Much more than just a hotspot for hedonists – Ibiza is luring a new wave of second-homer prioritising the sound of peace over heady beat partying. Laura Henderson, managing editor of Abode2, takes a walk on the quiet side
When enterprising artisan Joan Mari opened his drive-up bar on the outskirts of San Carlos in the north of Ibiza in 1954, little did he know that his makeshift hangout would become a bona fide symbol of la buena vida (good life) for the entire island.

Mari’s pit stop paved the way for a humble dance hall and barbecue. Business began to prosper, even in those tentative first years in which European tourism was just spreading its holiday wings. Suffice to say the seeds of a Mediterranean chill-out utopia were sown and the island has never looked back.

Today, that same irrepressible freedom, colour and warmth that attracted those hippy pioneers continues to shape the island’s intimate yet cosmopolitan tourist evolution, one that happily embraces a rich UNESCO heritage: vintage landscapes, pristine whitewashed towns and hotels rurales as much as the newer addition floaty fashion, uber-glam marinas, night clubs and super-size holiday villas.

But while the DJ-driven club scene remains a drawcard through the summer months – island life is being lived at an altogether more relaxed tempo by a new breed of holidaymaker - health-conscious couples and family orientated holidaymakers drawn by the easy-care ‘liveability’ of the place.

Many are opting to put down permanent roots, basing themselves ‘on island’ for several months at a time where they can take advantage of a business as usual lifestyle in warmer climes. “The island is opening itself up much more as a year-round destination,” explains local agent Lars Bruun.

“International schools, sports and marina facilities together with new amenity-rich hotels such as Nobu and Sir Joan are attracting on-the-go families and young professionals. Venues are also extending their opening times across island, with more of a spread of events throughout the calendar giving the island a less seasonal-centric buzz.”
Improved airlift has played its part too. British Airways daily flights operate throughout the year from London City Airport, with regional UK airports offering a more comprehensive schedule with a choice of airlines including Easy Jet, Ryan Air and Jet2.

Last year also saw the launch of Surf Air, a private jet service that operates between London City and Ibiza with a monthly all-you-can-fly membership fee from £1,800. Compact and bijou, the island squeezes a lot into its small surface.
About half the landscape, particularly the rugged north east, is covered with dense foliage, thick pine forests and olive, fig and fruit farms, while the coastline is characterised by dozens of cosy bays, walking trails, and outof-the-way beaches.
Northerly resorts such as Santa Eularia, Es Cana and Puerto de San Miguel are popular with those seeking a quieter, slower paced getaway experience, while the livelier south around Ibiza Town, Playa d’en Bossa and the party-on Mecca of San Antonio continues to capture the imagination of a younger work-hard, play-hard international crowd who don’t like to sit still.

The third-biggest of the Balearic Islands, stable property values have further added to the investment appeal. Despite a debt-deflation fall-off in prices in 2012 across mainland Spain which is still in recovery mode – the property market on Ibiza remains buoyant, with four of the five island municipalities claiming the most expensive property in the region.
“The real estate market has learnt to evolve,” says Bruun. “Of the 140,000 full-time island residents, approximately 26% are now from overseas. Before, the must-have luxury properties were to be found in the south and south west.
Now other areas are ‘bigging up’ their selling points – each offering scope with a diverse selection of property types and price points to match. Strong fundamentals continue to underpin stability: namely a diverse pool of local and international buyers, a finite supply of quality real estate and tight building regulations.”

Rental yields, with a footfall of over 2m visitors to the island every year are also delivering good returns, adds Petra Lavin of prestige agents Lavin Estates: “Summer, when the majority of property owners let, is a busy period.
A well appointed villa with pool can easily achieve £6,000 per week, potentially much more for a large, luxury property.” So where are the top places to invest on the White Isle? What should buyers be looking out for?

SOUTH/WEST

Brimming with luxury residences and stylish mansions along with more newly constructed turnkey apartments and villas, the south west of the island hits the spot for short-break escapees and weekend commuters with easy access to Ibiza Town, the marinas and the airport. “Many properties in the area boast stunning views of Ibiza old town D’Alt Vila,” confirms Bruun, “plus you’re just minutes away from the cultural sites and leisure attractions of downtown.”

NORTH/NORTH WEST

The sparsely populated northwest reaches (the island’s main agricultural region), boasts a contrasting landscape of rocky outcrops, canopied forests and small-scale beach resorts. The ideal hunting ground for larger rural estates, renovation projects with conversion potential and traditional village townhouses, property prices are a good 30-40% below those in the south. “Locations to watch include Portinatx, Puerto de San Miguel and Cala San Vicente,” confirms local agent Monica Balbin.

EAST/NORTH EAST

A quieter stretch of the island marked by quaint villages, secluded bays and olive and fruit farms, a workaday local population means that there is life here year-round. Key areas include San Carlos and San Juan. “Property here has excellent capital yield potential thanks to much improved road access from the south,” confirms Balbin. “Larger plots are still available in quiet, rural settings, fuelling the belief that it’s less important where on the island you live these days.”

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