36 Hours in Ibiza

Everybody I know has asked me this at least once... "...But what's it like in the Winter?" Well, we dont stop having fun when all the visitors go home. :)

The rooftop bar at Restaurant L’Elephant, with views of old Ibiza Town.

By ANN MARIE GARDNER Published: November 4, 2007

..If there were direct flights here in the winter Ibiza would be a year round destination. In a way though I think most of the island prefer that there are not, and we get the place all to ourselves. Do feel free to come visit though ;)

This article from the New York Times, the original article Here sums it up quite well.

AS a nucleus of the electronic music scene, Ibiza attracts party people of every age and demographic, from London fashionistas and Goa-style ravers to French bobos and the prime minister of Spain. But after Oct. 1, when Ibiza's club season comes to a euphoric finale, this Spanish island eases back into its Mediterranean groove.

Whether it's hibernating in yoga retreats, trekking through Unesco World Heritage sites or lounging by turquoise blue water and white-sand beaches, Ibiza offers plenty of laid-back after-party spots. Plus, there are phenomenal seafood and glamorous hippies. And if the itch to party should strike, don't worry, the island's original party palace is open year round

Friday

4 p.m. BEACH SPOTTING

Get into the groove at the Jockey Club (Playas las Salinas; 34-971-395-788; www.jockeyclubibiza.com), a trendy but casual restaurant along the powdery white sands of Salinas Beach, a beautiful stretch with the beautiful people. It's a great place to grab a late-afternoon drink and watch sunbathers, while D.J.'s spin their Balearic beat.

8 p.m. GET THE PARTY STARTED

During high season, the beachside bar Café Mambo in Sant Antoni village (Vara del Rey, 40; 34-971-346-638; www.cafemamboibiza.com) is the place to watch the sunset and listen to the D.J. Pete Tong spin his electronica mixes for his popular Friday night show, broadcast live on BBC Radio One. Off season, Guarana takes over as the spot to start and finish the weekend (Puerto Deportivo de Santa Eulalia; www.guarana-ibiza.com).

11pm LATE LATE DINNER

It's dinnertime in New York — and Ibiza — so head to the foodie village of San Rafael. On the beautiful Plaza de Iglesia, across from the cathedral, sit under the trees at the Provençal restaurant El Clos Denis (Plaza de Iglesia; 34-971-198-545), order the roast suckling pig and drink lovely Spanish and French wines. The casserole dishes are big and hearty. About 60 euros ($87 at $1.45 to the euro) a person.

If you're with a larger group, book at Bambuddha Grove (Santa Eulalia, kilometer 8.5; 34-971-197-510; www.bambuddha.com), a modern Mediterr-Asian-fusion restaurant in a space that is part temple and part Japanese garden with Buddha statues and ornamental wood carved doors. Dinner about 60 euros.

After dinner, go to Restaurant L'Elephant (Plaza Iglesia; 34-971-19-8354; www.elephant-ibiza.com), a minimalist-white restaurant with a happening roof bar that offers wonderful views of historic old Ibiza Town. It's a place to be seen before heading to the clubs.

2 a.m. NIGHT OWL

The center of Ibiza night life is still Pacha (Avenida 8 d 'Agost; 34-971-313-612; www.pacha.com) and has been for 40 years. After 2 a.m., Pacha turns into a sea of people dancing with their arms in the air. The mainstream house music and party atmosphere are electrifying. If you're rolling with an entourage, reserve a V.I.P. table (125 euros a person, which includes a half a bottle of liquor and mixers; otherwise entry is 60 euros). Red Bull and vodka is the drink of choice. Open year round.

11 a.m. SHOPPING FIX

Don't miss the outdoor hippie market Las Dalias, near the tiny village of San Carlos on the island's northeastern tip (Carretera San Carlos, kilometer 12; 34-971-326-825; www.lasdalias.es). This is not a cheap flea market but a kind of year-round trunk show where vacationing fashion designers and editors come to forage for one-of-a-kind jewelry, amazing dresses from India and Bali and handmade leather sandals.

Afterward, duck into Ganesha in Ibiza Town (Montgri, 14; 34-971-193-605), a vintage shop run by Vicente Hernández and filled with treasures from his trips to South America. He is an institution (Jade Jagger, Elle and all the Ibiza girls shop here). If you're looking for a flowing Ibiza-style dress, the local designer to seek out is Harvey Musin (Plaza de la Constitucio, 7; 34-971-311-516).

1 p.m. OUT TO SEA

Charter a boat (or take a ferry) to Ses Illetes, the famous white-sand beach with turquoise water on the neighboring island of Formentera. Hike to the natural mud baths on the island's northernmost tip, dunk yourself in mud — it will dry and crack as you walk under the hot sun — then plunge into the sea to rinse it off. For 40 euros, ferries depart hourly from Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni (www.balearia.com). A concierge service called Deliciously Sorted (Calle Venda de Llatzer 25, Santa Gertrudis; 34-971-197-867; www.deliciouslysortedibiza.com) can locate Rivas, sailboats, Sunseekers and Turkish schooners for charter starting at 750 euros a day. It also arranges V.I.P. passes, villa rentals, restaurant reservations and helicopter rides. Concierge services à la carte from 25 euros per reservation.

Continued HERE