Latest news with #BalearicIslands
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I'm a VIP hostess for footballers in Ibiza like Jude Bellingham, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard - but here's one major problem you didn't know England's favourite stars face
A VIP hostess who helps organise luxury holidays for footballers in Ibiza has spilled the details on their swanky getaways. Alis Moore, a director at Faith Concierge, has been working in the luxury experience sector ever since becoming pals with Wayne Lineker eight years ago. She's brushed shoulders with the great and good of English football including Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Kieran Trippier - and even shared a recent snap with Jude and Jobe Bellingham. Initially she worked in a more hands-on role - doing stars' shopping, taking them to the best beach clubs, getting them on their boats - but she has since graduated to a role upstairs and oversees a crew of 10 hostesses. Faith has deals with around 200 rentable boats around the Spanish island, with the cheapest costing around £1,000 per day, and the most expensive soaring to £20,000 for the players who want the grooviest parties. But it turns out the stars often do prefer substance over style - at least when it comes to what cars they zip around in. 'We do offer Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but in Ibiza the players want to take their friendship groups so it's about the bigger cars,' Alis tells Mail Sport. 'The G-wagons and Range Rovers are always popular! 'We usually put together the itinerary for them. Because we've been here so long, we know the best places to go. So we'll tailor-make it for them. 'Some of them want to party for 10 days straight! 'But some of them want to come for a chilled time with their family, it's not just the party stuff. A lot of them just want a relaxing holiday and to stay out of the limelight. 'The island caters to everybody - there's an amazing standard of food and hotels. All the best international DJs are here every night of the week.' One man who has contributed to Ibiza's boom in popularity among footballers more than most is Wayne Lineker. In 2012, he launched the party resort Ocean Beach - known as O Beach - famed for its poolside parties and DJ performances. Arne Slot was seen living it up there last month, following the Reds' Premier League triumph, and even got a cheeky kiss on the cheek by Lineker. Meanwhile, the Bellingham brothers enjoyed several beverages with their pals, and Lineker, as they sat in an exclusive VIP area. Jack Grealish is a regular at Ocean Beach with Lineker once joking about the prospect of a four-week loan deal for the Manchester City man at his beach club, following his omission from the England Euro 2024 squad. And it is believed that YouTuber KSI spent a whopping £51,000 on 600 bottles of champagne during his trip to Ocean Beach in June 2023. Don't scratch your eyes, that is a real sentence. It's not all fun and games, though. There is a serious side to the pleasure - security. Alis tells Mail Sport: 'A lot of footballers get targeted by organised crime out here. If people see footballers out in the clubs spending lots of money, they can get targeted. 'People follow them home and there have been robberies in the past. 'If I know we've got a big name coming out, first of all, we would only ever put them in a villa where we trust the owner. We have lots of our properties exclusively - you won't find them on AirBnB or other websites. If you were to book them, it's quite easy for someone to copy the keys. 'We do a lot of private villas so they're not as easily accessible. We can also provide 24/7 villa security and personal, but a lot of them fly out with their own. 'It's not as bad nowadays but it was more dangerous after Covid. A lot of people were having their watches and jewellery stolen and there were villa robberies. It's not as bad now as it was a few years ago. They can relax more and enjoy themselves.' Mail Sport asks if Alis has encountered any particularly bizarre requests from footballers. The answer is no, but she does admit that players sometimes break the bank with precious marriage proposals for their partners. 'We did one last week, the footballers love to be over the top and extravagant,' she says. 'We had a proposal where the beach club messaged saying it was so over the top! It was a massive display with flowers on the beach and they said to us to not do it as big as it was a distraction for everyone in the restaurant!'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Brit tourists face holiday chaos with strikes confirmed for 180,000 hospitality staff throughout July on hotspot islands
STRIKES have been confirmed for 180,000 hospitality staff throughout July on a number of hotspot islands. Hotels, restaurants and night-life venues in the Balearic Islands will be hit by the walkouts, sparking chaos for thousands of British tourists. Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca which are usually bursting with holidaymakers will be affected by the strikes. The alert was raised on June 26 after unions walked out of meeting where issues of pay and working conditions were being discussed. The UGT union rejected the 11 per cent wage increase offer, calling it insufficient. 1
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish tourists to face summer of disruptive hotel strikes on Spanish islands
Irish holidaymakers will face a summer of disruptive hotel strikes in the Balearic Islands after talks to avert walkouts broke down on Thursday evening. Union chiefs decided to call six days of industrial action starting from July 10th. Advertisement Further strikes have been scheduled for July 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, and the 31st. More than 180,000 workers employed in the hospitality sector in Majorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are expected to take action, affecting not just hotels but also restaurants and other nightspots. Confirmation attempts to resolve outstanding pay and condition issues between workers' representatives and employers had failed emerged last night. Union chiefs said they couldn't continue with talks given the fact they had lowered their wage increase demands to 16 per cent over three years but only 11 per cent was on the table. Advertisement Thursday's crunch negotiations had been suspended around midday for a lunchtime break - but ended around 6:30pm with the strike action announcement coming soon after. Balearic Islands hotel chiefs had increased a wage rise proposal that was already on the table to 9.5 per cent over three years at the start of the month, but were warned to expect a 'no' from worker representatives ahead of an earlier meeting on June 11th. UGT union spokesman Jose Garcia Relucio described the offer at the time as 'more crumbs' and claimed hotel bosses wanted their workers to survive on tips. He said after walking out of today's meeting: 'We'd come here to negotiate to improve the conditions of service industry workers, not to worsen them.' Advertisement Javier Fich, president of the Majorca Hotel Business Federation, admitted the outcome of today's talks represented 'failure' on the part of negotiators and claimed union representatives had been 'too focused' on the wage increase issue. The federation vice-president Maria Jose Agilo added: 'We regret and condemn the behaviour of the UGT union, which from the start has put on the table a strike threat which doesn't favour a good negotiating climate.' The bad news from the Balearic Islands followed close on the heels of a last-minute deal to avert the threat of hotel strike action in Tenerife and three of the other Canary Islands in the Atlantic archipelago. Union representatives and employers sealed the deal after reaching a wage rise increase agreement.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
British holidaymakers WILL be hit by Spain's summer of strikes: Anti-tourism activists double down and say they will walk out in the coming weeks... and cause CHAOS for visitors
British holidaymakers will face a summer of disruptive hotel strikes in the Balearic Islands after talks to avert walkouts broke down this evening. Union chiefs decided to call six days of industrial action starting from July 10. Further strikes have been scheduled for the 18th and 19th of July, the 25th, 26th and the 31st. More than 180,000 workers employed in the hospitality sector in Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera are expected to take action, affecting not just hotels but also restaurants and other nightspots. Confirmation attempts to resolve outstanding pay and condition issues between workers' representatives and employers had failed emerged last night. Union chiefs said they couldn't continue with talks given the fact they had lowered their wage increase demands to 16 per cent over three years but only 11 per cent was on the table. Today's crunch negotiations had been suspended around midday for a lunchtime break - but ended around 6.30pm with the strike action announcement coming soon after. Balearic Islands hotel chiefs had increased a wage rise proposal that was already on the table to 9.5 per cent over three years at the start of the month, but were warned to expect a 'no' from worker representatives ahead of an earlier meeting on June 11. UGT union spokesman Jose Garcia Relucio described the offer at the time as 'more crumbs' and claimed hotel bosses wanted their workers to survive on tips. He said after walking out of today's meeting: 'We'd come here to negotiate to improve the conditions of service industry workers, not to worsen them.' Javier Fich, president of the Majorca Hotel Business Federation, admitted the outcome of today's talks represented 'failure' on the part of negotiators and claimed union representatives had been 'too focused' on the wage increase issue. The federation vice-president Maria Jose Agilo added: 'We regret and condemn the behaviour of the UGT union, which from the start has put on the table a strike threat which doesn't favour a good negotiating climate.' The bad news from the Balearic Islands followed close on the heels of a last-minute deal to avert the threat of hotel strike action in Tenerife and three of the other Canary Islands in the Atlantic archipelago. Union representatives and employers sealed the deal after reaching a wage rise increase agreement. Earlier this month, thousands of locals marched across Spanish Islands to tell Brits to 'go home' as part of widespread protests against so-called 'over tourism'. Holidaymakers were visibly stunned by the dramatic demonstrations in Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. Thousands of fed-up locals were seen banging their drums and chanting slogans while marching by tourists enjoying their evening meals. The demonstration began at Plaza de España, in the heart of the tourist city. Activists claim more than 30,000 people took to the streets to voice their frustrations about the impact of tourism on the island. Placards held up by marchers read: 'Tourists go home', 'Mallorca is not for sale' and 'Mallorca is not your cash cow… go home.' Footage shows Brits visibly shocked by the demonstrations, while some tourists were seen taking refuge on their accommodation balconies. Other signs read: 'Your vacations, our anxiety.' Dozens of placards read 'tourists go home… refugees welcome', while a group of teenagers could be heard chanting 'tourists go home!' as they marched through the city. Children taking part in the protest were seen carrying water pistols, with plans to spray holidaymakers as they pass on by. Protesters were heard chanting slogans against Airbnb and 'guiris' - the Spanish slang term used to describe Brits and other foreigners. One placard read: 'Rich foreign property buyers go to hell', while another said: 'Enough is enough.'
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
The Definitive Guide To Ibiza: The Ultra-Luxe Spots To Dine, Stay And Explore
Forget everything you think you know about Ibiza. Beyond its legendary nightlife lies an island of refined indulgence, mindful escapes, and breathtaking beauty. Discover HBA's ultimate guide to experiencing the very best of the White Isle this summer… Ibiza is an island of dualities, where barefoot luxury meets spiritual serenity. While its world-renowned clubs have earned global acclaim, the island's original allure came from something far gentler. In the 1960s, seekers of peace and purpose arrived here, drawn by Ibiza's magnetic energy and natural beauty. That legacy lives on in its tranquil coves, meditative hikes, restorative spas and sublime sunsets. Today, Ibiza is no longer just a sanctuary for escapists or hedonists – it's become a destination for the refined traveller, offering everything from exquisite farm-to-table dining to serene cliffside retreats. But with such a breadth of experiences – from the indulgent to the immersive – it can be difficult to know where to begin. Allow us to guide you through the very best of the White Isle for 2025. Where To Stay Monigbello Named after the fictional Italian coastal town from Patricia Highsmith's classic novel The Talented Mr Ripley, Mongibello brings the Amalfi to the Balearics with chic sophistication. From the moment you step inside, the hotel feels elegantly thoughtful and immersive in its design. Mongibello drips with cool, from the Roman busts complete with neckerchiefs to the neon signs and 1950s jukebox; it's tongue-in-cheek without ever being kitsch. The hotel's sleek, patterned blue flooring – a theme throughout – flows out to its divine and sizeable pool, where DJs provide an Italo Disco soundtrack, blurring the decades but staying true to its Italian roots. The rooms offer a similar slice of glam, with each suite a tribute to an Ibiza legend, including hippie icon Antonio Escohotado and Jaunito Mari, patron of Ibiza's famous Hippie Market Las Dalias. Don't be fooled by the semi-themed nature of this hotel; this is not style over substance. Mongibello delivers on its promise to bring 'the charm of the 60s' – and all of its grace, sophistication and glamour – to the White Isle. Petunia As you make your way towards the southwest of Ibiza, through winding roads and pine-covered hills, you can feel the island changing. Parties, clubs and busy restaurants are behind you as you weave your way towards Petunia, a beautiful hotel located in a serene corner of Ibiza. There's a good reason for its remote nature – apart from the tranquillity – it faces one of Ibiza's most iconic locations: Es Vedra. Much has been said about the striking rock island that juts proudly from the Mediterranean Sea, with stories claiming it's a remnant of the lost city of Atlantis or a portal to another realm. Regardless of its lore, there's no denying Es Vedra captures the imagination, and Petunia's location overlooking the rock makes it one of Ibiza's most exclusive spots. The hotel itself is a mix of traditional Ibizan design – think fincas and casas, whitewashed walls and wooden fixtures – and modern elegance, combining luxury with tradition. Its considered architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and only adds to the sense of comfort, opulence and mystique. With only 17 rooms and 25 suites, Petunia oozes exclusivity and class. A must-stay for anyone looking to immerse themselves in timeless Ibizan tradition. Mikasa While most might know the White Isle for its golden beaches, sparkling sea and bustling nightlife, Ibiza Old Town is an unsung hero of the island, combining boutique shops, quaint cafes and over a thousand years of history throughout its winding walls and cobbled streets. At night, it pulsates with energy and history as al fresco diners engage in deep conversation long into the wee hours. If you're keen on staying close to the marginally more cosmopolitan end of Ibiza, Mikasa boutique hotel could be perfect for you. The cute casa is tucked away on the edge of Marina Botafoch, just a few minutes' drive from Ibiza Old Town, and a short stroll from the cafes, restaurants and bars of the boujie waterfront. Channelling the holistic spirit of the White Isle — think: lacquered stone, macramé and bohemian stylings — Mikasa 's 16 rooms offer an elegant, peaceful design that's refreshingly fuss-free. While it's close to the high-end shops of Botafoch, it's also a short stroll to Talamanca beach, and a ten-minute walk to clubs Pacha and Chinois, meaning everything Ibiza has to offer is on your doorstep. Before you venture anywhere, though, take a moment on the Mikasa terrace, where Ibiza's legendary sunsets cast a golden glow over the silhouetted walls of the historic Dalt Vila. Magical. While Mikasa doesn't have its own pool, the gorgeous CLAP House Ibiza is a six-minute drive away. Offering a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion menu and a stunning pool, CLAP also features the Dubai-born SEVEN Wellness Club on-site to help you unwind through yoga, Pilates, and other sensual spa treatments. Where To Dine JUL's Ibiza is an island of hidden gems, and few are more precious than JUL'S. Situated on a small side road near Ibiza Airport, you could easily miss this Mediterranean fusion restaurant, but do so at your peril. Founded in 2020, and now with another location in Athens and a London franchise on the way, JUL'S has developed a name for itself, not only for its exquisite gastronomy but for its vast wine cellar and bespoke cocktails, many of which are developed in their own 'mixology laboratory'. Many of the chef's ingredients are harvested from JUL'S own two-hectare estate on the island, committing to the farm-to-table philosophy and ensuring fresh, seasonal produce across its menu. There's enough here for meat lovers and veggies alike, with dedicated caviar and wagyu menus, delicate pastas and salads, and local fish and meat from the open fire. The setting is equally considered, offering peaceful but opulent decor and a refined sense of style and class. The exceptional service is attentive without being disruptive, and the timing of each dish – and fresh pour – is immaculate. JUL'S is a fantastic choice for that final night dinner, or special occasion, and once you're inside, you won't want to leave. Finca La Plaza Santa Gertrudis is one of Ibiza's more quaint and familial villages. Its charming fortress church and pedestrianised square hint at a bygone Ibiza, when locals worked the land and lived in small, isolated communities, long before tourists arrived in their millions. One finca from that era – in fact, the oldest building in the whole village – has been elegantly transformed into one of Ibiza's most charming restaurants. Finca La Plaza styles itself on Mediterranean produce and cooking, proudly proclaiming, 'If it's on your plate, it likely arrived from the farm or sea that same morning.' Whether you immerse yourself in its beautifully lit garden at night, or opt to sit inside the historical finca, La Plaza is that rare gem of a restaurant that offers exceptional gastronomy while retaining a chic yet homely setting. They describe their style as 'smoked, slow and seriously satisfying', and we couldn't say it better ourselves. You can feel the generations who cooked here, and you can taste that experience too. A must-visit. Casa Maca This 300-year-old farmhouse turned restaurant and boutique hotel also connects the past to the present. Its lavender fields, fig and fruit trees, thoughtfully designed suites, and a lush, sparkling swimming pool come together to create a peaceful retreat where time appears to stand still. Even if you're not staying on-site, you can enjoy its open-fire grill restaurant, with many ingredients grown on the hotel's own organic farm. Spectacular views of Dalt Vila provide the perfect backdrop for live Balearic music and DJs, while fresh meat, fish, and vegetables are slowly smoked as guests soak in the magical atmosphere. The Airstream bar serves cocktails during the summer months, making Casa Maca an Ibiza staple and a place that captures the island's spirit perfectly. Try and catch it on a full moon for that extra special ambience. Explore Cruise Ibiza While Ibiza's beauty is clear from the shore, to experience its true energy, it has to be seen from the water. Whether it's a trip round Es Vedra, a jaunt to neighbouring – and stunning – island Formentara or just a circle round Ibiza's own private coves and swimming spots, no White Isle trip is complete without a boat day. Cruise Ibiza offer luxury boat and yacht charter for up to twelve people, which includes a skipper, fuel, snorkelling equipment and drinks for the day. Forget rickety sailboats or spluttering motors, these yachts are top of the range, and with their built-in Bluetooth speakers, the only thing you'll need to worry about is how to soundtrack your trip as you bounce along the Mediterranean waves. Each charter is customisable, but if you do decide to make the trip to the white sands of Formentera, make sure to book Besos Beach restaurant in advance, as it fills up quickly in the summer months. Ibiza Hike Station As you may have picked up so far, Ibiza isn't just about its world-famous nightlife. The island offers beauty at every turn if you know where to look, and no one knows better than Manuel at Ibiza Hike Station. Offering a range of hikes and walks for fitness and experience levels, Manuel can take you to new heights, combining adventure with wellness and letting you explore the island in a totally new way. Hikes last three to five hours and are private, so Manuel can create a custom route tailored to your fitness and needs for the day, whether it's a leisurely, slow-paced affair or a steep climb for unique views and Instagram-worthy moments. Find out more on his site and make sure you always hike with a licensed guide. Nightlife The Balearic Islands' club culture has been attracting revellers looking for escapism since Pacha opened its doors in 1973. While many trends (and clubs) have come and gone, it's retained its reputation as one of the world's premium party spots. Whether it's daytime poolside partying at Ushuaïa, the epic production at newcomer [UNVRS], the chic and quirky Pikes Hotel – a favourite of Freddie Mercury and George Michael – or Marina Botafoch's glamorous Chinois, electronic music lovers will be spoiled for choice any night of the week. Why not try The Standard Ibiza 's rooftop bar and restaurant UP for pre-drinks? It's a great spot to soak up the anticipation before you hit the dancefloor. We recommend their Sunset Paloma as the perfect pre-party tipple alongside their pop-up with Burberry running all season long. Beach Beachouse Believe it or not, this boujie beachclub and restaurant was the original site of what became Ushuaïa Ibiza. As the towers of Playa d'En Bossa have grown around it, Beachouse has remained a peaceful sanctuary, offering the full Ibiza experience in one gorgeous location. From sunrise yoga on the beach, followed by a wholesome breakfast, transition to the beds or enjoy a dip in the ocean, before returning for contemporary Mediterranean dining, curated by F&B Director Gennaro Vitto and Executive Chef Sergio Cardeñosa. If you're still keen for more, LUNAR, Beachouse's full-moon ritual experience, channels the energy of the island through music and choice cuisine across three sacred nights. From sunrise to sunset and beyond, Beachouse represents all the magic of Ibiza in one place. El Silencio The Bohemian lifestyle has been a staple of Ibiza since the 1960s. Many of the White Isle's restaurants, bars and beach clubs continue to channel that energy to this day, and El Silencio embodies that spirit to perfection. Designed by Moredesign Studio and known for its spectacular sunsets, El Silencio feels like an exclusive, if-you-know-you-know beach spot. With cuisine curated by three-Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco, this is no beach shack – El Silencio combines stunning nature and elegant gastronomy. If you're looking for sand-free swimming, there's also a pool to cool off, post-lunch. The Cala Molí spot has also recently opened a new vinyl-only listening bar, URUSAI; a first on the island. Curated by Jaime Fiorito, son of Balearic pioneer and Ibiza legend DJ Alfredo, URUSAI's programming combines rare and reissued vinyl from the 1970s up to the 2000s, all powered by a custom-built, studio-grade soundsystem. El Silencio is more than just a luxury spot to top up your tan; it authentically connects with Ibiza's past, present and future, musically, gastronomically and culturally. Cala Gracioneta Over on the West of the island, where you'll get the best view of Ibiza's famous golden sunsets, is a small inlet cove that's been an island fave for many years. Cala Gracioneta is graced in the familiar stylings of the Balearics, with its thick rope, pastel earth tones, macramé and local, rich carpentry, providing a connection to the earth above and sands below. By day, Gracioneta's boujie beach beds are the perfect place to laze the day away, sipping cocktails and cooling off in its lapping waves, before enjoying lunch at the Mediterranean-rooted restaurant. Once again, it's an open-grill affair, with fresh catch from the seas below paired with the likes of roasted pumpkin with burrata, pesto and candied seeds and semi-cured cheese with Ibizan sobrasada, honey and local rosemary. Yum-yum. Sunset, and what a sunset, doesn't mean it's time to go home. At night, the setting comes alive, with the soft glow of the candles and tealights soundtracked by the sea, the perfect way to unwind after a day in the sun. Gorgeous.
