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Adventure Awaits - LHW + iEscape Kids Collection goes to Ibiza
This weeks Adventure Awaits is slightly different. Little Hotdog Watson has been on the road, shooting our SS18 collection in Ibiza. We collaborated with I Escape Kids Collection to find the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous family holiday in the sun. Below you'll find out more about where we stayed and shot the collection and our top recommendation for family beaches and restaurants.
We chose Ibiza for the SS18 collection shoot because as a family, we've been a few times before and love the family feel of the island. It has a laid back vibe + sense of fun around every corner. Also, our hats have been tagged in more Ibiza holiday pictures than any other location! So it seemed a perfect choice!
Collaborating with iEscape Kids Collection made everything much simpler and more straightforward. In pre-parent life I loved the thrill of a chic hotel, a luxury retreat or sprawling villa, even throwing caution to the wind and stopping somewhere that took our fancy as we travelled. As a parent I still want to be 'wowed' and feel like my holiday really is a holiday/trip but, I also want to know the details about the place. I want a balanced view, to know what I'm getting and have H feel as welcomed as we are.
I loved the fact that everything is so detailed on iescape website, including highs and lows and I knew there would be an actual gift waiting for us!! In our case glasses of wine and beautiful plate of breads, salads and meats when we arrived.
We chose Can Talaias to shoot the collection and stayed for 3 days. The boutique hotel is actually one of the first agroturismo on the island. It is situated on top of a hillside with breathtaking views. It is a slightly scramble drive, if your rented car was as under-powered as ours ;) but totally worth it.
It has everything on site, swimming pool, garden, pigs, peacocks, breakfast with a view and lunch and dinner if you choose to spend all your time there. Or if you want to venture further afield a 5 minute drive is a small town called San Carlos (Sant Carles) which, has great local restaurants that border a playground. Meaning you can have a drink, while the kids play. If you want a slightly bustlier scene, head to Ibiza Old Town which is 30 minute drive.
Due to the shoot we stayed largely on location. Our original plan was to do a couple of hours shooting at the hotel then move to Ibiza town but the ground and pool were so stunning that we did the whole shoot there.
Can Talaias is the kind of place where you immediately feel relaxed when you step inside. This family home has been in the family since the 60's and has a rich history. From Vivienne Leigh reportedly having a secret affair to more recently famous guests like Annie Mac and Paris Hilton.
You can understand why families choose Can Talaias because, it is at it's heart a family house. Owned by Letty (Laetitia) + Cushan whose family took up residence in the 60's they have transformed the farm into a beautiful space filled with art books and cosy corners to relax in. Also, H was well catered too with smaller meals, water toys for the pool and books and games available.
What was also super nice is that because, the hotel is small (8 rooms) other families do meet and the children play. H made a little friend during our short trip and they splashed happily in the children end of the pool playing (nearly sharing) water toys.
The hotel is also large enough that if you want to find a corner to hideaway you can do. We shot a lot of pictures around the hammock in the gardens and by the steps leading down in to the fields.
Honestly though my favourite part of wrapping up the shoot was that we were able to put H to bed and sit outside and have a glass of wine. The hotel is such a great layout that our table was in front of our bedroom so, we could leave the door open and hear her snoring :)
I really enjoyed how relaxing it is booking with iEscape With Kids. Just knowing handpick all their hotels/villas /retreats and know them all so well meant we knew everything about our stay and the location for the shoot. Also, having up to date info and a UK based company to ask questions when needed, made such a difference.
I've included a couple of tips for places that are family friendly in Ibiza
Restaurants
First and foremost we are a foodie family. For the shoot we ate a lot at the hotel which was perfect (see pics above). Croissants, fruits, yoghurts and hams for breakfast. For lunch salads, pasta or omlettes (children's portion available) and dinner is different each evening.
We do have couple of favourite places from other trips to:
Sa Soca is situated on the San Antonio side of the island. Eat under beautiful trellis of flowers and enjoy beautiful fresh fish and meats. This family run restaurant is incredibly welcoming with children and make sure that they feel special. It's grown up local food and a real treat. I'd recommend you book as it's very busy.
Comida Bar San Juan is my top pick though if you're in Ibiza old town and want to sample real local cooking. This tiny restaurant with 10 tightly packed tables opens at 1pm and has queues forming from 12.30pm. With a daily changing menu of local dishes and the chefs choice this is tasty and inexpensive. It's so tiny there's not even a website.
Carrer de Guillem de Montgrí, 8, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears
Beaches
There are so many nice coves and beaches but my best advice is to go early. The party people on the island don't make their way to the beaches till late morning so you'll have lots of space to play with the children.
Top Tips
- Ibiza is fab but, certain months can be more bug heavy. So have a quick check.
- Late flight to Ibiza is party central, if you're travelling with young children it can be very rowdy. I recommend you book your seats together, on a plus side no one hears when you're 2 year old has a tantrum!!
- Car Hire - don't go for the cheapest. The queue for inter rent is BAD! If you have the budget spend a little more and save yourself the 1.5/2 hour queue to collect your car!
- Driving in Ibiza is great, it's a tiny island and really easy to nip around. The roads are super narrow though so, avoid giant cars if you want to worry less about your wing mirrors.
- There are very few baby changing facilities in any of the bars or restaurants in Ibiza (in my experience) if you have a little one definitely carry a portable changing mat everywhere.
Ibiza Facts
- Population: 132,637 (2010)
- Location: Balearic Sea
- Capital: Ibiza Town
Hotel Facts
Owned by: Famous Actor Terry Thomas in 1950's, it is now managed by his youngest son, Cushan and Laetitia.
No of rooms: 8
Vibe: Relax and enjoy the peace that is Can Talaias, the house on the hill. Look out from this privileged spot in the most natural and unspoilt area of the island, over the pine forests to the mediterranean sea.
Hope you enjoyed this Adventure Awaits? Would love to hear if you've been to Ibiza and what your tips are?
Love,
Emma & H x
Ps. Keep your eyes peeled for a video of our adventure.
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