Luxury Layover with Leena Bhatti for Mr Sykes Modern Concierge

11 Feb 2015
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3 min read
Leena Bhatti (Stylist, Writer and London based Ibiza Manager for Mr. Sykes) shares her islander insider tips to uncover the hidden Ibiza she knows and loves so much.

When private jet specialist and elite lifestyle service, Mr. Sykes Modern Concierge, launched #IBZ14, a summer season ‘pop-up’ concierge for Ibiza, it was an instant success. #AllWaysIbiza is their new, year round service launching Spring 2015.

I’d Wake Up In…

…Ibiza. In the north of the island, far from the madding crowds, in my favourite bedroom at Can Rocas (Jade Jagger’s family villa), nestled in the pine trees of the San Juan mountains…. It’s perfect for a chic cool-out with loved ones.

Breakfast would be…

…We yogis head to Hot Yoga Ibiza for a morning ashtanga session to gently embrace the new day. Then it’s Passion Cafe in the marina, for juices and daydreams – trying to choose which of the super yachts I will buy ‘when’…

I would wear…

…Ibiza is a great place to experiment with your look, and it’s a wonderful way of feeling ‘the change’ on vacation. I mix high street and high end with a little Bohemian flavour, picking up pieces from the hippy markets at Las Dalias and of course IslandersIbiza for beautiful World Family necklaces, or statement jewels from the Jade Jagger range when extra wattage is required. It’s indie spots like Vincent Ganesha that uncover finds you’ll wear forever, the ‘models own’ pieces that we all wonder ‘where from?’ Make-Up? The Ibiza Beach Stick by island girl Charlotte Tilbury covers impromptu beach to club transitions.

And take travel essentials…

…A Beshlie McKelvie cashmere scarf keeps me warm on the flight and the cooler, out of season evenings, for dining outdoors still. My beloved coconut sun cream, for protection without chemicals, Citracidal – look it up – and, always, White Tiger Balm, which makes mosquito bites disappear. First time on Ibiza? Don’t leave the villa without My Ibiza – the ultimate insiders guide to the island.

I’d listen to…

…Paco Fernandez for the sounds of the island. My DAB radio is always tuned into Sonica – they magically seem to know my mood, playing sexy soulful house from the likes of Louie Vega, or slower BPM’s when the mood is R&R or grrrr…

And visit…

…The cultural side of Ibiza is underplayed. The painterly, other worldly light of the island has long attracted the artists. Now, a growing number of galleries and exhibition spaces are beginning to be heard above the supper club sound systems. Try Parra & Romero or Galeria Elefante.

Have lunch at…

…By boat, head to the beach bar at Tagomago private island for a relaxed chiringuito vibe. Or keep it super simple at the The Fish Shack in Talamanca.

Buy…

…Sal de Ibiza, for the purest, locally harvested sea salt and after dinner Hierbas, for medicinal purposes of course.

Hang out with…

…Wouldn’t it be wonderful to dine under an ancient olive tree, with the legends who have gravitated towards Ibiza over the years – Nostradamus – predicted Ibiza would be the final place of refuge on earth, Bob Marley, Liz Taylor, Errol Flynn and yes, Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and my special plus one, Idris Alba. Then we’d all head to the legendary Pikes hotel for some serious Voguing action on the dancefloor.

Relax…

…It has to be the Atzaro Spa hammam. Or on deck, at bobbing anchor in those azure coves around the island.

Drink…

…Water, water, water! Or you could head to Bar 1805 in Ibiza Town where Charles will mix the naughtiest imaginable Absinthe cocktails.. Perfect before strolling around the atmospheric port and old town.

Chat with…

…The locals of course! Those elderly looking locals were no doubt the wild child of the hippy 70’s Ibiza. So many stories to be heard about the rich tapestry of the island….the more you listen, the more you learn.

And wind down….

…The sunsets. The ethereal light of the island is difficult to explain, it’s a vibe, even more than the views.

Evening Dinner…

…On a full moon head to Es Boldaro on Cala d’hort, and absorb the magnetic energy of Es Vedra. For drama I love Lio. There is nothing like it on the island. Burlesque, acrobatics and enough feathers and sequins to satisfy the showgirl in me. The ultimate dining experience for me is low key and intimate, preferably under the stars. Let our own team of Mr. Sykes, world class Chefs prepare locally sourced produce for you. Magical. You can even pretend you cooked it all.

Why Ibiza…

…Serendipity reigns supreme – so when your plans go out of the window, that’s when the island really opens up. The quiet beach days suddenly become afternoon & evening yacht parties, strangers bond as friends for life over conversations until sunrise. Ours is that Ibiza. Far from the madding crowds.


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