Pembury Partners Travel Diaries: Ibiza
We at Pembury Partners are currently helping a client with a large property in Ibiza to find an Estate Manager. Ibiza is beautiful, but to the uninitiated, sometimes misunderstood. What do you think of when you hear the name of this third largest of the Balearic islands? Probably the first thing is the nightlife – Ibiza is of course home to some of the world’s best-known nightclubs and has for many years been a hotspot to hear the most famous DJs. However The White Island offers so much more than this, it is a magnet for Europe’s well-heeled travellers and offers a wealth of luxury hotels, restaurants and properties, catering to the highest echelons of society.
As an aside, there are a few theories as to why Ibiza is called The White Island. Back in the mists of time the island’s economy relied on “White Gold” – i.e. salt. Local residents however will tell you it’s because of the limewash (locally called “cal”) traditionally used to paint the buildings.
Whilst you might initially associate Ibiza with electronic dance music, remember that most of these clubs are only open for about 3 months of the year. Much of the island is wholesome and family-friendly. Most people come here to relax – amongst those who know, Ibiza has a reputation for yoga retreats. There is a surprisingly large number of UNESCO world heritage sites, huge marine biodiversity and some of Spain’s best beaches. Take into account approximately 300 days of sunshine each year and you have a fine destination to which to escape the cut and thrust of modern life.
A few of the finest luxury places to visit:
Restaurants
Sublimotion is the world’s most expensive restaurant. It’s not just somewhere to eat – it’s an all-encompassing, multi-sensory, mind-blowing experience. Food, illusion, soundscape, choreography and virtual reality combine into an immersive audio-visual journey. Headed by two-Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero, the food’s pretty good too.
Platja d’en Bossa, s/n, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Balearic Islands, Spain https://sublimotionibiza.com
The world famous Nobu maintains its global fine dining reputation at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza.
Combining Japanese and South American cuisines with a supremely relaxing bar, Nobu is also a fine spot for evening cocktails.
Camí ses Feixes, 52, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain https://nobuhotelibizabay.com
Las Dos Lunas is an Ibiza icon, with high stone walls covered in vines and a famous statue of a white cow overseeing proceedings. Mediterranean and Italian food are served in the perfect setting, the wine list is extensive and the whole venue can be hired out for private events.
Ctra. Eivissa-Sant Antoni, KM 5, 4, 07816 San Rafael, Balearic Islands, Spain https://lasdoslunas.com
Hotels
Ibiza Gran Hotel is conveniently located a short walk from the port, and is a fine establishment in which to immerse yourself in 5-star luxury. Offering everything from a spa and wellness centre, to the Casino de Ibiza, to the Michelin-starred restaurant La Gaia.
Passeig Joan Carles I, 17, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain https://ibizagranhotel.com
Hard Rock Ibiza is home to the aforementioned restaurant Sublimation, but the hotel is worthy of mention in its own right. The American brand is well known, and in this iteration successfully combines Hard Rock’s expected buzz with warm, relaxed Ibizan hospitality.
Platja d’en Bossa, s/n, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Balearic Islands, Spain https://hardrockhotels.com/ibiza
Atzaró Ibiza is a delicately preserved bubble of tranquility. With lily ponds and restful pools it is an exclusive retreat for those wanting peace and personal, family-run service.
Diseminado P 12, Sta Eulalia, 153, 07849, Balearic Islands, Spain https://atzaro.com
Although it’s something of a cliché, Ibiza offers something for every luxury traveller. Aside from the partying, the Michelin-starred restaurants and the five star hotels, you could kayak by moonlight, dive with dolphins, ride a horse through the mountains or even look for extra-terrestrial life at Ibiza’s version of Stonehenge.
For those who love the island enough to want to put down some roots, you wouldn’t be alone. Many of the great and good, the rich and famous and the low-key high-net-worth community have fabulous homes on the island, or visit regularly in their yachts.
Pembury Partners secures the finest household staff for homes and yachts in Ibiza, across Europe and the world.
