Néstor Morales: Cuba
A teacher with a degree from the National School of Music in Havana, Nestor arrived in Ibiza one 11 October at the end of the ‘90s at 7pm and only four hours later was playing at the Pereyra Theatre, where he went on to run the musical programmes for years. Today, he is much sought after for private events for his live performances of traditional Cuban music in the Buena Vista Social Club style. Athough he is grateful to the island, he says that he has kept his Caribbean accent after 25 years to “maintain and save my identity”.
Lin Xin: China
This former military man and insurance salesman from Nanking arrived in Ibiza in 2003 with his wife but without his daughter, to devote himself professionally to his hobby, cooking. It was a long-distance race filled with endless workdays. A noble man and a great person, he is admired by all the colleagues he has crossed paths with. These days he still proudly dedicates many hours to his work at Musset Café and Sushiya Aoyama, while his child Xue Xuan completes a degree in dentistry in Barcelona.
Jérôme Gaspard: France
It’s a familiar Ibiza story repeated time and again: “I came to Ibiza to take a break from my work in Paris, and in two days I found an extraordinary house and a great job.” Even so, Jérôme is trying to return to France to set up his own business, but “the siren of Ibiza calls me back” and today, he is in charge of the restaurant Plaza del Sol in Dalt Vila. He says he is very happy on the island – even more so in winter!
Jasmine Maasland: The Netherlands
Although Jasmine had been visiting Ibiza for more than 10 years, it was the pandemic that triggered her decision to relocate for good. “It was a more than logical move, since many of my clients in Amsterdam have homes on the island, so I could maintain their workouts and keep my job.” She specializes in sessions for women – “because I know their bodies and their cycles”. This summer you’ll find her in private villas and in a new collaboration with Nobu Hotel.
Annalisa Rossi: Italy
Twelve years ago, Annalisa visited Formentera for the first time on holiday and immediately felt that the island was her destiny. A season later she returned to work as a sales clerk and then four years ago she decided to set up her own fashion store, Anaïs, in Sant Francesc. The colourful and extravagant store, which we recommend you pay a visit, features small brands and handmade products.
Veenus Vortex: Australia
Five years ago, this Australian herbalist left the urban chaos of London’s Hackney to soak up Ibiza’s nature and allow her daughter to grow up in a wilder scene. It’s here that she came up with the magic recipe for her herbal macerated wine, Goldtooth vermouth. “Born in the sun-drenched hills of Ibiza”, it comes in three different flavours – with a fourth on the way – and makes a great aperitif.
