Luke Hersheson enjoys the ‘luxe vibes’ of the smallest and southernmost of the Balearic Islands on holiday with his family.
Where is your favourite destination and why?
Formentera. Without sounding wanky, it has the spiritual calmness that Ibiza used to. It’s a much more chilled alternative and less hectic and pretentious — less scene-y. You can spend the perfect long days on amazing beaches and there’s still some great restaurants, but it feels untouched compared to the mainland.
“All of Formentera is incredibly scenic — there’s not an ugly bit to it”
Luke Hersheson
When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
I’ve been going to the islands since I was about 24, so 20 years or so. I went this summer with my family. I’ve got two kids who are seven and four, so daytimes are more important on holidays than they used to be. It’s a good place to go with children as it’s very flat!
Where do you like to stay?
We rent an Airbnb in a village called La Mola which is very rural, rustic and feels very hidden. People say it’s the quietest place on the island. Or there’s a hotel called Teranka, which opened a couple of years ago, and it has a small, boutique vibe. It’s set between a pine forest and the beach. There aren’t many hotels in Formentera, so it’s ideal if you want a luxe vibe. It’s right on the sand with a restaurant which serves great Mediterranean food.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
I love Chezz Gerdi, which is like an old camper van with a “Formentera” sign on it serving paella. It has such a nice vibe and there’s also a boutique there which sells nice linens and little jewellery pieces that are so well curated, and it’s not expensive.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
What’s amazing about that island is how clear and insanely blue the water is — you don’t get that in Ibiza. So I’d take a boat out to explore and visit some of the amazing coves. Plus I’d go over to Ibiza (it’s only 30 minutes away) and have lunch at Es Torrent restaurant which is set in a very calm little cove. There’s always tables full of families and friends, and the food is super-simple — the salt-baked fish is so tasty. Then I’d stay at the bay which has beach beds where people spend the whole day relaxing, and as the sun goes down you can chill and watch. The view is epic.
Is there a hidden gem that you’re willing to share?
A restaurant and beach club called 10.7 on Playa Migjorn, which is one of the best ones on the island. It’s such a chilled vibe and the food is unfussy. The owner is there serving tables.
What’s the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
We had a chef come in to our Airbnb for a couple of days and make great food for us. It was a really nice thing to do — it feels very chilled. We booked it through a concierge company called Tangerine which specialises in experiences. We had a traditional, simple Mediterranean meal with chicken skewers and great veg, and the chef made amazing cookies for the kids.
Who do you call for a good time?
My wife and kids! As I’ve gotten older there’s no one I’d rather hang out with than my family.
Favourite shops?
If you get a boat over to Ibiza, my favourite place for shopping is Santa Gertrudis. There’s a shop called Number 74, which does really amazing linen shirts and button-down tunics. Or Baron sells Spanish and contemporary brands. It’s very well curated.
What’s the dress code?
I like to wear shirts from this brand I love: SMR Days, and some plastic Birkenstock in white or pink.
What are your packing essentials?
A really good book — I read non-fiction on holiday as I like things that will help me when I come back to work and give me ideas, so mainly on leadership. I read Built to Last by Jim Collins recently. Plus I always bring my iPad and a great SPF from La Roche-Posay.
What’s your favourite beauty spot?
All of Formentera is incredibly scenic — there’s not an ugly bit to it, no wrong turns. Because it’s so hard to get to, it has kept its soul — you can’t drive over from Ibiza, you have to get a boat, and there’s no airport.
Do you exercise while you’re there?
Yes, I have a yoga teacher who comes over to the house to lead vinyasa flow. Her name is Olga Prakriti, she works across both islands.
A song that reminds you of the place?
I Follow Rivers by Lykke Li as it’s so chill.
A building that you’d like to live in?
Any of the beautiful white minimalist blocks with great views.
What’s your favourite memory of the place?
I got engaged in Ibiza, at Atzaró hotel after spending a long time planning it in 2015. So that’s really special! The hotel operates under agrotourism, so it’s part farm, part hotel and only has 24 rooms plus a great spa attached to it. It’s very special.
