The sun would go to my parents’ head in the Balearics, and the wine to mine… a tale of Pepe and vino and the return of Ibiza.
Seventies parents who wouldn’t dream of giving their kids even a wine gum seemed to get brain freezes abroad.
Perhaps it was because they’d see Southern European parents give their children wine.
The eight-year-old me wasn’t asking why.
Instead I savoured that sweet half glass of red I’d get every night at dinner from Pepe.
And then there was the Seventies equivalent of the Booze Cruise…
The boat trip from Ibiza to the Balearics’ tiniest island, Formentera.
Pour on the porron
When the porron, the wine pouring bottle, would come out.
Whether it was those early experiences in the White Island or it was in my genes anyway I developed a lifelong love for wine.
And sought out wine tastings everywhere I went in Iberia, whether it was Espana or Portugal.
The beauty of Spain is its sun, sand and er siesta but also how it preserves its traditions.
And if hispanophiles still ask for wine tasting it would be impolite of the hosts not to oblige… and we know they’re very welcoming.
Destination by Hyatt’s all 7Pines Resort Ibiza is ready to welcome back guests from April 29 until October 16.
And, yes, they’ll have the wine waiting, with The View restaurant hosting a Spanish wine tasting event in partnership with Vinos de la Memoria, which will be accompanied with a regional tasting menu from Chef Andrés Fernández.
Ibiza beezer
Now we’d always recommend you lining your stomach and we’re lucky enough that the Ibizans, and your hosts in particular, have the best culinary experiences.
There’s the Michelin-starred Chef events at The View, an expansion of Cone Club and Pershing Yacht Terrace (with Japanese specials) and a new re-energized Tex-Mex food truck menu for families.
Look out especially for chef Marco Campanella and his team from Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona who will be hosting a special culinary evening on May 30.
Where he’ll focus on newly interpreted traditional Ibizan cuisine on May 30.
And a yoga easer
So that’ll be the visiting Ayurveda and yoga practitioners then.
With Pure Seven welcoming two specialist wellness practitioners, Suraj Varma, an Ayurveda Specialist in Indian practices and Hamir Kaur (Hayley Shoesmith), an oriental Yoga Guru. for a week’s visit in July and August.
And a wellness pleaser
7Pines Resort Ibiza will be offering three new two-day wellness getaway packages:
A Get Fit fitness-focused retreat will include a personal fitness coach and training, a wellness consultation, oxygen bar session and massage treatments. From €837 (Including 2x nights accommodation on a B&B basis).
An energising Rebalance option will include a fitness coach, mindfulness activities including meditation, breathwork and yoga, an Abhyanga massage, reflexology (breathe).
An oxygen bar session and a wellness consultation. From €1,148 Euros (Including 2x nights accommodation on a B&B basis).
And finally a de-stressing ‘Mood & Peace’ getaway.
That includes a lifestyle coach, fitness activities, a Pure Seven Body Ritual treatment, luxurious massage and facial, a wellness consultation and oxygen bar session.
From €908 (Including 2x nights accommodation on a B&B basis).
Or a villa thriller
Well, we all love a party, but it’s good to have your own company too and 7Pines Resort Ibiza introduced a new villa experience post-Covid.
The resort will continue offering this experience with Villa Bohemia, Villa Es Vedrà and Villa Infinity.
Each has four bedrooms, is fully-serviced and offers all the perks of a five-star hotel.
These villas are a combination of two or three spacious suites in one large four-bedroom villa, where suites are neighbouring and not interconnected. For more information on each villas, please see.
Rates vary within season and occupancy.
Guests are able to experience the resort starting from around €300 EUR (approx. £260) per night.
Villa rates start from €3,000 EUR (approx. £2,500 per night).
Advance Purchase Offer and Cancellation policies:
Plan your 2022 Ibiza getaway and enjoy up to 20% discount on the resort’s daily rates – note that is a non-refundable rate.
Long Stay Offer and Cancellation policies:
Plan your 2022 Ibiza holidays and enjoy a 15% discount on the resort’s daily rates for stays over 8 nights – free cancellation up to 7, 14 or 21 days prior to arrival depending on seasonality.
So, it’s ole, ole, ole and memories of Pepe, vino and the return of Ibiza.