{"id":260540,"date":"2025-05-27T22:11:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T22:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/the-best-of-ibiza-unabashedly\/"},"modified":"2025-05-27T22:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T22:11:11","slug":"the-best-of-ibiza-unabashedly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=260540","title":{"rendered":"The Best of Ibiza, Unabashedly"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Ibiza\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you a little old for Ibiza?\u201d became an ongoing refrain whenever I mentioned my upcoming trip. What is it about this island off the coast of Spain that prohibits anyone over a certain age from indulging?<\/p>\n

\"Jetty<\/figure>\n

I was never much for clubbing. In my 20s, I started a career in advertising and drank beer in basement bars. In my 30s, I started a family and spent weekends changing diapers and craving sleep. When in my 40s, I moved to Tokyo<\/a> and dragged stubborn toddlers around Southeast Asia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Now in my 50s, I\u2019m heading off to the world\u2019s biggest party island. Whoever says 50 is too old to go to Ibiza isn\u2019t 50\u2014and hasn\u2019t been to Ibiza. At 50, we have the ultimate travel trifecta\u2014the money we didn\u2019t have in our 20s, the time we didn\u2019t have in our 30s, and the subtle art of not giving a f*ck, perfected.<\/p>\n

\"Pool<\/figure>\n

The Ibiza Crew<\/h2>\n

In June, sixteen of us head toward Ibiza like bees to honey. We fly in from all directions, Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Miami, and DC.<\/a> We\u2019re a mixed bag: English, American, Greek, Swedish, Japanese, Swedish\/Japanese, and Brazilian. Some of us are models. Some of us are Brazilian models.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Among us are a semi-professional DJ, two fashion influencers, and one mooching medium. Our group spans decades, from 30 to 60. An eclectic bunch, we\u2019re in Ibiza for one reason\u2014to celebrate our Queen Bee\u2019s 50th birthday. We touch down to blindingly bright blue skies and set off for the villa\u2014Casa Atlantis.<\/p>\n

\"Casa<\/figure>\n

Atlantis Reimagined, in Ibiza<\/h2>\n

Naming a villa Casa Atlantis is a bold move. \u2018Atlantis\u2019 is synonymous with utopia, and utopia is pretty hard to live up to. Legend has it that the lost island of Atlantis was inhabited by spiritual people who became greedy, petty, and morally bankrupt. Their immoral behavior angered the gods.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Casa<\/figure>\n

Maybe the villa-namers were onto something. What better place to reject conformity and anger gods than at a spiritual vortex like Ibiza? It seems no coincidence that non-conformist, bad-boy, rockstar Noel Gallagher of Oasis once owned Casa Atlantis. His energy is still bouncing around the wonderwalls of the villa.<\/p>\n

Casa Atlantis is perched above the Mediterranean Sea in an area of Ibiza called Es Cubells. The sprawling, multi-layered villa is carefully camouflaged in the cliffs. The only way to view Casa Atlantis in its entirety is from a boat, and even then, it isn\u2019t easy to see.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Want all the decadent details of Casa Atlantis? Just click here.<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Casa<\/figure>\n

Oasis<\/h2>\n

Casa Atlantis sleeps up to 20 guests. It has expansive sea views and endless amenities: a private chef and wait staff, an indoor\/outdoor massage hut, a full gym, an enormous pool, and a hot tub. The villa <\/a>has multiple areas to sit, lounge, and dine. Far below the villa, there\u2019s a private jetty and beach.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Casa<\/figure>\n
\"Casa<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Our chef cooks meals based on our culinary desires. Traditional Spanish, fancy dim sum and street vendor Indian are all options. Thankfully, someone else has resolved these complex culinary issues. All I have to do is show up to dinner on time, which, in Ibiza, is rarely earlier than 10pm.<\/p>\n

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\"Dinner<\/figure>\n
\"Dinner<\/figure>\n
\"Dinner<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Getting around the steep, winding roads of the island is a breeze as the villa comes with two Mercedes vans, a Jaguar convertible, two Spyder three-wheelers, and a Vanquish boat. Oh, and for grins and giggles, a Mini Cooper.<\/p>\n

\"Casa<\/figure>\n

Electric blue Morning Glorys climb the villa\u2019s white-washed walls. Sea views stretch as far as the eye can see. It\u2019s easy to question why we need to leave the villa at all. But we\u2019re here to experience the whole island, not just this glorious little patch. Some days, we manage to pry ourselves away, albeit not until after breakfast, which ends about 1pm.<\/p>\n

\"Casa<\/figure>\n

Beachin\u2019 at Casa Jondal<\/h2>\n

Casa Jondal<\/a> is on Ibiza\u2019s southern coast, a 15-minute drive from Casa Atlantis. Although this glamorous beach restaurant came on the scene in 2020, it looks and feels like it\u2019s been here much longer. Signature pines and junipers add a touch of dusty green to the nautical palette. Casa Jondal is a scene. We grab our sun beds and settle in for the afternoon.<\/p>\n

Rickety wooden tables are nestled in the fine white sand. Low-slung seats with comfy white cushions are strategically placed under stretched canvas sailcloths. The low-key vibe is ever-present. It\u2019s just a part of what makes Casa Jondal the hottest beach restaurant<\/a> in Ibiza.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Casa<\/figure>\n
\"Casa<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Chef Rafa Zafra (of El Bull\u00ed fame) tends to the menu carefully. We dine on lobster three ways, savor slivers of shrimp carpaccio, and mouthwatering croquettes\u2014all from the luxury of our beachfront sunbeds. It\u2019s easy to pass sun-drenched hours over crisp Verdejo and Albari\u00f1o, taking refreshing dips in the sea between bottles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Beach<\/figure>\n
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Get My Free Wish List Destinations Hot Sheet. Click Here!<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Es<\/figure>\n

The Path to Es Vedr\u00e0<\/h2>\n

Es Vedr\u00e0 is an uninhabited, jagged, and rocky island set off the southwest coast of Ibiza. At 413 meters tall with dozens of seabirds swooping and darting, the island looks like the set of a fantasy film. Some believe Es Vedr\u00e0 is home to sirens and sea nymphs. Some believe Es Vedr\u00e0 has magical powers. One morning, we wake up at the crack of dawn<\/s> noon to harness some magic for ourselves.<\/p>\n

We all know hiking is an activity best done in the morning. But this is Ibiza, where time is measured around DJ sets and dinner reservations. The Swiss guide who leads our troop is uber-fit and no-nonsense. If he\u2019s annoyed we\u2019re starting our hike when the UV index is at its peak, it doesn\u2019t show.<\/p>\n

I forget our guide\u2019s name, but let\u2019s call him Jan. Jan is a safety-first kind of guy. He warns us about loose rocks and tree roots, reminds us to hydrate, and reapply sunscreen. Does he not realize some of us are old enough to be his parents? I know all about the benefits of sunscreen, Jan. Thank you.<\/p>\n

But, the viewpoint is worth Jan\u2019s running safety commentary\u2014uninterrupted and crowd-free views of Es Vedr\u00e0.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Eye<\/figure>\n

With military precision, Jan leads us to the \u2018Eye of Es Vedr\u00e0\u2019\u2014a natural rock formation that frames the island to picture-postcard perfection. He has the birthday girl scramble to the center of the eye and takes Oscar-worthy panoramic videos of her while hanging from the rocks with his one free hand. I post the video on Instagram, and all my followers think it\u2019s me. I don\u2019t correct them.<\/p>\n

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Get Your Guide To Es Vedra at Sunset! Click Here for details.<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Es<\/figure>\n

Daytrip to Formentera<\/h2>\n

The next day, a pair of black Vanquish boats pick us up at Casa Atlantis\u2019 private jetty. The aluminum finishes and sleek torpedo shape feel very 007. We\u2019re on our way to the island of Formentera for lunch. We take a loop around Es Vedr\u00e0 on the way. I search for sirens and sea nymphs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Es<\/figure>\n

As we circle the island, the sun\u2019s angle changes, creating dramatic shadows on the cliffs. We hear birds squawking. Despite how stealth our Vanquish boats are, the birds are rattled by our approach. The captain cuts the engine, and I close my eyes to soak up Es Vedr\u00e0\u2019s magic. If I were a bird, this is where I\u2019d live, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Formentera<\/figure>\n

Formentera is the smallest of Spain\u2019s Balearic Islands. We approach the shore, and I notice unspoiled beaches against Windex-blue water. Our boats bob and weave around a few anchored yachts until we reach the dock. Es Mol\u00ed de Sal<\/a> is low-key, open-air, and uber-chill. We disembark and head to our table\u2014ravenous from a morning where our only activity was getting out of bed.<\/p>\n

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Want to spend the day Sailing Formentera? Click here to learn more!<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Formentera<\/figure>\n
\"Formentera<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

We promptly open the champagne we\u2019ve brought along to toast the birthday girl and sink into the restaurant\u2019s easy, natural rhythm. While Es Mol\u00ed de Sal serves various Mediterranean specialties like tapas, oysters, and caviar, we\u2019ve come for the paella.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Paella<\/figure>\n

After appetizers of fresh salad topped with thin ribbons of carrots and burrata with olives and tomato jam, two enormous paella pans arrive. Plump pieces of spiny lobster and fire-engine red giant shrimp are nestled in the rice\u2014the texture is sublime. Various spices complement the seafood without overpowering it. Our group leaves no grain behind.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Get My Free Wish List Destinations Hot Sheet. Click Here!<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\"Sunset<\/figure>\n

What\u2019s so special about Ibiza?<\/h2>\n

By now, it\u2019s clear why Ibiza has such a strong magnetic pull. But I\u2019m curious to learn more about the island\u2019s history. Back at the villa, I start Googling. In the 1960s, I read hippies and bohemians descended upon Ibiza to take advantage of its spiritual energy. The island quickly became a magnet for hedonists.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Sunset<\/figure>\n

By the \u201880s and \u201890s, the die was cast. Ibiza became Europe\u2019s pinnacle party hot spot\u2014the epicenter for raves, drawing celebrities, rockstars, and pleasure seekers from around the world. I stop scrolling and glance at tonight\u2019s itinerary:<\/p>\n

11pm:<\/strong> Dinner at La Torreta<\/a>
After:<\/strong> Pacha, DJ Solomun<\/p>\n

Then, I glance at my phone. It\u2019s 3pm. I have eight hours. Yikes.<\/p>\n

\"DJ<\/figure>\n

The King of Ibiza<\/h2>\n

DJ Solomun is one of the world\u2019s most famous DJs. Seeing him perform at Pacha, where he plays over twenty Sundays each summer, is an Ibiza highlight. A highlight if staying up until the wee hours of the morning listening to deep, funky baselines and euphoric melodies is your thing. The last time I stayed up until the wee hours, I was watching Seinfeld reruns while breastfeeding. At 5pm, I nap to prepare for the night ahead.<\/p>\n

Of Bosnian\/German descent, Solomun was born in 1975. I quickly calculate that Solomun and I are nearly the same age. With his long wavy hair, rugged beard, and broad jawline, Solomun is good-looking in a Ned Stark Game of Thrones <\/em>kind of way. Solomun is often referred to as the King of Ibiza, although rumor has it he isn\u2019t fond of the title. Regardless, his reign is powerful. The lines snaking out of the club doors at 1am (which is when we arrive) prove it.<\/p>\n

I discover tonight\u2019s a \u2018special\u2019 night at Pacha\u2014Solomun is doing an extended set. \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d I ask the experienced clubbers in my group. \u201cIt means that Solomun will play until 7am!\u201d one of the Brazilian models exclaims.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I smile, but I want to cry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"DJ<\/figure>\n

Hey, Mr. DJ<\/h2>\n

Our planner-in-chief has curated our Ibiza trip to perfection. We have the best table in the club\u2014a cordoned-off, spacious platform behind the DJ booth. Thousands of other clubbers are sandwiched together on the floor like sardines. They\u2019re in their 20s, so they don\u2019t care.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The alcohol is free-flowing, and when Solomun starts his set at 3am, the crowd is charged with electricity (and various other things). We are masses of people, all feeling the same vibe, all letting the base sink into our souls. The beat builds, then drops, builds, then drops.<\/p>\n

Hours pass. Hours and hours and hours.<\/p>\n

At 630am, I walk outside, squinting my eyes at the brightening sky. Lavender and periwinkle hues touch the clouds. All is muted. Or, is that because my inner ears have stopped functioning? It\u2019s the start of another extraordinary day. Yet, it isn\u2019t. Instead, it\u2019s the end of an extraordinary night. I turn around. Hundreds of people are in my wake, exiting the club after an extended set by Ibiza\u2019s legendary resident DJ. <\/p>\n

That was crazy, I think to myself. Then, I pop into the white Mercedes van waiting for me at the curb. <\/p>\n

\"Sunset<\/figure>\n

In Ibiza, Age is Just a Number<\/h2>\n

Sadly, the week ends. I\u2019m not sure my liver could survive another day anyway. We sing one last refrain of Happy Birthday to our host, who orchestrated an unforgettable Ibiza experience. If her goal was to show her friends the Ibiza she loved from her youth but with a grown-up spin\u2014mission accomplished. I think about what I\u2019ll say to those questioning if I was too old to come here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Ibiza, age is just a number.\u201d I\u2019ll say, not so subtly, \u201cNo one really gives a f*ck.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Travel<\/figure>\n

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The Spectacular Lofoten Islands: My Questions, My Answers<\/a> <\/div>\n
Blue Mind Theory: The Science Behind Why You Feel Better at the Beach<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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