Rock it All Night Long, Ibiza!

So I got to feeling guilty about not blogging for a couple of months. In my defense, we went through some work drama and I couldn't even think about traveling for a little bit. Now that my normal is back, it's back to planning and blogging.
When I asked Sister Suitcase if she wanted to go to Spain over instant message, she typed one word: IBIZA. I checked with my friend, La Lopez, to see what she thought. A resounding "Hell YES!" was heard from her cubicle. Ah yes, Ibiza. Known the world over for it's non-stop partying, beautiful beaches, and general summertime debauchery, I set out to see what there was to this wild gem of the Balearic Islands.

This photo of Ibiza is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Ibiza is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Wild might be a bit of an understatement. Ibiza is known as a world class venue for house music DJ's the world over. In fact, the music scene here is so big, they post the scheduling months ahead, and people arrange their plans to see their favorites. The clubs are open all night long and there is no such thing as being too tired. The phrase "sleep when you're dead" comes to mind.  The two most popular clubs on the island are Space and Pacha.This year Space kicks off it's season with the ever popular We Love party on June 9. This place is MASSIVE and has been rated the best club in the world this year. Get out your candy necklaces, beach clothing, hope you don't mind getting sweaty and dance until your heart leaps out of your mouth! There is no pretense here, its all about the music, so get down! Don't think it stops for daytime, either. Many beaches have clubs with music going all day long, like the infamous Bora Bora Club at Jet. If you're looking for a good place to stay without families around, stick to the Playa d'en Bossa area. It just so happens we are staying at Jet, since its right on the beach and good proximity to everything.

This photo of Ibiza is courtesy of TripAdvisor

So you have your night of partying and want to relax the next day. What else is there? In Ibiza Town there is a castle fortress called D'alt Villa. You can take your time strolling up the streets to the top where you can see out over the port. You can visit the old rustic Iglesia de San Rafael if you fancy some old buildings (which I totally do!). However, this island is known for its beaches. Hidden coves, wide expanses of sand, and heavenly waves greet you as you watch all the massive private yachts cruise by on the water. If you crave a day away, you can catch the ferry to Formentera out of Ibiza Town's port.

This photo of Formentera is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I've written about Formentera before. It's a stark departure from the wild partying of Ibiza but this may be just what you need to recover from it. Its an island filled with spas, yoga retreats and a slow, easy atmosphere intent on refreshing you. Clothing is optional at many beaches on these islands, so take care not to get offended. This is the Mediterranean after all, and most people in this part of the world do not give a hoot about our delicate Western sensibilities.
After napping in the soft sand all day, letting all the tension melt out of you in the sun, its time to head back to Ibiza. What to do tonight? hmmm... that's a tough call. Let's head off to Ushuaia, which is one of the hottest new clubs/beach hotels on the island. Getting tickets to these clubs isn't cheap, and unless you're used to paying the prices in Vegas, it might come as a shock. Tickets are on average 60 euro, for one person. You can check the club websites to buy ahead of time or check with your hotel. Some of the bigger ones have a ticket desk right there. Obviously the normal warnings to watch your surroundings and all that, do apply. Be prepared to see lots of drunken yobs from all over Europe hanging about, too. If you're not into being at something akin to Vegas on steroids, then stay away from Ibiza.


This photo of Ibiza is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Getting there: You can go by ferry or plane. We'll be flying, since the Spanish airline Vueling is super cheap and flies right to the island. For Formentera you can only get there by ferry.
Here's a small info article on the island with some pertinent numbers you might need or want.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/spain/ibiza/35667/Ibiza-travel-guide.html

So where will I be? I'll tell you. You can find me sitting under a palapa, with a giant drink in my hand listening to whoever is spinning. Either that or in the warm, clear water with my drink. After this spring and all my hard work, I sure as hell deserve it!