Hello, back to this blog to tell you about our adventure in Ibiza, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean, famous for having 24 hour disco parties.
But Ibiza is more than that. We have discovered that it is heading towards Eco tourism and design. Without forgetting its unbeatable cuisine and the incredible relaxing way of life. No hurries at all! If you are there you need to enjoy and forget all the stress!
My husband and I traveled from Hamburg. Our flight would leave at 7 in the morning. Awkwardly we arrived at an airport without crowds, as it was the second week of autumn vacation. Before taking off, we had coffee and croissants from Moevenpick for breakfast.
Sluiz, the IKEA of Ibiza?
We landed at 10 in the morning in Eivissa, its capital. After collecting our suitcases, we went to look for our rental car. Since it was too early to check into our room at the Six Senses Hotel, we decided to take a tour of the island. My husband found a super tip, the Sluiz store.
We arrived with the idea of finding an IKEA, or at least that's how it was described in the tourist book we bought about the island.
To begin with, we missed the entry. I was directing my husband while he drove and I didn't pay attention to the Navi. But the entrance looked like a mechanic's workshop. Well, once the bad impression of the entrance had been resolved, we parked and a group of Giant Dwarves (the kind used to decorate the garden) welcomed us with an obscene gesture.
We saw very creative and rebellious pieces. Like a green Venus, surrounded by green dolls all over her body. But outside of these sculptures, we find the true feeling of Ibiza. There you can find everything from a spoon to all the furniture for your garden. Even women's and men's fashion. The typical one from Ibiza that many would consider Hippie.
I was in my element. I wanted to buy everything and take it with me back to Hamburg. But we did take a ceramic piece in the shape of an avocado to serve the guacamole and a centerpiece that we liked as a wall decoration. When we paid I told the saleswoman that just because of that store I could stay and live in Ibiza!
Es Pins, a restaurant with the local spark
After the Sluiz experience, we continued driving towards the hotel, but first we stopped at a restaurant for locals, Es Pins.
In Ibiza Catalan is an official language and the meaning of the restaurant's name is Los pinos.
We arrived just before one in the afternoon, just to be able to order the midday menu. The waiter greeted us with a plate of bread and of course a portion of their famous aioli. Delicious.
We ordered a paella with everything. Meanwhile the restaurant was filled with local consumers. We were possibly one of two tables with tourists. The rest, Spaniards who had their Sunday walk at their favorite restaurant.
It was impossible for me to leave Es Pins without trying their pine nut flan. It was divine. The traditional egg flan, with a secret ingredient. The pine nuts. Delicious. Be sure to go to Es Pins if you come around Ibiza.
We continued driving through Saint Joan de Labritja and arrived at the Six Senses Hotel.
Six Senses: the Ocean welcomed us with open arms
Upon arriving at the reception, the first thing that impressed us was its Olive Tree in the center of it. Next to it, we saw a red tractor. This hotel has the premise of Eco tourism. For example, they have a garden that they use for their restaurant dishes. And the water they use is recycled from the sea. Desalinated. This I need to say was a bit difficult for me, as I found it very salty. But definitely very sustainable for the environment. Next to the airport we saw a desalination plant. Ibiza is creating a good path for tourism.
Most of the hotel guests were English. Some Germans or Swiss and few Latin Americans. The hotel faces the sea and its infinity pool invites you to take a dip. But we preferred to rest and watch the sea from the terrace, since the water no longer had that summer temperature.
Having lived in Camps Bay, Cape Town, it was a blessing to return to a sea view. Listening to the sound of the sea and feeling the clean breeze under a blue sky were the elements that we were missing. Although during our first day the afternoon was rather cloudy, we were able to enjoy the sun.
The day ended with a toast with Cava on the terrace and dinner at their exotic Beach Caves restaurant, famous for influencers who always take pictures of themselves on its lively wall.
And the night ended. The next morning awaited us to continue enjoying Ibiza. I'll tell you that in the next entry. Thanks for reading me!
