Teranaka Resort on the Island of Formentera

Nestled along the Migjorn coast of Formentera, Teranka, an intimate boutique hotel, seamlessly combines luxury, wellness, and a profound connection to nature. During a recent visit to Ibiza, I took the opportunity to ferry over to Formentera and explore all that Teranka had to offer. From indulging in their exquisite cuisine and wellness programs to soaking in the serene surroundings, I discovered a true haven for relaxation and rejuvenation where I could unwind and recharge.

Nestled amidst the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean lies Formentera, the smallest and most enchanting island in the Balearic archipelago. Teranka offers a peaceful retreat where the sounds of the sea and wind provide a calming soundtrack to your stay.

The Migjorn Coast of Formentera – Dynie Sanderson

Known for its pristine beaches, free-spirited culture, and laid-back charm, Formentera’s beauty has long been a well-guarded secret. Just a short ferry ride from Ibiza, it feels like a world away from bustling nightlife, offering a serene haven for those seeking a slower pace and a more profound connection with nature.

The Welcoming Outside Gathering Place

With its blend of bohemian elegance and modern sophistication, Teranka has opened its doors to those seeking an escape from the fast pace of everyday life. Whether drawn by the island’s history, natural wonders, or promise of peace and renewal, this destination inspired and rejuvenated me. 

During my visit to Teranka, I treasured my many moments of personal peace — often sitting in silence, hearing only the gentle rustle of the wind through the pine trees, or being enchanted by the melody of the waves from the nearby sea.

The Easy Trip From Ibiza to Formentera by Ferry – by Dynie Sanderson

The Island of Formentera: A Hidden Gem in the Balearics

Located just 19 kilometers (12 miles) south of Ibiza, Formentera is accessible only by ferry, which helps preserve its peaceful, unspoiled character. Unlike Ibiza’s bustling nightlife, Formentera offers a slower, more tranquil pace. The scenic ferry ride set the perfect tone for the rest of my stay as I transitioned from the vibrant energy of Ibiza to the serene calm of Formentera. 

Teranka’s Sandy Shoreline

Teranka: A Haven of Wellness and Sanctuary

Just steps away from the sandy coastline of Migjorn Beach, Teranka is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The name, derived from ‘tierra’ (land) and ‘ancla’ (anchor), symbolizes the perfect balance between earth, sea, and sky—a grounding retreat that offers guests a destination of peace and tranquility.

View of the Sea from One of the Mar Guest Rooms

Teranka’s Stunning Guest Accommodations

The hotel’s 35 guest rooms and suites are spaciously scattered across three handcrafted stone buildings: Mar (sea), Tierra (earth), and Cielo (sky). Each building has its own identity:

·      Mar rooms reflect the calming influence of the sea, with soft blues and whites inspired by the Mediterranean.

·      Tierra rooms evoke the earthy tones of Formentera’s lush pine forests with greens and browns.

·      Cielo suites on the upper floors offer expansive views of the sky and sea, filled with natural light.

During my stay in one of the beautifully appointed ‘Mar’ rooms with stunning ocean views, I was captivated by the flawless attention to detail. Every guest amenity was thoughtfully placed within easy reach. Each morning, I awoke to the gentle symphony of nature outside, creating a peaceful beginning setting the day’s tone.

Beautifully Appointed Chambers

Each guest chamber is adorned with natural tones, organic materials, and abundant sunlight, which made me feel connected to the island’s beauty. The room’s floor-to-ceiling windows framed breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, while the handcrafted furnishings added a touch of understated luxury. I toured several unique rooms at Teranka, each offering its own enticing sanctuary.

The Welcoming Lobby Lounge Area at Teranka

Throughout Teranka, the design emphasizes natural light and open spaces, allowing the surrounding nature to become part of the experience. The hotel’s interior features art curated by London native and Ibiza resident Katrina Phillips, celebrating Formentera’s essence through indigenous techniques and materials. This minimalist décor creates a serene, calming atmosphere that encourages guests to unwind and reconnect with nature.

The Wellness Center at Teranka

A Wellness Sanctuary in the Heart of Formentera

Teranka’s Essence of Flow program prioritizes wellness in the guest experience. The hotel offers transformative retreats throughout the year, led by a rotating roster of wellness experts. Complimentary yoga and meditation sessions grounded my mornings and left me with a newfound sense of peace.

Morning Yoga at Teranka

In addition to yoga and meditation, Teranka offers a variety of unique wellness activities, including stargazing, sound baths, and cathartic breathwork sessions led by expert hypnotherapists. I also enjoyed invigorating hikes and ice bath immersions with life coaches, which provided a rejuvenating blend of physical and mental renewal.

Teranaka’s Gatronomic Journey

A Culinary Journey Through the Balearics

One of the highlights of my stay was the culinary experience at Teranka. Overseen by Chef José Doblas, the hotel’s restaurants offer a range of dining experiences focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the flavors of Formentera and the Balearic Islands.

Pulpo – Grilled Octopus – by Dynie Sanderson

Teranka Garden serves al fresco dining in a finca-style setting. I savored dishes like grilled octopus, local red prawns, and Iberian pork while enjoying the wildflower garden atmosphere and live acoustic performances.

Inviting Roof Top Lounge

For stunning sunset views, I found myself frequently returning to the Teranka Rooftop. With panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean and pine forests, the rooftop serves tapas, seasonal crudo dishes, and signature cocktails infused with local herbs. The ambient music played by live DJs perfectly complemented the magical atmosphere as the sun dipped below the horizon.

A Zen Experience by the Teranka Pool

Poolside Bliss: Relaxation in Style

When I wasn’t exploring Formentera or engaging in wellness activities at Teranka, I spent relaxing afternoons by the pool at Teranka’s Pool Bar. Surrounded by the hotel’s Mediterranean garden, the pool area offers a welcome retreat with comfortable daybeds and loungers. I enjoyed refreshing drinks and light bites, like healthy salads and seasonal fruit, all from the comfort of my sun-soaked daybed.

Like the rest of the hotel, the poolside area’s minimalist design allows the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage, providing the perfect spot to unwind and take in the serene island atmosphere.

Hiking Retreats Around Fromentera

Exploring Formentera: Adventure Awaits

Formentera offers endless opportunities for exploration, and Teranka makes it easy for guests to discover the island’s hidden treasures. During my stay, I took advantage of the complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear to explore the crystal-clear waters and marine life along Migjorn’s azure coastline. Kayaking along the primitive coastline was a memorable experience with the pristine waters and remote coves.

For land-based adventures, Formentera’s extensive network of hiking and cycling trails winds through fig tree forests and along the coastline, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the island’s rugged beauty. I visited iconic landmarks like the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse and wandered through charming villages dotted with ancient windmills.

Teranaka Resort

Teranka: Your Perfect Island Escape

With rooms starting at €640 per night, Teranka offers a luxurious yet laid-back experience for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a deeper connection to nature. The price includes breakfast and complimentary access to the hotel’s wellness programs and water sports equipment, ensuring guests can fully enjoy everything the island offers.

Formentera’s Untouched Shoreline

Formentera: An Island with a Rich History

Formentera’s history is as diverse as its landscape. First settled by the Phoenicians, the island was influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, and Moors. It was largely abandoned during the Middle Ages due to pirate raids, leaving its natural beauty untouched for centuries.

In the 1960s, Formentera became an international retreat for artists, musicians, and countercultural movements. Today, the island’s commitment to conservation, with regulations protecting its coastline and natural resources, ensures it remains a peaceful haven for those seeking refuge from the outside world.

A Journey Around the Island

How to Get to Formentera

Formentera is accessible only by ferry or private boat, as the island has no airport. From Ibiza, visitors can take a scenic 30-minute ferry ride, with frequent departures from Ibiza Town or Playa d’en Bossa. Upon arrival, guests can explore the island by renting a car, scooter, or bicycle or arranging a private transfer to Teranka for a seamless journey.

Evening From Teranka

A Timeless Escape

With Teranka as my home base oasis on this relatively untouched island, I immersed myself in the magic of Formentera. Whether sipping a local libation while taking in the vibrant colors of the sunset from the rooftop, practicing yoga among the pines, or indulging in many regional flavors and fresh seafood daily, Teranka offered me an unforgettable experience that captured the essence of this enchanting island.

‘As I left Formentera, I carried with me not just the memories of a stunning island and its luxurious hideaway, but a deeper sense of calm and renewal—one that lingered long after the ferry ride back to Ibiza.’

For more information or to book your stay, visit Teranka.

WHEN Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park hit the big screen in 1993, fictional paleontologists Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler made fossil hunting look cool.

However, Brit holidaymakers don’t need to visit a desert – or an island covered with dinosaurs – to step into Dr Grant’s fictional shoes because England is home to one of the best fossil hunting spots in the world.

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Smithsonian Magazine named the Jurassic Coast as one of the best fossil-collecting sites on Earth because visitors are actively encouraged to save fossils, where possible, for research purposes.

The Jurassic Coast was also named one of the best fossil hunting spots in the UK by Countryfile.

England‘s Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles from East Devon to Dorset, meaning there’s lots of space for dinosaur enthusiasts – whatever the age.

Would-be paleontologists should make a beeline for Lyme Regis, which is often dubbed the Jurassic Coast’s fossil capital thanks to English fossil collector Mary Anning.

The 19th-century paleontologist made some important discoveries, including finding the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton and the first plesiosaur skeleton. 

And there are still plenty of skeletons, dinosaur footprints and fossilised treasures waiting to be found, with a 6ft-long pliosaur skull found just last year.

Other prime fossil hunting spots include Kimmeridge Bay, a sheltered and secluded bay that’s a mixture of pebbles and sand.

There’s also Ringstead Bay, an unspoilt beach that’s backed by farmland and cliffs.

At Ringstead Bay the bedrock must not be disturbed, meaning fossil hunters will need to look with the eyes rather than taking their finds home to be verified.

If you’re not much of an explorer, but still want to see traces of dinosaurs, then head to the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints.

What is it like to visit the Jurassic Coast?

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ASSISTANT Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski (centre) explains what it’s actually like to visit Durdle Door.

DESPITE the Jurassic Coast being one of the most well-known spots for rambling in the UK, it has managed to remain gloriously peaceful.

I barely passed another soul during a Sunday hike along the rugged coastal path above Durdle Door a few years back – only a herd of cows munching on the unkempt grass at the top of the cliff.

Admittedly, things grew a little busier as I approached Lulworth Cove. But that’s no surprise with a horseshoe-shaped pebble bay and turquoise waters that could rival those in the Caribbean.

Make sure to wander over to Fossil Forest while you’re here too, where you can observe ripples of an ancient sea floor within the rocks and fossilised remains of old tree stumps that date back to the dinosaur era.

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Located in Purbeck, next to a working quarry, it is easily accessible from the Priest’s Way walking path.

The footprints were made 145 million years ago when the area was covered in tropical forests and swamps, giving visitors the chance to step back in time.

The fossils were discovered in 1997 by quarrymen Kevin Keates and Trev Haysom before the site opened to the public in 2016, with the Jurassic Coast Trust occasionally running guided walks of the site.

Charmouth, a village in Dorset, is another prime location for fossil hunting.

Make a beeline for Charmouth Beach and get booked onto a fossil hunting walk with Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

The 90-minute walking tour takes place outdoors where a guide helps holidaymakers search for fossils, with visitors even able to take their treasures home.

A trip to the Jurassic Coast isn’t complete without seeing Durdle Door – one of the area’s most well-known landmarks.

The natural arch was formed from a layer of hard limestone that stands almost vertically out of the sea.

Durdle Door stands at the foot of a steep path, which is accessible from the South West Coast Path.

In the last few years, some holidaymakers have likened Durdle Door to beaches in Portugal because of its coastline and rock formations.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor: “Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Reminded me of the Algarve in Portugal!”

While another added: “The rocks protruding out of the sea were so pretty you would forget you’re still in England and reminded me of a trip to Portugal.”

A third commented: “You don’t feel like you are in the UK. It seems more like Portugal or California.”

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight, then the Sun’s Head of Travel recommends Durdle Door Holiday Park.

The family-owned holiday park has endless sea views as well as unrivalled access to Durdle Door.

Sun Online Travel have found touring pitches from £30 per night per pitch.

There are plenty of other places across the Uk where dinosaur enthusiasts can get the Jurassic Park fix.

One of those places is Paradise Park in East Sussex, which is home to life-size moving dinosaurs, fossils and a Dinosaur Safari at Paradise Park.

Meanwhile, Knebworth House in Herefordshire has a dinosaur-themed adventure section.

And Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in North Devon has 19 animatronic dinosaurs, including a life-sized T-Rex, Dino Express train and a play zone.

Meanwhile, ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure in Norfolk is set to open a new land in 2026.

Gigantosaurus Land will be based on an animated series of the same name, which currently streams worldwide on services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

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A HOLIDAY park expert has revealed some of his top tips – and the key feature he always checks before booking.

Robbie Lane has visited dozens of holiday parks across the UK, with an ambition to one day visit them all.

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Robbie, who runs Holiday Park Guru has been to all kinds of resorts, from the popular Center Parcs and Butlin’s to lesser-known independent sites.

But there is one feature he always makes sure they have before he books a trip there.

The former BBC journalist told Sun Online Travel: “I look for a holiday park that is walking distance to a beach, ideally with a sea view.

He added it makes it “much less hassle” especially when travelling as a family if you can avoid having to pack everything into a car.

He continued: “And it makes it much easier to fit in a quick seaside stroll after tea.”

He also said he tries to make sure the beaches that are at the holiday parks are both clean and safe for children, and gave some trips on where to find his favourites.

Robbie added: “If you want to try surfing and bodyboarding, then Devon and Cornwall are particularly good, as are parts of Wales.

“Haven, Parkdean Resorts and Away Resorts all have holiday parks next to outstanding beaches in the West Country.

“The east coast of England and Scotland has lots of very wide open beaches with big open skies and space for walking the dog.”

One holiday park Robbie previously raved about was Ladram Bay in Devon – an award-winning site with its own private beach.

The sand-washed pebble beach has a stretch of rockpools and watersports like kayaks, paddleboards and motorboats can be rented from the holiday park.

Holidaymakers who don’t fancy a bracing dip will be pleased to know there’s also a heated indoor swimming pool on-site, complete with slides.

There’s also a small pool with a children’s play area as well as an outdoor splash area with water features, spray guns and pirate ships.

Likewise, Darwin Escapes Woodside Coastal Retreat on the Isle of Wight, is one of the Holiday Park Guru’s favourite UK sites.

He previously told Sun Online Travel: “The holiday park is practically on the beach looking towards Portsmouth, it’s brilliant.”

If a holiday park isn’t next to a beach, Robbie recommends looking for an indoor swimming pool.

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The Holiday Park Guru previously recommended Searles in Norfolk and Hendra Holiday Park in Cornwall as two sites with indoor pools.

Searles holiday park in Norfolk is located next to the Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton and has been welcoming families for 83 years.

There are plenty of indoor facilities, including a heated indoor pool with a jacuzzi and sauna.

For younger guests, there’s also an indoor splash pool with dual slides and interactive water features.

Meanwhile, Hendra Holiday Park near Newquay has one of the largest indoor pools in the South West.

The Oasis Fun Pools feature an indoor pool with a river-rapid, a water cannon, tipping buckets, water fountains and three water flume rides.

Earlier this year, Robbie revealed England’s top three underrated holiday parks – with private beaches, indoor water parks and jet skis for kids.

And here are the other lesser-known holiday parks named among the best in the UK.

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