Sands

Clearly the bars here hold an envious position; the natural beauty of this 3km long beach and its accompanying views are a major selling point, and access from nearby Ibiza Town could not be easier. However Sands recognise that this alone is not enough, and have created a wonderful, relaxing environment for dining and chilling out on the beach.

The most refreshing thing about Sands (apart, of course, from a glass of their ice-cold water on a hot summer’s day!) is the cuisine and the high standard it is cooked to. To sum it up, it is restaurant-quality food in a beach bar setting. Good, fresh ingredients, globally-influenced recipes, attention to detail and a hint of flair and innovation. I thoroughly enjoyed a starter of King Prawns with ginger, wasabi and guacamole, served with a sweet mango salad. The starters were big enough to function as a light lunch but I was tempted into the Rack of Lamb and did not regret the decision. Other enticing options included Sea Bass and Tuna Steak which looked equally as superb as the lamb. The portions were all generous to say the least, which further emphasised Sands’ excellent value for money. That said, they also offer delicious salads and sandwiches for those with a smaller appetite.

It is an extremely effective setup, and one which is sure to continue attracting large volumes of custom. The décor is that of simple class; rustic wooden furnishings decorated with white cushions, providing luxurious comfort either in the shade of the bar or out on the beach. However Sands is in no way ostentatious and has managed to create that magical beach bar vibe that is so popular in Ibiza. Every afternoon DJs spin Balearic beats as part of an impressive line-up that includes one of the greatest pioneers of the style, Jose Padilla playing live on Wednesdays. It is an ideal pit stop for those in Playa d’en Bossa, with an exceptional list of cocktails and fresh fruit juices to choose from the blackboard.