ELTIPS AV R T

“It’ll be like Kevin and Perry going large,” a colleague mocked, as I wheeled my bag out of the office with my younger, trendier mate Nada.

But Ibiza, as I realised from scouring the mixed bunch on my flight, has something for all ages.

Imagine if St Kitts had a love child – a pretty, free-spirited girl with a hippy soul and great taste for food – and you’re close to the true Ibiza.

Best of all, with a flight time of two and a half hours, it’s easy enough to enjoy for a long weekend.

One of the most crucial decisions is where to stay. The heaving party epicentre of San Antonio, to the west, is not really my cup of tea.

But just north of the airport, Playa d’en Bossa is a 20-minute walk from Ibiza Town and a good compromise if you’re after a party but also need a kip.

We left it to the last minute to book – something we both slightly regretted. But we managed to get a place at Ryans Ibiza Apartments, thanks to a quick search on comparison site Hotelscombined.

We were within walking distance of the picturesque Old Town, with its narrow winding steep cobbled streets. And there was a beach across the road.

The area is 2,500 years old and has a vibe all of its own. Climb the slope that leads to the Ses Taules Gate, visit the old market – Mercat Vell – and buy jewellery, local wine, olive oils, herbs and cheeses.

And potter round the Career de Sa Carrossa – one of the town’s loveliest squares, which is brimming with cafes, bars and boutique shops.

I bought a floaty maxi-dress, Nada rooted out a pretty top. Job done.

After a laid-back lunch of tapas, we prepared for a hedonistic night helped by some professional pampering at Blowout Ibiza.

For special occasions, staff can come to you but the Playa d’en Bossa salon is just as appealing. It’s achingly cool, with staff on hand to make you feel, and look, incredible. Nada and I had our hair styled and make-up done.

It’s not cheap, £55 for hair and £43 for make-up, but I can’t think of a better way to start the night.

We then went to Experimental Beach at Cap d’es Falco, around half an hour drive away and off the beaten track, for sundowners.

The bumpy road leading up to it passes the Ses Salines salt flats and feels wild and unchartered, despite being a well-trodden tourist path.

Sunset, from beach chairs in front of the restaurant, with chilled Ibiza music playing, is really something. BOOK beach clubs well in advance and try to reserve a sunlounger at the same time, if you can. It pays to have organised your visit. DON’T convert back to the pound if you’re paying for things on your card – pay in the local currency or you lose money in the exchange. IF you have to leave a restaurant at a certain time, inquire at the start of the meal how long cabs take and book. We waited an hour one evening for transport.

Hedonism

It’s a hip crowd and informal. They also do a cracking salted whole sea bass for two.

WeW headed on to one of Ibiza’s mostmo famous club’s, Space, for a nightnig called Glitterbox, full of disco beats,bea retro vibes, mad podium dancersdan and glittery face paint at everyeve turn. But there are heaps of nightsnig to pick from. For a full rundownru see essentialibiza.com.

This is not a night of hedonism reservedr for 20-something Towie lookalikes. There were more than a few golden oldies throwing some shapes. Our night ended at 5am. Usually the time I’m getting up with my toddler.

W Waking up was painful. So what bet better tonic than a trip to the wo wonderfully zen Amante Beach Club, near the family-friendly resort area of Cala Llonga?

Nada sought this place out, having been before, and made us a reservation. I’m so glad she did.

In Amante I found my nirvana. Pass me a plate of their speciality fish croquettes and a chilled glass of blush rosé, crack out some Cafe del Mar-type tunes and let me feast my eyes on the stunning bay before me.

I would happily have stayed here, in a semi-stupor, for ever and ever.

Later that night, we pottered back to Ibiza Old Town, now abuzz in the time-honoured fashion.

We plumped for the first al fresco restaurant that had space for us – there are loads so no reason to book.

But the alarm clock came all too early the next morning. I hid behind dark glasses at the airport, only smiling when I spotted James Blunt, of You’re Beautiful fame, on our plane, cradling a newborn baby.

Was I stupid to have burnt the candle at both ends when I had a toddler to return to? Undoubtedly.

But was it not complete escapism and a hell of a lot of fun? Absolutely. It’s the best playground I’ve visited for months. FACTFILE: Blowout Ibiza services start from £ 13, see blowoutibiza. com. Hotelscombined.co.uk offers dozens of Ibiza hot spots, including the new Ryan’s Apartments in Figueretas. Prices from £31pppn based on six sharing a two-bed apartment with a balcony for a week in September.