Words Hannah Kane
Cover photo Frank Weyrauther
Jean Claude Ades presents Be Crazy at Lio
Most Glamorous Party
Imagine Studio 54 with it’s glittering, cosmopolitan crowd, swaying to hypnotic, downright sexy deep house and tech house, transported to a club with ocean views from the dance floor. This is Be Crazy! The most glamorous party on the island, and every Thursday DJ Jean Claude Ades will welcome some of the industry’s most respected DJs to join him on the decks at the small but exquisitely formed club Lio, set in the heart of the Marina. It’s pure luxury, from the music policy to the yachts parked outside.
When: Thursdays, until 12th October
Tickets: €70
Lio, Puerto Deportivo Marina Ibiza, Passeig Joan Carles I, 1, 07800 Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain
Nightmares On Wax presents: Wax Da Jam “Season of Giving”
“The ethos of Wax Da Jam is crowd participation. We have DJ sets with MCs, percussionists, drummers, all working in a freestyle motion and the crowd becomes part of that. The people make the party,” says George Evelyn, better known as DJ E.A.S.E and by his Nightmares on Wax moniker. Typically eclectic in his music policy, on June 22nd he welcomes the dub, reggae and soul infusion of Fat Freddy’s Drop (DJ Fitchie, Chopper Reeds & MC Slave), July 20th it’s pure disco with our previous cover star Seth Troxler, Latin, jazz and hip-hop with funkadelic Kenny Dope on August 17th, and closing on September 14th with an all-star crew. It’s good for the soul on every level, with 10% of the door takings donated to building wells in Africa and India.
When: June 22nd, July 20th, August 17th, September 14th
Tickets: €30
Las Dalias, Carretera San Carlos, Km12, 07850 Sant Carles de Peralta, Islas Baleares, Spain
Jamie Jones, Paradise at DC10
Best Mash Up
The Welshman returns to the White Isle for his fifth season, bringing with him some of the biggest names in dance music such as Richy Ahmed, Art Department, Steve Lawler, SKREAM, Hot Since 82, Tale of Us, Guy Gerber, Eats Everything – the list goes on. It’s proper messy and you’ll need serious staying power to make it through to dawn, but if you need to scratch that raving itch, DC10 is hard to beat.
When: Wednesdays, 21st June – 27th September
Tickets: €58
DC10, Diseminado es Moli, 9448, 07818 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain
Black Coffee at Hï Ibiza
Best Newcomer
The big news on the island this season is the reopening of the club formerly known as Space, now Hï as named by new owners Ushuaïa (which explains the fondness for the umlaut). The new owners have also given the club a lick of paint and put in “the most advanced sound and technologies on the island”. We were there for the opening party at the end of May and can testify to the rich sound experience that doesn’t leave your ears ringing afterwards.
In his debut Ibiza season, the new Saturday night resident South African DJ Black Coffee’s Kwaito inspired rhythms will bring a fresh sound to the White Isle. He’s also calling on the talents of some of Africa’s finest underground artists such as house hero Culoe de Song (17th June and 19th August), Soulistic music DJ and producer Da Capo (three separate appearances across the summer, plus South African duo Black Motion and Cape Town DJ Ryan Murgatroyd. There will also be live performances and his curated selection of achingly cool international DJs. “I regard Ibiza as the capital of the dance music world and I’m truly honoured to be part of the continuing legacy of the island,” says Black Coffee. It’s a fitting rebirth to a legendary space.
When: Saturdays, 3rd June – 30th September
Tickets from: €45
Hï Ibiza, Playa d’en Bossa, 07817 Sant Jose, Islas Baleares, Spain
‘In The Dark’ at Hï Ibiza
The famous five of underground house and techno: Joris Voorn, Kölsch, Luciano, Nic Fanciulli and Steve Lawler have joined forces for ‘In The Dark’, a new night that promises to keep underground club culture at the heart of Hï Ibiza. Don’t miss achingly cool Brit collective Housekeeping who will be keeping things tidy on the famous terrace 13th July, 17th August, 21st September, and in the main room 8th June and 24th August.
When: Thursdays 8th June – 28th September
Tickets from: €45
Hï Ibiza, Playa d’en Bossa, 07817 Sant Jose, Islas Baleares, Spain
Elrow at Amnesia
Best Production
If you like your clubbing experience to be more like a festival – an immersive playground filled with acrobats and artists then you need to party with Spanish funmakers Elrow. Founded in 2010 by Cruz and Juan Arnau Lasierra, the sixth generation of entrepreneurs of the Arnau Family, their hugely successful themed shows saw them throw 88 events around the world last year with residences in Ibiza, Madrid, London and Amsterdam and multiple festival partnerships. In their new Ibiza home Amnesia they will be introducing a couple of brand new shows to the roster, including ‘Summer of Love’ which promises to imbue the audience with the good vibrations and hedonism of the psychedelic hippie years of the 60’s and 70’s, as well as last season’s ‘Nomads, New World’: “filled with stone-age cave dwellers, medieval dudes, Bedouins, Egyptians and two-metre high blue space people” meanwhile ‘From Lost the River’ with its notorious mascot Rowgelia the giant yellow chicken’s boasts a jungle setting and carnival vibe.
Saturdays 3rd June to 30th September
Tickets: €50
Amnesia, Carretera Ibiza a San Antonio, Km 5, 07816 Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain
Tinie Tempah at UshuaÏa with Disturbing Ibiza
Ibiza isn’t just about dance music – if grime, hip-hop, and pop (plus a lavish, music-video style pool party) is your vibe then head to UshuaÏa beach club as platinum selling global superstar Tiny Tempah and the Disturbing London crew takeover with little help from their resident, legendary garage selector DJ EZ, alongside a host of chart-topping names such as Katy B and Miss Dynamite.
Tickets: €35
UshuaÏa Ibiza beach Hotel, Platja d’en Bossa, 10, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Islas Baleares, Spain
Abode at Sankeys
This refreshingly no-frills dance experience from the London record label Abode, held in the Sankeys basement rave cave every Sunday night is popular with hospitality employees on the island on their day off and at only €20 door entry, a veritable bargain. Residents include the brilliant Ellie Cocks, GEW Harrison, Jimmy Switch, Jack Swift, Devstar, Lindsey Matthews and Secondcity, with guest appearances from Circus’ Yousef.
When: Sundays 11th June to 17th September
Tickets: €20
Sankeys, Carrer de les Alzines, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
Cocoon at Amnesia
Best for Purists
Singlehandedly making Mondays fun for over twenty years, Ibiza stalwart Sven Väth presents his music-focused techno night at Amnesia for the 18th season. It’s a back-to-basics approach with a focus on the music spiced up with some impressive lasers and visuals. Cocoon regulars Adam Beyer and Ilario Alicante will be back for seven nights each, Ricardo Villalobos will be on the decks for six events, while Richie Hawtin and Nina Kraviz will each have five. Also in store for 2017: Acid Pauli, Adriatique, Âme live, André Galluzzi, Anthea, Ben Klock, Ben UFO, Carl Craig, Christian Burkhardt Live, Craig Richards, Dana Ruh, Dense & Pika, DJ Koze, KiNK live, Dorian Paic, Einzelkind, Fabio Florido, Gerd Janson, Ida Enberg, Josh Wink, Konstantin, Luciano, Mano Le Tough, Markus Fix, Martyné b2b Bodin & Jacob , Nastia, Patrick Topping, Popof, Raresh, Rødhåd , Scuba, Slam, Solomun, Sonja Moonear, tINI and ZIP.
When: Mondays – 2nd October
Tickets: €51
Amnesia, Carretera Ibiza a San Antonio, Km 5, 07816 Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain
ANTS at UshuaÏa
Lose yourself in the underground crowd at ANTS, UshuaÏa’s flagship Saturday night production, back for its fifth season and fronted by Andrea Oliva with Groove Armada and PHOENIX favourite Maya Jane Coles returning as brand regulars, plus Nic Fanciulli, Joris Voorn, Kölsch and Steve Lawler. “House gangsta” DJ Sneak represents stateside talent that also sees Kim Ann Foxman and Lauren Lane on the bill, with island regulars Cassy, Matthias Tanzmann and Heidi also in attendance. UK duo Eli; Fur and Circus boss Yousef are confirmed, while rising stars Solardo make their ANTS debut – plus ANTS regulars Tapesh, Uner, Francisco Allendes and Raul Rodriguez.
When Saturdays, 3rd June – 30th September
Tickets €40 / €45
UshuaÏa Ibiza beach Hotel, Platja d’en Bossa, 10, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Islas Baleares, Spain
Disclosure presents WILD LIFE at DC10
It’s hard to believe Disclosure brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence are still only 25 and 22 years respectively: in the 7 years since Disclosure was born they’ve released 2 number 1 UK albums and toured the globe extensively with sold out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York, three nights at London’s Alexandra Palace, headlined Reading & Leeds festivals and the Other stage at Glastonbury, not to mention launched their own WILDLIFE festival. This summer they announced they would be “taking some time out to relax after 7 solid years of touring and releasing music,” as well as “a residency at one of our favourite and best clubs in the world, DC-10 Ibiza!” Across four Fridays in July and August they’ll be taking a working holiday and “bringing a few of our friends” (which means some of the best DJs in the world, including Groove Armada and Bicep) to the a club situated at the end of the airport runway where the roar of plane engines adds to the sonic experience.
DC10, Diseminado es Moli, 9448, 07818 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain
When: 21st July, 28th July, 4th August, 11th August
Tickets: Advance €53
MOSAIC at Pacha with Maceo Plex
Miami born producer Eric Estornel known these days as Maceo Plex specialises in emotive, intelligent house music and on Tuesdays at Pacha he’ll be joined on the ones and twos by an eclectic mix of talent including Joy Orbison, Tale of Us, Royksopp, Prins Thomas, Dekmantel Soundsystem and Nick Murphy (Chet Faker). He also has a new album Solar dropping this month on his label Lone Romantic that will feature more experimental, rock-influenced electronic music such as Polygon Pulse,” which takes you on a journey with its raw, haunting vocal and ominous beat.
When: Tuesdays 30th May to 3rd October 2017
Tickets: €52,00
Pacha, Av. 8 d’Agost, 07800 Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Illes Balears, Spain
CAFE BARS
Cafe Mambo
If it ain’t broke… Cafe Mambo, one of the most famous places to enjoy a sundowner cocktail on the San Antonio strip remains a rite of passage for all visitors to the White Isle and over the years the likes of Rumors curator Guy Gerber, dance music icon John Digweed and Café Mambo masters; Jason Bye, Javi Barreda Andy Baxter, Pete Gooding, Dee Montero, Danny O and Erik Hagleton have all taken to the booth. The lunch menu is particularly well-priced with dishes around €10.
Carrer de Vara del Rey, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain
Zaibiza
Romantic beachfront cafe dressed with orchids, excellent food and service, and the best home made gazpacho.
Carrer Es Vedra 1, Playa de Talamanca, 07800, Ibiza, Spain
QG
Dedicated wine bars serving by the glass are few and far between on the white isle, yet we found this French run establishment that manages to strike the perfect balance between relaxed and stylish. Go there in the late evening for a crisp bottle of white wine and delicious bar bites such as the duo of salmon and beef tartares. Popular with locals.
Calle Ses Figueres, 1, 07800 Talamanca, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
OD Talamanca
Feeling Flash
The new baby from design hotel chain OD is a sleek, minimalist oasis located just a two minute walk from Talamanca beach, only 10km from the airport, and a short cab ride to all the island’s best clubs – the perfect tranquil spot to gather your thoughts before heading back into the fray. The small but perfectly formed double terrace of outdoor pools flanked by a cocktail bar and chilled out restaurant terrace is crying out to be an evening pre club hang out. Rooms are clean and modern, with spacious wet room showers, and vast, comfortable beds. Standard rooms range from 230€ to 450€ per room per night depending on season including WiFi access, soft drinks minibar, services charges and tax.
Calle de Jesús, 28, Playa de Talamanca, Baleares, Spain
odtalamanca@od-hotels.com
Hacienda Na Xamena
Bucket List Hotel
Imagine Tracy Island with its curved modernist buildings set into sheer cliff face, overhanging the sea. Or a particularly lavish Bond villain lair. In real life there’s the Hacienda Na Xamena, unarguably one of the most extraordinary hotels and spas in the world. The interior is equally impressive, full of iconic design pieces, while all 77 of the chic rooms and suites have their own cliff side jacuzzi.
Even non-guests can experience the decadent spa ritual Suspendidas Cascadas (“Hanging Waterfalls”) package – an outdoor thalassotherapy treatment consisting of 8 different pools heated at different temperatures complete with some pretty intense jacuzzi jets that pummel away muscle tension from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. The elaborate spa ritual involves floating between the pools overlooking the breathtaking view, After a quick change you sit down, fresh-faced, glowing, and ready for a gastronome’s dinner in their Eden restaurant accompanied by the perfect Balearic sunset. One for the bucket list.
From 374€ per night for a double standard
in October/ May to 2366€ in August for the top suite.
Na Xamena s/n, San Miguel, 07815, Ibiza, Balearics Islands, Spain
Atzaró
Rustic agrotourismo meets luxury spa at Atzaró, a slice of heaven built on an orange farm in the fragrant Mediterranean countryside. Rooms are an elegant fusion of Iberian and Asian influences replete with natural materials, and the fusion of cultures continues across the grounds with multiple dark wood temples for yoga practice, and new Peruvian restaurant Barra Peruana serving fresh, flavourful dishes such as classic ceviches, “causas” or “tiraditos” and cocktails with bite such as the Pisco Sour. You’ll often see local DJs sipping delicious green juices and relaxing on huge day beds by the 43 metre long pool.
Carretera Sant Joan, km 15, 07800 Santa Eularia des Riu, Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
La Ventana
On a budget
Inexpensive doesn’t have to mean generic – this charming little guest house located in a garden square behind the old town’s towering medieval walls has only 13 rooms, most decorated with four poster iron beds and traditional colour palettes of earthy terracotta and azure blue. We paid just €132 mid season.
Carrer de sa Carrossa, 13, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
Hotel Lux Isla
Newly renovated 2 star hotel, a minute’s walk from the beach and 1.5km from the old town. Good value for money even in the high season.
Carrer Josep Pla, 1, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
STK Ibiza
Swank and steak is the name of the game at this new restaurant in the Marina Botafoch, and it’s been an instant hit with the fashion crowd and much more than just dinner. It boasts an impressive location and mouthwatering dishes such as the signature slabs of imported USDA beef, ceps and wild garlic risotto for the veggies, and poached pear in pedro ximinez sherry served with vanilla cream for dessert. The cocktails are particularly fabulous, perfect for getting loosened up for a night of dancing.
Calle Illa Plana S/N | Hotel Corso Ibiza, 07800, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
El Chiringuito de Cala Gracioneta
Located in a private, sandy beach cove near Cap Negret, this charming restaurant and bar offers picturesque views and an excellent menu of fresh flavours with an Asian touch. The miso salmon sashimi with emerald green seaweed was punchy and fresh, the traditional Ibicencan seafood egg tortilla light, fluffy and laced with saffron, while the potato croquettes with squid ink were a revelation. With their soft, gooey centres they could easily be mistaken for chocolate brownies, but one bite of the that distinctive umami taste is rich and comforting. By night fairy lights and live music add to the romantic ambiance and you can see why it’s also available for wedding hire.
Carrer a Grasio, 5, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain
Trattoria Del Mar
Popular with the island’s high flying locals, this elegant Italian restaurant owned by three brothers Antonio, Luciano and Alessandro D’Ambrosio at Marina Botafoch has dramatic views across the water to the old town while the menu offers authentic Napolitan dishes with an Ibizan twist. Try the impressive lobster papardelle, rich taglierini with truffle, or simply the best grilled tuna we’ve ever tasted – dark, dense flesh that melts in the mouth.
Port Deportivo Marina Botafoch, s/n, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
Ibiza Rocks at Pikes
Up in the San Antonio hills a surreal sense of British eccentricity and a rock n’ roll spirit come together in this 15th-century stone farmhouse turned luxury boutique hotel. In the 80s Pikes was a playground for London’s hard partying hedonists such as George Michael, Grace Jones, Boy George and Freddie Mercury, and it’s best known for being the location of filming for Wham!’s 1983 hit *Club Tropicana* as well as hosting Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday. Last year Tony Pike handed the reins over to Andy and Dawn Hindle, the super cool couple behind live music promoters Ibiza Rocks. Today it has 26 bedrooms (as the story goes, previous owner Pike was a bit of a cad in his time and needed to keep adding space for his girlfriends) all with king-sized beds, and the restaurant, named Room 39, has gained critical acclaim on the island.
Camí Sa Vorera, S/N, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain
Sa Punta Fish Shack
Walk to the far end of Talamanca beach where sand turns to rock and you’ll stumble across this unpretentious, bustling fish shack serving the freshest fish and seafood grill and cheap, ice cold beers.
Es Pouet de Talamanca, s/n 07819 Santa Eulalia des Ríu Islas Baleares
Amante
Perched on a cliff overlooking Sol Den Serra bay, escape the crowds and replenish those leeched nutrients at this rural haven. Opening back in 2009 by David Piccioni, former superstar DJ and founder of the Azuli record label, Amante is a wellness orientated venue that highlights the laid back side to Ibiza. The modern Mediterranean menu uses produce sourced from its very own organic garden and new dishes for 2017 include chargrilled Formentera squid from the Josper oven, served with salicornia sea weed, soft potatoes, and Ibiza’s sobrasada (traditional spiced meat) and as well as beetroot and avocado tartar alongside marinated turnip and aji dressing (Peruvian yellow pepper). In the morning join their guided yoga practice, taught in English and Spanish, every weekday at 9am priced €30 including a healthy buffet. In the evening it turns into the arguably most picturesque outdoor movie theatre in the world as they host a programme of independent films curated by Cinema Paradiso, best enjoyed nestled into an oversized bean bag and with a chilled glass of cava in hand.
Amante Ibiza, Cala Sol Den Serra, 07849 Santa Eulalia des Riu, Ibiza