Some days are so ridiculously epic that you just know, even while they are still unfolding, they’ll be going straight to the top of your list of unforgettable moments and happy memories. And a boat trip from Ibiza to Formentera is most definitely amongst the best of them.
In the summer of 2015 I was invited on a press trip to Ibiza by Charlie Chester, founder of online travel guide and concierge service Essential Ibiza, to experience the ultimate White Isle itinerary. Little did I know back then that this particular island adventure would pave the way for me to move to Ibiza just one year later…
Starting the week in style, on our first day we went on boat trip from Ibiza to Formentera, the White Isle’s petite but incredibly beautiful sister island. Only a 30-minute sail (depending how fast your boat is, he he) from the harbour in Ibiza Town, the tranquil Balearic gem is famous for its crystal waters and pristine white beaches.
As well as a public ferry service, there are several charter companies offering a boat trip from Ibiza to Formentera. We entrusted the young and dynamic Smart Charter Ibiza crew with our ultimate Balearic day out. Founded by island resident Charlie Veale, the team is made up of locals who are passionate about all things boating and water sports, and more than happy to share their incredible insider knowledge.
With a vessel to match any party size, budget and occasion, they can proudly call themselves the largest boat charter business in Ibiza. Our group laughed in disbelief when we realised we were going to be treated to a day on their 24-metre Sunseeker yacht ‘Just Smile’, a sleek black boat with four cabins, ensuite bathrooms, two sun decks and a ‘garage’ to store water toys including a jet ski, Seabob and paddle board. Totally casual.
Earlier in the day, my fellow press trippers had been laughing at me when I wondered if the boat might have WiFi, throwing the hashtag ‘#firstworldproblems’ at me. But guess what? It DID!!!
With Bose speakers pumping out our favourite Balearic Deep House tunes – Jamie XX’s Loud Places was on heavy rotation – and the Smart Charter team making sure platters of fresh fruit, crisp glasses of wine and chilled beers were consistently topped up, we left Ibiza Town harbour in exceedingly high spirits.
With the crew members all long-time Ibiza residents keen to share their favourite places, our first stop was a beautiful spot overlooking the coast of Formentera – the perfect place to jump off the boat and try out all the gadgets.
We spent a good hour or two messing around in the turquoise waters before hunger pangs reminded us it was time to eat.
Essential Ibiza’s Charlie and the Smart Charter Ibiza team highly recommended Formentera seaside restaurant Beso Beach, so we jumped into the eatery’s water taxi and sped to shore. To keep us entertained during the short journey, our captain casually started to show off his yoga moves while safely navigating the dinghy around the other yachts mooring just outside Beso Beach.
Tucked away behind the dunes, the eatery has a low-key beach hut vibe perfect for a chilled island lunch, while the natural decor adds to the carefree summer atmosphere. And with a special mojito cocktail bar and an onsite fashion boutique tempting patrons to indulge, it’s all too easy to while the hours away.
Within minutes of sitting down, I was thanking the heavens my ‘no sugar’ challenge had ended when a giant carafe of strawberry flavoured mojito was brought to our table, followed shortly by a magnum of rose wine.
Soon, we worked our way through a selection of starters that included Iberico ham and fresh seafood before tucking into a juicy steak platter and traditional Spanish paella, although there are lighter options like salads and fish on the menu, of course.
Too soon, it was time to leave beautiful Formentera but we couldn’t resist a last dip in the sea.
Back on the boat, with the sun on my face and wind in my hair it was difficult not to burst with happiness. It might sound a little morbid, but after a quick ‘stock take’ of my life so far, I concluded to my friends that ‘if I died right now, I wouldn’t even mind.’
If only you could bottle that feeling!
