Few feelings beat touching down at Ibiza airport and feeling the warm sun on your skin, with Ibiza Global Radio blasting on the radio of the taxi, driving through the billboard-lined roads that showcase the best nightlife the island has to offer, the atmosphere is palpable.
Shaking things up for this summer’s Ibiza season, Defected will be keeping up our residency at Eden but this time on Friday nights, while Glitterbox moves to Sundays at Hï Ibiza. The countdown to summer has officially begun, and with our parties neatly framing the weekend, it’s the perfect excuse to book yourself a long weekend on the White Isle.
Here is our guide for nailing a long weekend on the island, with a few suggestions from our friends Jelena Zrnic and Pablo del Campo ...
Friday
Fresh off your flight and it's time to check in at your hotel. When it comes to hotels and accommodation in Ibiza there is so much choice, from the decadent luxury to the very basic. With an overwhelming amount of choice in party hotspots San Antonio and Playa D’en Bossa, just a short walk from Eden or Hï Ibiza, you’ll be able to find something perfect in the heart of the action - or head into the hills for a more peaceful stay. Whatever your preference, we’ve found a few failsafe options…
San Antonio
Save: Hotel Tropical Ibiza
Found in the heart of San Antonio, Hotel Tropical is a quick walk from the harbour and beach, making it the perfect location for sun searchers. With a huge pool and palm tree lined pathways, it is the perfect affordable spot to rest your head between the parties.
Splurge: Cubanito Ibiza Suites
With its Havana-inspired décor and rooftop bar, Cubanito brings the glamour to San Antonio. Newly opened in 2018, this hotel offers something a little different to the usual White Isle accommodation. With an impressive cocktail and cigar menu, it is also just moments away from the stunning Cala Gració, an oasis from the wild West End.
Playa D'en Bossa
Save: Hotel Playasol Mare Nostrum
Just 100 yards from Playa d’en Bossa beach, the location of Mare Nostrum is hard to beat. Sun yourself by the sizable pool or soak in the view with a glass of sangria from your balcony, before a quick walk to Hï for Glitterbox, via Bossa’s infamous bars.
Splurge: Ushuaïa
Arguably one of the most famous hotels on the island, a stay at Ushaïa will involve hedonistic luxury from start to finish. With a spa, four pools, parties every night of the week and three different restaurants to offer, as well as a direct entrance to the beach, there is little reason to leave. Add to that it's situated directly opposite Hï, and it may just be worth the hefty pricetag.
Ibiza Town
Set in an idyllic hilly backdrop, with stunning views of lavender fields and Dalt Villa, a stay in Casa Maca is guaranteed to be memorable. Tranquillity and accessibility come hand in hand, which can often be a challenge in Ibiza, and with four-poster beds, a gorgeous pool and an impressive restaurant a stay here is sure to be special.
View this post on Instagram¿Quién tiene ganas de que llegue el verano?☀️ We can't wait til summertime!
After checking in at your hotel one of the essential Ibiza activities to do is watch the famous sunset, and what better way to do it than to the soundtrack of Defected's best-loved selectors. Head over to Café Mambo and enjoy a cocktail while admiring the view that has attracted partygoers to Mambo since it opened in 1994. The official Defected pre-parties kick off here for the opening on Friday 17th May - no need to buy a ticket, just rock up.
The Friday night party continues at Eden with our residency, with a line-up featuring Armand Van Helden, Basement Jaxx, Gorgon City, Todd Terry and MK alongside our residents Sam Divine and Simon Dunmore, expect some epic B2B's and a load more names to be announced. Tickets available here.
Saturday
After spending the night at Eden, chances are you might be waking up with a sore head. If you’re staying in San Antonio, head to the Skinny Kitchen for some healthy sustenance or if you’re in Playa D’en Bossa, Passion Café is a favourite of DJs and clubbers alike, for their clean take on the classic hangover dishes that will bring you back to life.
For a unique way to see the island, La Bella Verde offer private catamaran trips that make a special day out. With fully stocked fridges and a killer sound system, snorkelling, sunbathing and exploring hidden corners of Ibiza are all part of the package.
As evening draws in Kumharas bar will offer another opportunity to see that famous sunset, and a chance to experience the true hippy spirit of Ibiza. This beachside bar and restaurant offers percussion workshops, African dance, live performances and sunset DJ sessions, as well as its own bohemian market selling clothes and accessories.
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After viewing the sunset, head for dinner in a truly unique setting at La Granja. Priding themselves on sustainability, take a tour of the farm where they grow a huge range of fruit and vegtables before sitting down to eat some amazing fresh food.
Sunday
To continue your blissful Ibiza weekend, there are few better ways to spend the day than lounging at a beach club.
Cala Gracioneta offers a heavenly retreat from the Ibiza madness, nestled among the pine trees that open up to a beautiful bay, sip on a freshly squeezed juice or one of their signature G’n’T’s between dips in the clear blue sea. Retreat into the shaded restaurant for a break from the sun and enjoy their incredible fresh seafood for a day with truly restorative powers.
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As evening draws in all roads lead to Hï Ibiza for Glitterbox, where a house and disco extravaganza awaits. Line-ups are TBA, but the party will be back bigger than ever for the new Sunday night residency, bringing the glamour, hedonism and fun to Playa D’en Bossa. Last year's line-ups featured Basement Jaxx, Masters At Work, Dimtiri From Paris, huge live PA's and of course our infamous drag queens and performers. Tickets available here.
View this post on InstagramOoh baby, I feel like the music sounds better with @dimitrifromparisofficial ♥️
Monday
After the debauchery of Sunday night, we recommend heading for some R&R at Can Curreu. Start off with horseback riding through the stunning rural grounds, before heading down to the beach. If this all sounds a little much after a night on the town, perhaps head straight to the spa where you'll find their thermal circuit of different temperature pools - sweat out the toxins from the night before for the ultimate hangover cure.
View this post on InstagramQue animal tan bonito! Quieres sentir su majestuosidad? Llámanos y pide información.
After your relaxing day feeling restored, head for a final dinner on the island. For something a little different, the Lebanese roof terrace restaurant Mikasa offers stunning views of Marina Botafoch. Share some traditional Meze and drinks and have the chance to reflect on your weekend, we guarantee you'll already be planning your return.
Voila - the ultimate Ibiza weekend. Keep a look out for programme, line-up and pre-party announcements from Defected and Glitterbox in the next few weeks - it's going to be a long hot summer!
