Ibiza has firmly been at the top of many Marie Claire writer’s favourite European destinations since the dawn of time. Beautiful white beaches, gourmet gastronomy and a bohemian-meets-luxe vibe so rarely found anywhere else. Ibiza is unique and if you fall for its charm once you’ll be sure to visit again and again. Continually reinventing itself and with an array of new bar, hotel and club launches every year you’ll never be short of an excuse to book another trip.
For our latest foray we forwent our usual beachside location and headed straight to the Old Town for one of the island's latest additions. Having already clocked up 7 hotels in the globe’s coolest cities (London, New York, Miami and Bangkok) it was only a matter of time before Ibiza was added to The Standard’s roster.
The hotel promises a stylish, sexy stay with great food and buzzing vibes but does it deliver?
The Vibe
Positioned in the heart of Ibiza Old Town with the harbour, twinkling marina and castle all within sight, The Standard is a vision of streamlined crisp white architecture, housing just 53 stylish rooms and suites. Whilst the hotel chain is a powerhouse within the hospitality industry it’s latest outpost feels independent and boutique with a flawless attention to detail. As is true of Ibiza in general, The Standard allows you to live it up with glitz, glam and disco balls or retire in peace and tranquillity. Whichever takes your fancy, or both.
Aside from the meticulous, brand swankingly new appearance it’s hard to believe that the Standard has only just opened its doors. The spirit and ethos feels so akin to the island that you can’t imagine an Ibiza without it. Amber Asher, CEO of Standard International said “this arrival feels like a homecoming” and we couldn’t agree more.
The Rooms
(A suite at The Standard)
Rooms range from deluxe and supreme kings through to one of four types of suites. We chose the standard suite and at almost 50 square metres found we had more than enough space to cut some shapes. The room design is stark white minimalism come 1960s mad men, with fun hints of Ibizan colour and artisan finds carefully scattered throughout.
Rooms are advertised as offering a king size bed but had we packed our tape measure I’m confident we could confirm it was at least a super king. Crisp, clean and beyond comfy, the perfect place to get over the night before. Our suite boasted 2 balconies and corner views, a spacious bathroom with double sinks and rain shower as well as a dressing room lit to perfection. Bluetooth speaker, flatscreen tv, corner sofa and a large bathtub finished it off a treat.
If there’s a larger group of you, or you’re just feeling particularly boujee, why not take over Casa Privada. One block from the main hotel this home from home (if you live in a palace) sleeps up to 28 and offers a rooftop pool and bar, yoga studio and terrace suites with outdoor tubs. Casual.
(A terrace at casa Privada)
The Food
Breakfast is served in the ground floor Jara restaurant and delights guests with “cafe style farm to table cuisine”. Sit inside or spill out onto the street to soak up the hustle and bustle as the Old Town starts to wake. Breakfast includes your choice of healthy starter - overnight oats and the fruit plates were a favourite, followed by either “eggs” or “toast”. Don’t be fooled by the basic naming conventions though: the eggs section serves up wholesome eats like the Sandwich de Desayuno with scrambled eggs, bacon and mahon cheese or for those with a sweeter tooth choose the waffle with chantilly, hazelnuts, berries and maple syrup “toast”. Juices are freshly squeezed, coffee is decent and the cocktails look tempting. Service at breakfast was slightly haphazard but the friendly attitude meant you happily turned a blind eye.
(Breakfast at Jara)
Dinner is also served at Jara and as the nights get darker the crowds poor in and resident musicians and DJs take up their place. The menu is an homage to local Ibizan and Spanish produce. To start, do not miss the Tartar Jara, a vegan take on the traditional with roasted tomato, mustard caper vinaigrette, radishes and toasted bread - mind blowingly good. It would be sacrilege not to try the daily croquettes (when in Rome!) and the garlic prawns were juicy and substantial. For mains the slow roasted cod was a light and tasty treat and we’d advise investigating the daily specials. On offer during our stay was a sharing steak - they prepared it for us as a single portion but I think the memo must have got lost in the kitchen as the serving size was gargantuan. Delicious but not for the faint hearted.
For evening cocktails or something lighter head to “Up” the rooftop poolside bar serving dangerous cocktails and Mexican bites. Wherever you perch you’ll have views of the pool, castle or marina providing the perfect spot for a sundowner. Mix with the glitterati, scoff at those not on the list and have yourself the start to a great night.
(Up at The Standard)
What else?
On and off season there’s a whole host of “happenings” to tempt you from your sun lounger. After Beach Happy Hour, Backgammon and Chess nights, the infamous “Not Your Standard Bingo” or a Sunday Brunch session should happily see you through the week.
If the mood takes you there’s a great gym in the basement, the hotel can kindly provide beach towels for days out and in fact concierge is on hand to answer almost any request.
Did it live up to the promise? We think so. Was it worth the wait? Most definitely.
Rooms start from 209€ in the low season and 550€ in the high season. Visit The Standard Ibiza to book now.
