Ibiza Beach Beauty Rituals
During our honeymoon, my husband and I skipped across the Balearic Islands, a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. We ended our tour on the Island of Ibiza – or Eivissa as it is called in the local Catalan language. Thousands of years ago, the island was conquered the Phoenicians, who shipped ancient luxuries like sea salt, almonds, and olive oil across the ancient world. Today, the island is more renowned for its beachside parties that rave until dawn than the age-old beauty secrets rooted in the island’s Mediterranean culture. For me, enjoying the crystal clear water and exploring mysterious caves in the daytime can be more exciting than partying at night. In this article, I share my favorite things to do in Ibiza.
Where to Stay in Ibiza: Choose a relaxing spa hotel
Ibiza’s architectural landscape interweaves its ancient history, its myriad of religious influences, and the contemporary innovations that tourists can enjoy. I recommend staying near Dalt Vila, the fortified “Old Town” with its well-preserved Renaissance and Gothic buildings. Opened in the 1930s as the island’s first hotel, Montesol Experimental is a hotel that encapsulates the old town’s historic charm and modern sophistication.
If you don’t mind renting a car or spending a fortune on taxis to visit the island, you may want to stay at a spa hotel. Revival Spa by Clarins at Aguas de Ibiza in Santa Eulalia is the largest spa on Ibiza. Smaller boutique hotels embrace the Iberian primeval architecture, which is characterized by flat roofs, small windows, and thick white walls to keep the interiors cool.
How to Dress in Ibiza: Wear White
A fashionable Ibicenco wardrobe consists of lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. During the day, long denim may be uncomfortable in the warm climate.
I avoid wearing expensive brand names and instead patronized the local businesses in Dalt Vita. Pack a variety of colorful, attractive swimsuits, as well as matching cover-ups for transitioning from the beach to a café. Protect your skin from too much sun exposure with lightweight cover-ups, wide-brimmed hats, and cute sunglasses. Comfortable sandals and light sneakers are the best choice for the day.
Ibiza in the Morning: Shopping in Dalta Vila
Eivissa is divided into two parts: the modern neighborhood called Eixample and Dalta Vila, a beautifully preserved ancient village that sits on a hill overlooking the sea.
We began our morning strolling Dalta Vila’s narrow cobblestone streets in search of white dresses to purchase from local vendors. The main road in Dalta Vila ascends up the hilltop to a Baroque church. Nearby, the necropolis and archeological museum at Puig des Molins date to the town’s founding at end of the 7th century B.C. In the center of Eivissa, Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa is a free, modern art museum and library.
The Afternoon in Ibiza: Swim at a Beach Club
We went to Tropicana in in Cala Jondal, one of the original restaurant and beach clubs on the island since 1988. We reserved a few cabanas and ordered from a menu that featured a mélange of Ibizan seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and Italian plates. After eating, we swam in the water and returned to our cabanas to relax and enjoy more food and drinks. The restaurant also offers service for yachts, a massage hut, and a kids’ play area.
We drove past the salt flats of Las Salinas, the salt flats, beaches, wetlands, dunes and forests that are a protected National Park. After the day on the beach, cool your skin with the tradition of mud baths, a ritual believed to detoxify the skin and impart a natural radiance.
Sunset in Ibiza: Dinner on the Beach
Once the weather cooled, we went to Amante Ibiza, a restaurant that is perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea, tucked in a cove near Cala Llonga on the northeastern coast of the island. The menu is inspired by contemporary Spanish and Italian cuisine and the produce is picked from its organic vegetable garden. We enjoyed the lobster paella and strawberry mojitos. Steps away at Sol D’en Serra bay, there were beach chairs and a masseuse on staff. The summer program often includes yoga classes and movie showcases at dinner. I recommend making reservations weeks or even months in advance, and booking at an hour when the weather isn’t sweltering.
Ibiza at Night: Party at a Nightclub
Marina Botafoch is renowned for its luxurious marina filled with yachts and upscale restaurants. And you’ve likely heard of Pacha, one of the world’s most famous nightclubs.
The line to enter the Calvin Harris concert stretched past the gates of Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Club and the show was running late, but my husband and I were in no rush. We strolled past the long queue, and discovered the discrete elevator that whisked us to Up Ibiza Sky Society, a stylish rooftop lounge with swanky white furnishings, a dance floor, and two bars.
I was surprised that the rooftop lounge was practically empty and free to enter. We quickly ordered drinks and posted ourselves at prime spots at the railing, where we watched the DJ performances at the club below in the comfort of the Balearic breeze as the sun set. By the time Calvin Harris came on stage, the best spots to watch the concert were taken. And for the latecomers, the club’s own music intentionally drowned out the Calvin Harris concert. But for us, it was absolutely perfect.
Beauty in Ibiza: Ibizaloe
I wanted to indulge in Ibiza’s time-tested beauty rituals and learn more about aloe vera. The sea may be invigorating, but staying adequately moisturized is key to counteracting the drying effects of sun and salt.
Ibizaloe is a natural beauty line based in Ibiza that produces its own aloe vera. The entry is free and they offer guided tours of the planation, an aloe vera museum, and shop to buy organic products. Aloe Vera is an excellent moisturizer because it helps compensate for water loss in the skin. Aloe vera is in fact rich in polysaccharides, which have a moisturizing and softening effects. Some of the active ingredients are known to stimulate the production of natural collagen and hyaluronic acid.
I cleansed away salt and sand from the day with a mild cleanser, followed by a soothing after-sun lotion and aloe vera gel to help replenish moisture and calm any potential irritation.