I discovered Salinas beach, possibly the best beach on Ibiza, on various trips in the late 1980s and early ’90s.  Salinas is close to Ibiza airport, past the salt pans from which it gets its name, surrounded by shady pine forests.  There aren’t any hotels or developments on this crescent of soft sand, just a couple of beach bars and restaurants, the best of which is the Jockey Club.  It’s a spacious open-sided wooden structure with wooden tables, a bar, a beachwear shop and clean toilets, all right on the sand.

In front of the Jockey Club you can rent large double sun loungers with an umbrella for €50/day, on a first come first served basis, though you need to bring your own towels.  Jockey Club staff ensure you are well looked after for drinks or snacks, and we started the day with a few bottles of a very good, crisp and refreshing Cava (€50), to celebrate my God-daughter’s news of getting a First at uni.

At 1.30pm we moved into the restaurant, which I had pre-booked. The place was full, so advance booking for ‘peak lunchtime’ is advisable, but there seemed to be plenty of spaces later in the afternoon for walk-ups.

The Jockey Club is by no means ‘cheap’, but neither is it exorbitant in the style of beach restaurants around San Tropez.  But the food is of an excellent quality and portions are generous.  My main course of tuna tartare with an algae and miso sauce was superb 10/10 and before it I had bread with fantastically potent home-made alioli, some super fried calamari with a wasabi dip and a beautifully refreshing and healthy gazpacho.  From their decent wine list I commend the Albarino. Service was attentive and very warm and friendly.

Throughout the day mellow Balearic beats are played out by a live DJ, as well as pre-recorded, but don’t worry, this is not a rave and Salinas is not frequented by partying youngsters.  Most of the visitors appeared casual but well-heeled and sophisticated (plenty of Vilebrequin swimming shorts on show), some even arriving by speedboat.

Jockey Club is an excellent place to chill out and recharge the body with great food and a relaxing vibe.  I had a wonderful day there! 10/10