Journeys and Jottings
Issue 42 - Everyone needs a little bit of Ibiza in life. The magic of Ibiza in your inbox today. How a sleepy coastal village became a party destination, a magical unique liqueur and a magnetic island
“Everyone needs a little bit of Ibiza in life.” I saw this quote in one of the tiny souvenir shops in Dalt Vila ( Old Town ) in Ibiza and I could not agree more. The vibe is something special. Perhaps it is the Mediterranean magic. And this issue of Journeys and Jottings will take us to Spain as we visit Ibiza virtually. I have been sharing a little bit of the Ibizan stories in the previous issues as well and so if you are new here for the first time then I do urge you to go through some of the earlier issues as well. And on that note, a big hello to our new subscribers and a warm welcome to this issue of Journeys and Jottings.
In this issue, I am going to tell you a little bit about Ibiza’s magical stories and its musical legacy. However as Ibiza is synonymous with the whole party atmosphere, we look back and discover how clubs and nightlife became the very identity of the island and delve a little bit deeper into the unique spirit of Ibiza
How did Ibiza become the Party Capital of the World ?
Ibiza is often heralded as the “Holy Grail of Partying” as the Mediterranean island is filled with clubs with a pulsating nightlife. Music flows in the veins of this island, but the hedonistic tag began with rock and roll. It is only natural that Ibiza, which was once the refuge of creative hippies and nonconformist artists should eventually morph into the Party Capital of the World.
However, it all started as the home of rock when George Michael’s old group Wham filmed a video for their single, Club Tropicana at the legendary Pikes Hotel. Soon the island became a magnet for rock stars. Even Freddie Mercury of Queen celebrated his birthday here. As Ibiza started becoming the destination for rock shows and music festivals, clubs started mushrooming along the coastline as the party scene started rocking the island. The world’s best DJs added to the legacy of music, blending different strains of music and creating their own anthems, as house music and clubbing changed the very landscape of Ibiza, adding to the captivating cocktail of sandy beaches and sunset beaches.
Ibiza’s own signature spirit - Hierbas
Say Salut to Ibiza’s own infused spirit, hierbas or Hierbas Ibicencas which makes you feel giddier with passion. Adding to the party vibe, this magical liqueur has been used as a digestif for over two hundred years and you can take it as a shot in the bars, popularly referred to as chupitos . Traditionally, the aniseed flavoured drink is infused with local herbs and mixed with alcohol to give you a sense of high and has been consumed by even monks who used to live on the island centuries ago.
Wild aniseed is the main ingredient here it is infused with local wild herbs growing around the island, sometimes as many as 30 of them, and that makes it the signature spirit of Ibiza. All the natural, wild fragrances and flavours of Ibiza are contained in that liqueur and give it a unique taste of the island. Some of the herbs and spices include rosemary, lavender, laurel or bay leaves, thyme, fennel, mint, juniper, sage, rue, eucalyptus, chamomile besides several local herbs. Leaves, berries, and peels of oranges and lemons, and juniper are also added. And of course, the star ingredient is the star anise.
The first distillery was set up in 1890 by Juan Mari Mayans, a sailor and even today the family business continues under the brand name . However several boutique wineries and distilleries produce them as well, with their own distinct taste and each recipe is different from the other. So next time you are in Ibiza, dont forget to take a shot at this signature spirit of the island.
The Magnetic Island - Es Vedra
Magical and mystical, Es Vedra is a rocky island with monolithic limestone outcrops that rise majestically from the sea, creating a dramatic setting. Some believe that the island has a magnetic pull that apparently even brought the hippies to the island in the 60s and 70s. But there seems to be more than just flower power here. Apparently, the magnetic energy has so many healing properties that it can even help align “chakras” in the body. While I was standing there, I could see several tourists sunbathing and even doing a few yoga poses as well.
According to the legends, this was the home of Goddess Tanit, the patron deity of the Phoenicians. It is also believed that the island is also haunted by sirens, who are mythical human-like beautiful women with alluring voices that lure men. While others add that even UFOs have been sighted! No doubt, the island viewed from the cliffs towering above Cala d’Hort Beach does have a breathtaking effect on one.
Have you been to Ibiza? And what more would you like to know about the island?
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Very interesting read, Lakshmi! I’ve not been to Spain, but after reading your description of Ibiza, it has to be a must see. That monks used to live there is sn added attraction as it must be rugged and not too touristy. While I’m not the partying type, the local drink with all its herbs sounds enticing! Cheers!
Very interesting! I’ve spent time in Spain, but I never made it to Ibiza.