Say hello to The Standard Ibiza, which has staked a claim for being the White Isle’s coolest new hotel – as magical and enticing as the island itself.
Perfect for first-timers and island regulars alike, the hotel – now transformed by the Spanish architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán – occupies a former movie theatre in the heart of Ibiza Town and stays true to the hospitality group’s ethos as a hub for creatives, much like its beloved outposts in New York, London and Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Despite its central location (and a vibey launch party), The Standard is not a party hotel, but a sophisticated bolthole that aims to appeal to in-the-know jet-setters and fashionable locals. Behind the hotel’s bright white modernist façade lie carefully curated interiors designed by Oskar Kohnen in collaboration with The Standard’s in-house team, which offer high style and a sense of playfulness.
Downstairs, the hotel’s maximalist public spaces include feel-good floral print furnishings and custom murals from the artist Nicolás Villamizar that pay homage to the island’s bohemian energy, and nod to the Sixties’ Flower Power era. There’s also plenty of tropical greenery dotted around, contributing to the laidback vibe.
The Rooms
Tranquil sanctuaries in clean-cut neutral tones, the 67 bedrooms and suites have been designed as a respite to the bustling town centre (and late nights out partying!). Soft materials offset sun-bleached masonry and infuse a calmness in tandem with a medley of white, grey and beige hues. Marble, leather and hessian rugs add texture to the spaces, and shutter-lined windows lead to balconies overlooking the Passeig, an elegant promenade that’s great for people watching, with tables set out under the oleander and eucalyptus trees.
The Food + Drink
The ground floor restaurant and bar, Jara, opens to the street, serves delicious farm-to-table dishes from morning until night, and is decorated in olive-green velvet with soft lighting and white lacquer dining chairs. Breakfast is a real feast and might include a fruit plate, fresh eggs, fluffy waffles and freshly squeezed orange juice. In the evening, a DJ starts spinning tunes to accompany plates of chargrilled monkfish, crispy duck rolls and paella.
On the rooftop at the appropriately named Up, you can enjoy zingy poolside cocktails under pretty parasols and soak up the panoramic views across the historic walled Old Town (Dalt Vila), a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the perfect place to while away a lazy day listening to chilled Balearic beats – make sure you’re there early to secure one of the super comfortable sun loungers by the 15-metre swimming pool, where attentive waiting staff are on hand to keep you fed and watered. Daytime bites include Mexican-inspired tacos, patatas bravas and a tasty bowl of guacamole and blue corn tortilla chips, with more substantial plates like chipotle charcoal chicken and ribeye steak available after dark.
The Little Extras
A block away, you’ll find Casa Privada, the hotel’s hideaway villa for groups and families, offering 14 rooms including two terrace suites with outdoor tubs. As well as being able to use all of the main hotel amenities, guests of the Casa have exclusive access to a private gym and pool, as well as a daily breakfast spread and cocktail moment – think trays of Aperol Spritz while you’re catching some rays.
The To-Do List
Ibiza is an island where you can mix health and hedonism and The Standard is a great base from which to sample both. Pull on your trainers and explore the cobbled streets and dramatic 16th-century ramparts that encircle Dalt Vila, high above Ibiza Town, or venture further afield with a long walk around the stunning coastline with Ibiza Hike Station. By night, the best sunsets and daiquiris can be found at Café Mambo, which has been drawing a hipster crowd for 25 years, and if you want to party, you’re a stone’s throw away from one of the world’s most famous nightclubs, Pacha, a hub for big-name DJs that attracts all the beautiful people to dance until dawn. Finally, why not take a day trip over to the laid-back island of Formentera (ferries run regularly from Ibiza Town) where you’ll be greeted by aquamarine waters and golden sand beaches – Migjorn is one of the best.
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