Honestly, we don't like to wish away summer. I promise you we don't, but all around Ibiza you can hear a collective sigh of relief that another August is behind us. No doubt our sister island of Formentera shares our sentiments.
Nobody wants to be fighting for a table in restaurants or sheltering from the sun at noon. The promise of good weather and great food is part of the reason you chose the Balearics as a holiday destination.
This isn't a groan though. Quite the opposite. The intensity of August - both the heat and the footfall - has now eased, which makes the short trip across the water a very attractive prospect again. What better way to experience it than with Formentera With Benefits?
Operated by seasoned pros Ibiza Boat Club, the boat-party-that-isn't-a-boat-party sails daily until 22 September (and pretty frequently thereafter, all the way to mid-October).
Formentera With Benefits is great in so many ways, but let us break it down for you.
- it's not a super early start, so you aren't scrambling to turn off your alarm in the dark. You can even lie in. Check-in closes at 10:45, with departure at 11:15
- "floating beach club" luxury vessel capped at only 85 passengers, despite a considerably larger capacity
- NOT a party boat - ideal for couples seeking a romantic escapade or more mature groups
- breakfast is included - and it isn't your typical continental breakfast with jam and pastries
- all-inclusive free bar whilst onboard. Choose from beer, sangria, wine, water and soft drinks - say no more
- five hours of free personal time on Formentera to explore at your own pace and to the beat of your own drum
- an hour's swim stop in crystalline clear waters - you won't believe you're somewhere in the Mediterranean
- giant paella cooking show on board for the return leg
- a Café Caleta at sundown on the return journey - the perfect end to the day and sure to take the edge off
- return to port at 21:00 - a full day exploring
As you can see, "boat party" is a bit of a misnomer here. If anything, this is a leisurely cruise there and back. Once on Formentera, you're as free as a bird to spend your time as energised (bike hire, snorkelling) or as effortless (sunbathing, dining, boozing) as you see fit.
There's no right or wrong way to do it. You're the boss. Personally, we like a combo of everything, but we're just indecisive like that!
Whatever you decide to do, we have no doubt you will be struck by Formentera's natural beauty, pace of life and the character of its residents. It really is a gem.
Some people lament the boom of mass tourism on Ibiza and hanker for the more innocent days of the '70s. If you're sympathetic to that trail of thought, then Formentera is definitely for you.
Now is really the prime Formentera exploring period.
Tickets to all remaining sailings of Formentera With Benefits at Ibiza Boat Club are on sale now and available below.
