When most people think of Ibiza, they conjure up images of strobe-lit clubs, superstar DJs and hedonistic crowds sweating on packed dance floors. But even though it’s still the number one clubbers’ paradise, there’s a less showy side to the island which attracts a more genteel crowd. In a bid to explore a more alternative side of Ibiza, OK! stepped away from the buzzing nightlife to embrace a more traditional holiday. Think tranquil cobbled streets, relaxed authentic tapas bars, idyllic sandy beaches and plenty of history to explore. The White Isle’s charms are a magnet for royals and celebs, too – Princess Eugenie had her hen do there, while Katy Perry has been spotted catching some rays. So, whether you want to enjoy lazy days on the beach or are looking for a yoga class to remember, OK! rounds up some of the reasons why Ibiza isn’t just for those looking to dance the night (and day) away…
Ibiza isn’t just the perfect holiday destination for those wanting to party the night away
(Image: GETTY)
Sea views The family-owned Ibiza Corso Hotel & Spa is just across the marina from the beautiful old town of Dalt Vila – you can hop on a city boat to reach it. Modern in design, our large, comfortable room had a balcony facing the port and out to sea. It was hard to drag ourselves away from the pool which has bar service and delicious food served all day – some dishes were cheaper than those in the local restaurants. The hotel’s renovated Corso Restaurant was sublime, but the standout was definitely the spa. We booked in for a blissful full-body massage, followed by relaxation time in the hydro pool. Elsewhere, when you’re on the island, getting a taxi can be tricky, so make sure you plan ahead. We hired a car from SIXT and our Peugeot 308 was perfect for getting us from A to B. Lap of luxury We spent the second half of our trip at Casa Munich Residence, a hidden gem in the heart of Salinas Natural Park. Driving across the salt plains, we found ourselves in a residential area worlds away from the party scene. Blending rustic Ibizan style with luxury, the accommodation comprises of a series of rooms and apartments, and our huge two-bed, ground-floor apartment included a kitchen and living area.
Ibiza has plenty of tranquil villages and hidden gems to discover
(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
We loved the choice of three pools – a quiet zone opposite the spa treatment rooms, one by the restaurant and bar where blissed out tracks play while you sip a mojito, and a family pool that was surprisingly tranquil. All are surrounded by stone buildings, funky artworks and palm trees. Dine out in style Top of your list should be the exceptional 1742 in Dalt Vila. The evening started in style, with a private car taking us up to the restaurant. Welcomed by the maître d’ at the door and presented with an amuse-bouche, we strolled inside accompanied by music from a violinist. The rules were simple, try everything and alert the staff if you need the loo so the kitchen can pause! The seven-course pairing menu was mind-blowing, with dishes from blue lobster to clams and venison, and wines poured to match. We were invited to sit on the roof terrace overlooking the bay to enjoy our dessert.
1742 in Dalt Vila offers a sumptuous seven course pairing menu
(Image: Jordi Cervera)
We also dined at Izakaya, a cool Japanese restaurant located in the trendy Sir Joan Hotel, where we enjoyed the most delectable sashimi and sushi. For a relaxed experience, we headed to the small Mexican cantina Chidas, also in Ibiza Town, for some mouthwatering margaritas. Time to unwind This trip was all about chilling, so during our Casa Munich stay we booked a yoga session in the outdoor studio. Our instructor Jana was amazing as we stretched and breathed our way through a calming, hour-long experience.
Booking a yoga session is a great way to stay zen while in Ibiza
If you fancy a day away from the hotel pool, pull up a sunlounger at the Cotton Beach Club, located in Cala Tarida bay. It’s worth climbing up the steep steps to the restaurant for lunch where the views are magnificent. With cool tunes, this is the place to relax and unwind while tucking into local delicacies. Dance the night away We may have headed to Ibiza to unwind, but we couldn’t ignore the nightlife on offer. If you’re looking for a night of epic dancefloor fillers, world-famous DJs and, of course, glitter then it has to be Glitterbox! This is the club night’s sixth year of residency on the island, with a guaranteed epic line-up taking over Hi Ibiza every Sunday night throughout the season.
If you did want to explore Ibiza’s nightlife, there’s plenty of events on offer
(Image: GETTY)
Elsewhere, Swedish House Mafia are back on the white isle and heading to Ibiza for just one night this season as they descend on the world-famous Ushuaia Ibiza stage on 23 July. To book The Ibiza Corso Hotel & Spa costs from £203 per night (booking.com); Casa Munich Residence is from £200 per night (casamunich.com). The 1742 experience menu is £327pp (1742ibiza.com); Cotton Beach Club costs from £172 for sunloungers and lunch for two (cottonlifestyle.com); Izakaya (izakaya-restaurant.com); yoga with Jana is £69 for a private session (yogabalanceibiza.com); Sixt cars are available from £63 per day or £187 for a four day trip (sixt.co.uk); Glitterbox tickets cost from €45 (hiibiza.com); Swedish House Mafia tickets cost from €100 (theushuaiaexperience.com)Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnPrincess EugenieTravel
