a day ago
I visited the tiny European island loved by Kate Moss and Katy Perry that looks straight out of the Maldives
ARRIVING in sun-drenched Ibiza with temperatures soaring above 30C, you might be tempted to kick off your shoes and declare your holiday had officially begun.
But persevere on your journey a little longer and you will be rewarded with some of the Balearics ' most unspoiled beaches.
8
8
Formentera, Ibiza's chilled-out little sister, has water so clear and turquoise, you would be forgiven for thinking you had landed in the Maldives.
After touching down at Ibiza Airport, it's just a quick coach ride to the port, where the adventure begins.
Following a scenic 30-minute ferry crossing, Tui is waiting with an air-conditioned minibus for the final leg.
The destination? The Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa, which is perched on one of the island's dreamiest stretches of sand, Platja de Migjorn.
We booked a superior studio room, and it turns out to be a great choice. Comfy and spotless, our room even has a little kitchen nook with a decent-sized fridge that's perfect for keeping our snacks and drinks cool.
But the real star is that stunning sea view waiting to greet you each morning while you sip coffee on the balcony. Bliss.
Days can be split between lazing by one of the two pools or venturing along the beach on the wooden walkways to golden sand.
An early morning flight means that, after some speedy unpacking, we're lucky enough to steal a whole afternoon on the beach.
Within minutes, we're running like giddy kids straight into the crystal-clear water.
It doesn't take long to slip into the laid-back beach vibe, with mellow Ibizan bossa nova tunes floating through the air like a warm breeze.
Best beaches in the world revealed
At the hotel, bicycles are yours for the taking, free of charge, and with the island stretching only 12 miles from end to end, it's a great way to get around.
Every beach and landmark is within easy reach, the roads are wide and safe, and drivers are courteous of tourists and locals alike.
My husband, however, feels the need for something a touch more continental.
So we swap pedals for petrol and hire a scooter to get around for the week.
Soon we're zipping about in style, the nostalgic smell and happy hum of the two-stroke engine a defining summer soundtrack of countless European holidays past.
Four miles up the coast, or 15 minutes by scooter, Cala Saona is one of Formentera's must-visit beaches.
Nicknamed 'the jewel of the west coast of Formentera', it's tucked away in a beautiful cove, with shallow, inviting waters.
Flanked by cliffs, it's also a sheltered spot, shielded from the stronger winds that often impact southern shorelines.
No trip to Formentera would be complete without visiting Ses Illetes beach.
8
Named after the little islands ('illetes') nearby, this spectacular spot has earned a reputation for being the 'Maldives of the Med' — and it's easy to see why. Located on the island's northernmost tip, this narrow strip of rock is fringed by powdery-white sand and turquoise sea.
At its very end, you'll be rewarded with views of S'Espalmador, an islet within Formentera's Ses Salines Nature Park, part of a Unesco World Heritage site.
This islet made headlines last year when Katy Perry filmed her Lifetimes music video there without permission from the Spanish authorities.
Refreshingly untouched
Sadly, no celebs are spotted this time, although Kate Moss has recently been galavanting on the beaches of Formentera, clutching a Birkin bag, no less.
And, judging by the influx of superyachts moored in the bay during our visit, the stars must be close.
Last year, my plan to reach the very tip of the island failed — so naturally, it's at the top of this year's must-do list.
Armed with sandwiches and more water than seemed reasonable for the two-mile round trip, we set off.
The path lead us over low rock formations and along beaches that grow ever narrower.
8
8
Finally, we reached the end of the land, where the two tides meet.
The sandbar is shallow and warm, perfect for wading far out while still being only knee-deep. That's one bucket-list item officially ticked.
Back at the hotel, there is a range of activities to keep guests happy throughout the day, including yoga, massage, water polo and an energetic kids' club.
Evenings offer diverse entertainment options, with buffet-style dinners that have enough variety to satisfy all tastebuds.
Meanwhile, the hotel's South Beach bar provides a casual atmosphere, with day beds and sunken seats perfect for relaxing.
Our evenings are happily spent here — cocktails and chilled-out music making it the perfect end to another sun-soaked day.
With a week in Formentera feeling like two, it's easy to see why people come back here year on year.
No doubt we'll be returning for another run of hippie adventure.
Formentera is often hailed as the last truly authentic Balearic island — a little slice of paradise where time slows down, flip-flops are practically a dress code and the charm feels refreshingly untouched.
Just don't tell the Ibiza crowd.
