Silvia Schrama, husband Claude and their three gorgeous boys Tiger, Bamboo and Rocket are one seriously cool family. Having recently relocated from Amsterdam, they now call the Mediterranean island of Ibiza home, and it’s where they will soon open a chic new store carrying their favourite brands from around the world, including Children of the Tribe. Silvia kindly shared her tips for families visiting this surprisingly laid-back paradise.
Your family has just relocated from Amsterdam to the island paradise of Ibiza. Tell us what you love most.
Inspired by the island’s lifestyle, freedom and bohemian beauty, we knew life could be lived at a much more laid-back pace, so we made the decision to call Ibiza our second home. Whether you’re looking for the best parties, great food or just want to relax in nature; there’s something here for everyone. I personally fell in love with Ibiza many years ago. It’s a dream destination for families, kids are welcome everywhere, there’s wonderful weather from Easter to mid-November, small villages, beautiful beaches, incredible food and lots of fun for kids and adults. Most of the beaches are perfect for families as they offer great services including lifeguards, showers, restaurants and beach clubs providing children’s corners. This island has it all!
Any hidden, family-friendly gems on Ibiza we should know about?
We love to go to Aguas Blancas or Cala Vadella beach. You go back in time at both places. Agua Blancas is more raw, with high cliffs. The water, the sand, the rocks - it’s all still so authentic. Cala Vadella is a great beach for kids and stunning too, whether you’re lunching in a nice restaurant in the daytime or plotted up on a blanket at night with takeaway pizza watching the sunset, it’s heaven.
Benirras is a beach where you won’t find loud tourists and big beach bars. On Sundays, locals come here to play drums, sing, dance and sell pizzas on the beach. The kids love this!
We also love the markets held weekly throughout the island. A great one to visit is the craft market in Sant Joan, an authentic feast in the village every Sunday. Here you can admire the work of craft artists and get the opportunity to discover the charm of the inland villages of the island. Also, there’s always live music and activities that make each market day unique.
Where's your favourite place to eat with your boys on the island?
One of the island’s treasures is La Paloma, the tables are set under orange trees, almost all the ingredients are homegrown and the food is made with love. You can enjoy the peaceful ambience of Ibiza’s countryside and your children will play in a large garden with slides and games.
Best dish at the beach El Chiringuito is located at one of the most beautiful beaches, Es Cavallet. Pretty much anything you order is high quality. Their fish is outstanding and fresh homemade pasta as well. At El Chiringuito you’ll relax in laidback luxury letting your children play in the child’s corner, they have a brilliant supervised play area where kiddies can be entertained while you eat.
We hear Formentera is more chilled and bohemian than Ibiza. Do you guys go there?
Of course, it’s a must-go! Tranquility and warm turquoise waters, Formentera is an authentic paradise for the whole family. Formentera is Ibiza’s little sister, without the touristy resorts and giant parties.
Only a ferry ride from Ibiza, Formentera has escaped Ibiza-style development. Back in 1969, Formentera was a stop on the hippy trail to Morocco. It’s a bohemian heaven on earth with outstanding natural beauty, villages with whitewashed houses and secluded, paradise beaches. Formentera’s boutique hotels are laidback and the chiringuitos (beach bars) offer real feet-in-the-sand nightlife. Only in the summer the super-rich now anchor super yachts at Illetes beach, but places like Playa Mitjorn and the small capital, Sant Francesc, retain that hippie, bohemian spirit of the Balearics in the 60s.
Can you share a special memory from your time on the island?
Watching the sunset behind Es Vedrà is one of the best things in Ibiza, the boys love it! Es Vedrà is, without doubt, the most impressive natural landmark in Ibiza. Rising out of the sea off the south-westerly coast, the best views of this uninhabited islet can be found at Cala D’Hort beach [time your visit carefully though – it can get a bit busy!]. Still, at any time of day you can have the kids enthralled by all the stories and legends associated with Es Vedrà. It reputedly has weird magnetic properties [science has proved otherwise, but it’s still a good story] and is widely believed to be the home of the Sirens that attempted to dash Odysseus’s ship on the rocks. It’s the setting for one of Ibiza’s most famous folk tales concerning a giant, two brothers and a host of friendly sea urchins, and over the years has picked up a bit of a reputation for being a UFO hotspot – so keep an eye on the skies!
Describe the perfect day on Ibiza with your tribe of boys?
Have a lazy late breakfast on our terrace with the whole family, or breakfast at Passion Cafe with the kids playing opposite on the playground. Then we’d take a boat trip to Formentera or around the coast of Ibiza, you might be lucky and see a pod of dolphins. To end the day, we’d watch sunset overlooking Es Vedra either at Cala Carbo beach or a lovely beach bar/restaurant called Sunset Ashram. If the kids are not too tired, then we’ll have an evening stroll around the Old Town. This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 2500 years of history.
Taking three little boys away on holiday is no mean feat! Can you share any tips for travelling with kids?
- If you’re taking a long flight, consider a night flight. If the flight takes place when your child would normally be sleeping it’s likely they will sleep for a large part of the flight.
- Don’t let the children pack their own bags, otherwise they will bring their entire collection of hot wheels.
-Take a pillow, small children can sit on a pillow to see out of the window, older children will sleep more comfortably.
- Get an ipad, this will entertain them for a long time!
-Take some lollipops as landing and take off can cause some painful ears, this will distract them.
Interview: Amy Mills
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Check out Silvia on Instagram
The Boys wear COTT Exclusives (in order of appearance): Sol Luna Singlet, Peace Singlet, Island Vibes (sold out) Stay Rad Muscle Tee, Caravan Tee (Coming soon- register email for restock notification) Jungle Fever Shorts, Jungle Fever Drawstring shorts (big boys), Stripe Singlet
It may be renowned for it’s partying reputation but there is a laid-back vibe to this island paradise. With its secluded beach coves, rugged landscapes and casually spiritual atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Ibiza is increasingly attracting families wanting an exotic destination the kids will love. To make the most of your time on the white isle, Children of the Tribe have created a locals guide to Ibiza just for you. a ‘locals’ guide to Ibiza just for you.
¡Salud! X
