TUESDAY 25 MAY, 2010

IBIZA BOUND
Refurbs and re-launches in Balearic party paradise

Last weekend in May. You know what that means…
Ibiza’s opening for business. Add that it’s also the International Music Summit (with closing party tickets still left) and that the new BA Cityflier route is now open (potentially minus cabin crew but hey ho, we can ironically point in the direction of the over-wing exits ourselves) and we’re jumping, Vengabus style, on the Balearic bandwagon. Opening parties (our pick would be the stellar Ushuaia – reserve your VIP day bed now and make the most of the bank holiday weekend) aren’t the only thing on the agenda as a flock of refurbs and relaunches are also set to make this a sparkling season.

If you like to ease, rather than plunge in, Gecko Beach Club Hotel on the idyllic neighbouring island of Formentera is looking like a great option after a thorough refurb (think beachy distressed woods and crisp white sheets) for those in search of a more tranquil trip and not inclined to rent a whole apartment in the quieter quarter.  If you prefer your accommodation closer to the action, check out old school party hotel Pikes which has also had a little facelift. Set in a stunning old Iberian farm-house, it’s now all chic souk-esque design with views over olive groves from the giant pool-side day beds; we bet owner Tony however, is still a firm fixture.

Of course hanging out in the sun makes for hungry work, so finally head on down to Aura (right by a UJ agroturismo fave, Atzaro) for al fresco dining in their new outdoor space complete with palm trees, citrus orchards, lush vegetation and a DJ suite. Order up some modern Mediterranean fare and listen to music under the stars. Just not the Vengaboys – because some things are beyond resurrection. 

INFO
International Music Summit, May 26th-28th.
www.internationalmusicsummit.com

Gecko Beach Club, from EUR 165 (almost fully booked so get in quick!)
www.geckobeachclub.com

Pikes, from EUR 170
www.pikeshotel.com

Aura, www.auraibiza.com

For more on the latest Ibiza information, including opening parties, check out White Ibiza.
And surf over to the RA calendar for Ibiza events throughout the summer.

RESTAURANT RADAR
Five places we love for bar dining

UJ’s foodie has been out and about sourcing sauce for her brand new column, Restaurant Radar – covering all the newest openings and some of our favourites in easily digestible offerings. If you missed last week’s top five Sunday brunches, get stuck into today’s installment - Bar Foodies. Because there’s something very modern and a little bit chic about perching yourself at a counter or bar table and grabbing a few bites to go with your beverage, rather than doing a full-blown lunch or dinner. London is nurturing a growing crop of wine bars, bacari and shady alcoves where the bites are as good as the drinks – click through to check out our best of the bunch.

Read the full feature…

SHOP – Time to get sexy with La Perla's sample sale, with up to 80% off lounge, swimwear, and lingerie. 10am-6:30pm, Hornvale Ltd, 22 Newman Street, W1T 1PH, Free.

THEATRE – Relive Cruel Intentions' sexed up cat and mouse game via the original Dangerous Liaisons. 7:30pm, Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 2ES, £15.

HEADS UP – Check out the The Future Tense starting tomorrow for the best new art around. 10am-6:30pm, The Future Gallery, 5 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7HY, Free.

MUSIC – Catch Pop-rock-punk Anglo-french band Mono Taxi live before their debut release hits the stands. 8pm, Catch 22, 22 Kingsland Road, E2 8DA, Free.