A Slow Guide to Ibiza with lingerie designer Alexandra Popa
Alexandra Popa first came to Ibiza in her mid-twenties and discovered something entirely different from the island’s reputation - a place of contrast, where stillness and intensity exist side by side. It quickly became somewhere she returned whenever she needed to reset.
For Alexandra, founder of Bordelle, it’s the island’s quieter corners - hidden terraces, northern coves, and uncrowded beaches that matter most. Here, she can breathe, reflect, and simply be. Early mornings are for quiet swims before the crowds arrive, afternoons stretch into long lunches, and evenings can hold stillness or celebration, always with a sense of ease.
These are the moments that make Ibiza feel like a sanctuary, rather than just a destination.
If you had to capture the spirit of Ibiza in a single word or phrase, what would it be?
Liberated stillness – a place where you feel entirely free yet also deeply grounded.
What first drew you to Ibiza, and how would you describe its energy?
I was drawn to the island since my late teens but was strictly forbidden to go by overprotective parents horrified by the bad reputation portrayed in the late 90s docuseries Ibiza Uncovered, largely focusing on San Antonio. I later discovered Ibiza in my mid-twenties, and it very quickly became a place I returned to whenever I needed to reset, reconnect or simply let go and enjoy the party atmosphere that it’s so famous for. What is fascinating about the island is its duality – the wildness and the serenity, the hedonism and the spirituality. There’s a liberating energy in the air that I have never felt anywhere else. This is what drew me in and keeps calling me back.
How does the island influence your creativity and design work?
Ibiza creates space, physically and mentally. When I’m there inspiration has room to surface and breathe. There’s a strong community of creatives and like-minded individuals to exchange ideas with and the visuals are a feast for the eyes and the imagination. The nature and curvature of the cliffs, the geometry of the stone terraces, the way shadows fall on whitewashed walls…these forms often find their way into the architectural lines of our silhouettes. For the Spring/Summer 24 and Spring/Summer 25 campaigns we shot on the island I leaned heavily into its contrasts: minimalism and boldness, softness and structure and all with a touch of humour, fashion and irony to make it Bordelle!
Are there corners of Ibiza that feel untouched by tourism, where you go to recharge?
Absolutely. Despite its mass tourism, Ibiza still has pockets that feel almost sacred. I love the quiet coves in the most northern part of the island, near Punta Galera. Cala Llentia on the Western Coast is another place I return to – the stone circle there has a grounding, ancient energy. And early mornings at Cala d’Hort, before anyone arrives, can be very restorative.
El Mirador at Dalt Vila
Do you have daily rituals that keep you grounded while on the island?
My ritual is incredibly simple: Learning to let go and living the present moment. A disconnection from screens, watching the sun rise or set surrounded by close friends and enjoying nourishing food.
If someone had only 48 hours in Ibiza, what would be your must-visit spots?
Cala d’Hort for a morning swim with a view of Es Vedra, the islet magnetic rock off the southwest coast is a must. El Mirador at Dalt Vila is still one of my favorite spots to stay on the island if I am not at a villa with friends. It was the first five-star boutique hotel and has maintained its friendly quality. Its unique position at the top of the old town is also great for wondering, getting lost and discovering local artisans. I love Casa Jondal for a long lunch that becomes an afternoon and sunset at Cala Compte or Punta Galera. For a more vibey atmosphere, opt for sunset at Experimental Beach. For something a little different, a quiet dinner in the north, ideally somewhere inland under strings of lights and fig trees is recommended. But if more intensity is required, a place with exceptional fresh and locally grown produce is the rustic-luxe dining at Casa Maca followed by an epic night out at Pacha or Universe.
Are there local experiences or workshops that inspire you creatively?
Ibiza has a beautiful community of artistic and health and wellness workshops, most of which are located on the northern part of the island. For an almost all senses wellness experience I highly recommend the secret cove yoga experience which involves a coastal walk followed by a light yoga session in a beautiful and hidden location. For a more exclusive experience, taking your own boat allows you to build your own itinerary, stop for a swim at beautiful coves and a visit to Formentera for lunch at Jaun y Andrea or Es Moli de Sal.
How do the colours, textures, and energy of Ibiza influence your design aesthetic?
The island has a very specific palette: the white fincas, the terracotta earth, the deep cobalt of the sea, the greens of pine forests and the blush skies at dusk. I often borrow these tones and translate them into more abstract interpretations in embroidered tulles, jerseys, meshes and hardware. Texture is equally important and the interplay of matte and shine, shadow and light is experimented with in the campaign photography to not only convey a narrative but to highlight the tactile and experimental nature of the pieces through their adjustability.
La Paloma
Which places serve food or drinks that feel nourishing for both body and soul?
I love La Paloma for food that tastes like it has been cooked with real care. Bar Anita in San Carlos is rustic, timeless and a reminder of the island’s roots. Jondal for an elevated simplicity – everything is so fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Es Torrent is one of my favorite fish restaurants, located in a small cove near Sant Josep. The menu is old school, there is no music, and they do the best seafood fideua (similar to a seafood paella but using very thin pasta noodles) I have ever had. There is something so soulful about eating fresh seafood with your feet on the sand and this place offers it all.
La Paloma
Casa Jondal Beach Club
How has spending time in Ibiza shaped your perspective on creativity or life?
Ibiza has taught me to enjoy life. It has taught me to trust pauses and take more regular breaks to be present and feel the shift happening from within. In London, everything moves quickly and in Ibiza I am reminded that creativity comes in the quiet moments. The island also reinforces the importance of authenticity and this ethos very much guides my work and my life.
Image by Anett Posalaki