From bijoux boutiques to luxe-y hideaways, via chill-out beaches, hippy markets and an awful lot of partying, we've got the White Isle covered.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
If you're going with a group of friends, the best way to do it is to rent a villa – that way you already have a pool party set up from the moment you wake up. Try Villa Rental Ibiza (Villarentalibiza.com) for a good selection. If you'd rather have the party set up for you, book into Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes. A legendary rock 'n roll hotel which has hosted everyone from Freddy Mercury to Naomi Campbell, this hotel has had a recent facelift courtesy of new owners Ibiza Rocks, and now has creature comforts, as well as dawn-to-dusk cocktails and house music around the pool. For those who want to get away from the party, there are plenty of options. Can Xuxu is a bijoux boutique hotel run and styled by a former Parisian fashion designer, with Javanese huts and dark wood furniture artfully arranged around the swimming pool, and a sunset terrace with stunning views over the sea. Further removed again is the rustic Candomo, a picture-perfect agriturismo where the best room is a traditional Ibicenco stone hut with its own outdoor shower.
Where to Eat in Ibiza
For a special lunch out, don your best kaftan and head to Sant-Eularia (Calle San Vicente, 07840; tel: +34 971 336709) where Amante Beach Club is hidden, carved into its own beautiful bay. Run by a former DJ, it's Ibiza-style indulgence at its finest: picture crisp white tablecloths, expertly mixed cocktails, a pristine sound system, opulent day beds to lounge on and delicious food all cooked on a special Josper oven to achieve a subtly smoky taste. Other great daytime spots that deserve a special mention are Es Boldado (Playa Cala d'Hort s/n, 07830 San Jose; tel: +34 626 494537) a local restaurant on Cala d'Ort serving incredible paella, and El Chiringuito (Playa es Cavallet, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia; tel: +34 971 395355), a beach club on Es Cavallet serving fabulous food. At nighttime ramp it up by heading to Aura (Ctra San Juan KM 13.5, San Lorenç) a fabulous open-air restaurant with a glamorous crowd drinking potent cocktails under the stars. With its own kitchen garden, expect the food to be fresh as well as innovative, and should you fancy some after-dinner dancing there is a nightclub hosting world-class DJs on a nightly basis.
Where to Go Out in Ibiza
There's a party around every corner in Ibiza, and you can roll from a beach club party at Jockey to sundowners at Cap d'es Falco (Playa d'es Codolar Salinas, Ibiza; tel: +34 971 324032) to dancing til dawn at Space (Playa d'en Bossa, s/n, 07817, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia; tel: +34 971 39 67 93) with frightening ease. But certain parties should be planned in advance. DC10 (Paseo de Vara de Rey 9, 07800; tel: 0034 971 393 495) is a Monday daytime institution with the best DJs in the world on a constant rota. Space on Sunday is another fixture, which always promises a good time. For something a bit different, Saturday's Zoo Project is a daytime party held in a disused zoo, where the dress code is strictly fancy dress, and revelers dance around a seal-pit - a sight that has to be seen to be believed. Smaller parties are always worth seeking out: the Departure roof parties in San Antonio are a recent arrival to the scene with great music line-ups and a fun crowd. Daytime boat parties are hard to beat – just make sure you choose wisely by checking Residentadvisor.com and Ibiza-spotlight.com first, because once that boat pulls away from the dock there's no opting out.
Where to Shop in Ibiza
The main shopping streets in Ibiza Town are Vara del Rey and Rosello, where you'll be able to stock up on basics from Zara and Mango. If you're looking for something you won't find at home, though, hit the Hippy Markets where you'll pick up unusual jewellery, bags and trinkets - often at great prices. If you're hitting the clubs and have nothing to wear, you can't go wrong by visiting reVOLVER (Carrer del Bisbe Azara, 1, 07800; tel: +34 971 318939), a popular boutique stocking party favourites such as Vivienne Westwood, Sass and Bide and Stylestalker. With a great swimwear range too, you can even book their VIP service where they'll bring the clothes to you at your villa - so there's really no excuse not to turn the podium into your catwalk.
What to Wear in Ibiza
Cheek-grazing denim cut-offs and barely-there one-pieces have become the norm in the clubs of Ibiza. If you want to stand out, try covering up a bit. Anything goes for the nocturnal glitterati on the White Isle, so pack your showiest party dresses, playsuits and heels. Sheer fabrics and boho detailing such as fringing and beading feels just the right amount of frivolous. For daytime, luxurious kaftans and silken cover-ups are still a great option - try Seventh Wonderland, Lazul or Charlie by Matthew Zink.
Don't Leave Ibiza Without…
A hangover.
Beauty SOS - Where to Go for Pampering in Ibiza
If you do nothing else, book yourself into the Posidonia spa at Hacienda Na Xamena for an afternoon. This hotel is the grand old dame of Ibiza five-star luxury and is perched spectacularly on the northern cliffs of the island. Book a session at the thalassotherapy pools, a series of salt water Jacuzzis that hover right on the edge of the cliffs with incredible views. The package that includes lunch or dinner is perfect if you go with a partner at sundown – it doesn't get much more opulent than that. Also worth checking out for great treatments in sumptuous surrounds: the Atzaro spa in the luxurious Balinese-style agriturismo is a favourite of visiting celebrities, and the Revival Spa, a five-star destination in the Aguas de Ibiza hotel in Sant'Eularia.
Liking our Ibiza guide and looking for more places to party and sleep on the island? Check out our pick of the best ways to the ultimate Ibiza party and our pick of the best places to stay in Ibiza.
