Travelers looking for the place where sun, recreation, and culture merge would do well to consider our 5-star Ibiza hotels.  Here, there is a delightful combination of all these things, and much much more.  With amenities and extras that meet or exceed all the standards in the industry, there is a sense of luxury here that is hard to duplicate anywhere else on the planet.  There is a heady combination of cool, international style, in a place that is very plugged into all the latest trends, along with the delicious sense of solitude that comes from being on a island off the coast of Spain.  Here it’s possible to be completely away from it all, or completely tuned in to a fantastic social scene, or a bit of both.  The chefs here have excellent reputations, with a flair for the local, and a solid working knowledge of all sorts of cuisines.  The design is impeccable, and the staff is very well-informed.

In Ibiza, there is something for the whole family, with an array of events and activities that everyone can enjoy.  It also has a nightlife that lives up to its reputation.  There are some really amazing nightclubs, where the parties do indeed last until dawn, featuring some of the coolest beats in the world, by djs who know their world music.  Because of this, Ibiza attracts a very interesting and cultured demographic, including youth culture from around the world, as well as a fair share of celebrities.  Anonymity is certainly possible here, as well as being in a place where it’s important to be seen.  It depends on what you’re looking for.  But if you’re looking for music and dancing, it’s difficult to find an underground scene that stays underground for very long, as Tuesday is Fuseday proves.

What started as a spontaneous beach party turned out to be one of the biggest happenings of the summer, with thousands gathering to dance to new techno music by some of Ibiza’s best djs, including Nima Gorji, the Iranian born musician who now makes his home here.  The event started at around 4pm, and brought the whole town, it seemed, until it ended at 4am.  The island Ibiza, so the story goes, was founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century b.c., and named after the God of Music and Dance.  Lots of foresight in this, for sure.

While there are many interesting cultural aspects of the island of Ibiza, it is extremely well known for its club scene and one of the main reasons it receives the great number of tourists it does every year. Of the four major Balearic islands, Ibiza is the third largest in size. However, the Ibiza night club and party scene is by far the largest of all the islands. In addition to he party and dj spinning dance music clubs, there are bars that feature live music, and even dive bars with sparkly populated local patrons, and quite restaurant bars that offer a fine dinner and drinks. Whatever one’s personal interest and persuasion, Ibiza’s dynamic nightlife offers something for everyone.

Some of the bars on the island are considered to be warm up venues for an all night crowd that will move on to attend a party or dance club later in the evening. These bars also attract people that just want a happy hour drink or two after having spent a day sight seeing or engaging in one of the numerous water sports available right of the beautiful beaches. In addition, most of the resorts have a lounge that is suited for a night cap or even works as one of the warm ups for those who want to get an early start before they even leave their hotel.

Bora Bora is one of Ibiza’s legendary beach bars. While there are numerous bars, nightclubs and restaurants that are either directly on the beach, or just removed from it, Bora Bora is certainly one of the most popular and famous. It features great music and is open early in the day, so beach combers can stop in for one or two in between snorkeling, swimming and surfing adventures. There is no cover at this bar, which also makes it attractive and allows people to come and go easily.

biza, Spain, often referred to as “The White Island” for its typical architecture. This is the third largest of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. There are over 50 islands in this cluster, many of them uninhabited. The beaches, hillsides, cliffs and coves are absolutely breathtaking in their beauty and serenity. The weather here is extremely pleasurable with mild summers and winters, boasting over 300 days a year of bright, clear blue skies and warm sun. This is ideal for the abundant outdoor and water activities tourists can enjoy throughout the year. The local residents are sincerely hospitable to the many thousands of tourists that visit yearly. After your first visit, you will want to plan other trips to Ibiza as you cannot experience all this beautiful little island has to offer in just one visit. Interestingly the weather, scenery and hospitality aren’t the only attractions here.

There is no denying, Ibiza has a longstanding, notorious reputation for it’s nude beaches and wild nightlife with it’s many elaborate nightclubs and not so elaborate bars. The hippie culture greatly contributed to this reputation. Over the years it has drawn tourists from all over the world to participate in or observe this sometimes riotous nightlife. The local Tourism Department has worked hard to dispel this reputation and promote activities that encourage families to choose Ibiza as their next vacation spot. Their hard efforts have definitely paid off as this is a fabulous vacation spot for a family. Never fear though, the exciting and sometimes rowdy nightlife is still there for those late night adventure seekers. Ibiza has hundreds of wonderful restaurants specializing in exquisite cuisine, many of these restaurants will be found in the best hotels Ibiza, located not only on the stunning beaches but also in the very heart of the cities. For a more casual dining experience you can patronize one of the many local eateries serving a “home cooked” menu with a local flair.

Among the numerous and varied activities and tours you can enjoy is the interesting Don Pedro Shipwreck. The Don Pedro was a merchant ship that sank off Ibiza last July and is now open for diving excursions. For those that have a love of the water and are seeking a most unusual diving experience, this is a definite must do! The Don Pedro has the distinction of being the largest shipwreck in Europe that meets recreational dive limits. The diving tours are conducted by professional, experienced guides, guaranteeing a diver’s dream. All in all, Ibiza has something to offer everyone whether you are young, old, wild or tame…go and enjoy…and plan to return!

Clubbing Ibiza

June 16th, 2009

Comments ( 0 )

I found a place where my itch can be scratched, where the world appears to be a wonderful place to live and where my employer won’t see me embarrassing myself throwing dodgy forms in the office. If you can imagine being in the presence of world-class DJs of the likes of Radio One guru and Peter Tong spinning tunes to satisfy hundreds upon hundreds of beat hungry clubbers, then you’re on the right track. It’s none other than Ibiza.

I was fortunate enough to be visiting a friend who booked me in one of Ibiza Spain Hotels. He knew I was a clubber and he told me to come to Ibiza where clubbers everywhere come to drink the nectar that cures one from the ‘itch’ forever. I barely settled in my hotel room when my friend came busting in like a madman and said ‘Come on and grab your glow-sticks and lets get going. I’m about to show you the best that this world-famous little island can offer.’

I admit it; everyone wants cool, chic and chav-free clubbing. Clubbing in Ibiza is an art-form where hours of the night and day switch places. Ditch conventional along with the ideas of bopping along gently to the ‘It’s Raining Men’, and get in the groove. The tiny gem of island of Ibiza sits between mainland Spain and Majorca. It has maintained a reputation over the years attracting clubbers and beauty hunters from all over the world.

Inexpensive flights are an extra incentive to go clubbing in Ibiza and makes it more accessible for the likes of me. Clubbing is especially popular in the summer month between June and September, better known as the ‘Clubbing Season’, bringing out the grand dames of Ibiza clubbing come out to play. Most of the day is spent sleeping or chilling on the beach and then snacking on the scrumptious cuisine.  Clubbing is extremely fun; it’s a party in itself and is a balm for my itch feet.

If you’re looking for a vacation in the lap of luxury, Ibiza hotels will suit all your travel needs.  With amazingly gorgeous beaches, scintillating food, and fantastic accommodations, you’ll find yourself bathed in relaxation.  You won’t miss the comforts of home when you’re made to feel more welcome than your wildest dreams.  There is a very strong cultural scene here, in part due to the interest of the counter-culture that has had their eyes on Ibiza.  And their bodies dancing.

The Rolling Stones took a very favorable vacation here here in the mid-sixties, and Pink Floyd found a rough and ready source of inspiration here as well, when they made the film “More.”  Since then, it has been a prominent recreation spot for a young generation looking for fun in a beautiful setting.

In 1974, Antonio Escotohado, a philosophy student from Madrid, bought a plumb spot of land for a song, and began a nightclub that has been a counter-cultural mainstay of Ibiza, Amnesia.  Amnesia’s original name was “The Workshop of Forgetfulness,” with the idea that this music venue would be a place where travelers and locals could go to forget the concerns of the world outside.  When he realized that the Greek word “amnesia” already contained the same meaning, the name stuck.

Amnesia has been a very important spot for island culture, featuring some of the most exciting dance music in Europe.  At the turn of the millennium, in 2000, the owners of Amnesia decided to make a gift to the island, and all the locals were given free entrance to the New Year’s Eve bash, and it was a night no one could remember.  It’s still an extremely vibrant hotspot, and it’s not uncommon for party-goers to find themselves parked in, because of the 3 am rush to get to the club and dance the rest of the night, and most of the following morning, away.  Amnesia is a regular host to some of the most brilliant parties in the region.  They have amazing dj’s who are at the top of their form, playing some of the hottest and most impressive Spanish beats on the continent, and their spinning styles take in a multitude of cultural traditions and put out new riffs on a growing techno pulse.  And the resulting rhythm is pure Ibiza genius.

Party in Eden

May 21st, 2009

Comments ( 0 )

Ibiza is one of the scenically beautiful Balearic Islands that sit in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. It is one of the four largest islands, which includes Majorca, Minorca and Formentera. Ibiza is the 3rd largest of these islands, and each offers a unique cultural heritage perspective in addition to its geographic beauty and amazing views. Because each of the islands is unique and has its own atmospheric personality, tourists flock to each of them every summer. Vacationers who are staying in Ibiza Spain hotels can take a ferry to Formentera, its smaller neighbor for a day’s outing.

Ibiza is located approximately 80 kilometers off the coast, which is just enough room for privacy, though it is not too far removed from the mainland to provide for easy access. Of all the Balearic Islands, this one has the strongest reputation of a party island. And this reputation is deserved and hard won. Meanwhile, this carefree and uninhibited party atmosphere does not mean that the island is not also fully equipped with many natural attractions. For families and interested singles, there is plenty to seek out in way of cultural heritage and daytime activities. In addition the government is trying to scale down this party persona and is emphasizing its family friendly aspects.

However, for the wild and crazy party enthusiast, the bands play on. Club hoppers should guide themselves to the towns of San Antonio and the island’s capital, Ibiza Town. San Antonio’s West End is infamous for its party scene. This is probably the most popular tourist area as well. Some of the better-known clubs include Es Paradis, which offers fabulous water parties, and Privilege, which is recognized as the largest club in the world. These two take second and third place to the most popular club on the island, Eden.

Ibiza is an extremely vibrant island, full of diverse scenic views, outdoor activities and water sports, as well as many cultural heritage icons. One of the essential aspects of the inhabitants’ daily lifestyle is also a tremendous bonus for vacationers. They have an excellent and diverse selection of dining and restaurant options. They cater to tastes for foods from around the world and also special in local favorites. Restaurant Sa Capella is one of the beautifully quaint Ibiza restaurants that serves as an historic landmark as well as a place to enjoy great food. It is located near the popular town of San Antonio, though it is far enough removed from the city that its natural scenic elements are preserved.

The restaurant was originally constructed as a church. It was built in the late 16th century, and retains much of its historical feel. It was built from stone, roughly hewn and is unique looking, particularly from a modern perspective. Its high ceilings, vaulted limestone archways and alcoves lend to its mysterious ambiance and give the patrons the sensation they have stepped back in time. There are also iron chandeliers and wooden beams that add to the rustic feel. The menu is made fresh daily, and includes selections of fresh fish, and the best meats in deliciously delicate sauces. Some of the more popular items include salt encrusted salmon and the baked cod in garlic sauce. There is also a savory desert menu that includes tempting pastries, a unique strawberry soup and coconut mousse. Summer is the busiest tourist season for the island, and many guests enjoy a fabulous appetizer while relaxing on the garden terrace. The specialty is the Belotta Ham, which is the meat of free roaming pigs that were fed on acorns; it is served with a tomato bruschetta. This is definitely one of the more romantic locations to enjoy a sensual Mediterranean twilight.

Next time you are asked at the market, “Paper or Plastic”, or next time you buy a bottle of Evian, consider this.  Seventy five percent of the trash in the oceans and seas of our planet comes from trash, and ninety eight percent of that rubbish, is composed of plastic.  This is a result in part, of a floating island of trash as big as the United States twice over.  What began as a seemingly good idea, has turned into a nightmare.  For one thing, the world’s largest dump is moving on its own accord, depositing waste and filth along its path.  Starting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California, the trash heap is making its way to Japan via Hawaii, and via the rest of the waters as well.  As far away as the Atlantic Ocean, the Gibraltar Strait and the Mediterranean Sea, the plastic has been mucking it up.  Coastal communities known for the beautiful havens of tourists throughout the world, pristine islands off the coasts of Spain and France are affected by this filth.  In an area known for the pristine nature such as Ibiza boutique hotels are concerned with the consequences to their booming industry of tourism.  When one walks on the beach at sunset, with a margarita in one hand and a lovers hand in the other, the last thing one expects are dead fish and lawn chairs.

Much of the debris is tossed off of boats, ships and tankers, but most of it is land based and human discard.  Sea turtles, so vital to the marine environment, often eat the plastic bags as they are mistaken for their diet of jellyfish.  The plastic fills the bellies of these endangered beasts and they starve to death.  With bellies full.  Over 250 marine species have been negatively affected according to the Greenpeace research and reports.  In cities such as San Francisco, plastic bags are now outlawed, but it is just one city in an enormous world ofpossibilities .  People are taking notice and care, but governments, not so much so.  As nothing financial is to be gained, there is no one nor anything that can be taxed.  Except the earth and the survival of her inhabitants of course.  But what profit is to be gained with ‘that’?  Meanwhile the succotash of tires and disposable diapers and medical supplies and, plastic shopping bags, continues to simmer and expand.   And oh the representatives for plastics companies world wide protest and lobby against any kind of ban.  Meanwhile the birds will dive for shards of hardened plastic, and the whales and turtles will suck down Safeway bags, and we will just pretend that what we can not see, will not affect us.  Step up and get some canvas, for next time a person walks to their car caring groceries in plastic bags, I challenge then to not think of it all.