The Standard Ibiza is a sleek addition to one of the island’s busiest squares — offering a laid-back cool and great food. The location (there aren’t any beaches within walking distance) means that it feels more like a city bolthole, rather than somewhere you’d go for a beachy break — but that’s no bad thing. And if you’re in town to party, Pacha is a short walk away and the room service runs 24 hours a day. Berocca at the ready...
Where is it?
Set on the main square — Vara de Rey — in Ibiza Town, the location couldn’t be more central — surrounded by myriad shops (from the super luxe to high street chains like Zara), bars, gelaterias and just a brief 15 minute walk to the world’s best known superclub, Pacha.
The Standard brand has become known for its party hard ethos — but sensing stiff competition on the island from the likes of Ushuaia, they’ve positioned this outpost as a laid back and grown-up alternative for those in the know.
Despite the busy, central location, inside the hotel feels like an oasis of calm so while the party rages on outside, it’s a good place to check-in if you want to nurse a sore head.
Overlooking the historic walled Old Town (Dalt Vila), a Unesco World Heritage site, you might even be inspired to walk off that hangover and get in touch with the more cultural parts of the island.
Style
Uncluttered, Californian cool — with pops of colour and texture here and there. Verena Haller, the brand’s Chief Design Officer and the Standard’s in house design team went for fresh, breezy and modern, rather than anything neon or super boujie (again, this being Ibiza, that aesthetic is widely available if that’s your bag).
Each room is pared back and minimalist — think white walls and linens with the odd colourful cushion but little else of interest. It feels more utilitarian comfort than high glamour but there’s everything you need for a relaxing stay — and given the roof terrace, you’re unlikely to be spending much of your waking time in the room anyway.
Facilities
There’s no spa and only a teeny gym but the main point of attraction is the roof terrace — a first for Ibiza Town. Overlooking the beautiful Dalta Vila, it’s the perfect place to while away a lazy Balearic day — with super comfortable sun loungers and attentive waiting staff on hand to keep you well fed and watered. During the day the music is pleasingly laid back and minimal but does crank up a notch as sundowners get the crowd ready for the club.
The hotel also has its own villa — the Casa Privada, ideal for larger groups, it’s a short walk from the main site, has its own bar, pool and space for plenty of friends.
Food & drink
This is where The Standard Ibiza really shines. Obviously there’s no shortage of parties in Ibiza, so any hotel has stiff competition when it comes to showing people a good time — but amazing dining is (in my humble opinion) totally up for grabs. While the White Isle has plenty of restaurants for those who want to be seen, it hasn’t got as much to offer those who are also looking for a really good meal, so The Standard is a welcome addition.
Dining is split across the downstairs restaurant — Jara — and the rooftop (UP). Most of the dishes are slick, fresh and mediterranean. Breakfast is highly recommended (and huge) — a fruit plate, fresh eggs (or waffles — which are crispy, chewy and sweet, i.e. perfect), excellent coffee and zingy freshly squeezed orange juice.
Order it to your room if you can’t face the trip down to the restaurant, although there is terrace seating, out on the Vara de Rey, which makes for a lovely start to the day.
During the day, rooftop restaurant UP has an edited menu of small-ish Mexican-inspired dishes (tacos, patatas bravas with a Mexican twist, crispy prawns etc) which can be brought directly to your sun lounger, alongside a cocktail or two (all uniformly excellent). Be sure to try the guac and blue corn tortilla chips — some of the best I’ve ever had. Stay until sunset and sink a few spicy margaritas.
For dinner, Jara has a full menu and an excellent vibe (a DJ will get you into the party mood). My personal favourite was the succulent, smokey chicken asado — which comes with a moreish fennel chimichurri. Tip: eat up at the bar and the super-attentive staff will act as your personal sommelier recommending wines from the hotel’s excellent selection. If you decide you simply can’t leave the rooftop, dinner at UP is also a treat — I’d recommend the short rib barbacoa, which is outstanding. It’s made for two to share and comes with a sweet, fresh Apple salad, corn tortillas and salsas. A perfect pre-party plate of food.
Extracurricular
As it’s Ibiza, nightlife is obviously the big draw. Known as the world’s clubbing capital, there are a number of venues to pick from. With Pacha in such close proximity, though, it’s the obvious choice. It’s also known as one of the world’s best clubs for a reason — regularly drawing superstar DJ line-ups (and a steady stream of celebrity clubbers).
