A new chapter for Playa d’en Bossa – Playa Soleil

For some time now, the buzzing beachside town of Playa d’en Bossa on Ibiza’s southern coastline has been undergoing a resurgence. While it’s always been a popular tourist hotspot, it’s now transformed into a slick seaside destination that draws a jet-setting crowd – think Miami but in microcosm form. The success of open-air venues like Ushuaïa Ibiza and its late-night sister nightclub Hï Ibiza – along with their accompanying bevy of eponymous hotels and restaurant spin-offs – undoubtedly have a lot to do with the area’s regentrification, and the brand’s expansion on those golden shores looks set to continue with the launch of all-new luxury beach club Playa Soleil.

Set on the seafront at the very centre of the beach (the location was home to Bora Bora in its heyday), this prime piece of frontline real estate has been given a glamorous reinvention, shaking up Bossa’s golden shores for the better. A collaboration between some of the island’s most influential hospitality pioneers, Playa Soleil is a summer oasis where sunshine, sophistication and style effortlessly entwine. The spacious beach club is divided into a series of distinct spaces, each with its own characteristic mood designed to ignite the five senses. Whether you’re chilling out and sunbathing on luxe daybeds, dining with friends and family in one of the many restaurant spaces, or dancing barefoot in the sand to world-class music, this is a place for new memories to be made.

With famed island nightlife promoter The Night League (the brand behind Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa Ibiza’s signature parties) curating its events, Playa Soleil has been popular with the high-glam party set since day one. There are three unique spaces to enjoy spectacular soundscapes within the venue: beachfront restaurant Playa Chica, covered terrace dining space Le Restaurant – described as the beating heart of Playa Soleil, where the vibes pick up around dusk with some of the best international and local DJs – and Maison Musique, the venue’s divine indoor club space where an inspiring selection of electronic musical talent perform behind the stunning carved stone DJ booth with the state-of-the-art sound at the venue’s flagship events all summer long.

Wednesdays belong to the All I Need crew, fronted by island favourite Andrea Oliva, who is joined on a rotating basis by the likes of Nico de Andrea, Cristina Tosio, Afshin Momadi and more. On Fridays, Israeli maestro Guy Gerber returns with his much-loved Rumors party, alongside superstar DJs like Nic Fanciulli, Shahar and Talón. And on Sundays, end the week with Palmarama, where dancing atop sand comes courtesy of an eclectic bunch of invited DJs, with special appearances by big names like Luciano, who kicked off the opening event, and none other than the revered Sven Väth, who’ll be spinning the Playa Soleil soundtrack on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

The beauty of Playa Soleil is that it’s much more than just the sum of its parts. Simultaneously a hub for carefully curated music, food, art and holistic practices, the gorgeous beach club offers a multi-sensorial experience designed to nourish mind, body and soul. It’s a must-visit for the world’s free-spirited creatives, who instantly feel at home in its surrounds. While dusk-till-dawn dancing is de rigueur, it’s the quieter areas of the venue where you’ll discover the new soul, spirit and serenity of the venue, starting with the palm-fringed paradise of Les Palmiers. Here, heavenly Balinese beach beds are designed for pure relaxation – ideal for couples or groups of friends alike – and all you need to do is lie back and order cocktails.

Nearby, Les Dunas is an intimate, shaded premium bar designed to encourage deep conversation and the forging of new friendships, thanks to its concave design and shaded, handcrafted seating. By day, it’s laid-back luxury – by night, firepits add a sizzling ambience. Knowing not all beach days are alike, Playa Soleil also boasts the ultimate beach club hangout dubbed Playa Grande, where hammocks are strewn between palm trees, 80 stylish sunbeds and 50 luxurious double daybeds are lined up to ensure unobscured Mediterranean views, and laid-back tunes spun by talented selectors waft among the sea breeze. Beach kits and safety deposit boxes allow you to relax in style, while the service is no less than impeccable.

Head to Oasis for a peaceful and relaxed dining experience, surrounded by exotic cacti and succulents while gazing out to sea, or for a feast with high vibes, head to Playa Chica, where world-class gastronomy is served beneath bamboo parasols and billowing sails. The beautifully curated menu is an ode to the finest quality, locally sourced and organic ingredients, prepared with precision craft. Snacks at Playa Soleil include decadent treats like plump oysters with caviar and vinaigrette; squid Andalusian style with zesty lemon mayonnaise; and gourmet sandwiches piled high with luxe fillings like Stracciatella and caviar, and Japanese Wagyu with red cabbage and barbecue sauce. Don’t miss the expansive sushi platters or the hearty, traditional paella to share among the table, just add lobster for a luxurious twist.

For the ultimate Playa Soleil gastronomic experience, reserve a table at Le Restaurant, a shaded terrace dining room where Imperial Caspian Osetra Caviar is served with arepas and crème fraîche; marinated Galician rubia beef is sliced thinly like a fine ham; and silky-smooth grilled aubergine is brought to life by cool tzatziki, pomegranate and caramelised hazelnut. Sushi makes the perfect interval on a day spent splitting time between sea and sun, and the Playa Soleil selection is hard to beat. The classic California rolls, made with sweet crab, mango and cucumber are irresistible; the flambé tuna tataki is tender and served with serranita sauce; and the tasty salmon nigiri is a melt-in-the-mouth morsel you’ll never forget.

Days spent lazing on the silky sand are thirsty work so to satiate guests’ thirst, Playa Soleil boasts a menu of exquisite signature cocktails. Mediterranean Dreams pays homage to Ibiza’s abundant flavours, blending Bacardi rums with star anise, orange, cinnamon and pear; the Caletta Express reinvigorates the classic Ibiza drink café caleta by combining it with Zacapa 23 rum, herbal liqueur and fragrant vanilla; and the Fiero Spritz is a refreshing concoction of Martini Fiero, elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and mint. A fine selection of Champagne is also available, as well as fruity-fresh jugs of Sangria, and non-alcoholic smoothies and juices.

Be sure to stop off at Le Boutique, where a veritable treasure trove of hand-picked pieces from island designers and bohemian brands sit alongside hand-crafted organic products – an elevated type of souvenir that certainly eclipses the sarongs and beaded bracelets of Bossa in years gone by. And if you have little ones in tow, they’re also welcome to enjoy the sights and delights of Playa Soleil at Mini Playa – a kids’ club like no other in Ibiza. Open daily from midday until 6pm, children aged between four and nine years old are welcome to take part in face painting, arts and crafts, games and much more as they make new friends from all corners of the globe under the watchful eyes of the expert team.

As Ibiza’s famous sunset begins to take hold of the skies and the horizon blushes, an altogether different atmosphere settles over Playa Soleil. Relaxed vibes make way for excited anticipation, as the line-up of world-renowned international DJs, special guests and exceptional performers take to the stage beneath the Balearic stars. The sound waves rebound across Le Restaurant and Maison Musique – which also features exclusive VIP areas and services – and continue well into the night. A space in which to rest, eat, dance, and soak up all the elements that continue to make the white isle completely unique, Playa Soleil is reimagining Playa d’en Bossa in a new light.

Music Against Animal Cruelty

We CAN make a difference! When you look at the photo above, it’s hard to imagine any association with say… lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). Or rhinos, elephants, great apes and orang-utans. And yet tomorrow – Thursday September 13, 2018 – that exact same open-air stage is going to be the location of an amazing wildlife conservation fundraising event. The first event of its kind in Ibiza, MAAC (Music Against Animal Cruelty) presents WILD at Ushuaïa Ibiza, where ALL profits go towards wildlife conservation. ALL. Not 5%, not 25%, not just the spare change collected on the door or donations from VIP patrons. 100% OF ALL PROFITS. On top of that, all DJs – and there are some serious heavy hitters on that line-up – are performing for free, which equates to less expenses for the venue, more money for the animals. WINNING.

In case you didn’t know, MAAC is a non-profit organisation founded by Jonny White of Art Department, founder of Pulse Global Wade Cawood and founder of Tears for Tigers Jack Baucher. The three amigos shared a very common passion for animal conservation (you can read more about their journeys here) and see the foundation as something that can grow into a hugely important and influential movement. “This isn’t just techno against animal cruelty,” says Jonny White. “The bigger picture is garnering support of the music industry at large, the same way the industry has been successful in the past with initiatives like LIVE AID.” Who needs Bono when we’ve got these huge hearts at the helm?

The first event draws on the dance music sector, with MAAC ambassadors Adam Beyer, Art Department, Bedouin, DJ Sneak, Ida Engberg, Lauren Lane, Nitin and Tiga set to perform, plus very special guest Black Coffee and an unannounced major league guest who will be revealed on the day. You don’t need to be an activist, a conservationist, a campaigner or even a vegan to get involved. All you need to do is turn up and have a good time (just think – the more you drink, the more you are donating! Not that I’d promote irresponsible service of alcohol of course… but one for the road might not hurt) and you will be actively contributing to the greater good of the animal kingdom.

Now – if the epic line-up and thought of partying for a good cause isn’t quite enough to get you there, please let me share some un-fun facts I learned from MAAC that will tug on your heart strings and quite possibly bring you to tears. (And I should know – I cried my heart out when researching this blog.) 20% of the world’s seven to 15 million species could be gone in the next 30 years. Excuse my French, but WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? This rate of extinction is unprecedented since the disappearance of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. And the major difference is… human beings are directly responsible for this. The trade in illegal wildlife is estimated to be worth over $15 billion USD per year. WE DID THIS. I mean, not you, and not me, but humans as a species. And I think only humans have the power to stop other humans from creating such shameful situations and circumstances.

Every single day, human beings create 3,500 lives. At the same time, every single day, we lose one or more entire species of animal or plant life. As a matter of fact, we lose 27,000 species per year. For anyone who wants to use the survival of the fittest argument… I dare you to go into the jungle and try to kill a tiger or an ape with your bare hands before you open your mouth. I doubt you’ll be last man (or woman) standing. But hey, at least you won’t argue anymore! I digress – back to the facts. 97% of the world’s wild tiger population has been destroyed in the last 100 years. That means only 3% are left. THREE PERCENT! 50% of African lions have disappeared in the last 25 years. 30,000 elephants are slaughtered per year for their ivory. 3,000 apes are being taken from the wild each year. 90% of the world’s rhinos have been killed in the last 40 years. Just this year, the world’s very last white rhino died in Kenya. And please don’t watch this video about orang-utans if you don’t want your heart to break.

Animals don’t have a voice. Animals don’t have money. Animals don’t possess weapons to fight against man-made bullets, spears, knives and machines. Animals cannot control the situations human beings put them in. But we can. We have voices – let’s use them. We have money – let’s donate it. Events like MAAC presents WILD at Ushuaïa Ibiza – these are our weapons. We’re fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves, in the easiest possible way we know how. All you have to do is dance. The idea of a world without lions and tigers and bears: oh my… GOD. It’s just unthinkable. Let’s join together and make sure it doesn’t ever become reality. Not on our watch.