Formentera, Spain

I first went to the island for a friend's wedding on the roof of restaurant 10.7 overlooking the Platja di Mijgorn beach on the southern coast of the island. We all arrived from far corners of the world to spend an unforgettable week of sunshine, Savina and celebrations together. Since then, it's held a very special place in my heart and I try and go back as often as I can.

We stayed in the Es Mijgorn area, and the first place I stayed at was this rustic and super simple hostel just a stone's throw from the beach with a sea view and good vibes called Hostel Santi. It has since been revamped and swanked up to be a rather glamorous wellness-focused hotel that even boasts a Nobu! There are plenty of options in the area tucked away in the pines and the dunes but my preference is for the little self-catering apartments that feel barefoot relaxed and reclusive. Preferably with a hammock and dappled light through the terrace pergola.

My greatest surprise and heartiest delight was the rocky cropped coastline sprinkled with secret sandy bays where locals relaxed sunny side up in all their skin. I had packed a sensible yet stylish full cozzie that I had especially bought for the trip, only to find myself noticeably overdressed at every cove. A few days in and I was frolicking free, like never before and subsequently only in Formentera!

 

FROM LEFT: The coastline pleases with sandy beaches and vertical cliffs giving you these elevated views; the local Savina that's drunk by the bucket load; It’s difficult for white architecture not to stand out.

The pace of life is very slow, and one of my forever favourites to while away the afternoon is right off the beach. A gentle meander over the rocks with sandy feet and salty skin to 10.7 for ice-cold bottles of Terramoll Savina, made locally on the island from a blend of Grenache Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Viognier, Malvasia grapes, and fresh seafood and salads.

I always rent a scooter and poodle around pretty slowly taking in the views and exploring the best sunset spots. You can always guarantee the views from the Lighthouse at El Mola are an intake of breath as it dips red and heavy over the sea with the warm and brilliant buzz of cicadas filling the air.

Sant Augusti is a small fisherman’s town with a natural harbour for fishing boats.

 

WHERE
So you’ve danced your feet off at Hi Ibiza all weekend, and now it's time to take that disco glow 6km south across the Es Freus to the smallest and most magical of islands in the Balearics called Formentera for some much-needed down-tempo R&R.

Ibiza and its chilled-out sexy sister Formentera are called the Pitiusas Islands, or Pine islands because of the 69km of rolling sand dunes and rocky coastline clustered in sculptural pine and juniper conifers. It is also home to an underwater wonderland of flora called Oceanic Posidonia, a very clever and abundant aquatic plant friend that makes the biodiverse waters of Formentera an otherworldly azure and aquamarine colour that UNESCO protected and declared a heritage site way back in 1999.

GET THERE
A sunny and scenic 40mins on the fast ferry from Ibiza lands you at the port of La Savina in the north of the island. My recommendation is to hire a scooter at Moto Rent Pujols for the trip to zip from one beach bar to the next. The island is mostly flat and small so it is pretty easy to explore from end to end, but the pace of life here is slow and the scent of wild herbs along the dusty coastal paths in the heat of the day is a heady mix of flavours enjoyed best by foot or bicycle.

You have a backdrop of boutique beach bars and restaurants to choose from, but my paradise is the beach at Platja de Migjorn, a 5km stretch of idyllic sandy bays and coves interspersed with rocky outcrops for some reclusive full skin suntanning along the south coast. You’ll find cozzies optional in this neck of the pines. Follow the locals.

The best time to go, in my opinion, is the end of June when the sun starts warming and the wind dies down, and the island locals are all fresh and ready for the season to start...

Playa de Ses Illetes, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe?

 

REST AND PLENTY OF AFTERNOON NAPS HERE:
Teranka - they revamped and upscaled our favourite old rustic hostel to create this stylish coastal retreat a hop and skip away from the water's edge… with a Nobu if you’re feeling terribly flush (https://www.teranka.com)

Gecko Hotel - a well-loved and well-heeled beachfront hotel which has all your bases covered from morning yoga on the lawn through to DJ sets by the pool (https://geckobeachclub.com/en/)

Estel Formentera - simple, laid back and lovely self-catering suites just steps from the beach (https://www.estelformentera.com/en)

Talaya - Apartments and bungalows set in juicy green gardens and dappled light terraces with sea views (https://talaya-formentera.com)

Can Tres - Apartments with pool and terraces 600metres from the beach, my best apartment is Can Mare, you’ll find me in the hammock until further notice (https://www.cantresformentera.com)

LAZY AFTERNOONS EATING HERE
10.7 Beach Restaurant - Pretty much where you’ll have late lazy lunches every day with sandy feet and salty skin. Watch the super yachts anchor offshore and a world of beautiful people get skippered in. The Italian owners and staff welcome everyone back as family. Salads and seafood and bottles of crisp ice-cold Savina made on the island.. all day long (http://www.10punto7.com)

SUNSET COCKTAILS HERE
Pirata Bus - an institution since the ’60s, this crazy sunset beach hut is all barefoot and Mojitos (https://piratabus.com/)

FROM LEFT: You can always guarantee the views from the Lighthouse at El Mola; Sunsets require ice-cold local Estrella Galicia; Debra, wondering when she will return to Formentera again.