Dizzee Rascal – Holiday
November 21, 2009Pictures
November 21, 2009
Hello and welcome!
September 4, 2009
Phil & Emma’s Ibizian Wedding
Can Gall, San Juan, 29th May 2010
At Last!
After searching for the perfect location for us tie the knot we’ve found it and we can’t wait!
As you all know, we’ve spent some time in Ibiza over the past few years and we’ve really fallen in love with the Island, its climate and the diverse, picturesque surroundings.
To show how much we appreciate you coming out to the wedding we’ve set up this blog to help you plan your trip and make sure you have an amazing time with us in sunny Ibiza. Of course we’ll keep you updated with all you need to know in the lead up to the big day…
(Itinerary – To be updated nearer the time!)
We’d love for you to join us whenever you like, but don’t feel under any pressure. It’s your holiday too so please just do whatever takes your fancy – there is so much to enjoy in Ibiza!!
We love… Ibiza
Don’t believe all the Hype…
Those of you haven’t been before may believe Ibiza has a reputation as a charmless package destination. While it’s true that some parts of the island are like this, there’s much more to the island than the west end in San Antonio!
The island’s natural beauty is stunning with miles of gorgeous coastline of sweeping sandy bays, miniature coves and soaring cliffs. At night Ibiza really comes alive with some of the world’s coolest bars, restaurants and clubs.
The island is only 30 miles wide and 12 miles long so nowhere is more than 1 hours drive away – worth remembering if you hire a car! A full tank of petrol will probably last 2 weeks (even if you drive like a rally driver).
Most of the population is centered around the three major towns: the capital Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Santa Eulalia.
More info…. http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/ibiza_virgins_i.htm
The Wedding
In May 2009 we spent days exploring the Island with Eat-Ibiza (www.eat-ibiza.com) looking for the perfect venue and decided that it would be great to get married somewhere typically ‘Ibizan’. The wedding will take place in a fabulous boutique hotel (‘Can Gall’ –www.agrocangall.com) in the North East of the island, just outside the town of San Juan.
We’ve booked the Wedding for Saturday 29th May which is a Bank Holiday so guests can come for a long weekend, a week or longer, whichever you prefer.
Em and I will be arriving in Ibiza the weekend of the 22nd and will be staying at the wedding venue from Thursday 27th – leaving Monday 31st Bank Holiday Monday). There are 9 ultra luxurious rooms at the hotel, so if you would like to stay with us here for the 4 nights, please let us know (it’s a fantastically run hotel and very child friendly for those that have little ones).
We want to keep the Wedding Day simple and relaxed, with as few formalities and as little scheduling as possible – however we know you will all dress to impress! (Em has even got a new frock 🙂 and I’ll be the guy at the front looking like Don Johnson from Miami Vice)!!
The day will consist of a late afternoon ceremony, followed by poolside drinks and an amazing wedding breakfast served by the island’s leading caterers ‘Eat Ibiza’ at the venue. Dinner will be followed by short, succinct, whitty speeches, fabulous music and crazy dancing under the stars.
We appreciate that by us getting married abroad, you’ll already be shelling out your hard-earned cash on flights etc, so with regards to wedding presents, there’s really no need to buy us anything… although if you absolutely insist, we are saving for a honeymoon! 🙂
We are planning to have our Hen and Stag Doos in Ibiza on Thursday 27th of May. More details to follow regarding the finer details, however we thought it would be a great idea to enjoy these parties in the sunshine while we are there and a perfect opportunity for everyone to meet up and get in the wedding mood! So if you can make it to the Island for Thursday 27th, it would be great to see you there!
Accommodation
We’re getting married in San Juan, in the North East of the island, but it’s only 20 minutes drive from Ibiza Town or San Antonio Bay so we’d suggest staying wherever suits you best:
Ibiza Town: vibrant nightlife, the cultural old town and hedonistic harbour
Playa den Bossa: mixed crowd, next to the beach and some of the island’s best clubs (also home to Bora Bora beach bar which is a great way to spend your day if you like cool Ibizian music and a party atmosphere on the beech).
Figueretes: Affordable resort between Ibiza Town and Playa D’en Bossa
Talamanca: mixed crowd to the East of Ibiza Town
Marina Botafoc: views of the harbour and the multi-million pound yachts near Ibiza Town
San Antonio Bay: family oriented but close to the west end so may be some clubbers
Hotels
Hotel Jabeque: cheap hotel in playa den bossa. No frills but clean and tidy place to sleep.
http://www.expedia.co.uk/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/nojs=1/htid=1425107
Hotel Garbi: This hotel is right in the centre of playa den bossa and is all newly refurbished (we stayed here last year and loved it – some pics on our facebook pages). Worth a look…
http://www.hotelgarbi-ibiza.com/default.aspx
Es Vive: right in the middle of playa den bossa and full of trendies – quite expensive though
http://www.hotelesvive.com/
Pikes: just outside San An this is an ibizan institution but very expensive. The Wham video to Club Tropicana was filmed here – big celeb hangout.
http://www.pikeshotel.com/front/?pikes
Bellamar: San Antonio Bay. We stayed here too in 2008. Really nice hotel with a good location and good facilities.
http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/bellamar
More info… http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/hotel-guide/
The Best Bits
We’ve been going to Ibiza for years so we want to share some of our favourite places:
Es Vedrà
Rising from the sea like a craggy crest of a semi-submerged volcano, the limestone outcrop of Es Vedrà is one of the most enchanting sights in the western Med. Many legends surround the the rock, as well as sailors and scuba divers reporting compasses going crazy as they approach, as well as innumerable reports of UFO sightings!
Ibiza Town
Set around a dazzling natural harbour, Ibiza Town is one of the Med’s most charismatic pocket-sized capitals, full of cool boutiques, trendy bars and chic bistros and restaurants. In the summer months, its narrow white-washed labyrinth of streets and lanes become a buzzing mass of young and old committed to having a good time.
Dalt Vila
Forming one of Europe’s best preserved walled cities, World Heritage listed Dalt Vila (Ibiza Old Town) is richly atmospheric and has the island’s top historical attractions. Occupying a towering peak south of the harbour, the ancient settlement is the oldest part of Ibiza Town and one of its quietest corners. It’s well worth the walk up to see the amazing views from the top.
Salines Saltpans
Stretching 435 hectares in the south of the island, these saltpans were the only reliable source of wealth for more than 2000 years. Perfected by the Moors, the sluice gates, mini windmills and water channels see 2500 cubic metres of seawater pass through every May. Salt aside, the pans are also great for birds. As a migratory stop-off point, Storks, herons and flamingoes rest and refuel, as well as over 200 species in permanent residence. Salinas also has a great beech with a fantastic beech bar/ restraint (Jockey Club) which is also know for being a celebrity hang out (so stick your best beech wear on if your venturing there)!
Desserted Coves
To get to some of the finest cove beaches – bite sized sandy bays hidden below soaring cliffs – you’ll need to negotiate some rough dirt roads and perhaps even a quick hike but it will be worth it. Here are just a few:
S’estanyol: Attractive little sandy cove beach, close to Ibiza Town, with great food available in the beach bar/restaurant.
Cala Llentrisca: Tranquility is assured at the tiny, remote and beautiful cove.
Platja Codolar: Impressive expanse of wave-polished pebbles and barely a soul in sight.
Sol d’en Serra: Quiet bay that’s just a short walk from the resort of Cala Llonga with a great restaurant above the pebble beach.
More info… http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/guide_i.htm
Sunsets
Ibiza’s sunsets are amazing. Crowds sit in stylish chillout bars where all chairs face west, while sipping a cool cocktail and taking in some tranquil tunes. You can also take in the experience somewhere less commercialised – up to you. Our favourites are:
Es Vedra: Watching the sunset as the backdrop to Es Vedra is magical.
Cafe Mambo/Cafe del Mar: Either of these bars, famous for the their sunset views offer a perfect combination of chilled-out tunes and vibrant atmosphere and have to be experienced at least once (have a look at the preview at the foot of the page).
Benirràs: A stunning cove beach in the North-west of the island to watch the sun go down.
Clubbing
Ibiza’s clubs continue to re-invent themselves to keep the unique magic that can’t be found anywhere else. No need to explain to those of you who have been before, for those who haven’t see for yourself:
Pacha: http://www.pacha.com/ibiza/
DC10: http://www.dc10ibiza.com/dc10ibiza/?tag=dc10-ibiza
Space: http://www.space-ibiza.es/en/
El Divino: http://www.eldivino-ibiza.com/
Manumission: http://www.manumission.com/
KM5: http://www.km5-lounge.com/
More info… http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/night_i.htm
Food
Ibiza has some great restaurants but many of our favourites are hidden away so here’s a list of some we would recommend:
Sa Capella (just outside San Antonio): a converted monastery with great food in a wonderful setting.
L’Elephant (San Rafel): Fine dining in plush surroundings. Sipping cocktails on the roof terrace while looking out to the stunning views of Ibiza Town is a must. One of the coolest places to hang out on the island.
Sol den Serra (Santa Eularia): Set in a deserted cove this hidden gem serves great food in a relaxed environment while the waves lap up at the shore. It doesn’t get any better than crashing out on one of the Moroccan beds on the beach afterwards.
El Boldado (Cala D’hort): Overlooking Es Vedrà, this seafood place has amazing views, especially at sunset. Excellent paella and grilled fish.
More info… http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/restaurant_guide_i.htm
Travel
Flights
Here are the latest flights with the best prices & times from the UK. Remember – low cost airlines are cheaper when you book early!
http://www.thomsonfly.com/ – regular connections from all UK airports
http://www.easyjet.com/ – from London Stanstead
http://www.britishairways.com/ – from London Gatwick from late May
http://www.airberlin.com/ – All year round, from London Stanstead
www.firstchoice.co.uk/flights – from Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham and Bristol
http://www.thomsonfly.com/ – regular connections from all UK airports
http://www.firstchoice.co.uk/ – regular connections from all UK airports
http://www.jet2.com/ – from Leeds Bradford
More info… http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/travel_flights_i.htm
Car Hire
If you would like to hire a car our experience tells us that it will be the least hassle if you book it from the airport hire companies.
We’d recommend Hertz http://www.hertz.co.uk/ or Avis http://www.avis.com/
Other alternatives:
http://www.holidayautos.co.uk/
http://www.europcar.co.uk/
http://www.regamallorca.com/
You shouldn’t pay more than £20 per day for a small Corsa or Clio sized car.
More info… http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/carhire_i.htm
Ibiza Map:
Useful Links;
Just to get you in the mood…..
Phil and Em's Ibiza Wedding 