The Standard, Ibiza

Worth getting out of bed for

Whether your rhythm is more speedcore or ambient house – or just the twinkly jangle of a wind chime – Ibiza nails the vibe. And, the Standard has definitely landed in the place to be, beside the island’s main plaza Vara de Rey, close to Dalt Vila (Ibiza’s old town). There’s no need to wake up early – the most interesting happenings tend to start later in the evening or around 3am, but you could start gently by exploring the hilltop fortifications, Renaissance remnants, drawbridge gates and cobbled plazas, winding through myriad alleyways till you reach the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves, one of the best vantage points on the island and an impressively cavernous place of worship. Pause to muse over artworks throughout the eras at both Museu Puget and the Contemporary Art Museum of Eivissa; and stop at cloistered convents to try the nuns’ sweets and spicy peppered-cocoa drink. Dive into the past at Museo Puig des Molins, then dive into waters that shimmer like peacock feathers. Ibiza’s coastline is littered with beaches, so much so, you could circumnavigate it for weeks and still find a new patch of sand, but each caters to a different crowd. Closest to town are Talamanca and Las Salinas, both of which are used by party people to sunbathe off their hangovers or move the revelry from night to day – there are several clubs along each stretch of shore, but the Jockey Club has quite the preceding reputation. Or head to the northern tip where things are mellow and magical. Bohemian sorts gather on Benirrás beach to form drum circles (known locally as the fiesta de los tambores) at sunset then gather round a crackling fire. And, you’ll need to put the effort in to find Es Portitxol – between San Miguel and San Mateu, there’s a rocky 30-minute downhill trek – but you’ll be richly rewarded by pristine rockpools, a bank of bucolic fishermen's shacks, and a sublime stillness. Formentera hangs like a particularly dazzling pendant below Ibiza and from the port you can zip over to it in a ferry in under an hour. The island has strict conservation measures in place and a limited number of hotels allowed, which keeps its Maldives-rivalling beaches in tip-top shape. There’s not really much to do here, but that’s kind of the point; just lounge decoratively with the other beautiful bronzed people, slinking off only to top up your cocktail. Back in Ibiza, hop on a jetski to buzz around mystical rock Es Vedrà – alleged third most magnetic spot on Earth and UFO landing spot – then watch the sun set behind it and head back to the hotel for a hedonistic night.

Local restaurants

Wrap yourself in a sarong and shimmy on down to El Chirniguito Es Cavallet for lobster rolls, sea-bass shawarma and crimson carabineros with a squeeze of lime. Set on the sand with white sofas to curl up on, here the scent of steaks and fish on the wood-fired grill mingles with the fresh salty air. Further inland, Casa Maca might only be a 10-minute drive from town, but this rural finca with its huge outdoor grill, alfresco groupings of armchairs and ‘bobo’ wood-and-stone style, feels very far removed from Eivissa’s ebullience. Sit back, relax and indulge your inner carnivore with thick Black Angus and wagyu steaks just pulled off the plancha. And watch the sun set over Dalt Vila with tapas (garlic prawn toasts with coconut mayonnaise, aubergine and roquefort millefeuille and variously flavoured croquettes) from Mikasa’s green-tiled terrace.

Local cafés

Russet-hued Can Pou (19 Carrer Lluís Tur i Palau) is the oldest café in Ibiza, built at the turn of the 19th century. The servers no longer wear tuxedos, but it’s still a chic hangout with great people-watching potential from the terrace. Passion Marina has an organic feel with lots of plants, wicker furnishings and driftwood accents, and a largely organic menu with plant-based breakfasts and vitamin-packed juices and smoothies.

Local bars

Pacha’s been pumping up the jams since the 1970s – it’s the original and one of the best alongside the island’s other elder statesman Amnesia (go to Elrow on a Sunday for the glitteriest spectacle). But party people should also check out the scene on Playa d'en Bossa, where palatial Ushuaïa hosts open-air raves and pool parties with flamboyances of flamingo floaties, sister club Hï Ibiza welcomes hedonists with sets by VIPs and up-and-comers alike, and grittier Octan takes a deep dive into the underground. On the western shore, you’ll find Eden, not exactly a biblical paradise – sins are quickly absolved here – but a thrilling night out nonetheless. Or, maybe you’ve hung up your bum-bag and don’t want to spend all night sweating it out. Paradise Lost is awash in neon and has DJ-led parties, but also seats and kitschy cocktails served in coconuts and tiki mugs.