Ibiza for Those Over 40: Where to Relax Without the Crowds and Noise.

EVERY year, I will move mountains to make it back to Ibiza.

According to The Sun: I am not alone in my love for Ibiza; millennials like me grew up entranced by parties in superclubs like Space and Pacha, thanks to popular television shows like Ibiza Uncovered.

Supplied Caroline McGuire noho.beach

A New Approach to Parties

Now, as we stand on the threshold of forty, our approach to partying on Europe's most hedonistic island has become more mature and elegant. Partly, this is down to the timing of our visits.

I no longer travel to the White Isle in the peak season when it is too hot, expensive, and crowded.

Instead, I usually visit Ibiza in September or October when the weather is still great, and many clubs continue to throw big parties.

Here's my ultimate guide to Ibiza for those transitioning into middle age.

Beach Clubs and Nightlife

Sunset Ashram: For those aged 40+, but who still love to have a good time, beach clubs are the best place to socialize. Starting with a pitcher of white sangria at 1 PM and finishing with dinner at 10 PM – what more could you want? Sunset Ashram is the best spot on the island if you are looking for a more hippie, laid-back vibe.

This restaurant, reminiscent of a place from the 'Flintstones', is perched on a cliff above Cala Conta beach and undoubtedly has one of the best sunset views.

Book a table at the restaurant or one of the beds outside, or simply lay your towel on the sand like many locals do. And if you’re lucky, a drummer might come by to create music as the sun sets.

Jockey Club: One of Ibiza's original beach clubs, it offers a relaxed beach bar vibe, sun loungers, and an outdoor restaurant.

San Trinxa: This is more of a beach restaurant with soft melodies, where guests are welcomed barefoot, and the menu offers delicious Mediterranean dishes under a palm-thatched roof.

Alamy George Michael making the Club Tropicana video at Pikes in IbizaScope Features

Where to Stay

It really depends on your plans as getting around the island in taxis can be expensive.

This year I stayed at the new Bonito hotel in San Antonio, a five-star hotel that opened this summer in partnership with O Beach.

The hotel is located opposite the entrance to O Beach club, and while guests get free entry to the venue until 2 PM, the hotel partnership doesn’t mention much more.

With one of the most beautiful lobbies I've ever seen, the cozy terrace overlooking the pool impresses with its staff offering tequila cocktails as a welcome drink.

Guests order Bloody Marys, sangrias, frozen daiquiris, and spicy margaritas or simply chill on large sun loungers while DJs play music from noon until six in the evening.

On the fifth floor, there’s a pool with fantastic views of San Antonio port and the Mexican restaurant Cielito, where you can enjoy delicious enchiladas, guacamole, and tacos.

Our spacious ground-floor room looked out onto one of the pools, adding a pleasant touch as large floor-to-ceiling windows created an atmosphere of being part of the action.

The hotel is in a great location for exploring the western part of the island, where some of my favorite Ibiza places are located.

Caroline McGuire

Restaurants

Cala Gracionata: Ibiza is renowned for its fantastic cuisine, with world-class restaurants.

One of my favorites is Cala Gracioneta, a restaurant on the cliffs above a cozy shoreline near San Antonio, offering Mediterranean dishes like chunky potatoes with guacamole and pico de gallo, as well as grilled shellfish with green harissa.

Fish Shack: At the end of a dirt path lies this tranquil beachfront restaurant with views of Talamanca Bay near Ibiza.

Here, there’s essentially no menu – you get what the fishermen have brought in that day, served with salad and potatoes.

Amante: A restaurant built on a cliff overlooking Sol d'en Serra bay on the east side of the island, Amante calls itself 'the most beautiful restaurant in Ibiza.'

It’s a wonderful spot for both lunch and dinner serving Mediterranean food and fantastic cocktails.

The Rooftop at Montesol Experimental: Ibiza has many fantastic restaurants, but few can boast such a beautiful view as this rooftop restaurant with a cocktail bar.

It is located atop the Montesol Experimental hotel between the stunning Dalt Vila – Ibiza’s ancient fortified town – and the marina. Here, delicious sushi, some tapas dishes, and exquisite cocktails are served. Then you can take an evening stroll through the narrow streets of Dalt Vila.

Ana Lui Ibiza continues to remain a favorite destination for millennials who feel they can enjoy life differently, more calmly and with good taste. Choosing a September or October visit opens up numerous opportunities for new experiences, with fantastic venues and incredible sunsets making this island trip particularly appealing. Time spent in Ibiza becomes not just a celebration of youth, but a pleasure for the soul, allowing for a focus on the quality of moments.