Ibiza is often dubbed a hedonistic playground. While it can certainly live up to this name, it´s become the place where I´ve embraced a calmer, more grounded way of life.
In the height of summer you can see an incredible range of both globally renowned and underground DJs, 7 nights a week! However, as the busy tourist season winds down and temperatures drop, there´s definitely a different feeling to the island. From marathons, to triathlons to open water swims, autumn and winter are pretty inspiring times to be exercising outdoors here. There´s also a whole host of wellness days, retreats and ceremonies that are on offer. Many perceive the island to be a non-stop party hub, but when you spend some time here you get to know this whole other, beautifully holistic side to the island - which I believe is vital in maintaining the balance of the island itself.
What am I doing to cultivate a sense of balance as we ease into the winter season here?
Personally, I love nothing more than getting my morning steps in with a sunrise walk, or practicing yoga in my favourite spots. Nothing beats the feeling of nourishing the body while connecting with nature! Of course, I don´t practice yoga or journal with Es Vedra everyday but getting the opportunity to do so gives me a sense of calm like no other.
On a more energetic note, I´ve always loved swimming but it´s something I´ve fallen in love with all over again since moving here. This summer I´ve been training away in the pool at my apartment to try and beat a PB, and I´ve only gone and done it! I find swimming to be a sort of moving meditation, which is why the colder waters of winter don´t stop me from getting my lengths in.... it´s one of those non-negotiables for me.
Of course, there comes a time when the pool is closed for the winter and this is when I really get into sea swimming. When I´m not marking text books or planning classes, I like to take myself down to serene coves and embrace the cooler waters! I´ve witnessed an impressive array of fish and marine life over the past few years here, but, just a few weeks ago I spotted my first octopus while having a dip up at Benirras. It was quite a special day in more ways that none as I´d also found out I had become an auntie again!
It was actually a day of poor visibility under the water, but I stuck with it as it was such a gorgeous day to be out swimming. I couldn´t believe my eyes when I spotted the octopus moving along near some rocks on the sea floor, it´s something I´ve been patiently waiting to see here for the past four years!
Finally, instead of saying yes to the seriously tempting closing parties that have been happening over the past few weeks, I´ve said yes to creative ventures and locked in a boujee spa day with a friend! Creatively, I´m busy recycling old candle wax and glass jars into delightfully-smelling candles with a new lease of life! If you´re reading this in Ibiza, and want to get involved with my sustainable candle project, by clearing out some old candle wax you´ve got, I´ll be taking wax donations very soon! Just fill out the contact form and I´ll get back to you with more details.
Aside from this, I´m making a conscious effort to buy local where possible. Even though Ibiza is a relatively small island, there´s some outstanding produce grown right here. I often go to a very local fruit and veg market - Mercado Payés de Sant Antoni - Visit Sant Antoni and I´m blown away by what´s grown here, the quality and taste of what´s on offer is often miles better than the selection in supermarkets.
I´m aware I´m incredibly lucky to have a fruit and veg market on my door step, and even luckier to be living on a truly special island, so shopping local helps me find a balance with what I give and take from the island.
What does ´balance´ look/feel like for you?
Disclaimer. Not every day looks like this - there are of course days where I´ll be reading a book or watching TV, no yoga mat or swimming hat in sight!
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