“NAMASTE”, says my yoga instructor, and I open my eyes to end the session feeling calm, relaxed, and well-rested.
It’s safe to say this isn’t what I’d expected from the clubbers’ paradise of Ibiza.
But then, Santa Eulalia — the “other side” of Ibiza — really doesn’t have much in common with its noisy neighbours.
On the east coast of the island — far away from the livelier party resort of San Antonio to the west — this little heaven is one of the most relaxing beach getaways you’ll find on the Med.
Arriving two days earlier, my first stop was a secluded cove at Cala Olivera for turquoise sea, powdery yellow sand and craggy rocks to explore.
We swam out and dived down below the surface to see underwater meadows of Posidonia — a sea grass that cleans the water as it grows — which help Ibiza’s famous oceans stay crystal clear.
Driving back inland, we stopped for a drink and a swim in one of the area’s newly-built villas.
The traditional Ibizan style here means none of them have any corridors — which helps maximise space and keep them cool.
Another wonderful surprise about this beautiful part of the island is the food.
Forget about post-party kebab and chips. Instead, head out for a cut of quality meat at Cas Pagés.
We arrived early, sat outside, and could hear the restaurant’s own chickens clucking away from behind the trees.
There was some top-quality butchery on display — and foodies can choose from T-bone steak, roast suckling pig, lamb chops, chicken, and a heap of varied sides.
It’s all prepared in an open kitchen to the side of the terrace, so you can smell dinner cooking and see the burly waiter loading your plate before it arrives.
After a good, long, food-induced kip, the next day it was time to explore the countryside.
We walked through pine forests and looked out at lush green hillsides, set against blue skies with bright red clay soil underfoot.
We stopped to check out ancient water sources and an old olive mill — where the oil was pressed many years ago by great hulking beams of wood strapped across the room.
Walking routes criss-cross the area and take in plenty of high land, which gives gorgeous views across the shimmering ocean.
And for those who prefer to get their relaxation from retail-based exercise — Santa Eulalia has got you covered.
The hippy market in Las Dalias has been around since 1985 — and is bustling with locals and tourists who flock here to pick up handmade jewellery, cool linen beachwear, and rustic-looking leatherwork. All that shopping can really make you hungry, though, so it was off to a beach-side restaurant for more wonderful Ibizan cuisine.
Most of the seafood you find here is locally sourced — and you’ll see orange and lemon trees everywhere you go.
This really comes across in the flavours, which are always rich, fresh and zesty.
After we’d dined on paella, sea bass and steamed mussels, we jumped in the sea for a quick swim to burn some of it off.
In the evening, you can explore the old church at Puig de Missa, which dates back to the 16th century and gives spectacular views over the town and port.
The surrounding areas include a porch, where locals once used to meet and gossip about village romances, as well as some pretty winding alleys and roads. And if, after all that walking, you’re in need of a nightcap — Santa Eulalia still has a few spots for a cheeky tipple.
Head down to the harbour, where pretty little cocktail bars line the promenade, flanked by yachts and sailboats bobbing in the breeze.
They’ll have live music and get fairly buzzy after the sun goes down.
But don’t bank on the bars in this part of town staying open till all hours. This is, after all, the other side of the island.
I hadn’t expected to find zen in Ibiza but at pretty Santa Eulalia, with its tranquil seas, expert yoga sessions and scenic hillside walks, I did just that.
Source: Read Full Article