Ibiza in your Forties? Absolutely.
A sunshine-filled girls' getaway packed with beach clubs, boat trips, unforgettable food and memories made with lifelong friends.
The perfect long weekend of sunshine, boat trips, delicious food, cocktails and dancing with my favourite people.
We'd always said that the year we all turned 40 we'd
celebrate with a girls' trip to Ibiza. Like most things discussed in the
WhatsApp group, we never really thought it would happen... but somehow, the
stars aligned and, only a year later than planned, we actually did it!
The minute the flights were booked, the Ibiza WhatsApp chat took on a life of
its own. We were all ridiculously excited. Sunshine, cocktails, amazing food,
good music and three whole days together. We only had two nights, but somehow
managed to squeeze so much in. Here's exactly what we got up to.
Day One
We flew from Stansted with Ryanair and, against all odds, everyone managed to survive with just a cabin bag.
The flight out was one of my favourite parts of the whole trip. Airport Prosecco, lots of laughing, catching up and that excitement when you know you're finally all together and Ibiza is only a couple of hours away. We've all been best friends since primary school, so it felt special.

When we landed in Ibiza, we'd pre-booked a taxi transfer. I'd definitely recommend doing this as the taxi queues at the airport can get long in summer. We were through arrivals and in the taxi within about 20 minutes of getting off the plane.
We stayed at Bonito Ibiza by NCalma Hotels in San Antonio, directly opposite the famous O Beach. If O Beach is on your Ibiza wish list, it's a great option because guests get free entry (T&Cs apply)

The hotel was lovely. Spacious rooms, huge comfy beds and a really nice pool area with DJs playing throughout the afternoon. Just one thing to mention... the shower is open-plan rather than in a separate bathroom, so make sure you're comfortable with whoever you're sharing with!
After checking in, grabbing some lunch and spending a few hours by the pool, we headed out for dinner.
We booked Cala Gracioneta, just outside San Antonio. My second visit and it's honestly one of the prettiest restaurants I've been to in Ibiza. Right on the beach with gorgeous views, lovely décor, great food and amazing cocktails. Fair warning though... it's a bit spenny (we're still not talking about what we paid for the prawns!). Definitely more of a treat meal, but one I'd happily go back to. The little cove is stunning too, so it'd be a gorgeous spot for beach day and lunch!

After dinner we jumped in a taxi to Pikes.
If you've never been, it's not like one of the huge Ibiza superclubs. It's a boutique hotel with a much smaller, more intimate nightclub. Entry is free, but you do need to book yourself onto the guest list before you go. They ask for a small charity donation too (it was €10 when we visited), and it's strictly over 27s.
They also have a no-phone policy, so your camera gets covered with a sticker when you arrive.

The pool area is perfect for drinks before heading into Freddies, where Freddie Mercury celebrated his 41st birthday. It's small but always such a good night. Pikes is also where Wham! filmed the Club Tropicana music video.
Day Two
Breakfast at the hotel deserves a mention. Fresh smoothies, juices, a proper coffee bar and pretty much every breakfast option you could think of. We headed down early (because, let's be honest, we're definitely not built for Ibiza until 6am anymore!), expecting it to be quiet, but loads of people were already up and about.

The rest of the day was intentionally slow. Pool, sunshine, a stroll along the seafront... and another disco nap before heading out.
This evening was David Guetta at UshuaĂ¯a, so we headed over to Playa d'en Bossa early for dinner at ZazĂº.
It's right on the beach with gorgeous jungle-inspired décor and a Mediterranean menu, I ordered the sushi, which was delicious. The cocktails are all Lion King themed too... a Pumbaa or Timon, anyone? We arrived really early, so it was nice and relaxed, but I want to go back again as it looks like such a good atmosphere once the party gets going!
It's also brilliant for plane spotting if you're into that like I am, with planes flying low overhead as they come into land.
After dinner, we walked to UshuaĂ¯a.
Honestly... what a night.
We had absolutely no interest in being squashed at the front, so we stayed right towards the back where there was loads of room to dance. Good music, dancing with the girls and one of those evenings where everyone around you is just having the best time.

Watching David Guetta while planes flew low overhead is one of those proper "only in Ibiza" moments.

One tip... have a few drinks beforehand because the drinks inside are eye-wateringly expensive. I still can't quite bring myself to tell you what a gin and tonic cost.
It finishes around 11pm, so you're back at the hotel at a reasonable time. Ibiza in your forties... who knew?
Day Three
Our flight home wasn't until late evening, so we wanted to make the most of our last day.
We booked a half-day boat trip from San Antonio Marina and it ended up being one of the highlights of the whole trip. I'd highly recommend this if you've got a few spare hours before your flight home.
Our skipper took us to three beautiful coves where we stopped for a swim and snorkelling. The boat had drinks included, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and speakers so we could play our own music.

Afterwards we headed back to the hotel for showers before checking out.
Rather than heading straight to the airport, we took a taxi into Ibiza Town. We stored our bags in a luggage storage unit nearby (really easy and surprisingly cheap) and spent the afternoon wandering, stopping for tapas, people-watching at the marina, and spending far longer than we'd like to admit watching an enormous superyacht trying to dock. (If you're a Below Deck fan, you'll completely understand!)

Before heading to the airport we stopped at Vivi's Creamery for gelato. If you're in Ibiza Town, definitely add it to your list.
And just like that, it was time to head home.
Ibiza definitely isn't a cheap weekend away, but there's a reason people keep going back. It’s just one of those places that just makes you feel good. The best part, though, making memories with my best girls!
Until next year...