Ibiza’s not-so-hidden secret, Experimental Beach opens its beachside doors for another season full of luminous sunsets and laidback sounds all served with a host of Mediterranean flavours with just a hint of chef Alexa Larreas’s Basque roots.

When Experimental Beach Ibiza first opened its doors back in May 2013, it was just what the island was calling for. If you lived in Ibiza, or visited around that time, you’ll remember just what a revelation it was to finally be able to order a world-class cocktail right on the beach, along with exceptional food. Not only that – the setting was super stylish, with an incredible alternative sunset taking place right in front of your eyes each night. Fast forward over a decade to summer 2024, and the beautiful beach club on Cap d’es Falco run by global hospitality pioneers Experimental Group is now a true island icon, a must-visit on the gastronomic map, and it continues to get better and better every season.

Set on the cusp of the magical Ses Salines salt plains, complete with flocks of flamingos and views across to Es Vedrá, the stylish beach club is revered across the globe as one of Ibiza’s finest sunset destinations. Sunset, however, is a just fleeting moment in time, vanishing as soon as the sun sinks into the sea. The Experimental Beach Ibiza experience, however, is timeless and long-lasting. There’s no hurry here – life is to be savoured, moments cherished, and memories made. Grab a group of friends or family – or perhaps that special someone – and spend a languid, leisurely day by the sea, ordering cocktails when the whim strikes, strolling from sunbed to table when you’re hungry for lunch, then back again for a siesta before sunset.

Open from 10am, Experimental Beach Ibiza is perfectly positioned to catch the early morning sun’s rays. The azure of the Mediterranean Sea sparkles before your eyes, tempting you in for a refreshing dip, while luxe Bali Beds and plush sun loungers dotted along the sand beg for long conversations in between the occasional snooze. The kitchen opens from midday, where executive chef Alex Larrea has created a menu inspired by the history and culture of the Balearics, the abundance of produce and ingredients from the Mediterranean, and a definite hint of his Basque origins. “The concept of pintxos, or tapas, is embedded in my DNA,” he admits. “My cooking style has always been inspired by the culture I grew up with – sharing dishes over a table with family and friends.”

This is why his menu begins with small plates para picar – small bites you can share on your sunbed before lunchtime, or continually snack on through the day. Don’t bypass the croquetas de jamón Iberico – classics, but also the chef’s personal favourite – and play roulette with a dish of pimientos de padron to see who’ll be the first to find a spicy one. There’s plenty more to snack on at Experimental Beach Ibiza: the island’s best fried calamari (trust us!), Cantábrico anchovies, focaccia of the day, white prawn tartare (with a spicy kick!) and of course, plate upon plate of silky slices of acorn-fed jamón Iberico, sliced to order and served with traditional crystal bread and tomato.

It wouldn’t be a beach day at Experimental Beach Ibiza without sampling one (or many) of the expertly crafted cocktails the beach club is renowned for. Anthony Di Lorenzo – mixologist and manager for Experimental Group in the Balearics – says the all-new summer 2024 cocktail menu is brimming with the flavours, aromas, ingredients and even personalities of the island. “Our new menu has been inspired by the vibrant energy and unique atmosphere of Ibiza,” he says. “Each cocktail has been created by a different bartender – we draw on the strength of the union of very own team to find a perfect balance of flavours across the menu. And each cocktail tells a story.”

Tequila lovers will like the Moustache Paloma – a twist on a classic, with calamansi and grapefruit juices, plus homemade citrus foam marinated with rosemary and thyme picked fresh from the island. The Besito takes spicy Bes gin and mixes it with watermelon and basil shrub, while the Señor Carota is an explosion of flavours, infusing pisco with cardamom and burnt pineapple skin, mango, carrot cordial, lemon juice and tamarind. Di Lorenzo recommends the Bomba de Humo – an instant Experimental Beach Ibiza classic made with mezcal, spicy chili licqueur, smoked paprika, lime juice and roasted pineapple. “It captures the palates of everyone who tastes it,” he says.

When the sun rises high in the sky, take respite on the alfresco restaurant terrace, where lunch is served beneath dappled shades, and ease into a long and lazy afternoon of feasting on the Mediterranean’s finest at Experimental Beach Ibiza. “For us, it’s an absolute priority to work with the as much produce from the island as possible,” says Larrea. “We collaborate with local farmers, small producers and local boats that provide us with wonderful fresh fish from the island. Other than that, we look to the rest of the Balearics and the Iberian Peninsula. We only use seasonal products and always give a nod to the different cultures of the Mediterranean, with a twist.”

Whether you’re seeking something light and healthy, or wholesome and hearty, there’s something to suit all appetites on the new Experimental Beach Ibiza menu. “I recommend starting with the grilled eggplant or the Ibizan tomato salad,” says Larrea. “And it’s almost mandatory to continue with a raw sea bass tiradito with leche de tigre de piparrak and jalapeños.” The raw menu is a delight, and also easy to share, and the lengthy salad menu is a dream on a hot summer’s day – the restaurant’s famous watermelon and feta salad remains a highlight, alongside the best potato salad this side of France and a health-boosting quinoa salad with avocado, goji berries, wild rice and a harissa kick.

Larrea also recommends sharing the locally caught fish of the day (salt-baked or grilled), or for those seeking something a little meatier, he suggests the spicy grilled country chicken served with homemade kimchi or the Menorcan beef steak. There are luxe rice dishes and pastas – with the lobster linguine is always a winner – and vegetarian options aplenty, alongside a variety of fresh fish and seafood. Guests are so spoilt for choice they could spend an entire day and night dipping in and out of the menu, but there’s one thing Larrea says you simply cannot leave Experimental Beach Ibiza without trying. “Our Torrija [a local bread pudding] puts the icing on the cake,” he declares with pride.

Sunbeds call, once again, to sleep off all that feasting, before the sun’s golden rays begin to glint off the sea and the sky transforms into a kaleidoscopic array of colours. There’s no denying just how iconic the Experimental Beach Ibiza sunset experience is, and if you happened to arrive just in time for nature’s incredible spectacle and missed the opportunity for lunch, never fear! The kitchen remains open, non-stop, throughout sunset and onto dinner until midnight, with Larrea’s impressive menu perfectly suited to both day and night alike, with the exceptionally curated wine list providing the perfect accompaniment.

Whether you come for lunch and stay for the sunset or come for sunset and stay for the food (or perhaps, as many Experimental Beach Ibiza lovers have been known to do, stay for all three), one thing is for sure. This is an Ibiza beach club that is well-deserving of its reputation for exceptional cuisine, exquisite cocktails, unrivalled service and incredible style. And speaking of style? Don’t forget to exit through the boutique, where an array of Ibiza-inspired fashion and jewellery make the ultimate souvenir to commemorate your escape to paradise.