Ibiza at 50 – Sunsets, Sister Time & A Little Bit of Magic

Last week I took my Sister to Ibiza for four days to celebrate her 50th birthday (not til Sept but we like to start early!), and it was an amazing few days just what we both needed.
Lucy is a seasoned hand-luggage traveller and insists on taking just a carry-on suitcase when she travels. Thankfully, Ibiza in June makes packing easy – bikinis, shorts, 2 dresses & a few of our favourite Disko Kids pieces and, of course, plenty of jewellery.

We flew from Birmingham on Tuesday afternoon, arriving around 6pm – which I have to say is the perfect time to land. Enough time to soak up that first glimpse of the sea, unpack and start your holiday properly.
We stayed at the Simbad Hotel in Talamanca From the moment we arrived, we felt incredibly welcome. Waiting in our room was a bottle of cava and some fresh fruit to celebrate Lucy's birthday – such a lovely touch and the perfect way to start our trip.

That evening my friend Karyn, who lives in Ibiza, took us to a brilliant little seafood spot called Fish Shack, tucked around the bay from our hotel. It's wonderfully simple – no frills, just incredibly fresh fish right by the sea.

Back at Talamanca we stopped for cocktails at the bar next door while we chatted and watched the lights on the bay before bed.
The next night we woke up to one of the best hotel breakfasts I've had in ages. The Hotel had even surprised Lucy with a chocolate birthday cake at breakfast.
She wore her Disko Kids 1976 tee along with one of our 76 pendants – birthday girl vibes in full effect.

One thing I loved about the hotel was that they provided beach towels. It sounds like a small thing, but when you're travelling with hand luggage only, it's an absolute godsend.
We spent the morning by the pool before heading for lunch in the hotel restaurant. Gazpacho was the order of the day for me, and as sisters do, Lucy and I ended up sharing all our dishes.

That evening was one I'd been looking forward to for ages.
We headed to La Torre to watch the sunset and enjoy dinner. If you've never been, put it on your list immediately. The views are breath-taking and somehow the sunset manages to exceed expectations.
Even more special, my friend Phil Cooper was DJing that evening. playing the perfect set to accompany the sun sinking into the sea. If you know you know. He very kindly played California Soul by Marlena Shaw after I found out he was playing the same night we were there! Thanks Phil x

Afterwards, we headed over to Pikes.

No photos from inside as they cover your phone cameras on entry – but a great policy. Everyone present, dancing and enjoying themselves.

I hadn't been back to Pikes since 1993, so walking through those famous gates again felt surreal. Getting in is easy enough – just sign up to the guest list before you go.

Pikes is such an iconic place. Everywhere you look there's memorabilia and stories from the incredible people who've partied there over the years – Obviously the Wham Club Tropicana video filmed there & Freddie Mercury, whose legendary birthday parties are part of Ibiza folklore.

We took lots of Disko Kids items to wear over the holiday all mixed and matched well

Thursday was much slower.
We wandered around Talamanca Bay, strolled over to the marina and admired boats worth more than a house.

The rest of the day was spent exactly as holidays should be – lounging by the pool, reading, chatting and generally doing very little at all.
I rarely get the chance to properly switch off, so this felt like a real luxury.
We had another delicious lunch at the hotel before popping to the little supermarket opposite and a gorgeous boutique nearby.
Our sea-view room was another highlight. Sitting on the balcony with a coffee, watching the boats come and go, was bliss.

That evening we headed to WOM Bar ( Word Of Mouth) , around fifteen minutes away by taxi. Another DJ friend was playing, so I already knew the music would be good.
Great tunes, lovely food and dancing under the Ibiza sky – pretty much perfect.

Friday arrived far too quickly but we had a late flight .
We packed our bags but squeezed every last minute out of the day. We walked into Ibiza Town up to the The fortified old town and castle in the middle of Ibiza Town which is is called Dalt Vila, lovely view if you are up in Ibiza town.

The shops in Ibiza town are fantastic too - We wandered around the shops for an hour or so & found some gems. Marney & Me being a firm fave.

Later we headed to Salinas Beach for our last meal & swim. We had lunch at Salinas beach - Jockey Club ( we had booked ) .

If you get the chance to visit, do it.
The beach is absolutely stunning – soft white sand, crystal-clear water and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The food at Jockey Club was brilliant too and a perfect final treat before heading home.

If you're lookiong for a good boo on where to eat, beaches, shops and the best beaches look no further than Hjordis‘s book My Ibiza & Formentera Hjordis has lived on the Island for most her life and knows her onions. This is the mosty recent edition so bang up to date.

We returned to the hotel one last time for a final swim and a little more lounging by the pool before our late evening flight home.
Ibiza has always been special to me because of my first trip back in 93 ,my friend then living there, the music but this trip reminded me that it's also about slowing down, spending time with people you love and making memories you'll laugh about for years afterwards.