Ibiza

Ibiza
might best be known as a playground for wreck heads and
ravers but there is also a calmer, more modest side of the island
that attracts an altogether more health-conscious crowd. No one
knows the ins and outs of the alternative Ibiza better than Russell
Bateman, electronic music lover and founder of elite fitness group
SBC (The
Skinny Bitch Collective). Here he gives SUITCASE his detox guide to
the White Island:

The best place to watch the sun set is…

Es vedrà. Or from a speedboat on your way back from Formentera.
As you do.

My favourite breakfast is…

If not eggs and bacon in the villa, I will run down to Passion Café for
some gluten-free pancakes!

A juice always goes down well at…

La
Paloma does a feisty green number that’s perfect for that
post-party hangover. Great cheesecake too.

The best beach to practice your downward dog is…

The white sands of Formentera are worth the boat trip from Ibiza
for the sheer beauty alone. It’s still so underrated. Literally
like a chunk of the Maldives in Europe. Stunning.

When I want new clothes I go to…

I’m always in flip-flops and vests but there’s some amazing
hippie markets scattered around the island where you can get some
really nice bits and bobs. Ibiza town has some cool shops and is
great to visit at nighttime.

The best way to get keep fit on the island is…

Apart from when SBC pops up, there are some great retreats on
the island. I’m a big fan of beach runs and dusk hikes when it’s
not too hot. Dancing your ass off in DC-10 is going to get you fit,
too!

When I train I listen to…

Dixon or Jon Hopkins get you in the zone with intense audio
intricacies. They get me fired up and emotional. That’s key before
training.

When I want to relax I listen to…

Ulrich Schnauss or FKA Twigs can take you to another dimension.
Sit back on the beach with a towel over your head and your
headphones in.

If I wanted to take a dip in the sea I’d go
to…

Benirrás Beach – if you can’t get to Formentera then this is the
place to dip. Great hippie vibe.

My favourite spa is…

My friend looks after things at 38 Degrees
North, which apparently hits the spot. The provisionally named
KIMA, the super elusive retreat which is invite-only for the next
year, should open to the public soon and will blow minds. Look out
for an SBC presence there along with blood-work analysis, the best
practitioners from around the world set in stunning holistic
scenery.

If I took a girl out to dinner I’d take her
to…

La
Paloma for understated tasty food outdoors under the stars
surrounded by nature and candles. I love their burgers! Amante has
cliff-top tables. Nice to listen to the sea while devouring some
sea bass.

I would never leave the island without…

Trying to get an invite to ‘the Kave’, the infamous after party
venue where the A-listers play. You might just bump into Kanye
dancing to Kate Moss spinning on the decks. You also have to go
find the prehistoric mud baths in Formentera.

The alternative Ibiza in three words is…

Re-birth, open-air cinemas, Formentera.

SBC film the second season of The SBC
Experience in Ibiza this may. Look out for some special events
to coincide.