If you missed part 1 of this dreamy honeymoon, before you get started on Part 2, take a squizz at Georgie and Phil’s travels thus far here!

Stop 2 – Ibiza

After three nights in Formentera, we caught to boat back to Ibiza for our next ‘mini moon’. Again, I did a lot of research about where to stay and finally settled on ‘the Giri Residence’ in the north of the Island. Once upon a time I would have wanted to be right in the heart of Ibiza old town, which I am told is rather spectacular, but as this holiday was meant to be one of total relaxation we decided to head north, to the sleepy village of Sant Joan de Labritja.

Giri was a bit fancier than Can Tres and more of a ‘hotel’. It was also more expensive. But given it was our honeymoon, we decided YOLO and to book it. Giri is essentially a luxury boutique Hotel with only 5 rooms.

We stayed in the Oleander Suite, which reminded me of the wand master from Harry Potter and delighted me no end! The service we received from the staff was exemplary. For example, we could have breakfast wherever we liked and whatever time we liked. The chef would make us anything. And each day around 3pm, whilst lounging by the pool, we were offered a gourmet afternoon tea. Heaven!

The Giri felt a little like a Balinese oasis. There was no one around, it was quiet, peaceful and totally relaxing. Each night before going out for dinner we enjoyed a bottle of cava, some crisps with a side of stranger things on the iPad – all the while dressed in our fluffy robes and slippers. Not bad!

Our highlights of Ibiza included the following (note: again, this is about the food):

Aubergine: This was another garden delight. We were greeted with a glass of complimentary champagne on arrival and then sat under a market umbrella with bougainvillea growing all around us. I mean, spoilt much?! The food was utterly delicious, all fresh and locally sourced and this was the most affordable meal of the trip, which was a nice surprise at the end. I would highly recommend a trip to this delightful spot. 

La Paloma: the next night, we went to La Paloma. This restaurant has built up a big reputation and was a lot busier than anywhere else we went. I booked last November and thought for sure we would have the best table, however when we arrived it turns out they hadn’t remembered our booking because I booked so early! Not impressed.

Anyway after I politely complained (Phil was dying and happy to sit in the dirt at this point) they shuffled a few things around and we got the table we wanted. The restaurant is beautiful – you are essentially eating dinner by candlelight under the citrus trees. The food, whilst not as amazing as some of the other places we ate at, was delicious. If nothing else, I would recommend La Paloma for the experience.

 

Shamarkanda: the next night we went to Shamarkanda on a recommendation from the chef at Giri (it was a 10 min walk from there) and what a recommendation it was! We both decided this was the second best meal of the trip.

It was another al fresco dining experience but the food was just incredible – a more worldly experience than just Mediterranean food. The combination of flavours that the chef used was inspired. The restaurant was so relaxing and there was lovely music playing in the background. The staff were friendly and charming. Our experience was a true highlight!

The Giri Café: Our final night was spent at the Giri Café, which was fortunately less than a minutes’ walk from our Hotel. Again, we ate dinner in the garden surrounded by flowers, vegetables and trees. There were even some sheep grazing in the paddock behind us. The food is Mediterranean, healthy and fresh. It exceeded our expectations and was the perfect end to our epic gastro tour through the islands!

Other general honeymoon tips

  • If time and finances allow, go on your honeymoon straight after your wedding. I don’t think I could’ve physically and emotionally coped with going back to work the Monday after our wedding. Don’t underestimate how tired you will be, but also how much of a high you will be on and that you will want to continue the celebrations with your new husband or wife.
  • Book ALL restaurants and Beach Clubs and other adventure trips etc in advance. And mention it is your honeymoon and how excited you are to include their restaurant or facility as part of your break. We were treated so well because people knew it was such a special holiday for us. Also, with bookings, my view is that you can always cancel them. It is much harder to book last minute, especially in high season.
  • Do your research. If you haven’t been somewhere before, look up websites like Conde Nast or newspaper travel guides to find out what experts and locals recommend. Wedding websites like this one are also very helpful!!

Ms Zebra Says: Ahhh we are all SO jealous of this incredible honeymoon. From the food to the views and total chill zone, Georgie and Phil, you planned – and executed, the perfect relaxing honeymoon!