Time slows down on the Balearic Islands, lulled by hidden coves, independent galleries, excellent restaurants, cicadas, and salty air.
We asked five women who live, work, and spend their summers across Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, for their insider guides on how to imbibe in the islands’ creative spirits. Hear it from the locals: here is everything you need to book, see, do, and order this late summer season through early autumn on the Balearic Islands.
IBIZA
Lauren Stevenson, Founder & CEO of communications agency Aisle 8
I have been coming to Ibiza since 1999 and I met my soon-to-be husband on a cycle challenge here. We will get married in Ibiza too, so it will always be a truly special place to both of us. From my cycling here, I get to see every bit of the island: the farmland, the winding hill roads in the south west and north, the small towns, the tiny coves hidden around the island. The island has changed a lot over the past 25 years, but there are still so many wonderful spots that feel like old Ibiza.
Relaxed restaurants and scenic spots you’re booking for lunch?
For lunch I love Ses Boques and Sa Caleta. Ses Boques can be found in Es Cubells, which you really need a car to get to. The drive there is not for the faint hearted, there’s a very steep road down to a tiny cove with a sand-covered floor restaurant. Once here, there’s a delicious fresh fish menu, and tables looking out onto a pebble beach bay. We always order the calamari, anchovies and the salt fish. Sa Caleta is a locals’ favourite beach side restaurant with one of the best paellas and cava sangrias. It has a great atmosphere. After lunch you can walk up to the ruins and rock formations that look over the cove.
How about dinner? Any exciting supper clubs to know about?
For dinner one of our favourites is Juntos House in Sant Mateu, one of my favourite parts of the island. The menu changes seasonly and the ingredients are grown locally on their farm. Another favourite is A Mi Manera, a tiny hidden restaurant with a Mediterranean menu near Sant Joan with a quirky little cocktail bar and tables set within a garden. It’s such a romantic spot.
Atzaró Beach by Ana Lui
Favourite beaches on the island for sunbathing?
Some of my favourite beaches are Cala Nova, Cala Llenya and Cala Escondido. Cala Nova feels like a sheltered cove with white sand and crystal-clear water, lined with really good lunch spots including Aiyanna and Atzaró Beach. Cala Llenya is the perfect beach for kids with the softest sand, lots of sun beds and umbrellas to rent, a small beach bar for drinks and snacks, and a rope string in a tree, which my three year old always makes a beeline for! Finally, Cala Escondida can be found to the left of Sunset Ashram at Cala Conte. The tiny chiringuito at the bottom of steep stone steps has a a charming little cocktail and snack bar, which serves really good sangria. It’s a lovely spot to swim and catch the sunset.
Where are we going for a sunset cocktail?
The Montesol hotel in Ibiza town was recently taken over by the Experimental Group which owns another favourite of mine, Experimental Beach, and they are known for their cocktails. The roof top bar looks over the castle and the old town and is right by the marina making it the perfect spot for cocktails after a boat day to Formentera. Another favourite is S’Escalinata in Dalt Villa, which is a special experience getting to, as well as being at. Wind your way through the cobbled corridors of the castle to a small cocktail bar, where you take in the castle surroundings with seating on steep steps.
Best boutique spots for shopping?
I can never leave Ibiza without going to Boheme boutique in the car park of El Chiringuito in Es Cavallet. I have bought so many things over the years, which I still wear today. The shack-like boutique is a treasure trove of summer dresses, beach bags, swimwear, hats and jewellery.
Le Galeria Elephante in Santa Gertrudis is a great spot for gifts and small homewares. I love their Ibiza prints and coffee table books.
Shows/ happenings to book?
DC10 closing party – DC10 is one of the true old Ibiza nightclubs left on the island. Located right next to the airport runway (which is where it takes its name from), the annual closing party is always full of locals and has an incredible atmosphere. Don’t make plans the next day as it can go on way beyond the usual hours.
Your favourite gallery and an exhibition to see?
Las Cicadas, our wedding venue in Santa Gertrudis, hosts an annual artist residency, giving the 500-year-old house over to six artists for a five week residency. The final showcase is opened up to the local community and the artists’ work is always exceptional.
Favourite creative classes / activities to book?
Juntos Farm is a really special day out for all ages. You can book dining experiences such as the chef’s table or sharing tables, as well as guided tours and volunteering sessions to be at one with the natural and local ingredients.
I also love to drive and walk through Es Broll de Buscastell, which is a true off-the-beaten-track historical treasure in the middle of the island. Head off the main road from San Rafel to San Mateu down a dirt track and find an old water system dating back 1000 years. The views are spectacular and you can often find yourself alone, fully at one with nature.
Sofija Mehta, co-founder of Island Hospitality
I was born to a Serbian mother and Albanian father and raised in Germany by refugee parents, where hospitality wasn’t a job but a family legacy. A spontaneous three-day trip to Ibiza changed everything. I met Sid, now my husband and business partner, and together we’ve built a creative hospitality vision. Today I co-lead Chinois, Beachouse, Mikasa and Finca La Plaza, while raising our three children on the island. For me, Ibiza isn’t an escape, it’s a return to self, a place where work, love and family finally found their rhythm.
Favourite beaches on the island for sunbathing?
I love the hidden coves near Salinas, quiet, intimate, and beautifully untouched. The long, white sandy beach is perfect for sun-bathing when combined with plenty of cooling dips in the shallow blue water to cool off. You’ll be forgiven for thinking this beach is somewhere in the Caribbean, outside of Europe.
Exciting spots you’re booking for lunch?
Beachouse, always. It’s our Balearic sanctuary, sunlit, and feels like home by the sea. Kids are welcome, so it’s incredible to spend the whole day there with mine.
How about dinner? Any supper clubs to know about?
I love Finca La Plaza for its unforgettable Mediterranean kitchen and atmosphere. I also like the new Soho Farmhouse for its unique magic: the menu focuses on Balearic-inspired tapas using ingredients sourced locally, and you can dine outside amongst the olive trees for a farm-to-table feeling.
Favourite cocktail spots?
I’m not a cocktail fan! I prefer fresh juices. My go-to is Jungle Dawn or the Coconut at Beachouse. However, for cocktails and a romantic starlit supper, I’d recommend Zuma. The Japanese spot is a classic, but it’s impossible for the views of Ibiza’s marina and Old Town here to grow old.
Beachouse Ibiza
Best boutique spots for shopping?
Parada for fun, unexpected pieces including textiles as well as clothing. Souk at Beachouse for rising island-made brands with a focus on eco-conscious materials and practices.
Shows / happenings to book?
Cinemaparadiso, an open-air cinema under the stars with comfy beanbags and popcorn. Pure island feeling. It’s set on a rooftop overlooking the sea, and plays lots of the classics from Lost in Translation to the family-friendly The Greatest Showman.
Finca La Plaza Restaurant
Your favourite gallery and an exhibition to see?
Soleille Gallery, where art, design, and architecture meet in truly inspiring ways. Founded by art curator Gabriela Puig Soleille, the space always has an exciting programme running, and is worth stopping by whenever you find yourself on the southern side of the island.
Favourite activities to book?
Lagree Society in Marina Ibiza, the most energising and sculpting workout on the island right now. Lagree combines Pilates with body-building for a high-intensity, low-impact method, and this studio is an excellent, stylish spot (with marina views!) for trying it out for the first time.
MALLORCA
Carla Nicieza, Artist and Designer, Founder of Nicieza Studios
I’m an artist and designer based in Mallorca. I run my own creative project, Nicieza Studios, which I balance with content creation on social media, mostly around fashion and art. I moved to the island almost a decade ago, and – just as many artists have done before me – I’ve found my little creative nook here. Mallorca inspires me daily through its nature, minimalism, architecture, and the Mediterranean, which I’m grateful to call home.
Exciting spots you’re booking for lunch?
When it comes to food the list is long, but some of my favourites are: Vermutería La Rosa, Vermutería San Jaime, La Bodega de Biniaraix, Pueblo, Blai, Nama Deià, and Hotel Corazón.
Brutus, Mallorca. Photo by Carla Nicieza
How about dinner? Any supper clubs to know about?
All of the above work beautifully for dinner too! For a romantic evening out, I love riding my bike to Bar La Sang, Burgundí, Brutus, or Toque de Queda – always finishing with an ice cream stop at Rivareno.
Favourite beaches on the island for sunbathing?
Anywhere along the Tramuntana coast feels like a dream. We usually just find a spot on the rocks and stay there until sunset.
Photo by Carla Nicieza
Favourite cocktail spots?
Bar Ábaco is such a stunning hidden gem. I also love the cocktail menu at the Nobis hotel bar, and the atmosphere at Clandestino Cocktail Club.
Best boutique spots for shopping?
Arquinesia in the old town for perfumes, Silk Concept Store for vintage and unique finds, De Monïo for both matcha and souvenirs, Mimbreria Vidal for beautiful straw bags, and Colmado Sant Jaume for gourmet gifts.
Photo by Carla Nicieza
Shows (cinemas / theatres / happenings) on your radar?
The Palma Theatre is gorgeous and has a vibrant programme. Every summer I also look forward to Nit de l’Art (Night of Art) which is happening this year on 20 September, a series of evenings where different villages across the island fill their streets with art and music. This year I plan to go to Valldemossa, Sóller, Felanitx, and Palma.
Your favourite gallery and an exhibition to see?
Fundación Miró and Fundación Juan March are timeless favourites, and the team at LA BIBI Gallery is always up to something exciting.
Favourite creative classes and activities to book?
I recommend to check out the Dada Days calendar – they organise wonderful workshops with local creatives, from pottery to straw basket making. I recently made my very first jewellery piece with them!
Stefania Borra, Founder of Datura
I was born in Mallorca so I feel lucky to say the island is my home. I studied fashion in Barcelona and lived there for ten years, then moved and launched Datura.com in New York where I lived for another ten years. I moved back to the island in 2020 to a small village called Valldemossa where most of my family lives. It made sense to open my store and creative studio in nearby Deià in 2022: ‘Datura Studio Isla’. Deià and Valldemossa are where I spent most of my early adult summers and where I feel a strong connection with nature – a huge part of the inspiration behind my work. Mallorca is the reason I have learnt to celebrate natural beauty and why I use 100 per cent natural fabrics only: nature is our teacher.
Exciting spots you’re booking for lunch?
Restaurante Sa Roqueta in Palma is a classic for fresh fish and rice; it’s an old school restaurant and has a very limited amount of seating so head there early. It’s near the port of Portitxol. Another forever classic for seafood and rice is Can Manolo on the South of the Island in Ses Salinas. It was founded in the 1940s and the fideua or the caldereta de bogavante are both must-orders.
Valldemossa
Then in my hometown, Valldemossa, I love Es Taller – a modern fusion kitchen set in an old garage. Can Marió (also in Valldemossa) is another classic with big portions of Mallorquín food served as your grandmother would cook. In Soller, the paella and seafood are exceptional at Ses Oliveres in the port area. De Moniö in Deià across from our store – Datura Studio Isla – is also an easy and lovely vegetarian lunch spot (and has a great homeware and jewellery selection). Lastly, Cas Patro March in Cala Deià – it’s very hard to get a reservation but is always worth a try for the sea view and fresh fish.
How about dinner? Any supper clubs to know about?
One of my go to places is Bar Bodega for farm-to-table food with natural wines in the beautiful small town of Biniaraix. Blai in Port de Soller has amazing food with local and seasonal ingredients and is worth a stop. In Deià at Sa Foradada (a rocky bay where everyone goes for sunset) there is a small, classic restaurant where you can watch the sunset alongside lovely food and wine – try the lobster with fries and onion. In Palma, walk around Paseo Mallorca (a beautiful tree-lined street in the town centre) to enjoy a cocktail at one of the bars, and then go to a new favourite of mine, Restaurante Mambo, a bistro with excellent tapas. Another of my favourites in town is the Japanese Kaizen – it’s located in the old town of Palma so you can enjoy an easy drink in the nearby squares afterwards, or go down to Plaza del Mercat area for a late afternoon cocktail.
Favourite beaches on the island for sunbathing?
Sa Rapita is a long bay with a sandy white beach, it’s where I spent my summers as a kid and it merges with Es Trenc – another island jewel – and extends up to Colonia Sant Jordi. Playas de Muro in the north east of the island is another long beach with white sand and turquoise waters. Cala Tuent is one of my favourites in the north, but it’s only for good drivers that don’t mind a long, breathtaking, winding ride.
La Residencia
Favourite cocktail spots?
In the Tramuntana area, go to La Residencia hotel for beautiful views. In Palma, I love enjoying an espresso martini at Burgundí – their food is also delicious! In autumn, the Nobis Hotel because it has a relaxed city atmosphere (which I sometimes miss living on an island). Forever classics are the gin and tonic at Gibson or a Vermouth at Bar Flexas.
Best boutique spots for shopping?
Visit us at Datura Studio Isla – our store and studio in the heart of Deià. All of our pieces are here, and a hand-curated selection of accessories made out of natural materials. Once in Deià, also visit Gres Gallery for incredible ceramics.
In Palma, my favourite spots are Bazaar for homeware and Gordiola for artisan hand blown glassware. In Manacor, Can Garanya sells excellent homeware, especially woven pieces like baskets and rugs. In Santa Maria, find hand-woven textiles at Bujosa, a very old factory that remains on the island making hand-loomed fabrics (that we often use in our hand-loomed collections). On Sundays, visit Consell Flea Market for the best finds.
Shows (cinemas / theatres / happenings) on your radar?
I love traditional fiestas and a must-see is Correfocs in Soller, a street parade that happens in the evening on 24 August. Fiestas de la Beata in Santa Margalida is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, it’s a very special traditional parade in honour of a saint. I also recommend looking out for performances by the dancer Mar Aguiló and the singer Júlia Colom, artists from the island.
Your favourite gallery and an exhibition to see?
The Joan Miró Foundation. I also love CCA in Andratx – they have a good selection of exhibitions and a beautiful location and space. The small Kewenig Gallery in the old town is also a must. On the outskirts of Palma is LA BIBI Gallery and if you are in Soller, Earth Core has small and interesting shows. It’s worth heading here to grab a juice or matcha from their new bar.
Fundació Miró Mallorca Photo by Carla Nicieza
Favourite creative classes & activities to book?
For traditional artisan workshops where you’ll learn how to weave baskets and ceramics contact Dada Days or La Escuela Artesana. If you like hiking, contact Martín’s Walks. If you’re staying around Deià and fancy a good workout then visit Art Pilates. Take a beautiful old wooden sailing boat from Soller to the beautiful calas and coves in Tramuntana with Les Temps Perdu. And if you fancy a real Mallorquín organic wine tasting visit the beautiful finca in Consell – Bodega Ribas – and book a tour.
MENORCA
Bettina Calderazzo, Founder & Creative Director of Etesian Gallery
My partner and I moved to Menorca seven years ago, bought our dream home in the countryside, and then had our first child, Coco, here, three years ago. I own a contemporary art gallery in a beautiful space in Ciutadella in Menorca, which I have had for over three years, exhibiting young emerging as well as more established artists – both international and local. We also opened a shop / studio next door last year, where we include art, artisans, design objects and objet trouves from all over the world.
Exciting spots you’re booking for lunch?
En Caragol is hands down my favourite lunch spot, wonderful service and the best arroz – I will happily drive an hour for it.
Experimental Menorca by Karel Balas
How about dinner? Any supper clubs to know about?
My dinner favourite is Coral – the food is a nice change from the other menus here, they do a wicked mezcal margarita and you sit on the rocks facing Mallorca as the sun sets into the sea. In terms of supper clubs, there are constantly wonderful events, and each year there are more. We often do at least one per year with my friend and collaborator Humo, incorporating art. That being said, everything Humo does is wonderful, he is a true artist and his finca, which he opens for private and public events, is an authentic experience on the island. Also, when Bubus Corner does one of their pop up nights its always a smash hit and great vibes no matter the season!
Favourite beaches on the island for sunbathing?
In the north, Pregonda for its red rocks and in the south Mitjana for its white. I love the rawness.
Favourite cocktail spots?
By the pool at Experimental, in the garden at Can Faustino, but I must admit Katú, the Mexican restaurant, makes my favourite cocktail on the island – a Margarita Salvaje – which is translated to wild margarita. Dangerous!
Best boutique spots for shopping?
I love Ciutadella for shopping – it is understated and there are some great shops with independent designers making really beautiful pieces. There’s a little row on Carrer Seminari including Kiniria, Carmen Cocoon, Aglaya. I also love a shop called Purissima, which is where I go when I want to spoil myself. In Mahon, there is the golden triangle with shops with designer brands near Pigalle bakery, and there is a shop called Hetra which has Argentinian designers – a refreshing change from the same brands we see all the time.
Shows (cinemas / theatres / happenings) on your radar?
Lithica is my favourite destination for cultural and music events. Last year I saw an Iranian singer with a West African percussionist and I still think about it. They have a beautiful medieval garden where a friend who is a local cellist plays and it is an absolute dream. The theatres in both Ciutadella and Mahon have wonderful programming and there is a vibrant new crew taking over the cinema here; they’ve started outdoor projections and immersive nights with food and music matching the film.
Hauser & Wirth Menorca on Isla del Rey Courtesy Hauser & Wirth
Photo: Be Creative, Menorca
Your favourite gallery and an exhibition to see?
Galeria Cayon is absolutely wonderful, the space is amazing and the shows are always so well put together. Albarrán Bourdais, 10N Gallery and Numa Foundation are also must visits for me. Hauser & Wirth is always an experience no matter the show, although this year even more so with Cindy Sherman.
Favourite creative classes and activities to book?
We often have events and classes, such as sculpture classes with one of my artists Lisa Dengler, so obviously that would be my recommendation. But I know that my friend Sonia at Aglaya offers for couples or friends to make their own rings together which is great, and Experimental this year had a great class with Moroccan based Belgian artist LRNCE – both of these are a nice change from the obvious offerings.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?