.png?fit=900%2C750&ssl=1)
Getty Images (main)
Ten years ago, Ibiza was synonymous with clubbing, feted as the party island that showed Europe how to rave in style. These days, Ibiza has returned to its more bohemian and bucolic roots, and today it attracts a healthier and wealthier breed of bon vivants. They’ve been dubbed the VIPpies (that’s VIP hippies) and they care more about farm-to-table dining, sunsets at beach clubs with world-class DJs and the most cutting-edge and alternative wellbeing offerings on the planet. Although the island is still fond of a party, especially in the summer months, the peaceful and more wholesome side of this sun-kissed, pine-fringed island is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Think remote hiking trails, paddle-boarding from cove to cove, yoga retreats, spiritual awakenings and cutting-edge spa resorts – not to mention the sharp uptick in the island’s culinary scene, which is particularly pioneering in the fields of zero-waste and plant-based dining. If you like mixing and matching health and hedonism during an island getaway, Ibiza is the island for you.
Here’s our guide to Ibiza, from the best Ibiza hotels to local bars and restaurants on the Balearic island.
For more content on the Balearic Islands, check out our guide to Mallorca.
Best restaurants in Ibiza
A spread at Aubergine
Aubergine
This idyllic whitewashed farm-to-table joint specialises in upgraded renditions of healthy staples, such as avocado salads, chicken with sprouted grains and eggplant and spelt-pasta parmigiana – all washed down with a botanical-infused mezcal cocktail.
La Paloma
For nearly two decades, La Paloma has set the standard for mindful Mediterranean farm-to-table dining in bohemian surroundings. Expect Italian staples such as homemade pasta and risotto, alongside vegan and seafood dishes, all within an old finca.
Los Enamorados
Owned by a former pro basketball player and magazine editor husband-wife team, Los Enamorados is a new cliff-hugging hotel on the northern tip of the island, serving fresh salads, ceviches, and tacos alongside spectacular views.
Best bars in Ibiza
La Finca Can Suldat
This Swiss-owned finca is its own magical world, with a small menu heavy on the goulash and grilled meats, live music, barmy décor and the most eclectic and up-for-it crowd of all-ages revellers you’ll find on the island.
Experimental Beach
Opened by the French hospitality group behind the Experimental Cocktail Club, this beach resort offers spectacular cocktails, sunbeds and superb dining in the Las Salinas salt reserve.
Café del Mar
An island icon, serving cocktails to sunsets accompanied by their own brand of chilled-out beats since 1980.
Best Ibiza accommodation
Poolside at Pikes, Ibiza
This brand new eco resort won architectural plaudits for its sympathetic design, melding the building into the cliffs on a peaceful northern corner of the island. There’s glorious partying to be had at the Beach Caves, then serious spa-ing on offer in the 1200-square-metre space.
This luxurious, locally owned haven is the loveliest agroturismo on the island, set in 13 hectares of pools, courtyards, vegetable gardens and terraces.
The 1980s setting for Wham!’s Club Tropicana video and Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday party, the decadent reputation of this longstanding hotel is just part of the picture. Expanded from a 500-year-old finca, bedrooms are stylish, sexy and suitably rock ‘n’ roll, and chef Lee Milne’s modern British cuisine is a highlight.
.png?ssl=1&w=380&crop=0,0,100,304px)
