Ibiza is great for a family holiday and who better to give us the inside track than a local mum? Here Sofija Mehta, founder of Island Hospitality shares her family-friendly guide to Ibiza.
Mum-of-three Sofija Mehta tells us why Ibiza is a wonderful summer destination with children – and gives us the lowdown on where to stay, eat, and hang out on the island.
I live on the rural coast of Ibiza with my husband and our three young children. I’m the founder of Island Hospitality, an island-wide group of luxurious, sustainable venues including beach club Beachouse, nightclub Chinois, and the boutique hotel Mikasa.
Which hotels should we check into for a family-friendly stay?
I love Nobu Ibiza Bay and Ibiza Gran Hotel – both have great kids’ facilities and are super close to the beach –which is exactly what parents with young children want. You’ll find kids’ menus and a really welcoming vibe at both, but they still remain stylish enough to keep grown ups happy too.
Where are the best beaches to visit with children and why?
Other than Beachouse and our local beaches of Salinas and Es Cavallet (which have great beach clubs and facilities), we love Sa Caleta for its delicious restaurant, shallow waters and natural coves for the children to explore. You can easily spend the whole day here but there are so many little spots like this dotted all over the island: hire a car and go and explore, you’re bound to find one that you love.
Where can we take children to play other than the beach?
Dalt Vila is Ibiza’s famous UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a 2500-year-old walled citadel that’s like a mediaeval playground for adventurous kids. The pretty village playground in the village of Santa Gertrudis is also the spot after school for an ice-cream and an hour on the swings. All the parents here love it – plus there are great restaurants and shops nearby too.
Tell us about a place only local parents know?
Can Muson is a beautiful organic farm near Santa Eularia where children can play with baby animals and pick fresh fruits and veggies. We also love riding at Horse Country Club near Santa Gertrudis. There is so much more to the island than beaches.
Your favourite family-friendly restaurants?
Beachouse is great because adults can relax into a long lunch and an afternoon of sunbathing while the kids enjoy Little Beachouse, our wholesome children’s club. But Ibiza has so many excellent restaurants and many are great for kids.
Your favourite places to shop for children in Ibiza?
Titolandia has a great selection of kids brands like Mini Rodini and a fab play corner. I also love 1 Love, 2 Hugs 3 Kisses – it’s such a cool shop with such a great variety. SOUK is also great for one-offs for little ones plus locally made suncreams, hats and matching mini-me bikinis from Hunza G.
And to shop for yourself?
Sophie Daunais at Parada has the best edit of gifts, jewellery and goodies – I can’t leave without buying at least two or three new pieces. The shopping here is so varied and the markets are a must-visit.
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If mums have a few hours sans enfants where should they go?
The brand-new Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel is ultra peaceful and has the most wonderful hydrotherapy circuits. And it’s next door to Zuma for cocktails and a romantic starlit supper afterwards.
Any top tips for visiting Ibiza with children?
We’re a really active family so our priority is always getting up early and getting out into nature. We love to hike with our dear friend Manuel at Ibiza Hike Station. He has incredible routes all over the island, including some that are perfect for children.
Why is Ibiza a wonderful family destination?
The combination of beach, countryside, raw nature and charming village life is such a win. Plus, everything is so close, making it easy to get around with kids in tow. It also feels safe and friendly.
Who are the insider names to know?
I can’t live without myofascial facial treatments from Lija Krus, who specialises in the Japanese Kobido lifting technique, which is a natural facial lifting massage.
What are your travel essentials for the kids?
My children always travel with a Lovetuner. It’s a tiny single-tone flute, through which we can align ourselves with the 528 Hz frequency – the so-called Love Frequency. It helps them self-regulate on long journeys. They also take their multivitamin drops religiously to keep their immune systems strong when we’re visiting other countries. Other than that, cosy toys and well-loved pillows!
And your own must-haves for travel?
I can’t live without a soft blanket for the plane. Our whole family takes one. I’m very much into natural health and energy balancing so I never travel without my homeopathy pharmacy. My husband is Indian and we take chai masala everywhere we go – it’s our daily ritual.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?