5 things to do in Ibiza

Ibiza: The Party Island, immortalized in music and pop culture history, where no-one ever sleeps and where lifetime memories are made. It's the kind of place worth visiting at least once in your life, and if you do, here's my list of five things not to be missed...

1. Cocktails at Ocean Beach Club

Ocean Beach Club is the place to be - if you're into your fancy cocktails and dressing up Ibiza-style, hire a lounger and take advantage of the VIP treatment here, sunning yourself by the pool all day long to the sounds of renowned DJs such as Hed Kandi. Entertainment comes in many forms - on Hed Kandi Mondays you can catch Lovely Laura playing her saxophone from a floating flower platform. Not to be missed.

2. Visit at least one super club

Sure, clubbing isn't everyone's cup of tea, but you're in Ibiza! Let loose and experience the super clubs that DEFINE the clubbers' experience. Rave, baby!

3. Zoo Project

If you haven't heard of Zoo Project - it's essentially a great big hippy festival set in an abandoned zoo, featuring belly dancers, acrobats, DJs, yoga and meditation, and all things vegan and sustainable. (Not to mention massive pitchers of sangria and BBQ food) Half the fun of Zoo Project is getting dressed up to resemble an animal (people achieve this with varying levels of effort and success) so get your glitter on and check it out.

4. A bar crawl in the West End

This crowded side street full of tiny bars is a mile away from the luxury on offer on the Sunset Strip. If you're after a night of great atmosphere, cheap drinks and the best place to meet people, make the West End your starting point.

4. Watch the sunset at Cafe Mambo

If you do one classic 'Ibiza' thing while you're here - this should be it! The vibe at Cafe Mambo is unlike anything else- quintessentially Ibiza, providing the perfect soundtrack to the sun setting over the ocean as you sip on champagne mojitos!

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10 things I learned in Rome

So I visited Rome last weekend. And although it was a flying visit, it was long enough for me to completely fall in love with the city. Here are just 10 things I learned about Roma Aeterna (The Eternal City):

1. It's effortlessly beautiful
Unlike Paris, which can be a bit pretentious and over the top at times, Rome feels like it's just breathtakingly beautiful without even trying. The juxtaposition of the simple and the grandeur, the awesome history and architecture, the nature and the quirky modern artwork makes for a feast for the eyes.

 

2. Crossing the road can be tricky
One of the things I loved about Rome was the constant buzz of the city - the energy, the sounds of horns beeping and Vespas cruising by. It does make crossing the road a bit daunting, though! However a seasoned Roman knows that confidence is the key to success.

3. The people are super friendly
No matter where you are- a bar, a pizza place, a little boutique or just wandering round a piazza admiring the artwork - everyone you meet in Roma is friendly, smiley and happy to chat. The warmth and hospitality of Italians is famous for a reason.

4. Courgette pizza at 3 a.m. is the best thing ever
Just trust me on this one.

5. It's a shopping paradise
Not just for clothes, shoes and bags.. everything in Rome from the designer to the shabby chic markets is enough to make a shopping addict like myself squeal with delight. Like the Champs Elysses in Paris and Las Ramblas in Barcelona, wandering down the Via Del Corso is a joy. (And the Zara is over five floors).

5.5. Sometimes people take their pet pigs out for a stroll...

6. They know how to make cocktails
From classic mojitos to tiki rum concoctions, I didn't have one bad cocktail experience while I was here (and I sampled a fair few). Like most things in Italy, the preparation of drinks is an art form, not to be taken lightly. You might have to wait a bit longer for your drink, but it'll be worth it.

7. It rivals Paris for passion
Everywhere you look in Roma, it seems like there's evidence of amore - brides and grooms dashing off to be married packed into the back of a tiny Fiat or rickshaw, couples on street corners locked in a passionate embrace, or street performers showing off their sizzling Argentinian Tango:

8. They're serious about coffee
It's true what they say about Italians and coffee. The Romans have espresso down to an art form here - the key is not too hot, not too cold (and it's cheaper if you drink at the bar). Italians aren't big on breakfast but every day will start with a good cappuccino.

9.  The Italian ritual of "Aperitivo"
This literally translated means "to open one's stomach" and it is the glorious Italian tradition of having a drink (usually a Campari  or Aperol spritz) and a small snack n the evening, at a bar, just before dinner, to get your appetite ready and warm you up for your meal of pasta carbonara! How wonderful.

The Roman Supplì (wonderful balls of Rice and mozzarella goodness) are a favourite Italian street food and only I euro each.

10. Go once, and you'll immediately want to return
Sadly the Trevi fountain was being renovated during my visit so I didn't get to throw my coin in and make a wish. But if I could, I would have wished more than anything to come back to Rome soon! There's still so much more I want to see of this place. Now I understand the magic of it, and why Audrey Hepburn's character in Roman Holiday was so enamored by it! La Vita Bella...

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