This week Jelena speaks to two of the most influential people on the White Isle – Pacha’s Danny Whittle and Mark Netto – to find out about some of their personal favourite spots for eating, drinking, dancing and relaxing in Ibiza.
Last week I was extremely lucky to get 10 minutes with two of the most important personas in Ibiza and – dare I say – the world’s electronic music scene. Pacha Ibiza’s Commander in Chief, Danny Whittle, is working through his 12th season in charge of all things Pacha and his right hand man Mark Netto has been there with him since the very beginning. Whittle, a UK native, has worked on various Ibiza summer projects before beginning his Pacha venture in 2000, some of which include bringing Renaissance and Ministry of Sound to Pacha Ibiza and being the driving force behind establishing the 22 hour marathons of We Love Space (back then known as Home). Netto on the other hand had previously worked for Flashback, Miss Moneypenny’s, and Renaissance before establishing himself as Pacha’s go-to man 12 seasons ago.
Both of you are full time Ibiza residents, and even though programming along summer season takes most of your winter time, I bet you get to take some time off and enjoy the island. What are your favorite winter pastimes?
Danny Whittle: I love to take my family to Pacha NY’s Anniversary which is right around Christmas and we do all of our Holiday shopping while we’re there. We also travel quite a bit around Europe. Our favorites would have to be Rome and Florence in Italy and Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. We love the village style of Barcelona and the grandeur of Madrid which I find one of the cleanest capitals of the world.
Mark Netto: Apart from spending 3 to 4 weeks in South Africa where my wife and I are originally from, I tend to dedicate my time to the small things like driving my children to school and doing more sports.
You guys have been the driving force behind taking some of the most famous world DJs into stardom and changing things up in Pacha musically speaking. Can you pick out a favorite night?
DW: It’s a tough one, I’ve had great nights at all of them! I love Erick’s night because it’s been going for so long and it still delivers, I love Defected as it’s a perfect Saturday with its music and the crowd it attracts. I also love Luciano’s night, especially because it works no matter what people were saying in the beginning. I really love all the nights at the club – they’re all different and they all cater to a different audiences.
MN: I really can’t choose one! All have different vibes, energy and music. It’s like choosing my favorite child – impossible.
Fast forward into summer, and has it been a busy one! Do you have much time to relax and enjoy the island? What’s your favorite summer pastime?
DW: I love spending time with my family, but the thing I look forward to the most during the winter months is the IMS with the energy it brings to the Island. I also love the Ibiza closing week; there’s something really special about it even though Pacha never really closes, but becomes more like a private club which is open only on Fridays and Saturdays in the winter months.
MN: During the winter months I look forward to everyone coming back to the island, especially the sun, but once the things get rolling I tend to just spend time with my family, doing nothing.
Do you go out to the other clubs much? What would be your favorite club night outside of Pacha?
DW: This would definitely have to be Kehakuma at Space. Bottom line is I love Space club – I loved it even more without the roof on the terrace, but that’s not their fault now, is it? Kehakuma brings in all new DJs and the programming shows that it’s not all about the money.
MN: I really don’t have much time to visit any of the club nights nowadays. If I had to choose my favorite night out ever, it would definitely be Space on Sundays before the terrace was covered.
What about beach life?
DW: For its northern style I’d have to go for Benirras. Don’t get me wrong, most people choose this beach for the infamous drum sessions on Sundays, but I have to say it’s my favorite beach on any day but Sunday. I also really like all of the northern small beaches.
MN: For convenience I love Siesta because it’s close to our house, for swimming and snorkeling I would most definitely choose Punta Galera, and Salinas for people watching.
Ibiza, apart for the amazing clubs and beaches, is famous for its spectacular choice of restaurants.
Which ones are your favorites?
DW: For daytime I most definitely prefer El Chiringuito on Es Cavallet beach. It’s got everything one wants. And for nighttime I opt for a small Italian restaurant called Cicale on the road to San Juan.
MN: This is a tough one. For daytime I prefer Can Salines where I always get the ‘fideua’. Ox at an Ibicenco traditional restaurant called Es Caliu, Fish Shack or Sa Caleta for fish, and Casa Thai for takeaway.
What about the emerging high class dining experiences like Lio, Cipriani’s or Blue Marlin Marina? Not your cup of tea?
DW: I am generally against the criticisms people tend to express toward the new venues, DJs, and restaurants in Ibiza. These people forget what Ibiza is all about – ‘Live and Let Live’ is Ibiza’s motto, and there is obviously an interest for this kind of places and I give them my full support.
MN: Why not? Obviously there is an audience for this kind of places. As long as it is good for business, generally, anything that impresses or attracts people needs to be embraced.
Last but not least, any shopping hot spot recommendations?
DW: I don’t do much shopping for myself but I would definitely choose Revolver as the perfect spot for a gift for my wife. It’s situated in Ibiza town and it’s got pretty much everything one needs.
MN: My wife does all the shopping in the family, but if I really need to get something I tend to do it online on Ebay.
Till next week,
Jelena Xx
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