Guest Blogger Harriet Harper spent a weekend in Ibiza with Thomson Scene to discover there’s much more to the White Isle than poolsides and spray parties.
It was just your average Tuesday afternoon when I was sitting at my desk at work in one of London’s highest tower blocks. Staring out the window across the cloudy city skyline, I couldn’t believe that in less than 48 hours I would be sat on a plane jetting off to Ibiza to experience total luxury in one of the islands most famous hotels.
Getting the invite from Thompson Scene to experience this trip was every bloggers dream and I was counting down the hours till’ I was on that plane. As an Ibiza virgin, I frankly couldn’t be happier that they had selected this destination for our trip.
Thursday, 2am
Before I knew it, my alarm was going off at and it was time to get to the airport. The holiday adrenaline was kicking in, and after reading the Thomson Scene itinerary describing what the next 3 days ahead had to offer, I could barely contain my (very sleepy) excitement.
Thursday, 4.30am
Once at the airport, I was greeted by the lovely Thompson Scene crew, the amazing press members and the host of the trip, Mr Oliver Proudlock. We headed to the lounge for our first drink of the trip and in no time the excitement started to simmer.
Thursday, 10am
Upon arrival we were given a tour of Ushuaia Beach Hotel followed by lunch at the Ushuaia Beach Club restaurant (check out my Ushuaia Hotel Review too). It was then time to relax by the luxurious pool for the rest of the afternoon. Thomson Scene had delivered exactly what they had promised from this hotel setting, ‘celeb style and luxury hangouts’.
Ushuaia was definitely luxurious and I felt ever the VIP just by soaking up the atmosphere and looking around at the stunning scenery. Four poster poolside beds, champagne served on ice at the poolside bar and private Jacuzzis. This Ibiza hotel had no half measures.
Thursday 7pm
That night we headed for dinner at the hotel’s elegant Japanese restaurant Minami and soaked up the atmosphere of the club scene from the Up Sky rooftop bar. Knowing we had an early start in the morning, we called it a night and headed back to our rooms to catch up on much needed sleep.
Friday, 10am
The next day consisted of a boat trip and tour of the beautiful island of Formentera, otherwise known as the tranquil little sister island of Ibiza. It looked like something straight from a postcard and Formentera was truly one of the prettiest places I have ever visited. Our tour guide Jose took us to different parts of the island by bus and our first stop was the picturesque San Francisco Javier De Formentera.
White washed houses in San Francisco Javier de Formentera
Sundrenched walk way through the square of Formentera
Walking round the tree-lined streets and taking in the local culture, we stumbled upon the Roman Catholic Church, a beautiful piece of history in the main square. Quaint little bakeries, café’s serving fresh fish, and cute painted houses really made this place worth the visit.
Formentera square
Handmade local embroidery in the island of Formentera
Friday, 12.30pm
Once lunchtime came, we headed up into the hills to visit the hidden gem of Es Mirador, a picture perfect café set on the hillside with stunning views of the sea. We were served a selection of local cheeses and meats whilst gazing out on to the horizon, and enjoyed ice cold lemonade in the sunshine. It seemed a thousand miles away from the relentless party scene of Ibiza.
The view from Es Mirador
Friday, 8pm
That evening Thompson Scene had arranged for us to have dinner at the famous Estado Puro at the Hard Rock Hotel, also joined by the lovely Oliver Proudlock. The experimental eatery is by two Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero and serves ‘tapas with a twist’.
Crispy scallop salad with kimchi
Iberian ham croquettes
We were presented with dish after dish of mouth-watering culinary delights, including crispy scallop salad with kimchi, Iberian ham croquettes, and Curried Iberian Pork cheeks with cream of cauliflower. The service was impeccable and this place is definitely worth a visit. It was clear Paco has a true talent of awakening tired tastebuds with his unique creations.
Curried Iberian pork cheek with cream of cauliflower
Friday, 11pm
After dinner it was time for tequila on ice on the roof of The Hard Rock Hotel. In true Ibiza style, we joined the white party that was taking place and then it was on to Space, one of the Ibiza’s most famous nightclubs. I won’t divulge too much about the night, but the hangover next morning was totally worth it!
Saturday 10am
Our final full day consisted of a jeep tour taking us from the South to the North of the island, which I was amazed to learn was the short distance of only 30km. Saturday had to be my favourite day of the trip as we got to go open top jeeping around the coastal roads of Ibiza; an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime!
Punte de sa Cala, Ibiza
We jumped in the jeeps and headed through San Miguel to the stunning Benniras beach, where we stopped for a dip in the sparkling aqua marine sea. The bay was heavenly. So much greenery surrounding the sandy beach and views of the mountains were visible at every angle. Next we drove up to the Punta De Sa Cala, where views extraordinary from height.
Spectacular views form the north side of the island
Saturday, 12pm
After an exhilarating drive on the winding country roads, we left the beaten track for some off-roading through the hillsides. The off-loading was one of the funniest things I have ever done due to the amount we were shaken about! It was a great work out for the abs having to hold on so tightly to the Jeep! The jeep island tour is roughly around 80 euros per person and can be organised through Thomson Scene. It’s an incredible day that left me with great pictures and even better memories!
Saturday, 7.30pm
We enjoyed our final night in style at the Famous Blue Marlin beach bar and restaurant. We arrived at sunset to the beach club located which is located on the beautiful bay of Cala Jondal. Luckily Thomson Scene had made us a reservation and we took our seat amongst the hub of stylish and beautiful people. My menu choice of tempura crab followed by beautifully cooked black cod was just perfect. Light dishes, seasoned to perfection, served with amazing wine. What more could you want from an al fresco Ibiza dinner?
Saturday, 10pm
After dinner we walked through the chandelier-lit beach bar and down onto the sea front, where beach beds lined the breezy shores. Guests, still in glamorous bikinis, were dancing the night away as the sun set in the distance. The funky house music kicked in as the night went on and I took a moment to just soak everything in.
Blue Marlin is a true Ibiza experience, but it comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re on a budget, I would recommend going else where. But if you want to have one extravagant night or don’t mind splashing the cash, definitely give Blue Marlin a go. If you are lucky enough to experience this unreal scene, you will not want to leave (until you’re bank account tells you too).
Sunday, 9am
Sunday came around far too quickly and before I knew it, it was time to head back to rainy London. Thomson Scene had successfully hosted one of the best trips I have ever experienced and I enjoyed every minute. It was the holiday of a lifetime which made me realise just how special the White Isle really is. Luckily I went home with tonnes of amazing memories in my mind (the sober ones at least).
What did you think of Harriet’s weekend in Ibiza with Thomson Scene? Have you had a similar experience or are you thinking of planning a similar trip? If you enjoyed this post or have any questions please comment in the box below!
Thomson Scene offers seven night holidays to Ibiza staying at the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis from £974 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on the 26th September 2015 and transfers. thomson.co.uk
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