Cool season, hot events – The Standard, Ibiza

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ibiza town, as the festive lights have officially been switched on, the winter market stalls in Vara de Rey are now open and the jingly sounds of carols float across the airwaves as islanders gather to celebrate in the square every night of the week. Sitting right smack bang in the centre of it all is The Standard, Ibiza, the capital’s hippest hangout, and the place where the silly season action is sizzling, thanks to a host of special events, a new winter menu, happy hours (yes, plural), and much more. There’s even a special room rate (from 179€) for residents, meaning there’s no need to draw straws for designated driver duties.

Whether you’re breezing in for a long weekend, spending a sun-drenched Christmas and New Year in Ibiza or are planning a longer winter sojourn, the 53 sleek and stylish rooms and suites at The Standard, Ibiza make the perfect home away from home. Just steps away from the buzz of local bars, restaurants and shops – not to mention just a speedy elevator ride to the hotel’s own vibe-packed restaurant and bar, Jara – and boasting all the mod-cons (including a mini-bar to-die for) a discerning traveller could wish for, you’ve got the best of Ibiza at your fingertips, 24/7.

Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the heartbeat of the hotel, open to the public for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snack or sip in between. It’s here you’ll find international guests mingling with local characters, while watching the world go by on the sunny terrace or rubbing shoulders with the island’s cognoscenti at the low-lit bar after dark. Make the most of Afterglow Happy Hour, where you’ll get two expertly shaken or stirred cocktails for the price of one from 6pm until 8pm daily and stick around for soundtracks curated by the island’s best resident DJs until late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

It’s also the perfect place to fuel up between bouts of Christmas shopping in Ibiza town, or to indulge in dinner after your day of retail therapy is done and dusted. The new winter menu at Jara at The Standard, Ibiza features sharing-style starters like melt-in-your-mouth char-grilled aubergine with miso, carob syrup and caramelised walnuts and zesty corn ribs with lime and hot spices. Mains include the winter warming entrecôte and bone marrow rice; a creamy mushroom and truffle risotto; the decadent escalope Marques – veal in panko with poached egg, truffle and parmesan – plus roast cod with aji parmentier, pistachio and crunchy sweet potato. Just remember to save room for the sweet torrija with caramelised popcorn, toffee and ice cream for dessert.

O come all ye faithful to The Standard, Ibiza, where a host of holiday events, festive feasts and spirited soirees are planned this Christmas and New Year.

On Wednesday nights in Jara at The Standard, Ibiza, it’s anything but a silent night, as the most talked-about event of last winter returns for another cool season spell, bigger, better and ballsier than ever before. Not Your Standard Bingo sees the good old-fashioned game turned on its head, as the ground floor restaurant space is transformed into a hedonistic playground complete with dance-offs, raucous ball-calls – hosted by Spanish comedian José Boto and Ibiza’s own songstress BLONDEWEARINGBLACK – musical interludes, surprise shots and most importantly, whopping prizes to be won. The games begin from 9pm every week, and you’ve got to plan ahead, as it’s sold out in advance with a waiting list and queue out the door every week.

While the Christmas market stalls outside The Standard, Ibiza have chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you’ll find far tastier treats being roasted inside the Jara kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The all-new new Sunday Roast is a weekly ritual that brings together island locals and clued-up foodies on tour over fab food, great music and as always, up-for-anything Jara vibes. It’s like going back to mum’s place for a roast only (dare we say it!) better – think charcoal-roasted rib-eye, succulent roast chicken, slow-cooked pork belly with crispy crackling, or a hearty veggie pie, served with all the trimmings: Yorkshire puds, piles of spuds, sweet heritage carrots and parsnips, buttery peas, creamy cauliflower cheese and lashings of gravy. Comfort food at its finest, served from 1pm to 6pm.

If all you want for Christmas is a stress-free celebration, then Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the place to be on Christmas Eve. Book a table with your chosen family and tuck into a gastronomic festive feast designed by Jara’s executive chef for 100€ per person, starting with delectable treats like duck and foie gras croquettes, green seafood ceviche and classic Iberian ham. In the spirit of Christmas, mains are served family-style and include chargrilled octopus and slow-cooked suckling pig, or mushroom and ricotta ravioli in sage butter for vegetarians, and there’s free-flowing wine throughout dinner plus a dessert degustation platter too. And whether you’re in the mood to be naughty or nice, feel free to stick around for après-dinner cocktails, with no fear of being coerced into washing up!

Wrapping up the holiday season festivities at The Standard, Ibiza is the not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve soiree – an excuse to get frocked up in your finest and fling caution to the wind as you sip champagne and dine on the most decadent three-course set sharing menu that includes queen scallops in beurre blanc with caviar; fresh red prawns; and beef carpaccio to start, followed by grilled lobster with caviar and Hollandaise; and a luxe sirloin with vanilla demi-glace and potato gratin, plus plenty of after-dinner sweet treats. Then, dance your way into the new year with live DJs spinning into the early hours of the first day of 2024 – places are limited and cost 235€ per person, so booking early is recommended.

Eat, drink and be merry at The Standard, Ibiza this holiday season and start the New Year the way you mean to go on.

Finally, if you’re looking to host your very own private Yuletide event – whether for family, friends, or colleagues – The Green Room at The Standard, Ibiza shines like the star on top of the tree. A chic, underground space that can be transformed for any kind of private event, from meetings and cocktail receptions to private movie screenings (Christmassy or not) and even a spirited game of ping pong, it’s a blank canvas just waiting for you to unleash your Chrimbo creativity and sleigh, baby, sleigh. With its inclusive vibe, array of events, and fabulous festive feasts, there’s no doubt The Standard, Ibiza is the island’s hottest (and coolest!) holiday hub.