addicted to ibiza

the green way to ibiza

Let's face it, does anyone actually like flying? Especially if you're traveling from London. The journey to the airport takes over an hour and costs you as much as the flight itself, you spend the start of your holiday waiting in line at airport security queues and on top of all that you're killing the planet.

We're all increasingly aware that our tendency to jet off to Ibiza for the weekend isn't exactly great for the environment. A return trip from London creates 0.56 tonnes of CO2 per person - that's more than driving for 1,500 miles in an average car. But as Addicted isn't prepared to compromise our holiday plans to save the planet, we decided to seek out an alternative. And the alternative we found didn't just end up being better for the planet, it was also a lot of fun.

Most people would never dream of taking a train from London to Ibiza, but not only is it possible, it's also extremely comfortable and much quicker than you think. Addicted kicked off our trip at St Pancras station in London on a rainy afternoon, jumping on the Eurostar for the quick 2 hour 15 minute ride to Paris. Not only did we earn green points by avoiding the plane, but as Eurostar have completely rebuilt their business around being environmentally responsible, even the hot food served on board was locally sourced using organic, fairly traded products. The party started here too, with complementary champagne if you travel Leisure Select.

One of the best things about traveling by train is that you stop at interesting places along the way. Addicted spent a few lazy hours at a Parisian pavement café and then dropped into the Museé d'Orsay, before dashing across town to catch the 8pm sleeper to Barcelona from Gare Austerlitz.

Forget airport check in queues, forget twenty minute walks to your gate and forget not being able to listen to your iPod while on the runway. The French/Spanish cross-border trains, run by Elipsos, take you back to a time when traveling was not only less stressful, but more of an occasion. After checking into our luxurious sleeper cabin, which included a private hot shower (YES - a hot shower on board a train), our first stop was the restaurant car for more champagne, a three-course dinner and a fine bottle of Chablis. Our table buddies were two newlyweds from London kicking off their honeymoon en route to Spain. How often do you chat to the person next to you on a flight?

As dinner came to an end and the French countryside rolled past, Addicted tucked in for a comfortable sleep, with the gentle rocking of the train and the champagne haze ensuring a good night's rest before the Ibiza madness began.

Waking up in Spain, Addicted enjoyed a seriously good café cortado from the on-board coffee shop (beats the instant stuff on most holiday airlines) before rolling into Barcelona at 8am. From Barcelona, it's a short ferry ride to Ibiza. But why rush? The Catalan capital is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe and a good enough reason to take the train in itself.

Traveling to Ibiza by land took less than a day, included a comfortable sleep, involved a good amount of Champagne and cost only a fraction more than an Easyjet flight. Moreover, Addicted's environmental conscience is incredibly smug.

Addicted's travel was organised by RailEurope, who are experts at arranging Pan-European rail travel involving multiple train companies. Check out their website for fares from wherever you are in Europe. The London-Paris section of our journey was operated by Eurostar, the Paris-Barcelona section of our journey was operated by Elipsos and the Barcelona-Ibiza section of our journey was operated by Baeleria. Paris-Barcelona sleeper fares start at just €139. Don't forget that next time you check flight prices.

felix da housecat speaks to addicted

Last season, Addicted caught up with legendary electro house DJ Felix da Housecat just before he played a series of gigs at We Love Space. To get us ready for 2011, we revisit the interview with some of his top tips for summer on the island.

Addicted: Let's kick off by talking about Ibiza. This summer you are playing some dates at We Love Space. What's your favourite thing about playing at Space?

Felix: I love We Love Space because they let me be me and do whatever I want. I can totally be myself there.

Addicted: There is always talk of somewhere being 'the new Ibiza', whether it's Brazil, Greece or somewhere else.  What do you think makes Ibiza unique?

Felix: There is only one Ibiza and it’s still doing its thing after all these years: sin!

Addicted: Tell us about the first time you went to Ibiza.

Felix: Oh my god, the first show I was ever booked to play in Ibiza was Sundissential at Pacha. They put me up in this horrible hotel. I mean, the worst hotel I have ever seen. There was no TV in the room! I called  the promoter to complain and he said I wouldn’t need a TV in Ibiza. Sure enough, he was right! That night my Ibiza virginity was taken; my Ibiza cherry was busted.

Addicted: Apart from Ibiza, where's your favourite place to play in the world?

Felix: I love playing in Spain, Brazil and Mexico.

Addicted: Your new album, He Was King, comes out next month. What were your big influences when composing this album?

Felix: I try never repeat myself on any album I do.  I am always pushing myself creatively to another level.  Sometimes I reach back to old ideas and make them newer and fresher, but I felt really relaxed, stress-free and happy on this record.

Addicted: 'We all wanna be Prince' is the first track on your album. It begs the question ...do you wanna be Prince?!

Felix: I am a leader not a follower so I don’t wanna be him.  I just love him!

Addicted: Aside from tracks on your new album, what tunes are playing when you DJ this summer?

Felix: Felix Cartal, D.I.M. and Ducksauce

Addicted: Looking at your DJ schedule, you're on the road a lot! When do you find time to make music?

Felix: When I am on the road I just find studios and jump into them to work.  I am always trying to stay active and busy.

Addicted: What do you do to chill out?

Felix: Chill – that word does not exist to me.

Addicted: And finally, what is your top tip for anyone coming to Ibiza this summer?

Felix: DRINK A LOT OF WATER

Addicted: Felix da Housecat, thank you and see you at Space!

the calmer side of ibiza

Contrary to popular opinion, Ibiza isn't all about nightclubs and house music. Long before electronic music even existed, artists and new age thinkers flocked to the island and made it their home. Indeed, the free-spirited clubbing scene for which Ibiza has become famous flourished from the 'hippie' culture that dominated the island in the seventies and eighties. If you escape from the tourist bustle of Playa d'en Bossa or San Antonio you will discover an island with a completely different set of charms. Addicted caught up with Larah Davis who runs Ibiza Retreats  to find a new reason to fall in love with Ibiza all over again.

Addicted: Why do you love Ibiza? Do you think there is something magical about the island?

Larah: Yes, indeed. There is a powerful energy here. Ibiza has a draw which is more about the way that people feel when they are here: excited, uplifted, energised ...and free!  Accepting of who they are and who they want to be.

Addicted: What do you think makes Ibiza extra special as a great destination to unwind?

Larah: The natural beauty, which immediately clears the head; the turquoise salt-water to soak in and release the toxins; the juxtaposition of highly sophisticated, sexy bars and clubs with farmers who have been working the land for thousands of years is so beautiful. You can immediately be within nature - away from noise, cars, computers - even the blackberry can be well out of range in many places.  In this environment you can be yourself and "go with the flow" - not having to do something or be someone - this is pure relaxation. That in itself releases stresses - mental and physical tensions.  And of course the focus of the whole island on enjoying yourself, living your life to the full - whatever this means to you - liberating, lovely - do what feels good!  

Addicted:  Why did you set up Ibiza Retreats?

Larah: Ibiza Retreats was set up with a Vision to enable people to tune into the many amazing natural resources for healing and wellbeing here.  When you get away from the partying there is incredible natural beauty - there are enchanting, magical locations to stay and there is an uplifting energy and a vibrant, diverse mix of people - teachers, therapists, specialists in many different arenas of wellbeing for the mind, the body and the spirit. People who have traveled around the world and trained with leading teachers & masters bring a melting pot of international influences here.

Addicted: What sort of services do you provide?

Larah:  Together with my partner Katja Paschmann, we work with an A-Z of amazing teachers & therapists able to offer private sessions in areas such as acupuncture, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, Japanese facials, many forms of yoga, pilates and meditation. We also offer Alternative Island Activities such as Horse-riding through the countryside, kayaking and many Workshops from Sound-healing to Japanese Butoh Dance.

Addicted:  Ibiza is probably more famous for partying than relaxing, are people sometimes surprised when you tell them about Ibiza Retreats?

Larah: People say "what a great idea" and how good it is to have the option to enjoy Ibiza's many different colours, to balance a party holiday with a retreat to recuperate and revitalise.  Many people talk about having heard about "the hippy side" to Ibiza, yet it is all one island. Dancing under the stars was happening here long before the dance music arrived!  It is a side that people love to discover, because it still feels untouched, less material and more real, with welcoming, loving people and restaurants that have been here for decades.

Addicted:  Speaking of partying, do you ever get groups of people who want your help to recover before heading back home?

Larah: Absolutely - we specifically offer post-party purification, pampering and detox days.  We can help people experience a very deep cleanse with the detoxes which we offer with Ilona Pantel, doctoral approved fasting guide and nutritionist.  For those who want the post-party purification these Day Retreats can be offered in your own villa, home, on boats or in one our Day Retreat locations where we whisk you up for vital you-time, phones are turned off and we serve detox teas and juices, cleansing seasonal fruits and with our amazing team of therapists, create packages that help tired dancing feet recover with Reflexology, re-energise with Holistic Massages, clear toxins with lymphatic drainage, and emotional blocks with Reiki and much more.

Addicted: As someone who lives in Ibiza full time, you must know lots of 'Ibiza secrets'! What's your favourite thing to do / place to go on the island that Addicted readers may not have heard about?

Larah: Honestly I love yoga on the beach and finding a spot, normally on the cliffs towards Portinax, near Cala Xarraca, where even in summer I can find pure turquoise blue water to dive into and swim with the fish. Horse-riding across the island is also amazing in Springtime, cantering through fields of fennel and flowers and then stabling the horses at Can Caus where they do the best meats and cheeses on the island.... 

Addicted: And what's your recommendations for eating?

Larah: La Paloma in San Lorenzo or lunch and dinner and Parawdiso in Santra Gertrudis for raw foods In both places the food is organic and made with pure love!  You feel soooo good when you eat it! Juices, smoothies, salads and fresh fresh fresh fresh!

Addicted: What is your top tip for anyone coming to Ibiza this summer?

Larah: Balance your party time with some rest & relaxation - this will enable you to not only explore and enjoy much more of the island, it will leave you looking and feeling fabulous - whether Pura Vida or Amante for yoga on the beach, extending your holiday with a 3 x day private tailored retreat or a Day Retreat for Healthy Hens. It is food for the soul. Explore Santa Gertudis and San Joan for a touch of real-Ibiza community and amazing dining.

Addicted: Thank you for speaking to us!

If Larah has given you a taste for the calmer side of the island and you fancy a day of detoxing as part of your holiday this summer, click here to find out more about Ibiza Retreats.

ibiza for beginners

If it's your first time, the amount of choice in Ibiza can be daunting. With so many parties to go to and so many places to dance, how do you cram it all into just one week? Here's a rough itinerary for a week long trip especially designed with Ibiza newbies in mind. Going back to work the following day is not recommended.

MONDAY

When you get off the plane, jump straight in at the deep end and head to the world's biggest nightclub to see the world's biggest Trance DJ. Privilege hosts Tiesto and up to 10,000 partygoers every Monday night. You don’t even need to worry about checking in at your hotel first. As we discovered last year, the coat check at the gift shop will look after your suitcase. The icing on the cake? The DJ booth is surrounded by a swimming pool.

TUESDAY

Live rock music in Ibiza? Really? Isn’t this island supposed to be the spiritual home of dance music? Founded on the premise that dance kids like to rock and rock kids like to dance, Ibiza Rocks is the unexpected success story of the last few years. Every Tuesday this year Ibiza Rocks plays host to the Ting Tings, the Klaxons and MGMT, just to name a few. Moreover, they now own their own hotel so you can host after parties worthy of rock stars.

WEDNESDAY

You’ve been on the island for two days now, so it’s probably time for a bit of a rest. Ibiza is famous for sunsets and the best place to watch is Café Mambo on the sunset strip in San Antonio. Not only will you have the thrill of watching the crowd cheer as night begins and the sun goes down, but often you can catch big name DJs warming up for their sets later that night – for free.

THURSDAY

Tonight, it’s time to check out the most famous club in the world: Pacha. The name is synonymous with celebrity, hedonism and glamour; and David Guetta’s Thursday night ‘F*** me I’m Famous’ party is Pacha at its finest. With the VIP, VVIP and VVVIP areas (yes, really) taking up well over two-thirds of dancefloor, some question whether mere mortals are actually able to let their hair down and party. But experiencing Pacha’s unique vibe is a vital Ibiza experience and one you will come to love. The clincher? Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland is their resident PA this summer.

FRIDAY

It’s Friday, you’ve now been in Ibiza for five days and you’ve still not found time to dance on the beach! Make amends and head down to Bora Bora Beach Bar in Playa d’en Bossa for some cheeky afternoon sangria. Once you’re all danced out, it’s time to experience the more civilised side of Ibiza. Get in a cab to KM5 - one of Ibiza’s many laidback countryside restaurants. Many people say the best thing about Ibiza is the balance between crazy nights out and beautiful places to chill. KM5 and their outdoor cocktail lounge does that job nicely.

SATURDAY

You know you're in Ibiza when it's four o’clock on a Saturday afternoon and you're dancing in an abandoned zoo surrounded by people in fancy dress. The club on everyone’s lips this summer is The Zoo Project, taking over from the much missed DC-10. Their Saturday day time sessions are the talk of the island and attract top underground DJ talent. You’ll definitely leave with stories to tell everyone back home.

SUNDAY

Dancing on the terrace at Space on a Sunday afternoon defines Ibiza clubbing. The former 22 hour We Love Space marathon now restricts itself to a mere 14 hours due to changes in club licensing laws, but that’s not held back the stream of massive international DJs that make the line up every week. Literally, nothing compares to this. Just make sure your sunglasses are suitably oversized and overpriced.

That only leaves one more decision. Once the sun comes up and the music turns down at 6am, will you be running to catch your flight? Or will you be running to the nearest internet café to change your flight home? (It’s just across the road, in case the latter takes your fancy.)

top five places to chill

Partying in Ibiza can be hard work and after two nights of crazy clubbing it is perfectly respectable to want to take things down a notch. You're supposed to be on holiday after all. Thankfully, Ibiza's chill-out scene is just as famous as its party scene. After all, everyone has at least a couple of Ibiza chill-out compilations knocking about their CD rack. Here are Addicted's favourite ways to kick back on island.

5. Portal de las Tablas
More usually known as 'The Gate' to Dalt Villa (The Old Town) in Ibiza Town, the historic square in front of the Portal de las Tablas on Calle de Antoni Palau is home to sleepy pavement cafés and a small food market. Spend a lazy afternoon in this quiet square sipping a café con leche and watching the world go by. You'll feel like you are in a quiet continental town a million miles from the crazy club of the night before.

4. KM5
Set in the countryside five kilometres out of Ibiza Town on the road towards San Josep, KM5 is an Ibiza institution. Divided into a restaurant and cocktail lounge, both outdoor spaces were made for balmy summer evenings. The modern Spanish menu is gastronomic heaven, especially if you've spent the rest of your trip eating in Playa d'en Bossa or San Antonio. After dinner you can walk a few meters to their cocktail lounge and kick back on sofas underneath the moonlight, listening to chilled out beats while acrobatic dancers provide the entertainment. Reservations for dinner are recommended.

3. Your villa terrace
There are many reasons for getting a villa rather than staying in a hotel, but top of the list is being able to chill out on your private terrace by your pool. Villas give you privacy and quiet that you just can't find in any busy Ibiza hotel. Don't forget to pack some chill-out compilations in your suitcase to set the mood.

2. Benirras beach
Also known as the 'hippie beach', Benirras is situated in the north of the island and is popular with locals. It is a considerable drive if you are staying in San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa, but well worth the trip. Undeveloped and unspolit, be sure to take essentials such as water and suncream with you. Try to get there before sunset to watch the sun go down to the sound of bongo drums. Don't forget a road map!

1. Blue Marlin
Imagine lounging on a bed outside by the sea, eating great food and drinking even better cocktails, while a fine water mist keeps you cool in the sun. And we haven't even mentioned the models paid to walk around and make the place look fabulous. The Blue Marlin is Ibiza at its sophisticated best.

the addicted island guide 2011 iPhone app is here!

It's back again this year and it's bigger and better than ever: the Addicted Island Guide 2011 iPhone app! This year we've give the app a complete makeover with a new look and feel that takes advantage of the iPhone 4 retina display.

 

 

 

 

This really is the only app you need to discover the best parties, places, news and music on the island. The app features all of the following:

• The Addicted to Ibiza Blog for all the latest island news.
• The Addicted Island Map with all the hottest bars and clubs, and how to get there.
• Addicted's Recommended Places guide with the best clubs, bars, beaches and more all detailed for you.
• The Addicted Events Guide, with the deets for literally hundreds of the island's hottest parties, from Amnesia to Pacha and more. 
• Solid full length DJ mixes from some of the planet's top DJs, including Pete Gooding, Jim Warboy, and Jason Bye, with more mixes on the way as the season progresses.
• A Music section that includes our tips for the summer's best albums.
• A Shout Outs section to big up all your mates!

Don't hit Ibiza without this essential guide. And even if you're not going this season, it's a great way to get familiar with the island. While it's still early in the season now, we'll be adding more content throughout the Spring and summer.

We have a free version with ads and limited listings available so that you can get a feel for the app before buying it.

Get the Addicted to Ibiza Press Kit released 2011-06-01.