A week in {IBIZA}:

We stayed at Villa Solana, part of The Hideaways Club that we are members of. The whitewashed villa offers a secluded location in the South West part of the island while still being close to some beautiful beaches and local villages. The interior design is contemporary with light wood, straw light fittings and white sofas. We liked the villa so much we have been back a second time and will visit again next year!

The panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside are stunning. The villa’s expansive outdoor terrace and heated swimming pool provide ample space for sunbathing or enjoying alfresco dining.

There are loads of beach clubs on Ibiza, appeal to all tastes, from the loud and lively to the more chilled and sophisticated, which is what we were after! Based on research and recommendations from friends, we picked two for our first trip. We liked them both so much, we went back to both for our return trip!

Nestled on the pristine sands of Es Cavallet beach, El Chiringuito is a gastronomic destination where the relaxed spirit of Ibiza comes alive. The atmosphere is effortlessly chic: think whitewashed decor, lots of teak and the gentle sound of waves crashing in the background. The food was as delightful as the setting, blending fresh, local ingredients with a creative twist. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in a long, lazy lunch with the rosé flowing liberally! On both our visits we just went to the restaurant but you can also rent beds on the beach.

Located on the shores of Platja d’en Bossa, Beachouse club offers a more upbeat vibe whilst still being sophisticated, allowing us to enjoy the vibrant energy of Ibiza without the chaotic party scene. The decor is stylish and natural, with wooden accents and plush loungers set on soft sands. We enjoyed fresh Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails while lounging under the sun. As the evening approaches, the vibe subtly shifts with a curated playlist of more upbeat sounds.

Image: https://www.beachouseibiza.com

We splashed out on a beach bed experience which is pricey (€200 for a bed for three when we visited!), but this does include a bottle of champagne, a fruit platter and cans of water.

A day at Cala d’Hort is a simpler, no-frills and more authentic beach experience, with fewer tourists and mainly locals. You bring a towel or rent a basic, battered beach bed. What you do get a dramatic coastline with sweeping views of the famous Es Vedrà rock

We had lunch at the Cala d’Hort restaurant, a down-to-earth spot with breathtaking views of the blue sea and Es Vedrà (no website, call +34971935036 or book in person). We enjoyed a lunch of grilled fish, simply served but full of flavour.

Cala Carbó is another simple beach popular with locals. We enjoyed a lovely, lazy morning coffee with a view of the beach at Restaurant Balneari Cala Carbó which also serves lunch (no website, call +34971808251 or book in person).

Our night at Ushuaïa was great fun, witnessing an epic performance by world-renowned DJ David Guetta. As you step into this iconic open-air club, you’re instantly enveloped by a euphoric atmosphere, surrounded by thousands of party-goers buzzing with anticipation. The venue, centred around a massive pool, is a sea of people dancing in every corner. As the night unfolded, David Guetta took control of the decks, dropping his signature beats, while a jaw-dropping laser show ignited the sky. And a bonus for the older party goers: the show finishes by 11pm!

For a crazy night out, we splashed out for an evening at Lío, located in the heart of Ibiza Town. This was an extraordinary blend of dining, cabaret and electrifying nightlife. The dinner show features world-class performers, acrobats and dancers, with the marina as a backdrop. The performers seamlessly merge with the crowd, who are invited to participate in the dancing! Warning: the show is racy and raunchy to say the least! And be prepared to dig deep in your wallet; it was by far the most expensive night out of this or any holiday, but worth it for a one-off special occasion.

The rooftop bar at Montesol Experimental was a great spot for pre-dinner drinks with views of the old town. We enjoyed cold beers, cocktails and some light tapas to get the evening kicked off in style. The bar is in the Montesol Experimental Hotel, part of the colourful and cool Experimental group which also has hotels in Menorca, Biarritz and now the Cotswolds.

Image: https://www.montesolexperimental.com/bar

Sunset Ashram is a magical spot nestled on a rocky cliff above Cala Conta beach. The boho-chic beach bar offers some of the most stunning sunset views on the island. The decor features earthy tones and colourful cushions spread around cozy seating areas, with a DJ playing a mix of chilled beats on the night we visited.

UP at The Standard Hotel is a seasonal rooftop bar and restaurant with picturesque views of the old town. The vibe was lively but chilled, with an elevated Japanese-Mexican fusion food menu and good selection of cocktails to sip on.

Amalur is a charming and stylish Italian restaurant, just outside the pretty village of San Gertrudis, set in a beautiful Ibizan finca with a classic Mediterranean feel. An art gallery on the way in adds a creative and original touch. We dined once inside, where the decor blends bold colours, artful accents and a mix of contemporary and vintage touches. On our return visit we ate outside in the pretty outside garden with fairy lights twinkling in the trees.

Food combines fresh, local ingredients with traditional Italian recipes, elevated with modern flair and creative twists. The chef changed between our first meal and second visit, which was a lovely evening but slightly less good. We will update you after our next visit!

Exploring the old town of Ibiza is a lovely outing in its own right. You stroll up narrow, winding streets, lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful shutters and bright bougainvillea. There are charming boutiques and cozy cafes inviting you in for a glass of sangria.

At the top, surrounded by the ancient fortress walls, you are rewarded with a sweeping panorama of the azure sea meeting the rugged coastline. Three chilled out, simple cafés for a well-earnt Sangria or beer are S’Escalinata, Ca’n Raio and Plaça del Sol all on the Plaça del Sol.

San Gertrudis is a picturesque village full of laid-back charm centred around a beautiful, whitewashed church (below left) that anchors the village square. One of the streets we love is the pedestrianised Passeig de Santa Gertrudis, home to pretty boutiques showcasing local crafts, stylish clothing and handmade jewellery. There are also a couple of cafés with terraces for those who prefer a chilled beer to shopping, including Bar Costa and Bar Restaurant Santa Gertrudis (below right)!

Some of the stores we liked included Le petit Atelier nº74 (below) selling clothing & homeware (see below), clothing shop The Rose (Carrer Venda de Fruitera) and handmade jewellery boutique Nino D’Agata.

Image: https://www.numero74.com/pages/le-petit-atelier

Ibiza is a stylish seaside getaway that balances upbeat fun with the laid-back charm of pretty villages and the historic old town. Simple beaches like Cala d’Hort showcase Ibiza’s natural beauty, while lively venues like Ushuaïa and Lío add unforgettable nightlife. The White Isle has a multifaceted allure that has kept us going back again and again.