My Island: Ruby Kelly, model and holistic retreat chef
Each week, one of Ibiza’s most fascinating residents shares their tips on where to eat, drink, play and discover the unseen side of the island.
'I still remember the feeling I had when I discovered Ibiza. It's almost indescribable but instantly it felt like home, a place where I could be my true self. From around the age of 18 I would often come for extended holidays or work to as a dancer or model for swimwear brands or art magazines. I moved here permanently without much thought or a plan - I just knew it was the right thing to do. Freedom, creativity, connection and nature are the most important factors of my life and to me that is how I would describe Ibiza. The island gives me the ultimate freedom to live life on my own terms, to dance to the beat of my own drum. Ibiza has a unique essence like nowhere else and it will always be my favourite place in the world. It’s allowed me to have a balanced life, where I can dance all day and night yet be my healthiest, productive and most conscious self.'
Viva Flor Rosaura
My favourite thing to do is host lunch and dinner parties. This is the loveliest little farm shop near San Carlos. I normally cycle there and fill up a basket of local seasonal fruit and veggies. It’s a family run farm shop, cash only and they always gift me a bunch of herbs. It’s little things like that which really make me happy.
Cala Mastella
A favourite little beach surrounded by pine trees which makes the water an enchanting greeny blue. I love to lay on a rock for the afternoon and dive into for a swim. It has a tiny picturesque fishing port and my favourite little chiringuito for fresh local fish and a jug of sangria. Then a Cafe Caléta, local Ibiza coffee brewed with cinnamon and brandy. Not many places on the island have it but the most authentic places do.
Juntos House & Hämbre
As a chef I love to be inspired by restaurants and Ibiza is great for that. There are so many restaurants that are made with so much love and creativity. I love Juntos House, a farm-to-table restaurant in San Mateu. I’m always inspired by the creativity of their dishes as well as the ethos behind it. I also love Hämbre, a little restaurant in Santa Eulalia. You can really see how much love they put into their food and the vibe in there is always amazing as well as their groovy decor.
Cala Benirrás
Benirrás will always be one of my favourite little corners of the earth. It was the first place I got the feeling of Ibiza's essence. I love to see the same island faces there religiously on the drums and dancing to honour the sunset. Even thinking about it gives me goosebumps!
Cala Escondida
I love this beach off-season. It’s a nudist beach with crystal clear waters and golden rocks. A favourite memory is of being there with one man playing the Spanish guitar and another man catching a fish with a fork. He told me that he was 89 years old and caught fish everyday. He said that the sea was his medicine. It really warmed my heart.
Sa Trinxa
A Sunday beach day and boogie in Sa Trinxa is a must-do. This place really captures the fun, free spirit essence of ibiza to me. It’s a place you can really let your hair down and the local DJs are always playing bangers - it has never changed and hopefully never will.
Bar Anita
I love the town of San Carlos where I live, I love the history behind it and the stories it holds. There's a beautiful church and the authentic little restaurants like Bar Anita’s bar. I love to go there for a coffee and watch the world go by.
La Finca Can Suldat
One of my favourite spots, this restaurant is especially fun and cosy in the winter. It’s a quirky little finca with an open fire, good steak, cheese fondue, live music and always ends in a dance.
Tierra Iris
Ibiza is a musical island, it’s a place I never stop dancing and singing. From the clubs to the beaches, the restaurants and the streets you can always hear music. I have discovered some incredible artists here and I love to go to live concerts. Tierra Iris is a conscious community and they hold events and workshops which always massively inspire me.
