Postcard from Formentera

Hearing about Jennifer Hung-Zanarini’s idyllic island life on Formentera makes us want to promptly book a ticket for our upcoming holidays. This chic mother of two adorable boys and co-founder of Nanny, Tata & Co., an international nanny agency, splits her time between Lugano, Bologna, and New York, with summers spent at their home on the island she describes as “low-key, hippie-chic and child-friendly, with white sand beaches”. It’s an especially great place to take smaller children thanks to the pristine beaches with shallow waters they can wade in. The tiny Balearic isle is a dream destination for families who want it all—access to water activities for the kids, people watching over delicious food, and spectacular nature.
The perfect evening for the Zanarinis? “By 7:30 p.m. we are at Tiburon beach for apertivo.  We watch the sunset behind the island of Ibiza to the background of low ’60s music while kids play on the beach. Sometimes we will stay and dance after the sun sets if the DJ starts to pump up the music. “
We’re sold. Now time to brush up on Catalan and get ready to kick off our dancing shoes.


SHOP

El Mundo Insolito (Carrer d’Isidor Macabich) for hippie-chic beach covers and one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Or hit the Hippie Market at La Mola every Wednesday and Sunday, where Jennifer’s insider tip is to “go to Jorge and Macarena, first kiosk on the left by the entrance to find the most amazing python belts, wallets and bags.”

SLEEP

If you’re not part of the summer-long, revolving door of guests at the Zanarini house, you can always rest your head at one of these chic spots:Gecko Beach. Run by Aussies, this is a sexy, modern boutique hotel, which, according to Jennifer, serves the “best brownies ever!” Talaya: two words, Beach Bungalows. Or, book a secluded villa in La Mola at Es Ram from Jennifer’s friend, Carlo Sama.

EAT

Formentera does not want for great restaurants with great ambience. Grab lunch at People, a tiny beach hut with food to die for, including the Zanarini boys’ all-time favorite hot dog with homemade ketchup. Juan y Andrea, according to Jen “is the Club55 of Formentera”, where you’ll have the almeja marinara and find yourself sitting next to the likes of Giorgio Armani and Natalia Vodianova. When dinner rolls around, share picnic tables with other families and kids tucking into a Neapolitan style pizza at Pan Per Focaccia. Or, get Jennifer to find you a nanny for the holiday and head to Can Carlos for a grown-up supper in a fabulous setting. Must-have dishes: spianata, presa iberica, carpaccio di zucchini and gazpacho.