There is a myth that one needs to be familiar with the back catalogue of Positiva Records in order to enjoy a break in Ibiza.

The island’s reputation as being the holiday hot spot for house music afficiardos overshadows the many other entertainment experiences on offer. Ibiza is not just San Antonio and glo sticks.

In fact, should you want fantastic nightlife as part of your holiday experience then avoiding the superclubs is a good start. Where once Pacha held claim to being one of the most exciting clubs on the planet, these days it resembles the premiership’s favourite Essex hangout, Faces nightclub.

If the generic, pedestrian music is not enough to convince you, then the expense involved with the big clubs is another good reason to steer clear. A typical entrance fee is £30, and with water costing £5 for a small bottle, it’s enough to make you choke on your whistle.

However, it is worth taking up the invitation of Hotel Es Vive to come join the cabaret, with free monthly events hosted by its Smirnoff & Electric Cabaret bar. Numbers are limited so best to call or email the hotel to reserve a place. What you are treated to is a mixture of live acts, including the sassiest burlesque stars, and DJ sets by innovative bands such as The Go Team, all set around the glamorous hotel’s poolside.

You won’t find packs of hen parties in matching cowboy hats here; the crowd is a mixture of laid-back Ibiza cool and London’s quirky cabaret scene. The Smirnoff & Electric Cabaret bar is a good destination for any Ibiza evening, if you are fortunate enough to be staying at the hotel then there really is no excuse for not sampling its fantastic cocktails and legendary parties.

The only reason to visit San Antonio is to attend one of the Ibiza Rocks nights at Bar M. So far, the line-up has included gigs by The Editors, The Streets and LCD Soundsystem. Seeing one of your favourite bands playing on the beach creates a special type of atmosphere, think all the excitement of being at a festival but without having to wear Hunter Wellingtons.

A compelling reason for people to return to Ibiza is not only to get mashed up in a sweatbox club, but to enjoy a beautiful island boasting stunning sunsets that in themselves have facilitated a more authentic Balearic night out. Head to Benirras beach near San Miquel in the north, where crowds gather to celebrate the sunset to background music of drums and singing. As the orange glow fades to twilight, groups of drummers set the beats rolling and hippy travellers set off firework displays.

Performance art is not a concept many would associate with Ibiza but the island has played host to a bohemian scene since the 1960s. Now boho is back in fashion with bars such as Kumhara, in Cala de Bou in San Jose attracting the floaty, style-seeking set. The beachside bar regularly puts on experimental theatre, exhibitions and installations, as well as hosting reggae and world music parties.

Jazz and blues comes to the Guarana Club in the Port of Santa Eularia on Sundays with an impressive line-up of live acts and DJs. It’s the perfect spot to cool down from a hot day at the beach or a boat trip to Formentera, sitting on its terrace listening to Ibiza Global Radio DJs play jazzy lounge music.

With house music and monster DJs on the wane, the tide is turning in the Ibiza clubbing scene. The island’s authorities are looking to clean up its image as a destination for the 18 to 30s-type crowd, and recently police temporarily closed Bora Bora, Amnesia and the hugely popular DC10, accusing them of tolerating drug usage.

It would appear that boutique and organic is the best way to go if you’re looking for a night out that doesn’t involve being fleeced by bar prices and DJs playing music that’s only exciting if you have swallowed the contents of a pharmacy.

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