Ibiza is the destination of our generation, it’s the reference point of milestones for many of us; first adult holiday, boozy summer getaway with the girls. Sounds great yet they all invariably tend to lead to the tell-tell experience of hour-long queues and overpriced bottles of water – not forgetting the blurry snap from circa 2008 of you in a pair of Kanye sunnies, we all did it. But what’s it like to spend 48 hours in Ibiza, without a nightclub insight?
That’s exactly what I did last year when I joined a dear friend for her 40th birthday celebrations. I sadly couldn’t be there the whole time as I had a press cruise to get back for, so I settled on 48 hours in Ibiza. If you’re heading off with only hand luggage then check out my post and video all about how to pack hand luggage liquids and beauty. Seeing as we were all veterans of the White Isle there was no great pull to the clubs instead we opted to stay in Santa Eulalia. Situated approximately 20km from the airport Santa Eulalia is far enough from the bright lights and booming sound systems but close enough to make hoping in a taxi from arrivals easy.
In true Rosie style, I booked last minute so there wasn’t much available, I stayed at an apartment-style hotel which has since closed. There are many comparable alternatives available that whist lacking in five-star amenities it was a perfect base and served my bed and shower requirements and had the bonus of a sea view for less than €100 per night. However, if I were to return again and had more time to plan I would take advantage of some of the brilliant hotels such as Aguas de Ibiza – it has a Clarins Spa (HELLO and take all my money please!) and is laid back luxury at its best, something the Spanish do way better than us. If the Aquas de Ibiza is out of your budget, their rooftop pool bar is open to non-guests and serves up drinks that rival the views even when the clouds are in town. Oh and as this snap suggests their cocktail menu is rather divine…
If you make it as far around the bay to Aquas de Ibiza you’d be crazy not to visit Babylon Beach Bar – it is insane, it’s Ibiza personified in bar form. Booking is strongly advised especially for groups of six and more. And what’s best is that they not only accept children but openly welcome them which is great. Will definitely be heading there with Boo when we return; it has such a relaxed vibe.
The W hotel has recently opened in Santa Eulalia offering I believe what will be the second rooftop pool in the town – it will be interesting to see how an internationally renowned brand settles in and how it’s offering elevates the visitor experience.
Ibiza without the nightclubs is everything I love about Spain; the scenery, the people, the food, the atmosphere – there’s something about the microclimate that allows you to instantly shift gears to island life, meaning a 48 hour visit is enough (although in the next breath a month would never be enough!) Santa Eulalia isn’t as trendy as Ibiza Town or San Antonio but is still just as lovely all the while meaning you’re less likely to be stung with extortionate tourist prices.
It was a whistle-stop trip and there’s so much I wished I’d had time to see and do; this is by no means an exhaustive list of what Santa Eulalia has to offer, quite the contrary. I’d love to return again next year and perhaps introduce Boo to an Island that holds so many great memories.
This post is part of the #SpanishIslands campaign with the Spanish Tourist Office – proving there’s so much more to the Balearic and Canary Islands than you ever thought. Join the conversation on Twitter or Instagram and don’t forget to use the #SpanishIslands hashtag!
