Learn, explore and indulge - Ibiza
Whilst many UK holidaymakers visit Ibiza to enjoy the sun, beaches and the infamous nightlife, there is another side to the island which is quietly growing in popularity.
For 2010, the Ibiza Tourist Board continues to promote the ‘alternative side of Ibiza’ through three key themes; Learn, Explore and Indulge.
There is no doubt that Ibiza continues to impress party-goers with the increasingly elaborate opening and closing parties that kick off and end the main holiday season. Just minutes away from the parties however lies a quiet and traditional island which is easy to travel around and offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, discover and indulge.
With holidaymakers increasingly looking for more than just a sun kissed glow, Ibiza is the perfect place for experiences that challenge the traditional concept of a beach/sun destination. Visitors can learn a new skill such as speaking Spanish, cookery or yoga, explore the hidden side of the island with the recently inaugurated network of cycling and hiking paths and indulge with some of the many pampering treats and experiences available on the island.
Learn Ibiza
Ibiza town is the ideal place to learn Spanish and the Instituto de Idiomas de Ibiza offers guests the chance to take part in a week long extensive Spanish course giving the confidence needed to be able to converse with the Ibizencos and enjoy a different holiday experience. Located in the heart of Ibiza Town, the intense week-long course includes 20 Spanish lessons focused on speaking, listening, writing and reading and will leave students feeling confident and able to experience a different side to the island. The Insitituto de Idiomas can also arrange accommodation for guests with the option of staying either with host families (recommended for quick learning) or in shared or private apartments, hostels or hotels. For more information or to book visit ii-ibiza.es
Far from the club scene, Ibiza Retreats offers a range of wellbeing courses to help cleanse the body and mind. Courses include yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation, detox, dance and much more. For 2010 Ibiza Retreats has teamed up with some of the rural agroturismos such as the boutique hotel Cas Gasi to offer a range of tailor-made wellbeing weekends, perfect for getting to grips with the basics of yoga and meditation or simply to enjoy a relaxing treat . For more information, visit: ibizaretreats.com
Explore Ibiza
Ibiza offers an interesting terrain of rocky coastal paths, authentic whitewashed villages and two vast parks of particular ecological interest. The Ses Salinas National Park features salt lakes, beaches, cliffs and coastlines and offers a wonderful place to explore. Here flamingos are a common sight and the odd peregrine falcon or fishing eagle is often spotted making it a popular place for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
The nature reserve of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell is a protected area made up of small islands with an abundant marine environment as well as the highest point on the island, sa Talaia, which sits at 487 metres above sea level. This is a fascinating place to explore and there are a number of myths and legends surrounding Es Vedra. Many claim that it is the tip of the sunken valley of Atlantis, an ancient valley from which the stone was extracted for the construction of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Most areas in Ibiza are accessible by bike and Ibiza has recently developed a series of well sign-posted routes for those that want the freedom to explore independently beyond the typical tourist trails. Cycling in Ibiza can be enjoyed all year round, many choosing Spring and Autumn over the summer months when temperatures can soar to up to 40 degrees. To meet the increasing cycling and mountain bike demand in Ibiza, there are a number of associations and companies based on the island offering cycling holidays and rental services. For more information visit: ibizasport.com
To download bike routes, directions in PDF format and GPX format routes for the GPS device, visit: ibiza.travel/en/mapa_rutas.php
For water lovers, Ibiza offers a fantastically diverse sea bed and marine life which in 1999 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The prairies of underwater sea grass called Posidonia form part of the natural landscape making Ibiza a unique diving destination. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Don Pedro wreck which sunk in 2007 is now open for exploration. The wreck which lies just outside the port of Ibiza has already earned the status as ‘Monster of the Med’ and thanks to its unique ecosystem is now considered home to many large fish. For more info, visit: puntadive.com
Water enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Ibiza and the Estación Náutica based in Santa Eulalia offers more than twenty different water sports from which to enjoy. Activities include snorkelling, sailing, motorboat hire, sea kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and much more. For land lovers, the centre also arranges land activities such as bike riding or horse riding which are fantastic ways to explore the island. For more information, visit: ensantaeulalia.com
Many people are surprised that for an island with such a big reputation, Ibiza is just over 50km from one end to the other. In just ten minutes, visitors can go from beach to village or from party spot to rural hideaway. For any transportation needs on the island, Cosmacar offers a range of services such as private air conditioned mini-bus services, daily excursions and airport pick-ups and drop offs. For more information, see: autocarescosmacar.es
Indulge Ibiza
Whether it is a long walk across a deserted beach, a day in one of the new start-of-the-art spas, or a delicious cocktail in a trendy beach bar, Ibiza is an island that stretches beyond expectations and offers an indulgent experience for everyone, irrespective of budget.
For a real treat, eco-luxury hotel Aguas de Ibiza has recently opened their Bodyna Natural Care centre which oozes elegance and sophistication. The Spa offers a range of treatments to soothe, cleanse, relax and nourish. The Puree de Papaya Radiance Scrub combines the natural extracts of papaya, coconut vitamin E and essential oils leaving the skin illuminated and radiant. Alternatively the Plantar Reflexology stimulates reflex points on the feet to mirror the body’s major organs to promote deep relaxation and healing of tired bodies and feet.
For those that prefer to soak up the surroundings and make the most of the warm Mediterranean climate, the roof-top chill out bar at Aguas de Ibiza is the ideal way to start the evening. Complete with pool and loungers, this stylish haven offers fantastic views over Santa Eulalia’s marina and serves up a tantalizing selection of cocktails and aperitifs. For more information, visit: aguasdeibiza.com
For a glitzy and awesomely indulgent evening, Ibiza Gran Hotel plays host to the only casino on the island which is open throughout the year from 6pm until 5am. With an impressive gaming room complete with American Roulette, Black Jack, Caribbean Poker, Baccarat and Texas Hold’em Poker as well as slot machines galore, this is the perfect place for a real blow the budget experience. Non guests pay a €5 entrance fee and ID must be shown. For more information, visit: ibizagranhotel.com
For the ultimate chill out experience, the now renowned Blue Marlin beach bar and restaurant is located on the trendy Cala Jondal beach and is great for a late breakfast, a chilled-out lunch or for just laying back on the trademark white sun loungers to enjoy the music. For more information, visit: bluemarlinibiza.com
For others, simply relaxing in the sun with a good book, taking a swim in the sea or visiting one of the many restaurants that serve up a range of local meats and seafood is the best way to enjoy a bit of indulgence and time for oneself.
