The Escape: Ibiza
Swapping the desert heat for the affluent beat of the Balearics, Bazaar discovers a new side to the party island of Ibiza
Where To Stay
ME Ibiza, Santa Eulalia del Rio
If the glossy lifestyle of the models featured on Hed Kandi’s Jason Brooks-illustrated album covers epitomise the Ibizan aesthetic you’re looking for, then the ME Ibiza in Santa Eulalia del Rio on the east coast of the island is for you. Welcomed by handsome Spanish doormen as you pull up in the hotel’s branded Range Rover, a glass of champagne thrust into your hand, from the moment you walk into the ME Ibiza the vibe for the holiday of a lifetime is set. Achingly hip in its all-white decor, the lobby buzzes with beautiful people in maxi dresses and Vilebrequin shorts, tanned to the max, gliding through to the sea-view swimming pool where an in-house DJ plays live jazzy-house to set the mood for a night of partying. The rooms at the ME are full of cool little quirks like spare pairs of Agent Provocateur briefs, island guides and seriously comfortable beds in which quick recovery is certain. But it’s not the room where you’ll be spending much time, it’s by one of the pools. Choose from the privacy of the rooftop pool where one can hire a Bali bed for the day, inclusive of full bottles of all-natural sunscreen, Voss water and food and drink, or indulge in a day of relaxation and yoga at lobby level.
From Dhs1,179 per night; Melia.com
Nikki Suite
Must Visit
Atzaro
One of Ibiza’s most popular luxury spas, of which there are now a few dotted across the island, Atzaro combines picturesque tranquility with indulgent, detoxifying and relaxing treatments, from massages to hammams. Book in for the day with one of the numerous day spa packages on offer, or stay the night in one of the beautifully appointed, Ibiza-Asia inspired rooms.
Outside veranda
Where To Chill
Aiyanna
As you can imagine, the White Island is peppered with picturesque venues where you can kick back, listen to music and gaze out into the Mediterranean Sea, something refreshing in hand. This year sees the launch of Aiyanna, a new restaurant/beach club by the same people who created the cliff-side success Amante. Situated in Cala Nova, Aiyanna offers the same high quality, fresh produce of Amante on a super-chilled little beach, perfect for a day of good food and relaxation somewhere less obvious.
Aiyanna beach restaurant
Where To Eat
Food Studio
Hidden away down the back streets of Dalt Vilain the old part of Ibiza Town, Food Studio is a not-so-secret little gem conceptualised by ex-Noma chef Boris Buono. Incredibly tasty food (with a focus on locally sourced ingredients) is presented in a tapas format with interesting twists on classic Spanish dishes. The avocado aioli is to die for. Housed in an old villa, food is prepared in an open kitchen while you sit in what feels like someone’s home – with only two tables available, booking in advance is essential.