27/03/08: Strike a pose: VOGUE LUNCH, YEMANJA

I’m not afraid to say this - I love supermodels. You might remember an episode of SATC where Carrie, when asked to explain her obsession with supermodels, declared, ‘I just love them.’ Well, I’m on that wavelength completely. Maybe it’s an extension of my fascination with all things beautiful and stylish, maybe it’s an aspirational thing or maybe it’s just plain weird but whatever it is, I was THRILLED to be asked to interview my numero uno favourite super model Gisele Bundchen, in Ibiza today.

The leggy ubermodel is in town for the international launch of her range of sunglasses - that’s gafas de sol in Spanish in case you were wondering - with Vogue Eyewear and part of the three-day media extravaganza was a long leisurely lunch at Yemanja in Cala Jondal for the visiting international press.

Being one of the only local gals in attendance, Miss W was actually swelling with pride to hear the many first-time-in-Ibiza journos from all over the world gush about how beautiful our island is, how fantastic the food and service was at Yemanja (we could have told them that!) and how much they were enjoying their stay at the newly opened Fenicia Prestige Hotel. Nice life if you can get it right?

Schmoozing, mingling and air-kissing are something that a girl in my industry gets accustomed to - and sometimes tired of - very quickly but today, when sharing a table with writers from Turkey, Brazil, Spain, Italy and France, I couldn’t help but think what a down to earth and friendly bunch I’d fallen in with - not your typical Devil Wears Prada fashion fiends at all.

Or maybe it’s just that Ibiza brings out the best in everyone?


THE LOWDOWN

The good: Two words. Paella. Yum.
The bad: The face of the brand, Gisele Bundchen, was so busy meet and greeting the international media, she didn’t make it to Yemanja. Her loss, we say.
The gossip: When you’re sitting at a table of journalists from around the world, the language barriers can make it a little difficult to eavesdrop. Note to Miss W: must improve Spanish/Italian/French/Portuguese, pronto!

THE LOWDOWN

27/03/08: Strike a pose: GISELE BUNDCHEN, ATZARO

I won’t bore you about my obsession with supermodels again - Miss W finds it SO TEDIOUS when people constantly repeat themselves - but have I mentioned how excited I was to interview Gisele? Well, no sooner had I finished my divine paella at Yemanja, than I was whisked off to Atzaro for a face-to-face with the Brazilian glamazon herself.

SIGH. She was every bit as fab - if not more - than I had hoped. Super smart, witty, knowledgeable, funny and of course, supremely beautiful, I chatted to Miss Bundchen about everything from Ibiza (of course) and shopping to the stock market and home renovations. No talk of her love life, but that’s fine - I mean, the girl’s here to promote sunglasses, not relationships!

Later in the evening, we were treated to another presentation - courtesy of MC Gisele in an amazing skin-tight white dress - at our favourite Agroturismo, Atzaro. As much as I love her, all I can say is thank heavens for champagne! It certainly helps ease the pain of killer heels throughout a press conference, photo call and video presentation.

Following was a fabulous meal (by which stage Gisele had disappeared - but don’t worry, she definitely does eat as we devoured some amazing goat’s cheese together earlier) and I was really impressed. It’s extremely hard to cater to a room of 250 picky, fussy, finicky journalists but Atzaro managed to pull it off. A round of applause please!

And afterwards of course was the actual launch party. The who’s who of Ibiza turned out to watch Atomic Kitten (an odd selection given the locale, but who are we to comment?) perform in micro-frocks in a freezing cold plunge pool - poor loves. Queens of Noize provided the super cool 80s soundtrack to the rest of the evening as we danced the night away… conveniently forgetting that tomorrow is a school day!

I’ll save any further details of the party for magazines and newspapers but what I can tell you is that Gisele confided to that me she’d purchased her sexy slinky white dress at ultra exclusive boutique Mayurka in Ibiza Town the previous day and that when she thinks of Ibiza, she thinks white, white, white - dresses, bikinis, t-shirts, architecture… Was she reading my mind?

Actually, I like to think we had a kind of special bond, you know?

THE LOWDOWN
The good: The supermodel herself was so lovely, Miss W wanted to make her an honorary White-ette. Or adopt her as a sister. We look kind of similar from the back you know…
The bad: Atomic Kitten heckling the crowd and groping their own male dancers. Come on ladies (I use the term loosely), Ibiza Uncovered is a thing of the past.
The gossip: Though there were a lot of sunglasses around the venue to be tried on, we hear whispers there was a distinct lack of ‘gift bags’ towards the end of the event. What - Atomic Kitten weren’t enough for you guys?

23/03/08: Getting hippy with it: LAS DALIAS HIPPY MARKET

As much as I love shopping in the gorgeously lit boutiques of Ibiza town, sometimes you can’t beat the experience a market, strolling around in the sun and rifling through unexpected piles of well… stuff. So this sunny Sunday afternoon, I decided a visit to Las Dalias, the famous hippy market in San Carlos was in order.

Now let’s just get one thing clear from the start: when I think hippy, I’m pretty sure I’m not harking back to the free-spirited, bra-burning revolutionaries of the sixties and seventies. I’m thinking more along the lines of the modern bohemian fashion pack - Jade, Kate and Sienna et al. But whichever way you look at it, Las Dalias is where it’s at when it comes to the boho-luxe look.

And yes, boho-luxe is back, for those of you who missed it the first time around.

So, poncho in hand and braids in hair, it was off to the campo for Miss W to boho-ise my summer wardrobe. Kaftan? Tick. Beads? Tick. Scarf, belt and feather earrings? Tick, tick and tick. But my favourite purchase today? An unbelievable hand-made tasselled leather satchel bag - conveniently laptop-sized. Those black briefcase style bags are so passé in Ibiza, don’t you think?

THE LOWDOWN

The good: Sunshine, shopping and a shandy. What’s not to love about strolling through the stalls with a cerveza? It’s a little bit rustic and a whole lotta rock chick cool - well, when in Las Dalias…
The bad: Though it’s still early days, it seemed a lot of stall holders may still be stocking up on their wares in exotic corners of the world based on the small number of stalls and vast amount of empty space outdoors.
The gossip: The extortionate price tag attached to a range of Minnetonka boots (a la Kate Moss) was a hot topic amongst the White-ettes. While we don’t doubt their authenticity, we do know we could snap up an identical pair online and have them shipped to Ibiza for half the price.

20/03/08: Braving the spring chill: VILLA MERCEDES

There are certain groups of people in Ibiza - and you know who you are - who turn their noses up at San Antonio, but never Miss W and the White-ettes. We say forget what you’ve seen on TV, check your attitude at the Egg and listen up. There are some seriously amazing venues on this side of the island - not to mention the most spectacular sunsets - and while San An is a ghost town from October to May, I’m excited to slowly but surely head back to my favourite haunts.

Tonight marked the grand re-opening of Villa Mercedes, the divinely upmarket restaurant owned by the lovable Javier of Café Mambo fame, which sits slightly to the left of the sunset strip but still boasts a stunning view. Villa Merc (as Miss W affectionately calls it) has the most gorgeous outdoor terrace area to enjoy long and chilled-out meals - think lazy lunches and indulgent three course dinners.

But sadly for tonight, the heat of the previous week was merely a memory, meaning revellers were left to huddle up against one another at the outdoor bar to retain warmth rather than dine alfresco. Shame really, since the food at Villa Merc is simply fabulous, even if you do risk a chill at this time of year. The fact it’s totally vegetarian and eco-friendly means extra points scored in my book - there’s a certain White-ette who is strictly veg-only and it’s a rarity for her to find a restaurant with more than one menu item for her to choose from (meaning our return visits are guaranteed). Our compliments to the chef indeed…

THE LOWDOWN

The good: The flamenco flavours of Paco Fernandez - who totally seems to be Mr Popular on the island entertainment circuit at the moment - kept guests on the terrace despite the cold snap.
The bad: The icy air of course - sharing body heat with new acquaintances is always a little bit awkward. Where were those heaters?
The gossip: There were a whispers about a well-known ex-employee of the Mambo group being notably absent - but Miss W can report there is absolutely no bad blood between the two, the person in question was simply not on the island at the time.

19/03/08: Trans-seasonal fashion crisis

Everybody knows that Monday and Tuesday are the ‘unofficial’ weekend days here in Ibiza, so Miss W decided to give herself some downtime after the weekend’s antics, spending most of Monday pampering with scrubs, masks and a pedicure, even though it’s not exactly sandal season just yet. The island is still only operating at about 50 per cent, so I didn’t exactly feel guilty about not being out and about for a few days. A girl needs her beauty sleep after all.

Oh and by the way - this summer, toes are going to be all about hot pink. Yet again.

As usual, Hump Day (that’s Wednesday to those of you who need the hint) rolled around much faster than I would have liked, and Miss W found herself having to roll out of bed before 9am for a meeting with her fellow White-ettes. Thank god for Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is all I’ll say - and let me tell you this about that: you are going to hear me say this over and over and over again come summer!

To tell you the honest truth - between you and me and at the risk of getting into trouble with the White-ettes - I generally don’t do ANYTHING before 11am. Unless you count stalking my Potential Boyfriend on Facebook and drinking tea in pyjamas (which I do not). Despite my brain not being in full gear, I still managed to steer conversation from work to slouch boots (always in style in Ibiza), Jade Jagger, Russell Brand (whose Booky Wook I have just finished reading and I must say, I loved it and didn’t want it to end!) and what to wear to tonight’s very frou frou El Ayoun opening party!

Sadly for my pedicured tootsies, the weather seems far too cold to bare my toes, which means I needed to rely on my old faithful vintage stack-heeled tan boots combined with leggings and a black pleated Chanel-esque frock combined with a military coat - TOTALLY channelling Maggie Gyllenhaal. For the record, the dress was not actually Chanel - but the best I can do at such short notice!

19/03/08: The return of jet-set chic: EL AYOUN OPENING PARTY

As I hopped into the car tonight with a White-ette and her Wonderful Boyfriend, I immediately became aware of the fact I again had forgotten to fake tan (essential on an island of bronzed beauties) and resolved to keep my coat on all evening - a resolve I instantly forgot, tossing said coat into a corner after just one glass of bubbles!

Head-to-toe glamour was apparent as we waltzed down the red carpet and through the ever-so-cute teensy wooden door of El Ayoun - who by the way, are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Think jaw-dropping floor length red gowns to chic Pobs and plenty of Talitha Getty-esque kaftans, I couldn’t help but wonder which woodwork these girls had crawled (or strutted) from. Was this the actual ‘jet-set’, flown in for the event?

Demand for tables in the restaurant meant it was completely booked out, so Miss W had a champagne supper - bikini season is rapidly approaching so I wasn’t complaining. I overheard a well-known local restaurant manager raving that the new sushi lounge was fantastic and so I plan to head back next Friday night to try it out!

Instead, I made do with pretending I was an extra in a Kylie Minogue film clip - the décor really is tres chic and the crowd certainly looked the part. Watched some trendy youngsters (who needed some tips on how to apply hair gel) throw shapes on the dance floor, all the while keeping one eye on their own reflections in the mirror! Certainly no Potential Boyfriend, but definitely good for a giggle…

THE LOWDOWN

The good: A super stylish sushi bar has replaced the old boutique and not a moment too soon. A girl can never have enough tuna sashimi…
The bad: Certain outfits - including some 80s-esque printed leggings and a floor length fur ensemble - proving that money really can’t buy style.
The gossip: With the new legislation regarding noise and entertainment licenses, it was questionable just how far into the evening El Ayoun would be able to continue with a live DJ spinning… let me just say it certainly went on long enough for Miss W to have a good time!

16/03/08: The morning after… ATZARO SPRING FIESTA

The morning after Bambuddha Grove’s opening bash, Ibiza really turned on her charm, dousing the island in glorious (I never say glorious, but honestly, there no other way to describe it!) rays of dazzling sunshine, making it easy to dip into the energy reserves and head to the hills for the Atzaro Spring Fiesta.

Those Ibiza types who - like Miss W - managed to get a bit of shut-eye after Bambuddha Grove finally heaved its gigantic wooden doors shut headed for the hills and found it oh-so-easy to get straight back into the swing of afternoon cocktails, while those still feeling slightly shady hid behind oversized shades and sipped coffee - or was it hair of the dog - on comfy daybeds in the sun.

The sprawling estate played host to flamenco fave Paco Fernandez, followed by the Balearic grooves of Jon Sa Trinxa. What Balearic grooves are, well, is a hotch potch of chillout dance, relaxing smooth tunes and some mellow 80s classics... But that’s just my opinion! As the sun slowly made its descent over the orange groves (note: Miss W loved the big baskets of oranges scattered everywhere for effect), the party was a chilled, chic and child-friendly affair – lots of little longhaired cuties splashing in the water feature and doing their best not to annoy any hungover mums and dads! No sightings of Potential Boyfriend however, though I did have my eyes peeled. Wonder where they could have gotten to?

THE LOWDOWN

The good: You couldn’t ask for a more stunning day to spend in the campo (that’s the country to us folk!) - the ideal way to nurse a sore head.
The bad: Hearing the same tales of chase-the-sun adventures as the night before. Enough with the small talk guys; we’re all friends here!
The gossip: The absence of a two very notable island types caused a few murmurs – not that Miss W would mention any names of course. Did they or didn’t they leave Bambuddha Grove together? And why the no-show?

5/03/08: It’s good to be back: BAMBUDDHA GROVE OPENING PARTY

It’s a well-known fact on the island that the annual Bambuddha Grove opening party marks the beginning of summer (even if we are still technically in spring!) and though the hangover from its famous Halloween closing party is still lurking a little too close to Miss W’s memory for comfort, the buzz about town was enough to make me brush it to one side, and get right back in the saddle again. Or is it back on the horse? I never know which. Either way, pass the cocktails!

As I pulled into San Juan, it was clear Bambuddha Grove could have been re-named Ram-Buddha Grove, as the road was lined with luxury four wheel drives and the venue was teeming with familiar faces I was overjoyed to see return to the island - in particular one well-known promoter who appears to have swapped his party boy ways for a swish new TV presenting role - and locals too. Basically, you couldn’t swing a Jagger kid for fear of hitting an 80s pop star!

By the time the last chopsticks were laid to rest - as always, the food was sensational - the makeshift dance floor was packed. Most action took place by the bars, a melting pot (or in this case, wok!) of artists, models, musicians, music industry types, DJs, promoters, bar owners, clubbing identities and ex-football stars, all showing off suntans thanks to adventures in Thailand/Goa/Aspen/Australia! It appeared the entire population of Ibiza had dusted off their winter cobwebs to make an appearance, and it also made Miss W feel in desperate need of a fake bake, since I’d spent the entire winter in Ibiza!

THE LOWDOWN
The good: Seeing the movers and shakers starting the season early after a five-month hiatus. A boost for local tourism, right?
The bad: Where were the television cameras and why wasn’t Miss W asked to giver her take on the event?
The gossip: All eyes were firmly fixed on the VIP room - accessed only by those bearing a very special wristband - with whispers of a ‘magic punch’ circulating amongst those eager to get inside. Of course Miss W was there, but well, I never sip and tell!