You may or may not be aware, dear readers, that once upon a time a skintight trouser loving, international singing sensation called Freddie Mercury came to Ibiza and held his 41st birthday party at our humble abode. We may have mentioned it here or there… but if for some reason you’d glossed over the news or if you’re a newcomer to the wonderful world of Pikes (in which case welcome!), consider yourselves notified and let’s move on. Yes, Freddie loved Pikes, but as a pleasure seeking playboy with one eye wobbling on the present and another on the next glass of champagne, do you think he sat around our pool all day doing nothing? Of course he didn’t. He mounted a (proverbial) stallion and rode out into the Ibiza horizon, primed to soak up all the island’s feel-good flirtatiousness. Exactly as you should when you come to stay with us this season.
As much as we love you to revel in the decadent deliciousness of Pikes, we also want you to venture outside the hotel walls in search of your own adventures. First up, we’ve got just the thing to put some swagger into your sojourn — a slick-as-you-like vintage Mustang in which to cruise through the snaking campo roads, wind in your hair, rock’n’roll beneath your seats. Our concierge team can hook you up (before you arrive or mid-way through your stay, we’re all about spontaneity) with your ride and you can take the car with or without a chauffeur, depending on how many of Tanja’s cocktails you plan to sink before heading out onto the roads (obviously we’d recommend none, if you’re driving).
First stop: la playa. The long of limb and hedonistic fit right in at Las Salinas, a sweeping stretch of sand on the south east coast of the island where all the hot, young locals and jetsetters hang out. It boasts beach bars aplenty and hidden coves for secret deeds – more than enough to ensure your nose goes nowhere near a book. Another popular choice is Benirras on the northern coast, a shingly cove that gets particularly busy at sunset on Sunday nights, when the legendary bongo drummers convene to bang the sun below the horizon. For some more off the beaten track options, try Cala Mastella, home to the legendary El Bigote, a cute as a button seafood restaurant that once turned away the King of Spain, no less. Then there’s Cala d’Hort that lies in shadow of the mystical Es Vedra (great for photo opps with your Mustang); and Pou des Lleo, which has a laidback shack-like chiringuito serving ice cold beers all day long. Finally, for something closer to home, there’s Cala Saladeta just a short drive from Pikes. Here, mojitos are made on the spot and delivered to your sarong for as little as a fiver.
For lunch, head up to Portinatx — Ibiza’s northernmost point, and take a table on the outdoor terrace of Los Enamorados, a hotel-slash-hip hangout with a boutique specialising in curiosities of the highest calibre. Think poke bowls and fresh tuna tacos; mescal-infused cocktails and authentically Balearic beats. Don’t be surprised to see Europe’s top models and fashionistas flouncing around here before sashaying to the little chiringuito on the beach to listen to trance (just go with it) as the sun goes down. While you’re up north, you could also head for the charming village of San Juan that weaves around one single street. For vegetarian fare try Los Otros, a restaurant owned by a far too cool for school Dutch couple; or keep it simple at Enfarinarte with a tasty slice of pizza to go. Otherwise head deep into the countryside in search of every local’s fave eatery La Paloma — quirky and delicious Ibiza at its best.
Come sunset, La Torre is unbeatable. Practically on Pikes’ doorstep (when you’ve got the Mustang to whizz you there), it’s a clifftop spot with unbeatable views of kaleidoscope skies and plenty of cocktails to accompany it. The vibe is undeniably Balearic — Ibiza legend DJ Alfredo still plays here on occasion. Further to the north west, where the winding country lanes take you even higher and higher up the clifftop, Las Puertas del Cielo provides a rustic alternative to the Ibiza sunset scene. Translating to the ‘gates of heaven’, this magical spot serves up mouthwatering grilled meats and cheap (but icy cold) beer to those who’ve made the pilgrimage – to call the view breathtaking doesn’t even do it justice. Back down on south coast is another unexpected sunset hero, Experimental Beach Ibiza, set at the end of a bumpy road (the Mustang can handle it) through the glistening salt flats near Las Salinas. Here you can sup sundowners on the floating jetty while watching planes coming in to land.
Ibiza town at any time of day is unmissable but the old dame really comes alive at night. Arrive in no hurry and spend time meandering through the cobbled streets before heading up the drawbridge of Dalt Vila – an ancient fortress and Ibiza’s UNESCO World heritage Listed Site – to get your game face on at S’Escalinata, a bar defined by multi-coloured cushions placed on its tumbling, ancient steps, where the coconut and chilli mojitos are the perfect aperitivo. Then make haste through the cobbled streets to El Portalon, a twinkling fairytale of a fine dining farm-to-table restaurant that confirms Ibiza magic still exists (say hi to our good friend Leah, the flame-haired hostess with the mostess who’ll be only too happy to seat you if you drop our name). Afterwards head back down the hill to the gypsy quarter, Sa Penya, where naughtiness lies in wait at bars like La Tana, which will send you nicely on the road to destruction, and Paradise Lost, which will make sure you absolutely, resolutely don’t come back.
If you can still wake up and go-go the following morning, head back to the north coast and take an all-day excursion with Bohemian Boat Charters — you don’t need a license to sail these traditional Spanish llauts around the rustic coastline in a sunny, hazy daze paired with several bottles of cava (again, just for your friends, not the driver!) and a gourmet homemade picnic created by the gorgeous Tess Prince of Love Food Ibiza. Alternatively, you could hop on the ferry to Formentera, land of the beautiful and consequently, the damned. Or if you’re on a wellness tip, let us draft in the services of the magnificent Trish Whelan of Soul Adventures, who offers life-changing sessions in Kundalini Yoga and Gong Meditation on Sunday mornings (to set you up for the classic Pikes roast) or Monday evenings (to set you up for a disco dazzling from Harvey).
Freddie would be proud (and dare we say, perhaps jealous!). Now when you get back to Pikes, come give us a hug and let’s find Sunny and see if we can help you miss that flight home…
