Christmas complete, the days are already getting longer – make that light at the end of the tunnel a little brighter by planning your summer holiday. From sun, sea and sand to cocktails, cabanas and cavorting, island party holidays have it all. We compare classic to cutting-edge and East to West with this selection of two of the world’s best.

Ibiza

Balearic beauty Ibiza has been a popular party paradise since the swinging sixties. Each year thousands flock to the Spanish isle for a tantalising taste of hedonism.

Pros – Ibiza guarantees quality clubbing – promising tunes spun from the most famous DJs, played out on the best sound systems. Celebrity spotting is a possibility, if you have the funds to hang out in the VIP areas, or in the likes of upmarket beach bar Blue Marlin.

Cons – Recent restrictions mean clubs are slapped with curfews and noise limits, taking some shine off the shimmering isle. Clubs can be overcrowded, cavernous and unoriginal. Lesser-known locations can be hunted down, but are often elitist and expensive.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Originally a filthy secret among travellers, this latest discovery in party playgrounds is becoming popular with those in search of a more Bohemian party vibe. Compared to the Ibiza of yesteryear, Gili T offers a timetable of chill-out and partying – as the small number of occupants congregate at the same place each night.

Pros – Accessible only by boat and totally traffic-free, it certainly fits the bill of holiday hideaway. It’s the perfect place to make friends as there’s generally only one hotspot to hit each night, and without restrictions, the party frequently spills out onto the beach in the early hours. The prices are as cheap as the vibe is laid-back – both high and low-end accommodations are available and a week in a luxury hotel is likely to set you back as little as one night in a reasonable Ibizan three-star.

Cons – It’s not the most straightforward of places to get to. Speed boats ease the pain for those willing to pay the extra (still pittance in the grand scheme of things) but can’t be completely relied on. The slow boat can eat into a couple of days if you’re not careful – with a stopover on neighbouring island Lombok – so this is no weekend retreat. It’s also no place to visit if you’re looking for big name DJs and quality dance music – Blue Marlin satisfies a more refined taste on a number of nights but Rudy’s fills in the gaps with a student union-style pop and cheese fest.