a girl’s guide to ibiza

Spring is finally here and summer is around the corner, with Ibiza opening parties kicking off later this month and into May, that gives us one month to start planning . We put together some tips on hotels, restaurants, clubbing and a little shopping from friends around the world who fly into the White Isle for what I like to call as my “Berlin by the beach”.

Getting There: From May to October many budget airlines ( Vueling is now my favourite) fly to the Balearic island from across Europe, book at least three months in advnce to get a bargain.  North Americans’ would need a good connecting flight, book your ticket from Iberia which is part of the Oneworld Alliance with American Airlines. Tip: One of the best clubs for underground techno DC 10 (at least on Mondays) is in a former aircraft hanger a stone’s throw from the airport.

The best way to arrive though is by a chartered yacht (unless you have your own), for your jet set entrance. It is a different experience seeing the shoreline, docking in front of your favourite restaurants, into the Ibiza Town port at the feet of the castle, and private beaches to escape the madding crowds.

Clubs: For me, the best time to go is during the opening parties in May and the closing ones in September. Expect big crowds and high entrance prices during peak season, if you don’t have a clubbing budget, thats okay there are DJs at every bar, beach, and restaurant! First of all, you need to check out Resident Advisor for the summer clubing 2013 guide for planning your nights out. I enjoy Sankeys and DC 10, while other girls love Pacha, Space, Ciroco Loco and Aura. Our advice is to follow your DJs and where they will be playing rather than the crowds.

Stay at: There are two options to consider: Hotel vs Villa. Hotels are great if you want clean towels, sheets, and don’t want to pick up after yourself. If you are travelling with a group, villas are the best options so you can be your own DJ around the pool, host your own barbecues, and be exclusive. Join the rock stars at Pikes Hotel for a jet set trip. For a boutique experience stay at Es Cucons, Atzaró, or Gecko Beach Club.

Restaurants: The island is full of tapas, fresh seafood, some of the best places are the small mom and pop establishments that you stumble upon. If you have the money to spend and want a gastronomic experience book a table at KM5 or Casa Coloniel, chill and watch the sunset at Kumharas, for ambiance DJ Eddie Halliwell’s favourite restaurant is Sa Capella set in an ancient monastery, eat Balinese at Bambuddha Grove, and have lunch at El Chiringuito Beach House. My favourite place for hiring sun loungers along with great food (try the sushi) is the Blue Marlin. For a great beach location on Cala Conta eat at S’illa des Bosc, Sunset Ashram,  The Fish Shack tucked away on Talamanca Beach along with La Barraca, or on the east side of the island Amante Beach Club.

What to wear: Ibiza is known for it’s hippy markets that pop up around the island, while I’ll stay away from the harem pants there are some nice jewelry finds. On the other hand, with so many cool lounges around the island, I would suggest reVolver in case you forgot your Westwoods or Jacobs. We broke down the four main style tribes on the island to help you with packing.

Techno Tourist: There are two directions for Summer 2013 utilitarian minimalism (cause it is a dance jungle out there) or think pop art with bold stripes, graphics, plaids, and checks. It can be compicated with cut outs and pockets, but wear it clean and simple like Alexander Wang.

Beach Babe: Pull out your 7FAM cutoffs and a ripped sweatshirt from Ashish to throw over your American Apparel bathing suit. Mix baggy trousers with crop tops and top it off with a baseball cap.

She could be famous: Think Jagger with tropical prints from Issa and Dolce & Gabbana. There is an Amazon flair too in prints, look for some Brazilian prints in headscarves, bandanas and finish it off with big rafia earrings.

Dippy Hippy: You have travelled to Goa and Bali, now go further east with kimono cuts, Chinese embroidery, appliqués, prayer beads. Pick up inspiration from Etro, Pucci and Dries for the summer.