You’re Never Too Old to Party in Ibiza

Since I travel quite often, I get asked “Where is the best place you’ve ever been?” For years, I’ve given the same unflinching answer: “Italy.” However, now that I’ve been to Spain, I hesitate; I can honestly say that I liked it just as much, especially Ibiza.

My trip was to the Catalonia region of Spain, which is near France and is on the Mediterranean Sea. This region is a part of Spain, but also has a distinct culture and its own language, Catalan. Catalonia’s patron saint is St. George—you know, that guy who slayed the dragon—and I personally loved seeing all the dragons in their art. 

I was hopeful that I would enjoy the food, and it lived up to every expectation. I could literally survive a week there on just their bread, tomatoes and olive oil. Everything is fresh and made with love and care. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that’s how it tasted, or maybe I just loved it and cared about it.

The big difference in the food scene is that you can tell that fresh food is a way of life for them. A big bonus is that all that amazing fresh food keeps you feeling good on your trip.

This trip included a stop in Barcelona, which I must say was gorgeous, and you just cannot get over the style of Antoni Gaudí. His work permeates the city and I don’t think a trip to Barcelona could be complete without a visit to the La Sagarda Familia. It’s the most unique cathedral I have ever been to, and one of the most gorgeous.

We also went to Sitges, a small beach community on the coast of Spain, about 45 minutes away from downtown Barcelona. I stayed at the ME Barcelona Hotel by Melia, a hotel overlooking the beach. I had a balcony and took some time to just read; it was heavenly. Not to mention the hotel was just a short walk into the downtown area where there were plenty of shops and restaurants.

But what I really want to talk about is my time in Ibiza—or, as I learned quickly, what locals actually pronounce as “Ibeetha.”

When I think of Ibiza I think dance clubs. A party town. A stag weekend. Bride tribes. All of that is true, but it is so much more. 

Ibiza became popular with Americans during the Vietnam War, when Americans would move to the island to avoid the draft. They are such a part of the culture that there is a statue dedicated to them in town, with a bronze hippie holding his daughter’s hand. Hippies from other cultures would arrive on the island, because it was a free place, one where some people would live without running water or electricity but would enjoy the freedom and avoid war.

It was in 1973 that Pacha Group, a company based in Sitges that operates nightclubs and hotels, opened its namesake club in Ibiza. 50 years later Pacha is still open today, and is considered the pioneer of the lifestyle synonymous with Ibiza.

I danced away a small part of the evening at Pacha. Claptone Official was playing and I wore a mask. I was very cool in my own mind. I do not know if my teenagers were impressed, but they got a picture anyway.

A big surprise was the demographic in the club. I thought I would be the oldest person there, but I absolutely was not. In fact, it felt like I was in the middle of the pack. There were people from several generations there, including some club-goers my mom’s age dancing the night away.

There might be a reason for that. These hippies who were in their teens and 20s in the ‘70s are still coming to the club to party. It turns out I wasn’t too old to dance at a club that was partly full of boomers.

But it isn’t just the clubs that bring people back to town. The island has so much to offer. 

The downtown is a gorgeous medieval village on a hill. Yes, you are going to walk some stairs, but it is totally worth it. It is like walking back in time. The historic city has curving streets and gorgeous doors and flowers. It felt like walking through a storybook.

Not only that, you are on the Balearic islands in the Mediterranean. I was invited on a boat with Say Carbon Yachts and I could not believe how clear and gorgeous the water is in this part of the world. The best part: these yachts are carbon neutral so it will keep the water looking beautiful. Yes, I got into the very cold water and the locals thought this was a crazy idea, but I was there! It had to happen.

And I have to tell you that the Hotel ME Ibiza by Melia is absolutely stunning. The room was enormous with a deep bathtub that overlooked the water and a closet so big I wanted to take it home with me.The linens with this hotel group are always on point. If I could buy them and bring them home, I absolutely would. I felt like royalty. And speaking of which, a royal was actually staying at the hotel while I was there. No, I didn’t ask for a selfie, but don’t think I wasn’t tempted, Mike Tindall!

The rooftop has an amazing dining area, so there is no reason to leave the property, which is so nice. They also have the very popular Nikki Beach. I had fresh fish for lunch here and it actually lived up to the hype of their brand. 

I would go back to Spain in a minute. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it has everything: History, delicious food, dancing, and most importantly, lovely people. What a delight Spain is; I can’t wait to go back.

Keri Lumm is a professional chatterbox who loves watching TV & movies, reading about pop culture, and gawking at any craziness on the internet. You can follow Keri on Twitter.