Finding Home in Ibiza: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Finding Home in Ibiza: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

It’s 6 a.m., just three days since I got back home to Ibiza. On the first day, I slipped in through the back door of my apartment to avoid being seen by anyone in the village. I needed peace, silence, and my own space.

I live in a beautiful little town—probably the best on the island, though Ibiza doesn’t really have any bad spots (except for San Antonio… what a mess!). My town has a super laid-back vibe, full of people who love to take care of themselves and embrace a life of healthy luxuries. It’s definitely a place for those with the means to enjoy it.

Here, you’ll find all kinds of restaurants, from the most traditional Spanish spots to an array of exquisite international cuisines. Even though it’s a small town, it feels so alive. Sometimes, I feel like I’m in New York City, even though I’m surrounded by forests, under a brilliant blue sky, with the sun kissing my face every day.

Life in Ibiza is the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself.

I came here three years ago for therapy. I was feeling a little down, and a friend recommended a therapist who lives here. I rented an apartment with ocean views in September 2021 and spent a month reconnecting with myself through intense sessions with the most incredible therapist I could have ever met.

During that month, I visited a few stores, using the opportunity to pitch Benibeca to potential clients.

At the time, after the pandemic, my energy and drive to keep going were at an all-time low. It had been incredibly hard to survive the wave of canceled orders, the uncertainty of what the future held, and some of the toughest personal challenges I’ve ever faced. Everything hit at once, and I came very close to giving up on my goal.

Around that time, I had my heart set on moving to New York. I love that city—it fills me with energy and sparks my creativity. A close friend had offered to rent me his apartment at a great price, and I desperately needed to step out of the Asian bubble I’d been living in and reconnect with the outside world.

I was so excited about the idea. I’d always pictured myself living in the Big Apple. Years ago, I spent long stretches of time there, and it always made me so happy.

But then I came to Ibiza. Some of the stores I visited told me to come back in April, when they’d reopen and start preparing for the season. So, I returned.

When I came back, the first thing I did was revisit that spot on the side of the mountain facing Es Vedrà—a magical place that, for some reason, kept calling to me. I felt so at peace there. Over time, I learned that Es Vedrà is one of Europe’s most powerful energy points, attracting countless ancestral therapies and spiritual sessions. Back then, I was pretty disconnected from anything remotely spiritual.

Then, one day in April, as I was driving a rental car down the highway, something changed. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was home. I still remember the exact moment—a strange warmth in my chest, a unique sense of pleasure. That’s when I knew I had to give the island a real chance.

Just a few days later, my friend from New York called to tell me that, unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to rent me the apartment after all. That very same day, a room in a beautiful villa came my way, offering me a place to live in July 2022 in Ibiza.

There’s a saying here that Ibiza either embraces you or spits you out. And for me, the island wrapped me in such a strong hug that I couldn’t resist.

Even so, it wasn’t easy. My emotional state was still fragile. I felt insecure, small, lost on an island full of people with intense energy and strength. But it was meant to be. The little flame of "Anjara Power" was still burning, and little by little, I started to adapt to and fall in love with this paradise.

The island captivated me, making life easy in a place where nothing really comes easy. I found a place to live, and just a few months later, the perfect location for my first store—one I had always thought would be ideal for Benibeca—was practically handed to me. From the moment I saw it, I knew it would be the start of this adventure.

Photo 1: An unforgettable night celebrating Quorush—one of Ibiza’s most special souls!

Photo 2: Pure joy at the Santa Gertrudis opening—sharing this special moment with my dear Kika!

 

Since then, every year has been filled with incredible growth—not just professionally, but personally too. This place has given me some of my closest friendships, a beautiful community of neighbors, unforgettable events, walks through stunning landscapes, amazing meals, fun parties, and countless emotions and incredible experiences.

I went from doubting whether to continue with Benibeca to opening two stores and a pop-up in Ibiza. Now, we’re preparing to open two new stores this coming summer in Mallorca.

Benibeca has become a brand that’s growing at a remarkable pace, building a community of incredible men who connect with its values and style.

As a creator, there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing clients say, “My Ibiza wardrobe is all Benibeca. I don’t want anything else—I love your brand.”

Hearing those words moves me and makes everything easier. They fuel my drive to keep growing because I know I’ll achieve my goals, and Benibeca will become a brand desired all over the world.

Here at home, with the fireplace crackling, a delicious Chinese tea in hand, jazz playing in the background, my cozy pajamas on, and writing these words—I feel happy. I’m ready to start the day.

Wishing you a wonderful day or sweet dreams wherever you are.

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