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The Ibiza New Year Recovery diaries: January 01 – 06, 2024
White Ibiza Casual Dining Guide: Santa G. Bagel House

Day After Bagels at Santa G. Bagel House

From 9am – Monday January 01, 2024

For those of us who aren’t lolling about in bed bemoaning the consequences of our NYE excess, a luxe breakfast or brunch in the New Year sunshine beckons. Santa G. Bagel House is open from 9am until 3.30pm, with cosy indoor seating plus a sunny outside terrace, and is the perfect place to catch up on all the gossip from NYE, or pick up some tasty treats for a beach picnic. Bagels here are hand-rolled, boiled and then baked in a variety of flavours your bubbe would love – think smoked pastrami paired with velvety marinated veggies; a vegetarian medley of mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini; and house-smoked salmon layered over local goat cheese and refreshing cucumber. Team with organic coffee and carbonated cold brews – all classics, reinvented, and available all winter long!

Vino&Co Primer Baño del Año – New Year’s Dive 2024 at Las Salinas

From 12pm – Monday January 01, 2024

Taking the plunge into the chilly sea at Las Salinas on the first day of the New Year has long been an Ibiza tradition. It was 11 years ago when the Hamersmafamily – the brains behind the popular Vino&Co store in San José – first began to host the day as an official event to raise money for charity. Bring your swimsuit and your courage and Vino&Co will look after the rest, with plenty of wine served in biodegradable cups for those who brave the (ever-so-mild) waves. Stop by the Vino&Co store or visit them online in the lead up to the event to buy an event t-shirt, with 50% of proceeds going to a local charity. The first swim kicks off at midday followed by further dips at 1pm and 2pm. Participants should bring a plate to share at the communal picnic table and stay behind for a ‘leave no trace’ beach clean. Bring your kids, your grandparents, your dog and your hungover friends for the freshest way to start the New Year.

Vitalik Presents DAY ONE at Zazú Ibiza

From 12pm – Monday January 01, 2024

It’s no secret that Vitalik – the record label and party brand spearheaded by Ryan O Gorman – has always been at the forefront of the local party scene. They pioneered the original Halloween after-parties; they were the OG, pre-DC-10, NYD (say that fast!) party promoters many years ago and were also responsible for the iconic rave-in-a-cave soirees that are still talked about to this day. So, when the Vitalik Presents DAY ONE party was recently announced for January 01, 2024 in new Ibiza beach venue Zazú Ibiza, New Year’s Day just got a whole lot more interesting. With special guest selectors including 2Vilas, Willie Graff, Jaime Fiorito and Nuzzo spinning alongside O Gorman, start the year with the sun on your face and the sand under your feet… and then see where the day and night take you!

NYD Brunch at Passion Café Marina

12.30pm – Monday January 01, 2024

Coffee, breakfast, brunch, juice, smoothies, snacks, lunch and dessert – there’s truly something for everyone at Ibiza’s home of health and happiness, Passion Café in Marina Botafoch this New Year’s Day. Whether it’s for a post-party recovery brunch or a pre-party fuel-up for the afternoon and evening ahead, you can pull up a sun-drenched table in the Marina Ibiza restaurant, or a cosy table indoors (just in case it’s a little chilly) for a very special brunch that kicks off from 12.30pm. Tuck into the island’s tastiest treats to your heart’s content while catching up on all the news from the night before or making resolutions for the year ahead, or maybe even both!

New Year’s Day Brunch at Yalla Ibiza

12.30pm – Monday January 01, 2024

Hot new Middle Eastern fusion restaurant Yalla Ibiza – created by Lana of Passion Café fame – is opening its doors for a very special New Year’s Day Brunch at 12.30pm this coming Monday. The stylish Santa Gertrudis restaurant serves up a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu brimming with dishes that exude Passion style and quality, and are fused with the flavours of Morocco, Persia, Turkey and beyond. Think Turkish eggs and coffee, fresh-baked pistachio croissants, mouth-watering baklava porridge with Moroccan mint tea, shakshuka, Fattoush salads and much more, including Máona specialty coffee for those who love their morning caffeine buzz – especially after (or perhaps before?) a big night on the Ibiza party scene. Different place, same passion!

New Year Lunch & Dinner at A Mi Manera

From 1pm – Monday January 01, 2024

Spending New Year’s Day in the campo is a wonderful way to keep the festive celebrations going, Ibiza style, and there’s no better place than charming Italian restaurant A Mi Manera. Set on the famous San Juan restaurant road, the farm-to-table dining destination invites one and all to its beautiful finca to dine on à la carte farm-to-table cuisine, inspired by Italian traditions and the abundant Mediterranean produce of Ibiza. Gather your nearest and dearest around the table for an afternoon of wining and dining, before heading into the countryside to walk it off, Italian style, with a passeggiata, or heading home to sleep it off, Spanish style, with a siesta. Reservations essential.

Cheers to the New Year at Amalur

From 1pm – Monday January 01, 2024

Why should the New Year celebrations end after midnight? On New Year’s Day, head to Amalur in the heart of Santa Gertrudis with your nearest and dearest, dress up in your finest and channel the spirit of la dolce vita while basking in front of the fireplace, with service non-stop from 1pm until very late. Start with bespoke cocktails like the Trini Mojito or an Alcapone, then order traditional Italian fine dining dishes from the seasonal à la carte menu curated by chef Antonio Boriello. Indulge in luxe dishes like refined, handmade pasta and ravioli – both classic and contemporary – or choose Mediterranean-inspired mains from the grill. Before you leave, don’t forget to sample the incredible range of desserts – classic Italian style with an innovative twist. Whether you choose to head out into the Ibiza afternoon or night and continue the party is up to you!

New Year Lunch & Dinner at .more. by Cas Gasi

From 1pm – Monday January 01, 2024

.more. by Cas Gasi is truly something special, and the perfect place to kick off your New Year in true Ibiza style. Lunches are long and luxurious, while dinner is irresistibly romantic, whether you are dining as a couple, with friends or in a larger group. Whether you’re sitting in the sunny garden or inside the stylish and warm restaurant interior, a carefully curated soundtrack floats across the airwaves and the refined selection of wine complements the delicious dishes on offer. Organic, seasonal produce is the star of the show, described by owner Margaret von Korff as ‘food with personality’. Sun-kissed by day and starlit by night, it’s one of the most magical settings on the island – guaranteed to inspire a happy start to 2024.

White Ibiza Fine Dining Guide: Sa Capella

New Year’s Day Lunch & Dinner at Sa Capella

From 1pm – Monday January 01, 2024

After the famous Mambo Group unveiled their respectful restoration of iconic Ibiza restaurant Sa Capella this season, the island’s foodie community has been flocking to the ancient converted chapel on the hills outside of San Antonio to experience its meticulous menu revamp and ethereal ambience. The fine dining destination has been a pillar of the island’s culinary scene since 1978 and remains open over the New Year holidays, with lunch served from 1pm to 5pm, and dinner served from 7pm until 11pm daily until January 06, and lunch only on January 07, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to experience the renaissance of this Ibiza icon and its world of culinary wonders, where classic Mediterranean flavours intermingle with primitive open fire cooking, with renowned chef Martín Vazquez at the helm.

White Ibiza Restaurants Guide: House of WOW

Jo Mills presents Escucha New Year’s Day Fiesta at House of WOW

From 1pm – Monday January 01, 2024

Newly revamped Santa Gertrudis hangout House of WOW is the perfect place to salute the new year in style as local DJ Jo Mills presents Escucha with special guest DJs S/A/M and Paul Powell joining her for the occasion. Bring your besties, bring the kids and even bring your furry friends – there’s something for everyone within the stylish clubhouse-style restaurant, including a boutique, a kids’ club, a creative culinary menu, amazing music and most importantly, a whole lot of fun! Be sure to make a reservation soon so you don’t miss out, whether you’re popping in for a pre-party meal or cocktails, or a hangover-healing hearty feast.

Feria de Navidad at Sa Joveria

From 5pm daily – January 01 to 06, 2023

The annual Feria de Navidad – for kids and grown-ups alike – has moved this year to the carpark between Ibiza town and the Recinto Ferial, known as Sa Joveria, and it’s just as full of rides, games, and food stalls as before. Take a ride on the Crazy Worm, challenge your friends on the dodgem cars, scale new heights in jail (‘El Carcel’), jump aboard the Viking Boat, relax on the classic merry-go-round, bounce on the trampolines and try your luck in one of the many game booths – you never know what you’ll win! In between your adrenaline-pumping adventures, fuel up on hot dogs, cotton candy, hot chocolate and churros, roasted chestnuts and barbecued delights. Fun for families and friends of all ages, the fair is open from 5pm until 10pm Monday to Thursday and from 11am until midnight on Friday, Saturday, Sundays and fiestas – with a three hour break for siesta from 2pm on those days.

First Sunset of 2024 at La Torre Ibiza

From 5pm – Monday January 01, 2024

When it comes to catching one of Ibiza’s legendary sunsets, La Torre Ibiza takes centre stage this New Year. The boutique hotel and restaurant sits on the west coast of the island in prime position for the nightly spectacle of the sun gently dipping into the sparkling sea. Set on the cliffside of Cap Negret, the venue exudes old school Ibiza vibes thanks to its rustic chic décor, laid-back vibes, breathtaking views and an exceptional DJ roster, with special guests sound-tracking the evenings all year round. Take a seat on the open-air terrace and enjoy the seasonally inspired menu, fantastic cocktails and emotive soundtrack and most importantly, the very first sunset of 2024.

Circoloco NYD at DC-10 Ibiza

6pm – Monday January 01, 2024

There really is nowhere else to be in Ibiza on New Year’s Day than within the hallowed walls of DC-10 Ibiza for the annual Circoloco NYD party. All the action kicks off from 6pm, as the local Ibiza party crew congregate to worship at the altar (aka, DJ booth) of their beloved church and celebrate the start of 2024. This year, the calendar falls on a Monday, making it all the more special for Circoloco devotees, and perhaps that’s why the line-up is so remarkable too. Islanders and residents Tania Vulcano and Sossa are joined by fellow old-schoolers, Dan Ghenacia, Carl Craig and Luciano alongside Arapu, Priku, Pawsa, Beltran, Chris Stussy, Kilimanjaro, Shimza and many more for a full day and night of revelry that is well worth staying in the night before for. In fact, it’s even worth getting on a plane for – better book those flights fast!

White Ibiza Restaurants Guide: Casa Lhasa

Recovery Lunch at Casa Lhasa

1.30pm – Tuesday January 02, 2024

Just because the holidays are almost over, doesn’t mean the feasting has to stop! Cassady, Ben and the team at Casa Lhasa return to the restaurant on Tuesday, January 02, 2024, after a very well-deserved one-day break from cooking, hosting and washing up. The San Lorenzo countryside is the perfect place to host a recovery lunch with friends and catch up on all the gossip you may have missed from the days and nights before. It’s also the ideal destination to dine on a menu brimming with seasonal farm-to table cuisine, tuck into the island’s finest selection of hand-picked natural wines and enjoy smooth beats from resident DJs in front of a roaring fire. Open from 1.30pm to 5pm, reservations are recommended.

Keep On Dancing – El Día Dos at Baloo Ibiza

From 4pm – Tuesday January 02, 2024

Leave it to the Keep On Dancing crew to extend the New Year’s celebrations well into the first week of January! The gang get together from 4pm on Tuesday January 02, 2024 at Baloo Ibiza in Playa d’en Bossa, for El Día Dos ‘La Danceteria’ where anything goes. Pop in for a coffee, a tea, a whiskey or whatever else takes your fancy, and be sure you’ve got those dancing shoes at the ready because the day’s line-up of DJs – over two dancefloors – is guaranteed to keep you dancing until eventually someone pulls the plug! Artists include Ali Love, Andrea Fiorito, Brasi, Cesar Merveille, Cyril Claudel, Jonny Rock, Jyoel, Karcelen, Knario, LVCA, Luciano Esse, Nicolo Bonelli, Paolo Driver, Scacco and Tania Vulcano – when it stops is anyone’s guess!

New Year’s Walk + Healthy Brunch at The Olive Ibiza

10.30am – Saturday January 06, 2024

Wrap up the holiday week at stylish new venue, The Olive Boutique Hotel & Spa in Cala Llonga, where the friendly concierge team hosts a New Year’s Walk + Healthy Brunch on Saturday January 06, 2024 at 10.30am. Meet up at the hotel, then follow the leisurely guided trail through the surrounding campo for around two hours, alongside the gorgeous Roca Llisa golf course, and all the way along to the stunning cove of Cala Olivera for a rest on the beach before returning to the hotel. Once you’re back and refreshed, enjoy a delicious two-course brunch featuring fresh juice, followed by seasonal fruits with yoghurt, honey and granola, and your choice of either salmon, eggs, or portobello mushroom with vegan cheese, all served with cherry tomato and rocket salad plus artisan bread and washed down some well-deserved mimosas. The experience is 49€ per person and numbers are limited, so book early to ensure a place.

The Ibiza New Year’s Eve diaries: December 31, 2023

New Year’s Lunch at Juntos House

1pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Situated in the sleepy north-west hamlet of San Mateo, Juntos House – a gorgeous restaurant, boutique and clubhouse – invites you to get together with friends for a celebratory lunch on New Year’s Eve before heading back home (or out on the town!) to ring in 2024. Open from 1pm until 5pm, the set menu is 80€ per person (excluding drinks) and starts with flamed tuna skewers with miso mayo, Bloody Mary oysters, Wagyu cecina, chestnut cream, and devilled eggs with wild salmon roe. For mains, choose between pumpkin with labneh, kale pesto and pomegranate; skate wing in beurre blanc with black trompetas; or roasted beef ribs with potato puree and a Juntos Farm salad. Desserts include the ever-popular matcha coulant with Ibizan almond ice cream or or choco rocks with raspberry, marshmallows and tocinillo de cielo. Reservations essential.

White Ibiza Restaurants Guide: Casa Lhasa

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Casa Lhasa

From 1.30pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Whether you’re looking for a late afternoon fuel-up before heading out to one (or more) of the many parties on offer on NYE, or if you prefer to settle into the cosy surrounds of Casa Lhasa to indulge in a decadent end-of-year feast, Cassady, Ben and the team are on-hand to ease you into 2024. The San Lorenzo countryside restaurant is open for lunch from 1.30pm until 5pm for lunch, then again from 8pm until the clock strikes January 1! Cosy up in front of the fire, dine on a menu brimming with seasonal farm-to table cuisine, tuck into the island’s finest selection of hand-picked natural wines by the best holistic winemakers from around the globe and enjoy smooth beats from resident DJs in front of a roaring fire. Out with the old, in with the new, Ibiza style!

New Year’s Eve Menu at La Torre Ibiza

6pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, La Torre Ibiza invites you to spend the evening on its heated terrace, starting with the iconic Ibiza sunset and then indulging in a set menu created for the occasion. Start with Poget oysters, followed by Peruvian king crab causa limeña, or bao buns stuffed with Black Angus steak tartare. Mains include slow-cooked lamb in oportoreduction or octopus on a fennel risotto with sun-dried tomatoes vinaigrette. Finally, dessert is a 68% chocolate ganache with EVOO and salt flakes on a sourdough bread crisp. Priced at 135€ per person, the menu (with a vegetarian option available) includes wine and 12 lucky grapes at midnight, ready to pop with each chime of the clock as is Spanish tradition. Don’t forget to make a wish – and also a reservation, as spaces are limited.

White Ibiza Restaurants Guide: Mira Ibiza

NYE at Mira Ibiza

7pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

There a few better places for people-watching in Ibiza than the glittering setting of Marina Botafoch, where a constant stream of people come and go, superyachts moor and set sail, and a buzz permeates the air – especially on New Year’s Eve. Vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar Mira Ibiza hosts a special NYE celebration that sets the perfect scene for welcoming in 2024, priced at 100€ per person and including a set menu. You’ll be welcomed with an Aperol spritz, followed by plates of Iberian ham with crystal bread and tomato; grilled red prawns; tuna tartare; ragout cannelloni with foie sauce; lamb with Périgueux salsa, shallots and baby veggies; and last, but not least, deconstructed tiramisu with red fruits. You’ll also score a cotillón for the magic moment, packed with sweets and 12 grapes to eat with each chime of the clock at midnight.

Happy New Year Dinner at A Mi Manera

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Spend New Year’s Eve in the heart of the Ibiza campo, at charming Italian restaurant A Mi Manera, set on the famous San Juan restaurant road. Indulge in a special set menu that starts a glass of Veuve Clicquout on arrival, followed by fish crudité, smoked salmon with sour cream and Osetra caviar, Cantabrian anchovies, Ibiza red prawn carpaccio with citrus vinaigrette, and a luxe poached free-range egg with 24-month aged Parmesan foam and black truffle slices. The first course includes handmade tortellini in Wagyu beef and country chicken broth, or beetroot cannelloni stuffed with beef ragout and seasonal mushrooms. Mains include slow-cooked suckling pig terrine with apple chutney and chestnut puree; and grilled Mediterranean octopus, while house-made greixonera and panettone with mascarpone cream are for dessert. The menu is 180€ per person, excluding drinks, and reservations are essential.

The Great NYE at Amalur

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Feast, share, love is the motto at Amalur throughout the holidays, and the celebrations continue on New Year’s Eve with a decadent dinner dubbed The Great NYE. Start with a grand platter of seafood – best washed down with plenty of bubbles – along with amberjack carpaccio and trout roe; a jacket potato with caviar, roasted celeriac with fried artichokes, Parmesan and white truffle; or the lush Wagyu tartare. The second course includes tagliolini with carabinero jumbo prawns; purple potato gnocchi with seafood and lemon; risotto with smoked lemon, basil and red Ibiza prawns; or tortello stuffed with 36-month aged Parmesan and white truffle. For mains, choose between lobster with Hollandaise and zucchini terrine; Black Angus sirloin with milkcup mushrooms, artichokes and black truffle; or turbot and seafood. Enjoy desserts by the fire, to the sounds of classic tunes played live the piano, and champagne glasses clinking as the clock strikes 12. The perfect end to 2023 and the perfect start to 2024.

IT’s New Year’s Eve! at IT Ibiza

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Count down the 12 chimes of the chapel bells and take in the NYE fireworks display on Sunday night from the privileged harbourside position of Italian fine dining destination IT Ibiza in Marina Botafoch. While waiting for sparks to fly in the sky above Dalt Vila, there’ll also be sparks flying in the kitchen as the talented team curate a special set menu for the occasion. Start with a glass of Perrier-Jouët as you snack on aperitivos of IT Pizza Margherita and cod croquettes. Then take your seat for starters of Gillardeau oysters, sea bass carpaccio with caviar, Josper-grilled scallops, and crunchy aubergine parmigiana. Choose between luxe risotto with prawn tartar or sea bass with pumpkin and truffle and as always, save a little space for sweet treats! Reservations are filling fast – be quick to score your front row seats.

New Year’s Eve in Jara at The Standard, Ibiza

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Wrapping up the holiday season festivities at The Standard, Ibiza is the not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve soiree in Jara – an excuse to get frocked up in your finest, sip champagne and dine on the most decadent three-course set sharing menu with a soundtrack by DJ Pippi and Willie Graff. Start with queen scallops in beurre blanc with caviar; fresh red prawns; and beef carpaccio, followed by grilled lobster with caviar and Hollandaise; and a luxe sirloin with vanilla demi-glace and potato gratin, plus plenty of after-dinner sweet treats including the traditional 12 grapes and party favours at midnight to ensure a prosperous New Year. Then, dance your way into January with DJ Angel Linde spinning into the early hours of the first day of 2024 in The Green Room – places are limited and cost 235€ per person, so booking early is recommended.

New Year’s Eve Menu at La Cava Ibiza

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

With parties popping up all over town, Vara de Rey looks like the place to be to kick off the 2024 New Year celebrations and the talented team at La Cava have devised a special set menu for the occasion for 95€ (excluding drinks) or 125€ with a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks until midnight. Start with a welcome glass of cava and an appetiser, then choose from a selection of starters such as Alaskan king crab salad, sirloin tataki, or zucchini and seitan bites. For mains, choose between French rack of lamb with potato and chestnut mille-feuille, Josper-grilled turbot with sweet potato purée or mushroom, gorgonzola and prosecco risotto. Turron cream with red berry sponge cake is the perfect sweet treat, just before midnight when you’ll be given 12 lucky grapes to coincide with the clock striking midnight and the dawn of a new year!

New Year’s Menu at .more. by Cas Gasi

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Stylish restaurant .more. by Cas Gasi is the perfect place to gather your loved ones and celebrate the start of the new year in the heart of the Santa Gertrudis countryside. You’ll be welcomed like old friends as you arrive at the beautifully decorated dining room to enjoy a specially designed menu for 200€ per person (excluding drinks). The menu begins with Gillardeau oysters with lemon and grape caviar; and foie gras mousse with tapioca crisp, followed by cold starters of bluefin tuna tartare; Iberian ham; and citrus-marinated langoustines with caviar. A warm starter of pumpkin and black truffle ravioli follows, then choose from grilled San Pedro with pesto or lamb chops with chantarelle and boletus. Save room for a decadent chocolate dessert, plus a selection of petit fours and a cotillón to toast the new year with grapes and sweets.

New Year’s Eve Menu at Sa Capella

8pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

A pillar of the island’s culinary scene since 1978, Sa Capella is one of the island’s most in-demand restaurants this Sunday night as the ancient chapel on the hills outside of San Antonio – restored by the famous Mambo Group – hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner curated by chef Martín Vazquez. Start with a glass of champagne and quenelle of steak tartare with caviar, then tuck into entrées like grilled king crab leg; country pâté with carob bread and Ibicencan fig jam; or roasted cauliflower with truffle and Parmesan. Mains include grilled fillet steak, Josper-grilled sea bass or wild mushroom risotto, all served with grilled vegetables, crispy potato mille-feuille or roasted peppers, with a wood-fired chocolate cake for dessert. Seating is limited so reservations essential, and the menu is 145€ per person, including select drinks until midnight.

White Ibiza Restaurants Guide: CBbc Marina Sta Eulalia

New Year’s Eve Menu at CBbC Marina Santa Eulalia

9pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Spending New Year’s Eve by the sea is the dream of many and here in Ibiza, waterside locations don’t come better than CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia. The gastronomic set menu is 135€ per person (and 60€ per child), starting with an aperitivo of tuna tartar with eel, dashi emulsion and pepper; cod tataki with smoked foie and crispy skin, and cococha of hake in pil pil. The first course is a seafood soup with prawn tartar and kizami wasabi, and the second course is sole with cauliflower purée with coconut milk, roe, and baby vegetables. Cleanse your palate with a passionfruit sorbet, then move onto the third course of sirloin steak with potato gratin and glazed shallots. End on a sweet note with a cacao soup, with almond sponge, plus petit fours of traditional Spanish festive sweets. Save room for the 12 traditional Spanish grapes at midnight!

Cocktails & DJs at Paradise Lost

New Year’s Eve at Paradise Lost

9pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

We can’t think of a more apt way to say adios to the old year and hola to the new one than at Ibiza’s favourite drinking den, Paradise Lost. On New Year’s Eve, the Sa Penya hotspot opens its doors from 9pm and invites you and your pals to grab a cosy Chesterfield or an alfresco table as you’re treated to an end-of-year soundtrack courtesy of Ben Westbeech, Bekka Rawkins, DJ Dribbler and Justin Harris (Music For Freaks). Settle in for a night of fine cocktails, great music and plenty of good banter from 9pm until 3am. Order a mug of Jimmy’s Hot Winter Grog to get yourself into the festive spirit – and we’ll see you on the other side as we welcome 2024!

Toy Room New Year’s Eve Party at Lío Ibiza

9pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

This New Year’s Eve, Lío Ibiza throws a one-night-only cabaret event to ring in the new year on the Marina. The glitz and glamour of the dancers and performers, the high-end cuisine, the sparkle, the surprises – it’s Lío Ibiza, just as you know and love it in the summer months. After the dinner and show, the countdown to midnight will be done Spanish style with 12 lucky grapes and then the dance floor opens to one and all, with global brand Toy Room – along with its famous life-sized teddy mascot Frank and DJ Jon Rocca – taking over from midnight. With a view across the port to the iconic skyline of Dalt Vila, there’s no better dancefloor for watching the fireworks!

Music On NYE at Pacha Ibiza

11pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Pacha Ibiza remains the island’s hub for free spirits and hedonists, combined with a hefty dose of VIP clients, A-listers and locals, and this New Year’s Eve sees one of the club’s reigning resident DJ kings, Marco Carola, return for a very special edition of his signature Music On party. See in the new year, techno style, as Carola is joined by Andrea Oliva and Chelina Manuhutu behind the decks. This is one of the most in-demand events in Ibiza this party season so get your tickets or tables booked quickly – last year this event sold out fast. There are still some fourth release tickets available, plus a few VIP tables still available, but they won’t last long.

New Year’s Eve at Akasha Ibiza

11.59pm – Sunday December 31, 2023

Ibiza’s oldest nightclub is winter’s number one nightlife destination and New Year’s Eve looks set to be a roadblock again. Akasha Ibiza is the historical and community-based club space at Las Dalias Hippy Market in the north of the island and to celebrate the start of 2024, DJ Igor Marijuan plays B2B with Oriol Calvo, followed by Cris 44 and Sena who’ll keep you dancing until dawn. Pre-sale tickets are 25€ online, or 30€ on the door until the club reaches capacity – which is likely to be early, as soon as everyone’s finished their celebratory dinners, they’ll head to the club where the real party’s at!

Artistically complete

There are many routes into music. Some find a hero and dedicate their lives to replicating them, others fall in love with a sound and vow to learn everything about it, and then there are the lucky few who simply happen to be born into musical families. For those fortunate folk, their lives are marked by classics from an early age – first steps, first day at school, first kisses – these momentous life events unfold to a soundtrack chosen by their parents, who just so happen to be discerning music connoisseurs.

That was very much the case for Michael Canitrot, a DJ who continues to count his blessings for the environment he grew up in. “I grew up with music everywhere,” the Parisian DJ explains. “Every day, we were listening to music. My father was a DJ on a French radio station and my mother was a big fan of black music – everything from Marvin Gaye to Earth, Wind and Fire.” Consequently, it was no surprise to the family when at the tender age of eight years old, Michael started DJing. “I really wanted to play for everyone,” he smiles. “Whether at birthday parties or at home, I started to understand how to connect with people musically.”

Over the following years, Michael was diligent in his pursuit of perfection. He learnt to play the drums, got behind the decks as often as possible and was given music lessons every weekend by his father. “He introduced me to all the biggest bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin,” Michael says. “He would explain everything to me, about what they did and how they made music.” He guzzled up the knowledge and applied it to his own playing style, and it wasn’t long before he’d blagged himself a gig at Paris’ (then) most legendary club, Les Bains Douches, run by none other than David and Cathy Guetta. “I was so nervous about that gig because to get it, I told them that I’d already been DJing for many years, when in actual fact I was only 17 and it was my first time in a club!” Michael recalls.

It went on to be the first of many performances, and also laid the foundations for his longstanding admiration of other French DJs. “I met Bob Sinclar in Paris,” he explains. “Throughout the entire party I stood behind him, trying to understand what he was doing.” Ever the student, Michael was always taking notes. “Laurent Garnier is also the kind of DJ who can transport you from midnight to 5am and take you on a real journey,” he says. “I really like this kind of DJ.”

Naturally, there are other elements Michael has taken from his home scene, which he’s now transported to Ibiza – this summer he’s playing on selected Tuesday nights this summer for his Pop Art residency at Lío Ibiza. “In France we always like to create something artistically complete,” he says of the concept. “The music is one part but there are other components we can touch on. That way, we create something new and fresh for people.”

With that in mind, his musical home for the season makes perfect sense – the Marina Botafoch club is renowned for its glamorous production. “Pop Art is very much a Parisian party with an artistic angle and beautiful visuals that we’re bringing to Ibiza,” says Michael. “We started off playing deep house but now we cover everything from house to soul to funk – the idea is always to surprise people.” He admits too, that the VIP nature of Lío Ibiza keeps him on his toes musically. “It can be tricky to make people dance when they’ve been everywhere in the world and heard everything,” he muses. “They know what they’re looking for in a party, and that means I really have to capture them.”

This is a theme he’s noticed at many Ibiza clubs over the years – from the very first time he visited the island right up until now. “On my first visit to Ibiza, I was able to see people really connecting with the DJ and that made the atmosphere really impressive,” he says. “I was also so interested to see how they promote the nights here. It’s not just about the party, it’s about the parade, the communication, and the production, and that was just a whole new level for me.”

Needless to say, the production at Pop Art fits seamlessly into the Lío Ibiza aesthetic, and is providing the perfect backdrop for Michael’s concept – it’s the kind of party that keeps people dancing long after the cabaret has stopped. Michael has recently been testing out a new tune called Way Down, made in collaboration with Duvall from DISCIPLΞS, that’s been going down a storm on dancefloors. And as far as dancefloors go – Lío Ibiza’s has been packed to the rafters since the Pop Art opening party this summer, with the party proving hugely successful with the clubbing community on the island, in addition to those clubbers who jet in from all over the world. If you haven’t yet discovered it, add Pop Art to your list of must-dance places this summer – it’s a fresh new vibe in Ibiza, from a fresh international talent, that looks set to be one of the soirees of the summer.

The who’s who of Hï Ibiza

With opening parties signed, sealed and delivered and summer well into its groove, Ibiza 2019 is shaping up to be quite the memorable season. And nowhere more so than at Hï Ibiza, the Playa d’en Bossa super club that’s switched up an already stellar line-up to include even more of the most revered names in electronic music. With slick production, a slew of innovative spaces to explore, and a selection of some of the most anticipated events of the summer, every trip to the white isle should include a sojourn to the island’s shiniest new club. Take heed of what’s coming up and then prepare for a dancefloor all-nighter – no trip to Ibiza is complete without it. One of the biggest pre-season announcements this summer came with the news that international superstar David Guetta would be moving his F*** Me I’m Famous party from Pacha to Hï Ibiza. No doubt lured by the opportunity to breathe new life into an Ibiza classic (after almost a decade, this party still sells out every week), Guetta now takes the Monday night slot at the club, where he not only unleashes his underground alias, Jack Back, for a spin in the Club room, but is also joined by Idris Elba, man of eclectic musical taste and potential future James Bond. Leaving clubbers shaken and stirred, no doubt.

Another eagerly anticipated collaboration comes in the form of a three-pronged dancefloor attack headed by Solardo, CamelPhat and FISHER, a trio of acts brought together as residents for the first time at BODYWORKS. Taking place every Tuesday night from June 25, 2019, expect a gaggle of bouncy, underground tunes and the kind of young, popping dancefloor that breathes life into even the tiredest of feet. Speaking of magical hook-ups, Hï Ibiza mainstay Black Coffee is bringing a whole host of South African talent to the island this year too. He’ll be joined by Da Capo, Culoe de Song, Black Motion and Themba across various Saturday night dates, adding a different dimension to the maestro’s tribal flecked house sound. Those more inclined towards a laser-led, euphoric experience will be delighted by the news that on Wednesday July 31, 2019, bona fide trance legend Armin van Buuren is set to take clubbers on soaring synth journey with an exclusive all night long set, which is sure to leave anyone with a pulse and blood pumping through their veins reeling. Meanwhile, inimitable German DJ and producer Boris Brejcha has signed up for two exclusive shows at the same Hï Ibiza party, taking over from van Buuren’s spinning duties in the Theatre on Wednesday August 14 and Wednesday August 21, 2019.

And the not to be missed, one-off appearances at Hï Ibiza don’t end there. London’s hottest female rapper Stefflon Don is leading the charge at RICHBITCH on Monday August 5, 2019. Having shot to fame with her single ‘Hurtin’ Me’ featuring French Montana back in 2017, she’s widely considered the UK’s very own version of Nicki Minaj, a comparison worth checking out for yourselves in person. Elsewhere, and Virgil Abloh – artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, fashion designer, DJ, and man with seemingly endless talents – is set to lay down some tunes alongside Black Coffee on Saturday September 21, 2019. Wear your finest garbs for that one. In other news, some of the world’s most revered female DJs are maintaining Afterlife’s foundations as one of the biggest parties on the planet. Belgian DJ Amelie Lens stops by Hï Ibiza on Thursday July 4, and September 5, 2019, so expect thunderously wild beats from her; Nina Kraviz takes over the Club on July; Tijana T takes control of the Theatre on August 8; ANNA rolls in with her usual thumping sass on August 22; and much decorated techno queen Ellen Allien lines up alongside Rachel Lyn for Afterlife’s penultimate party of the season on September 26, 2019.

Last but not least, it’s worth noting that Glitterbox, in all its sparkling, sequinned, feel-good glory has now moved from Friday nights to Sunday nights at Hï Ibiza, polishing off the week with the kind of giant, shiny disco ball it deserves. Headliners include the usual bunch of disco and house loving legends – Dimitri From Paris, Simon Dunmore, Kenny Dope, Basement Jaxx, Todd Terry, Roger Sanchez, Nightmares on Wax, and Armand van Helden are all regulars, but the date to really look out for is the closing party on Sunday October 6, 2019, when superstar of the scene Louie Vega digs deep into what’s surely a never-ending collection to see out the season with a bang. Expect a tapestry of beautiful old school sounds for this one. A diverse selection of parties fronted by some of the most musically talented individuals from all around the globe – Hï Ibiza’s summer 2019 schedule has something for every musical taste. Bounce around to house, lose yourself to techno, shake your stuff to rap and reggaeton, and in the process discover what clubbing in Ibiza is really all about.

Visit the White Ibiza clubs guide to read more about Hï Ibiza
Openings, openings and more openings

For centuries, hedonism has pulsed through Ibiza’s veins. In the past, it presented itself in the form of the Carthaginians, who chanced upon this majestic island in the Med and settled here, devoting their worship to Tanit, goddess of life, love and fertility, and Bes, god of dance. In the 1930s, it became home to creatives fleeing oppression, for whom expression was the source of rebellion. In the 1960s, free-spirited hippies followed suit, bringing with them the unmistakeable beat of a pleasure-seeking drum. And today, holidaymakers from across the world are drawn to Hï Ibiza, where the dancefloor facilitates a special kind of release that brings most to the verge of euphoria.  

Located in Playa d’en Bossa, a bustling resort town on the island’s south-east coast, HÏ Ibiza is the white isle’s newest and sleekest club. With world-class production in each of its two main rooms – the Theatre and the Club – and a sound system that delivers a sonic explosion with every drop, in the short time it’s been open, Hï Ibiza has become Ibiza’s must-see raving space. Add to that mix a range of show-stopping parties that cater for every taste and a line-up of the world’s most recognisable DJs and it’s no wonder clubbers still descend in their droves.  

Every summer a strong sense of anticipation surrounds the club opening party announcements – people simply can’t wait to discover where this clubbing journey will deliver them next – and Hï Ibiza was the first club off the ranks to announce its official opening party. This year, the club is teaming up with sister venue Ushuaïa Ibiza to host a 24-hour season opening that’s set to return to Ibiza’s glory days, when parties lasted all night and then continued long into the following day. Entitled Odyssey, the day begins at Ushuaïa Ibiza at midday on Saturday May 18, 2019, where the sun will beat down on smiling faces and tunes will fly on the breeze courtesy of Tale Of Us, Peggy Gou, Richie Hawtin, Stephan Bodzin (live), Paul Kalkbrenner (live), and more. Then as the clock strikes midnight, the action heads indoors over the road at Hï Ibiza, where the marathon continues for another 12 hours and some of the most sought after underground acts on the planet have been confirmed to appear – this is your chance to get to grips with Damian Lazarus, Richie Hawtin and ANNA. Odyssey looks set to be an opening party to remember.

Once the season has been officially kicked off, HÏ Ibiza’s summer 2019 schedule, which features the crème de la crème of electronic music talent and a slew of new names alongside the club’s longstanding residents, is next to be rolled out. The club has confirmed the return of its superstar Saturday night resident, Black Coffee, who’s back to get the weekend off to the best possible start from Saturday May 25, 2019. The South African maestro has become synonymous with the creation of perfectly curated sets and in the two years he’s held the fort at Hï Ibiza, he’s provided some of the most memorable clubbing moments in recent memory. Expect plenty of soul-rousing, spirit-lifting tunes — this is one of the most popular parties on the island for a reason.

Summer 2019 also sees the arrival of one of the most famous DJs in the world at HÏ Ibiza, when David Guetta moves his ever-popular F*** Me I’m Famous! party to Hï Ibiza from Friday June 7, 2019. A modern-day Ibiza institution and a guaranteed sell-out, fans of VIP glamour and glitzy vibes will be right at home here. This shift in the schedule means feel-good favourite Glitterbox has moved its disco and house sounds to Sunday nights from Sunday May 26, 2019, but don’t worry, excess sequins, ferocious drag queens and bundles of confetti are all still included as part of the deal.

On Wednesdays, the trance candle burns bright thanks to the killer combination of Armin van Buuren and Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, who merge the genre’s past, present and future in front of an often awe-struck crowd. This trio is in action from Wednesday June 12, 2019. Meanwhile, the Tuesday night slot goes to brand new party BODYWORKS, which brings together three titans of the underground scene: CamelPhat, Solardo and FISHER. They’ll be bringing their fresh new sounds to Hï Ibiza from Tuesday June 25, 2019.

In the wake of a successful summer at Hï Ibiza last year, Afterlife returns every Thursday. Expect to fall into the dark abyss of techno each week and to be lost in the sounds of Ben Klock, Maceo Plex, Mind Against, Marcel Dettmann, Rødhåd, Stephan Bodzin (live), Tale Of Us and Vaal at the opening party on Thursday June 27, 2019. And finally, RICHBITCH moves to Playa d’en Bossa this year, bringing its definitive hip-hop, r’n’b and reggaeton sounds along for the ride. If bass is your thing, Monday July 15, 2019 is the date for your diary. Hedonism is alive and well in Ibiza – look no further than Hï Ibiza to find it.

Visit the White Ibiza clubs guide to read more about Hï Ibiza
When did pre-openings become a thing?

I had to check myself, and go back over our clubbing calendar when I saw HYTE was celebrating its opening tonight. I mean… hasn’t that party been open for weeks, if not months, already? ANTS at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel hosted two ‘official warm-ups’ prior to their big opening extravaganza at the famed open-air venue, with line-ups every bit as big and exciting as their midsummer parties. Loco Dice had his own pre-season party in Pacha, as did Maceo Plex. And let’s not even go there when it comes to Carola – who actually had the balls to declare Music On open even a full week before Amnesia had ‘officially’ celebrated their mammoth opening fiesta. This new pre-opening phenomenon is not strictly limited to clubs either. It’s common knowledge that Nobu Ibiza Bay Hotel is officially opening on Friday, but I know quite a few islanders who have already been there and done that, complete with a serving of that famous black cod. Tonight, I’m excited to be going for a preview dinner at the glamorous new SIR Joan Hotel – but it doesn’t actually open until tomorrow night. And just a few weeks ago, I was once again fortunate to sample the all-new El Chiringuito By Night menu – yep, you guessed it, at a special pre-opening event (by the way – I could not recommend it more highly. The Tomahawk steak – meat heaven. But I digress – that’s another blog entirely).

It’s tradition and plain old common sense of course for restaurants to try and test their new menus, recipes and systems out on their family and close friends – those people who will be honest with them and give genuine feedback, rather than gushing over a freebie meal for the sake of it. This, I totally understand and in fact, would always encourage and indeed respect. After all, nobody wants to go to the opening night of a restaurant only to discover they haven’t quite nailed the perfect sauce (ohhh, but let me tell you El Chiringuito certainly have! All six of them!) or the new kitchen teams aren’t working like a well-oiled machine yet. Practice makes perfect after all. But advertising your pre-openings or warm-ups (and I’m not talking about the aforementioned restaurants here – all of which were done very tastefully, pun intended) is something that just doesn’t sit right with me. On one hand, yeah sure – I get it, you have to advertise in order to fill a club the size of Amnesia. But on the other hand, why not just call a spade a spade – or an opening an opening as the case may be – and admit you’re open for business from the first party date? Alternatively – make it clandestine. The kind of party you have to hunt for. The kind of event you hear about on the clubbing grapevine and then all of a sudden everyone you know is there and it’s become the pre-opening shindig of the century – not to mention something to brag about on Instagram (who doesn’t love a 10 second video of Solomun shaking it in whatever pimping villa he’s picked for his out-of-season soirees?) and you’re gagging to get the pin-drop location from someone cooler than you who received the invite first. I believe if you host a party or two in a major Ibiza night club and you are charging an entrance fee – you are open! For many years, there have been calls to ‘extend the season’, and it feels like perhaps these pre-opening parties are testing the waters in that respect. But in my little humble opinion… wouldn’t announcing earlier opening parties attract bigger crowds? Can of my friends in clubland shed any light on this marketing ploy for me? Miss L? Mr M? Errr, Señor Carola??

Say hello to Hï Ibiza

It got a little more interesting when Hï Ibiza unveiled their name and logo with little teaser video back in February. DJ residencies began to be announced in the more recent months and weeks, and then in the week leading up to the main event, daily countdown memes and custom hashtags made it impossible not to pay attention: the new kid had finally arrived in town. What was surprising over the last six months however, was just how few details had leaked about the design and decoration of Hï Ibiza. Knowing the marketing geniuses behind it (here’s one they prepared earlier: Ushuaïa – see what I mean?), there must have been some hefty confidentiality agreements in place there! So, when last Sunday, the Hï Ibiza Opening Party rolled around, I for one was dying to get in there and see what they’d made of the space once considered clubbing mecca.

First impressions: I’d arrived at the Disneyland of clubbing. And I mean that in a good way – anyone who knows me will tell you I am a big fan of Walt, Mickey and co. Gone is the asphalt car park and in its place a big, clean and well-lit welcome area, complete with oversized logos and hashtags (in case you forget!) perfect for about a gazillion Instagram moments this summer. You know that’s a selfie box people are going to want to tick – especially since the famous Eivissa sign was removed from the airport – though you may even need a wide-angle lens, as the sign is so big. A seamless entry experience meant everything got off on the right foot – no queues, swift entry, friendly door staff and smiling security. Are these the faces of Ibiza’s clubbing future? And when I stepped inside, I must admit, I was really surprised. I’d envisioned oversized neon lighting (a la Disney) and imposing VIP sections, or alternatively, I kept thinking I’d be walking into the old school sunset terrace but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself surrounded by a square shaped little room made up of big, black imposing doors, one of which was ajar, and once you poked your nose in you were greeted by the merchandise store. Obvs.

All of a sudden – I lost my bearings. As a former Space worker, I felt like a fish out of water. I knew right then, right there – I would have to abandon any sense of ‘the old space’ and simply get accustomed to ‘the new space’. It was like Alice falling down a rabbit hole – the doors almost seemed to say ‘push me’ (well, technically they kind of did, as each door has a pair of hands emblazoned on it to encourage punters to do just that) and I even had butterflies as I chose which ones I would push first… My initial choice led me into the futuristic ‘Theatre’, where ‘man of the Space closing match’ Paul Reynolds was warming things up nicely for Bedouin, who I was very much looking forward to seeing on a big stage. The production is mind-blowing, including super cool LED screens that cascade down from the roof to the stage reminiscent of a ribbon – something that created some pretty mesmerising effects as the evening went on. The dancefloor was completely flat and I swear, it was some kind of special ergonomic tiling as it just felt so good to dance on.

Next up, it was time to check out the Magic Garden for the obligatory shot of tequila in the venue’s dedicated shot bar. Completely open-air, and minus music, this is a great place to chill, unwind, make phone calls and (if you are that way inclined) smoke (not that I would ever encourage you to – gross). A little bit Burning Man-esque, with beautiful tree-like structures made out of twinkling lights and the stars shining brightly above… a beautiful backdrop to the planes flying in overhead. Back to the business of dance music, we went back indoors to check out the ‘Club’ however as we made a beeline towards the entrance, it was the huge throng of people swarming into the toilets that caught our attention – welcome to Wild Corner, the room that stole the show! Each side of the room is lined with loos – unisex – and in between is a DJ booth and dancefloor, where the Melon Bomb crew were winning hearts with their disco, funk and house grooves. Surely inspired by the legendary toilets of Manumission, it felt to me that this is going to become the local’s hangout at Hï Ibiza, boasting authentic back room vibes and a strong resident crew. My only slight misgiving about this room is, with a whole lotta toilets and a throbbing dancefloor in between, it makes the sinks (at either end of the room) a little hard to access… perhaps a little ‘un-hï-genic’! Nothing a few strategically placed bottles of hand sanitiser in each cubicle can’t fix before this weekend’s Black Coffee Opening Party.

After all the action in the toilets, we needed another break from the action, and this time it was the Secret Garden that drew our attention. Only accessible with a special wristband (thanks Miss L!), it was another Burner’s paradise, this time with chillout teepees surrounding the sparkly trees and flocks of music industry folk engulfed in huge puffs of cigarette smoke. Back indoors, the ‘Club’ room was totally full, with Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa darling Andrea Oliva playing back to back with Davide Squillace. The room felt a lot more intimate than it had in its Space days, as Hï Ibiza have lowered the roof, added all new lighting installations and brought the DJ booth down to eye-level (previously I needed to stand on tip toe if I wanted to know who was playing!). All of a sudden, I realised something – where were all the VIPs? In the lead up to the opening, rumours were rife that 65-percent of the club would be dedicated to high rollers but I felt that it was more front-and-centre clubber friendly than ever.

It turns out, the VIP areas have been cleverly designed to blend in around the edges and on mezzanine levels in each room (minus the Magic Garden), with plenty of space and service and toilets to call their own. It seems everything at Hï Ibiza is perfectly balanced – there’s no visible hï-erachy or great divide between tables and the dance floor. There’s simply a perfectly designed place for everything (and everyone) and everything is in its place. The entire opening party felt like the beginning of a wonderful new era in Ibiza clubbing. To be perfectly honest, I thought I’d hung up my well-worn clubbing boots when Space Ibiza closed, but there they were, still on the dance floor at 9am while Apollonia provided the soundtrack and the sun was streaming in the windows as regular folk were on their way to work outside. Oh dammit – work. I knew I had something to do on Monday morning other than dance all day! Looks like I’m just going to have to get used to rearranging my schedule to start late every Monday morning for another year after all.

The closings are coming!

What am I talking about? The closings are here! What was once considered ‘closing week’ now seems to have been extended to closing month. Which both thrills me and scares me, in equal parts. Or maybe 60/40. or 40/60. Ask me again in a week!

It all started last Thursday, with Cream – who, in their 20th year of clubbing wisdom, decided to throw a two-part closing special spanning two weeks (part two being tonight). Then it was Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza (via way of Ushuaia) with their epic closing party featuring my favourite band ever, The Prodigy, which left me feeling like I couldn’t possibly face another closing. 

But face it we did – because how could you NOT go out, when Carl Cox had invited Loco Dice to help him close his season at Space? When Fatboy Slim plays at Amnesia for the Together closing party – you just GO. And it would have been rude NOT to call in on Jamie Jones, as his third year in Paradise came to a close?

And then there’s the after parties. Or the after-after parties. Sven Väth at BEACHOUSE. Eeek – then Sven Väth at Km5Carl Cox doing his funk and soul thing at Sands, while next door Jamie and co are smashing it out at BEACHOUSE. Over in DestinoSolomun is gearing up for his last hurrah (well, his last outdoor hurrah this week – he’s still got Pacha on Sunday and who knows where else he’ll crop up!). Whatever you want to call these, it’s like survival of the fittest in Ibiza at the moment… and there’s STILL TWO MORE WEEKS OF MADNESS TO GO!

In the coming week, my diary reads like this: Music On Closing, ANTS Closing, Glitterbox Closing, We Love… Sundays closing (always my favourite!), Cocoon Closing, Defected Closing, ENTER. closing – and that’s me taking it easy. There are at least another 10 closings you could add to that list… and the obligatory afters, and after-afters!

And then… there’s the big one. The final curtain call for each and every club. The (drum roll please) last week of the season. Starting with Ocean Beach Ibiza, followed by the combined spectacle of Supermartxe and Privilege, the mammoth all-day-(and-probably-night)-long Carola session at Ushuaia, the epic, epic cannot miss special closing set of Luciano at Amnesia’s famous closing fiesta, then straight to Rumors at BEACHOUSE Ibiza before braving the flight club car park arena of Space (and the rest!)..and here’s where we get to breathe (or sleep) for about three hours before heading to Circo Loco at DC10! Then (my personal fave), Next Wave at Sankeys with Ricardo Villalobos at the helm. Still not enough for you? Lucky, because the next day we have the closing of Destino, and (because Sankeys do always like to have the last word) backing up from Next Wave, Ibiza’s party hardiest will be out in force for the Sankeys official closing party on October 8.

But then there’s the after party. And the after-afters. Did I mention I have a full time job to fit in there too?

And then after THAT, we’ve got the winter openings to look forward to!

Secrets of an Ibiza guest list guardian

Here’s something you might not know about me. During the Ibiza clubbing season, I moonlight from my (clearly very demanding) role as a blogger. Once or twice a week, I frock up in my finest, put on some warpaint, down a Red Bull for stamina and then take my place at the front door of some of Ibiza’s most legendary super clubs.

That’s right, dear readers. I am the guardian of the guest list. The girl with the clipboard (and in some clubs, iPad or computer) and the power to raise the ropes… or just raise your hopes!

If you’ve been a regular visitor to the white isle over the past few years, and you’ve found yourself in a guest list queue, then it’s highly likely we’ve met. Space, Pacha, Ushuaia, the now defunct El Divino, private villa parties, label parties on the beach, after parties… I’ve stood at the door for all of them.

The rules of the guest list are as simple as this: If your name’s not down, you’re not coming in.

This applies to everyone, from born-and-bred locals, long-terms residents and regular visitors to celebrities, footballers and DJs. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules (which as we all know are made to be broken anyway) and ways around this little complication if your name doesn’t happen to appear on the holy grail of clipboards. Let me give you a few pointers…

DON’T:
•    Implore me with your desperate cries of, “I need the toilet!” Cross the road dear punter, and bother one of the bars and restaurants in the area with your bladder control problems.
•    Pretend you’ll come back out to pay after you’ve located the friends who “have all my money”.
•    Pretend you “know the manager”. If you did know the manager well enough, he or she would have put you on the list. If they didn’t, perhaps they don’t like you!
•    Drop DJ names. “I’m traveling with Sasha and I’m friends with his wife Zoe, but I can’t call them to come and get me in because they won’t hear me.” See point above.
•    Offer me money. A REAL guest list guardian doesn’t accept bribes, and cares about the calibre of people inside the club. People who throw money around don’t make the cut.
•    Tell me you’re going to buy a VIP table once inside. Real VIPS know that you pay before you arrive, and you actually have your own VIP entry queue!
•    Pretend you’re a journalist. Real journalists arrange press passes when booking their plane tickets to Ibiza.
•    Blow cigarette smoke in my face. Ever. Even if you’re on the list, this will get your name scrubbed off in seconds.
•    Pass me your phone and insist I speak to your mate, who swears they put you on the list. I don’t know you, I don’t know your mate, and I don’t really care to exchange germs via your grotty telephone mouthpiece that was probably on top of a toilet in Bora Bora just hours earlier.
•    Be drunk and obnoxious. The security probably won’t even let you get to the front of the guest list queue anyway.
•    Try to peer over at my list to read a name you’re then going to pass off as your own. All guest list guests need to show ID and unless your name matches your ID and that name’s on my list, you’re not coming in!
•    Call me a door bitch or a door whore. Unless you never, ever, ever want to get into a club in Ibiza ever again.
•    Tell me I look tired. It’s 5am and I’ve been standing outside all night while you’ve been across the road ‘pepping yourself up’.
•    Come back again, and again, and again. The more times I see your face, the more time I have to grow to dislike it.
•    Pretend we have something in common. If we did, I’d be standing in the queue with you, not on the other side!

DO:
•    Smile.
•    Say please.
•    Be patient.
•    Be honest.
•    Have witty banter.
•    Offer to buy me a drink once you’re inside. Don’t worry, I won’t accept (I know how expensive Ibiza drinks prices are, and besides, I get drinks tickets!) – it’s just a nice gesture.

Really. It’s that easy. I’ve seen and heard every excuse under the sun. There’s no harm in trying! It keeps me entertained and sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. If you lose, you’ve got some esteemed company to hang out with in my rejected queue – Alfie Allen (“Don’t you know who my sister is?” Alfie Allen’s mate: “Don’t you watch Game Of Thrones?”), James Blunt (JB: “I’m on the list.” Me: “OK, what’s your name?” JB: “Just check, I’m on there.” Me: “I can’t possibly know your name if you don’t tell me.”), Adrien Brody (sleazy and slimey) and Tara Reid (need I say more?).

Of course, I’ve also met some pretty amazing people via the guest list queue, who surprised me with their manners, patience and genuine gratefulness at being allowed beyond the velvet rope: Corey Feldman (complete with Rayban Wayfarers), Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen (minus her annoying brother), Sienna Miller, Harry Kewell, Sylvester Stallone and Paris Hilton (surprised? I was!).

Then there are the true V.VIPs I’ve brushed shoulders with, who bypassed the guest list queue by virtue of their rock and roll royalty status, or in some cases, true royalty: Prince William and Kate Middleton, Leonardo DiCaprio, P.Diddy, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Jade Jagger (although she’s usually trying to smuggle her underage children in the back door rather than rave it out herself.)

So the next time you’re standing in an Ibiza guest list queue, please remember all of the above. Have some respect for all the staff at the door – not just the girl with the guest list, but the security, the managers, the cleaners. And above all, don’t ask me if I’m Miss W. Because OBVIOUSLY I’ll never tell…

Eat, sleep, rave, repeat

I don’t know why, but time seems to go so much more quickly in Ibiza – faster than anywhere else I’ve ever been in the world. Maybe it’s because we separate each annual cycle into just two distinct summer and winter halves, glossing over the in between seasons as we ease in and out of high tourism season and hot weather, and laidback lazy days and layers of winter clothing!

Or maybe it’s because – despite the fact it feels like a laidback holiday island – we live our summer days at such a hectic pace. One minute it’s Sunday night and you’re on the terrace at Space, then it’s Monday morning and you’re back at work (after dropping in to the after party – fear of missing out syndrome insists); then the sun is setting and you’re cruising into the car park at DC10. Fast forward seven hours and you’re getting blown off your feet by the famous ice cannon at Cocoon at Amnesia.

A couple of hours sleep and then you’re in a meeting, writing articles (well, obviously this is in my case) and gazing outside at the sunshine imagining what it would be like to be at the beach. But then night falls and you pop in to Ushuaia to check out Luciano before making the pilgrimage up north to see DJ E.A.S.E. and his Wax On crew at Wax Da Jam at Las Dalias – with the obligatory pitstops at the hippy market and the Babylon Sky Lounge for some tasty soul food to fuel up before dancing.

You wake up blurry eyed on Wednesday morning and hightail it to your desk, listening to Cadenza and Wax Da Jam podcasts on repeat all day trying to relive the memories while you work. You’re grateful that Wednesday is a reasonably early night by Ibiza standards… the bands finish by midnight at Ibiza Rocks and then the after party at the legendary Pikes Hotel… well, OK, perhaps it won’t be the early night you hoped for after all.

You wake up in a panic, having slept through your alarm on Thursday morning, remembering the deadlines and newsletters that urgently need to be actioned – and your Playa den Bossa time bomb is ticking! Loco Dice’s Used & Abused is an early starter and dancing in the sunshine is such a luxury these days you really don’t want to miss a minute. Cross the road to Space (yes, again!) around 10.30 to take in the early set in Richie Hawtin’s ENTER.Sake bar – always a big name DJ spinning a super cool eclectic set – before taking your place in front of the throbbing speakers in the Discoteca for Richie’s epic closing sets.

Thank God it’s Friday! Or fashion Friday, as I like to think of it – although trudging around in 30-degree heat with bags and bags of clothing, shoes and accessories for our regular fashion shoots is far from glamorous. Spending the day in beautiful locations surrounded by beautiful models and beautiful clothes is definitely preferable to being in an office however, and a Friday afternoon swim seems to always be possible. Thank the gods of fashion that we have an online store, because who has time for shopping with a schedule like this!

All you want to do when you’ve lugged the aforementioned bags back up to your house is have a shower and a siesta, but losing momentum at this point of the week is futile. A shot of premium mescal washed down with a beer, (and accompanied by the world’s tastiest ceviche) at your new local watering hole, La Mescaleria in Dalt Vila, is the livener you need! Then it’s time to crawl the bars in Ibiza’s port – stopping off at La Bodega, Bar 1805 and The Rock Bar for cocktails (I like mine with a dash of chili thanks – think chili and raspberry margaritas). There’s usually a late night dinner in order, because you can’t dance until 10am at Marco Carola’s Music On without the right sustenance!

Ohhh Saturday, how I love you. The first day you can sleep without an alarm clock… unless of course you want to hit the beach! When you’ve gotten in at 10am, grabbing a couple of hours kip is essential – without an alarm clock I’d never make it to the beach and constantly be sporting a nightclub tan! And after all, you can always siesta on the beach… after a delicious meal and some icy cold glasses of rose of course!

When you’ve finally taken in enough vitamin D, it’s back to town for dinner before hitting this year’s winner of the most colourful, wacky and outrageous party award, El Row at Privilege. Another escapade that runs well into the daylight hours… and leaves you traipsing home amongst the super keen joggers, sightseers and families on their big day out in Dalt Vila. Oops. Oh well. A little bit of sequin and sparkle never hurt anyone at that hour!

Starting Sunday with a Bloody Mary is essential, and you don’t get better than those at Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes Hotel. While you’re there, it’s worth tucking in to the island’s very best Sunday roast by that famous Club Tropicana pool because you never know where your next meal stop is going to be, be because before you know it you’re dancing with reckless abandon on the Space Terrace… Return to top – 17 weeks in a row, and you’ll understand why I’m looking forward to the end of the season!