The Island List – Our Guide To Ibiza

You can’t do Ibiza just once. OK, technically you can. But there’s a reason people return, year after year. It’s an island of contrasts: where coastline meets farmland, simplicity meets excess, and wellness sits alongside nights that stretch well into the next morning.  

If you meet one of the island’s many repeat-returners (there are several of us at Service95, taking our cue from our founder Dua, whose recs you’ll find throughout this guide), you’ll hear them talk about the energy of the White Isle – and likely think they’ve spent too much time dancing with hippies on the beach. But the lore is true. To put it simply: Ibiza is a really good time.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, these recs just might. The following lists are the places we love so much, we’re almost reluctant to share. But as ever, we’re at your service.

Here’s how to do Ibiza, the Service95 way.

The Old Town is where you’ll discover the island’s rich history. It’s also where you’ll find The Standard – all clean white walls and light wood interiors, with one of the Old Town’s only rooftop pools.

Go for the uninterrupted sea views of the quieter north coast, stay for the holistic wellness programmes, be inspired by its eco-credentials (it’s the first BREEAM-certified resort in the Balearics) and leave feeling better than when you arrived.

On this working farm, breakfast is grown in the gardens and donkeys and chickens potter across the land. It’s rustic, but refined – the handful of rooms are plush. It’s also home to Ibiza’s first all-natural swimming pool. Prepare to literally immerse yourself in nature. 

Three ex-Noma chefs are behind this lunch-only spot, weaving their Italian-Guatemalan-Nordic-Mexican-Japanese influences into every dish. The natural wine list is also excellent. 

Along this little cove, just big enough to lay out a towel on, is this chiringuito serving up incredible seafood alongside equally incredible views. Paella fans, take note.

Mediterranean produce, done simply but oh-so well. Here, ingredients are the hero, with a focus on grilled, raw and fried seafood served right by the ocean.

Out in the hills, this rustic spot is housed in a 16th-century chapel, using produce grown on the island for its Mediterranean menu. The atmosphere here is special.

Natural wines and a daily changing menu, enjoyed under the giant tree in the garden as the sky darkens and the strings of light cast a glow over the farm. Heaven.

This rural restaurant is surrounded by farmland – go in the afternoon to explore the land and stay on for dinner come evening. 

Go in the morning for a swim and to make use of the natural mud baths before the clay cliffs that surround it cast an afternoon shadow.

This quiet stretch of sand is LGBTQIA+ friendly, a little bit nudist and feels like you’re in your own world. It’s a 15-20 minute stroll from Ses Salines (where there’s parking) – worth the walk.

Down a steep set of stairs (pack light, wear proper shoes), is this stone arch and cave jutting out to sea. It’s great for snorkelling and the sun stays on the sands all day. 

Reserve a bed as you will want to stay all day. Get a lunch booking, too – this summer, Parisian restaurant Casa Pregonda (another Dua-approved spot) has taken over the kitchen.

Amante is tucked away in what feels like a private cove, with sun beds from which you can hear the waves lap the shore. Stay for sunset – the skies are spectacular.

Jondal is a beach club where you look forward to lunch as much as you do the setting. Give them a WhatsApp (the number is on their Instagram) to secure a spot.

If you’ve told friends you’re staying in but can’t resist a nightcap, just say you had Room Service – they don’t need to know you mean this bistro, where cocktails are made with precision.

Grab an outdoor table at this tapas and wine bar, drink a little sangria and try not to be enticed into another bar on your way back to the hotel.

There’s a reason all these bars are in the Old Town. You can head out for ‘just one’ – say, a highly sippable vermouth from this vermutería – then you’re well-placed to jump in a cab for a proper night out (see below).

If you don’t fancy paying the hefty fee of club tickets, head to the hippie market for the early evening DJ sets. The, move on to Akasha – the club is conveniently next door.

Up in the hills, 528 was a zoo in the 1970s, then used for the legendary Zoo Project. Practically Ibizan party history. Now, it hosts no-phone open-air nights to remember.

Pikes needs no introduction. It’s where the island’s 1980s party spirit is still going. If it’s good enough for Wham’s Club Tropicana video… 

Start the day with yoga on the shore – by the time you’ve finished, the sea will have warmed up. Perfect for a post-breakfast dip.

Follow the one kilometre El Ojo de Es Vedrà trail until you come to the clifftop, framing the isle of Es Vedrà. This particular spot is said to have healing powers.  

In the charming village of Santa Gertrudis, Wild Beets Cafe will get you to five a day in one meal: its fresh vegan food has a rainbow of produce on every plate.

Pull up to shore in a water taxi, wait for the drumming to start and join the group dancing freely on the sands as the sun sinks into the sea. There is nothing like it.

On the west coast, where everyone should watch the sun set at least once. For a guaranteed spot, book in to Sunset, a family-run restaurant on the clifftop.

Heading to the OG sunset bar is practically an Ibizan rite of passage. The music is chilled, everyone is having a good time and you will be convinced to go out afterwards. When in Ibiza…