My life in Ibiza: Tom Gray Amat, Partner at Villacontact Ibiza

Next in our new blog series, My Life in Ibiza, where we get to know a little more about the people in our community, is our third interviewee: Tom Gray Amat, who runs Villacontact alongside his brother and sister Robbie and Clea. Tom, lives in Santa Eulalia within walking distance of the Villacontact office – born and raised here, he gives us a glimpse into his island life and some tips for getting the most out of Ibiza.

Where is home?
Home has always been Santa Eulalia which is located on the east side of the island. I have an apartment on the seafront which I find extremely convenient as I can walk to work and have all of the amenities of the town at my doorstep.

What’s your morning routine?
My apartment is right on the beach, so from late spring until autumn I like starting the day with an early morning swim. I then head back up to the apartment for a light breakfast and catch up on mails before heading into the office.

Where do you go for a quick after work drink?
I enjoy having an after-work beer at Project Social. They have a good selection of beers and IPAs, friendly staff and there’s always a nice buzz about the place.

What is your favourite beach and why?
My favourite beach would have to be Cala Nova. There is something really special about the bay, the rocky walkway behind the beach and the amazing turquoise colours of the sea. It’s one of the the few bays that gets a swell too so there sea comes alive. There are numerous beach bars and restaurants on or off the beach too. My favorite is Chiringuito Can Colomaret which is right on the beach and low key.

Where do you make sure to take visitors when they come to Ibiza?
I tend to like showing friends some of the more genuine parts of the island such as the beach restaurants of Pou des Lleo near Cala Boix and Restaurante Cala Xuclar. These places are more authentic, more reasonably priced and consistently produce great food. A day trip to Formentera is also a must, the sea and the beaches are sensational and there is a very special and relaxing vibe about the place.

Date night restaurant and what do you order?
A good date night restaurant would have to be Casa Maca, they have a great menu, good music, and it’s nice and close to Ibiza town if you feel tempted to kick on for a few more drinks. This winter The Standard restaurant Jara has been quite popular, or Roto in the marina is great fun at the weekend.

Drinks with mates?
If the plan is to go into Ibiza town, we might start with a few beers in Plaza del Parque before heading towards the port and the old town then onto Paradise Lost for cocktails and Balearic beats.

Best Sunday in Ibiza vibe?
Sunday vibes for me are beach vibes. You can’t beat a nice long lunch at La Escollera Restaurant in Es Cavallet followed by a nice walk along the beach to the point where you will find the defense towers built in the 16th century to protect the island from invaders called La Torre de Ses Portes.

Most unusual/interesting thing to do in Ibiza?
Make your way to the Observatory in the old town and take a closer look at the moon and Saturn through the powerful telescope which is quite amazing, or spend an evening out fishing for calamari on a Llaut which is a traditional wooden fishing boat. Both these experiences are unique and definitely off the beaten track.

Favourite store and what do you buy there?
I´m not a big shopper but I do like cooking and I appreciate a good food market. The main food market in Santa Eulalia has a great selection of locally sourced fruit and vegetables and some of the freshest and best locally caught rock fish on the island. I highly recommend taking a peak.

Where do you go or what do you do to give yourself a treat?
I like taking a short flight to Palma for a long weekend to play golf. There’s a good group of us at the club here and its always a nice change to play a few rounds and get that dose of city life for a few nights.

Best advice for people moving to Ibiza?
Make sure you come here with a bit of a plan. Learn some Spanish if possible as it certainly helps. Even just a few phrases opens a lot of doors and gets a smile.

It’s a very seasonal place, so make sure you bear this in mind if you are considering setting up a new business and be prepared for the quiet pace of life in the winter.