Since the pandemic, there has thankfully been a significant shift in luxury between the traditional bastion of exclusivity, towards an emerging ethos of inclusivity, sustainability, self-affirming creativity and eco-friendly practises. The trend for high-end living is suddenly not about extravagance at ANY cost. It is now about a type of luxury that enriches our lives in a conscientious way. If old luxury was about ‘belongings’, then new luxury in our post COVID world, is certainly about ‘doing’. As our society faces new existential threats such as AI and sociocultural volatility, this new luxury stands for life-affirming creativity.
And aren’t we glad about that. NATIV asks a wide variety of islanders and professionals about what luxury means to them in 2024. We shall also be sharing with you some Ibiza experiences that will give you that beautiful luxurious feeling, without breaking the bank. Luxury in Ibiza is about living the life you want to lead and enjoying the small pleasures that are all around you on Ibiza. It’s about finding yourself again and not following the boring masses…
Money Can’t Buy Luxury
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The sunset. It happens every day, but in Ibiza and Formentera, you’ll sense a magic that just doesn’t exist anywhere else.
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For a picture-perfect Formentera sunset, head to Migjorn Bay between km 10.5 and km 11 or try El Mirador – it doesn’t get much better than here with a view of the entire island and Es Vedra in the background.
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People-watching in the Port d’Eivissa is an addictive pastime – it’s an international catwalk!
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There are still golden ticket invitations to villa parties and after parties in Ibiza that you don’t have to pay for. Get to know the right people, be cool.
Tai Iglesias
Tatoo artist
“An afternoon in Portinatx with the sunset, a birthday in a finca surrounded by friends or an event with live music where people can take part. For me luxury is exchanging culture, nature, wellness, tasting new food grown with love and respect for the island. Ibiza is very expensive and more and more geared towards luxury clients, but there are places where you don’t have to pay so much, and they are also amazing”.
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It’s 5am and you’re dancing with your friends in a club. The DJ plays a forgotten Ibiza gem and suddenly you’re surrounded by smiles. Life is good.
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Hire a small boat and head to the bay of Cala Xuclà for a day of lazy fishing. And if nothing bites, swim ashore to one of the best chiringuitos on the planet.
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That special time at Platges de Comte when darkness is near, the sea is still inviting, the mojitos begin to do their magic and the guitars start their melodies…
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For a real natural Ibiza cove that’s only moments from the boom boom of Bossa, head beyond the Torre de sa Sal Rossa and discover la Xanga, it comes complete with traditional fisherman boathouses and calm waters.
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As the end of day arrives in Formentera, head to the es Caló dock for a fresh beer. As we locals know, it is utter joy.
Howard Boyle
Ibiza Unlocked concierge
“For me, there’s nothing like visiting my special spot on the island, Punta Galera, to watch the sunset from up there. This is a luxury I particularly enjoy out of season. I also find that simply walking through the countryside is a blessing I will never tire of”.
Chelina Manhutu
DJ
“One of my priceless luxury experiences here is having a relaxing beach walk off-season with my dog. And being able to see a beautiful sunset at the end of the summer when the sky turns pink and purple and the sun is huge – one of the many reasons why I have never left Ibiza”.
Active Luxury
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For underwater snorkelling adventures in Formentera, head to sa Gavina, Punta Pedrera and the es Caló des Mort and Punta Prima areas. Simply spectacular.
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Cycle Ibiza by hugging the coastline and tackling the mountains for a 120km round the island challenge, hitting Portinax and Cala Tarida – or take a leisurely 7 hours by cutting out the mountains and stopping for drinks as you pass through San Juan, Santa Agnes and playa de es Bol Nou.
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The speed at which we live changes our experiences. That’s why cycling around Formentera with the wind in your face is a thing of beauty. It’s mostly flat, get pedalling!
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Discover the cove of es Portitxol, a droplet-shaped cove in the north that emerges like an otherworldly mirage after a hot, dusty traverse down a hillside.
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We are blessed to live on an island with so many extraordinary hikes where you can discover secret lagoons, rope ladder adventures, cliff jumps, mysterious caves and lifetime views. We love the ses Salines 5 Peak challenge… five steep hills of rough terrain to conquer with fabulous 360-degree vistas.
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Sailing to Es Vedrá is one of the most exciting experiences you will have in Ibiza. Not only to discover up close the majesty of the 400-meter-high islet, but also because, by taking a dip near its underwater cliffs, you will connect directly with the immensity of nature.
Foto: © Álex Soto
Philippe Panchout
Chiromancer
“For me, luxury experiences are all about meeting extraordinary, out of the ordinary people; very intelligent and capable people who have given me life experiences, which are what’s really important. I also believe that the concept of luxury will not change. Ibiza is the island of Bes, the Egyptian god of pleasure, partying and fun, and he was born for those luxuries”.
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Take a kayak out to the private island of Tagomago in the north east. Moor up by the rocks and snorkel in the waist deep turquoise sea… it’s like a bath.
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Dance like nobody is watching to the many live band shows on the islands. Can Suldat has a different style every night during the summer.
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There is a relatively easy hiking route that begins at Portinatx beach, reaches the Moscarter Lighthouse along the cliff, ends at a small solitary beach and begins the ascent again to continue along the cliff with spectacular views until reaching Cala d’en Serra, the biggest prize.
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Our diving schools will take you through the most impressive underwater landscapes including shipwrecks. Will you be lucky and spot an elusive seahorse, full of magic and mysticism?
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Walk with a donkey with ‘Hiking in Ibiza’ – unforgettable moments of harmony between human and animal as you access the secret garden of Forada, Bodegas Can Rich and es Broll de Buscastell.
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A Full Moon horse ride on Vicente’s horse Dante at the Horse Country Club is always a thrill, especially the exhilarating gallop through the sea under the stars to finish the experience…
