Until recently, Ibiza was predominantly viewed as the pulsating heartland of youthful hedonism – a character affixed to it ever since the emergence of its balearic party scene in the 1980’s. Today, the nightlife is as alive as ever: you’ll still see revellers gathered on the beach before the coveted post-party sunrise. But while that scene continues to burn brightly, there has been a rediscovery of Ibiza’s other, at-times forgotten face. Hiding rich historical secrets, Ibiza’s landscapes possess a natural beauty to rival the synthetic splendour of the super-club confetti cannons. With a luxury tourism industry that has grown apace, it’s an island besieged – but by the most discerning visitors it has seen for decades.
Photo: Luxurytravelersguide.com
How to get there
This cycle of change extends not only to the island itself, but to the manner in which people get there. Victor, an innovative on-demand private jet charter service, has seen a veritable explosion in the popularity of charters to the island. Ibiza’s airport d’Eivissa is now one of the world’s busiest for summer-season private air traffic, of which Victor charters make up a significant proportion. The firm saw their summer bookings increase by 200% from last December to this January, demonstrating how far clients are beginning to book in advance. March to April brought with it further interest, seeing another month-on-month increase of 119%.
This meteoric increase in interest is a clear indication of the island’s newfound appeal, but is also that Victor provide a seamlessness rarely seen with flying. Their customers are savvy travellers who want to eschew hour-and-a-half-long check in queues of slowly-perspiring fellow passengers. Instead, they dine in their favourite London restaurant before being whisked skywards in a Bombardier Challenger 300, arriving at dusk, when the competition for landing slots is less fierce.
Image:flyvictor.com
Befitting of this easeful service, the tools of the trade can be contained within the palm of a hand. With their online mobile app, flights can be compared and booked on the go, making Victor the upmarket Uber of the aviation world. It is, of course, a little more expensive – but private aviation is by definition a luxury. Moreover, Fly Victor pride themselves on their transparency of their costs, making clear to their clients precicesly what makes up their rates; you can see what is required to pay the pilots, the crew, to fuel aircraft and pay the landings fees. And with the quotes representing the charter price of an entire aircraft, sharing with eight friends can result in a price that was once unheard-of in this industry.
Image: flyvictor.com
For more information, visit flyvictor.com
Where to stay
Luxury accommodation has seen a boom in recent years, something evidenced by the prodigiously sized villas that crest the beachfronts. Hotels have improved markedly too, catering to a clientele that extends beyond those merely looking for a mattress to accommodate their state of post-party collapse.
Ibiza Gran Hotel
Sloping towards the sea at angle of 45 degrees, this contemporary hotel looks on to bay and a central pool area – a shapely oasis of greenery and wooden decking. Stylish rooms look out across the Old Town and the Mediterranean, providing the backdrop for your adjoining private terrace.
(Photo: Ibiza Gran Hotel)
A treat for Ibiza’s syenites, this hotel has its own casino, complete with modish bars lit by pendulous filament bulbs. Distinctly individual, the Ibiza Gran has commissioned a large number of artworks – including the frog-like Oval Buddha, a chromium rendition standing 5 metres tall. A site of considered luxury, the Ibiza Gran manages to sidestep the gaudiness of some of its would-be contemporaries.
(Photo: Ibiza Gran Hotel)
For more information, see here.
Villa Infinity
The clean, minimalist lines of Villa Infinity offer a distinctly contemporary take on Ibizan architecture. A property designed in harmony with the island weather, it features a central courtyard that catches the full force of the sun.
(Photo: Villa Infinity)
Geometric shapes are the order of the day, framing a view looking out across Ibiza Old Town, Salinas and Fomentera. Ultra-modern, this villa is the perfect base from which to sample Ibiza’s glittering delights.
For more information, see here.
What to do: the clubs
Sankeys, a new addition to Ibiza’s clubbing lineup. Image: Ibizadiscoticket.com
Amnesia
Internationally renowned and running since 1976, Amnesia could justly be termed an icon of the clubbing world. Capable of hosting more than 5000 revellers, it is considered to be the quintessential Ibiza club experience.
Sankeys
Sankeys, the most renowned nightclub in Manchester, recently took over We Love, the night previously run by the equally famous Space. Bringing to Ibiza the grittier warehouse sound revered in the great North, this club offers a change from the more mainstream offerings.
Space
Space first opened in 1986, becoming an Ibiza mainstay and winning the ‘Best Global Club’ award multiple times. Much to the upset of its disciples, the coming season will be its last; its Friday party, Glitterbox, is already being billed as this year’s essential summer party.
What to do: the culture.
The walled limits of the Dalt Vila. Image: panaramio.com
Thought to have been 5000 years ago, Ibiza played host to a succession of renowned ancients – first were the Iberians, Phoenicians and Greeks; later came the Romans and the Moors. In the 19th century, it went through another cultural renaissance, drawing writers, artists and musicians of bohemian and intellectual tendencies. With an oft-forgotten history and amalgam of fascinating cultures, this island can be a transportive place.
Dalt Vila
The Dalt Vila, slightly mistranslated as the Old Town, is a fortified town of impressive facades and narrow cobbled passageways. A site of exemplary renaissance architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including within its realms a 13th century cathedral and a Moorish fort.
Asentiamento Fenicio de Sa Caleta
Once a Phoenician settlement, these structures were abandoned in 600 B.C. They remain as a fascinating record of the island’s ancient urban settlements.
Necropolis Puig des Molins
The oldest tombs in this punic necropolis date from the 7th century B.C. Holding more than 3000 tombs and burial chambers, many of them sunk deep below the surface, Puig des Molins is an eerily captivating site.