera.”
The best view…
“I love the Ibiza old-town view from the marina – it’s so compelling.”
Maga von Korff is the owner of boutique hotel Cas Gasi
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown