Jelena reports on an epic end to the Ibiza123 festival, buys a Japanese beer from Richie Hawtin and runs us through her Most Rated spots of the island to party, shop and relax.
Wow… What a week it has been!!! Tired is an understatement but it was well worth it.
Lenny Kravitz was absolutely amazing to finish the Ibiza123 festival as he made sure Ibiza was rocking for a good hour and a half! Towards the end of his set, Luciano appeared on the stage and dropped some massive beats as Lenny and his concert crew jammed an improvised “I belong to you” – if that’s not history in the making, I don’t know what is. As he left the stage I was a little disappointed as he hadn’t performed ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ but Lenny was soon back on for an encore to leave me totally satisfied; a perfect ending to a three day rocktronic odyssey.
As I was heading home for a quick shower before the hotly anticipated start of Carl Cox’s 11th season at Space, my eyelids were crying out for a quick disco nap before going towards Playa d’en Bossa. After what I thought was a short nap, I found myself waking up on the sofa next to a clock which was confusingly showing 07:00 am. I had just missed the most spectacular opening party for the King of Techno!!! Apparently Space was so packed they had to close the doors at one point as no more people were physically allowed in the venue! Even the likes of Leo Messi and Naomi Campbell were there to praise the beats – without me!
Two days later it was time for another techno legend, Richie Hawtin to open his new ENTER event at Kehakuma with a lineup that many festivals would envy. Got there early, but not early enough! Richie decided to transform Space’s Salon into a Sake bar, making sure the decoration was in place himself and scheduling Dubfire to play a 10pm set as he was behind the bar serving the Sake himself. What an experience! Richie Hawtin, serving Sake, from 10pm till his set time at 4am. I opted for a Japanese beer and enjoyed a normally very lit and airy space being transformed into a very dark dungeon (in true Minus style); one my personal highlights of the Ibiza season so far.
Which got me thinking; although in Ibiza has a wealth of options for pretty much anything you should be craving, there are some places or events that always seem to provide that little bit extra. So, in summary, here’s a rundown of my Most Rated Ibiza – the clubs, beaches shops and more I advise everyone visiting the White Isle to check out.
Most Rated Large Club: Pacha
Pacha has got to be THE place on Ibiza, especially in the last couple of years when the line-ups have changed to include the more up-and-coming producers and DJs. Pacha champions such a variety of music genres, keeping a perfect balance between the ravers and the VIPs, without forgetting the Ibicenco touch with the rooftop terrace that adds such an amazing vibe to the clubbing experience.
www.pacha.com
Honorable Mention: Space
Due to the large number of rooms, Space is programming an even bigger variety of different music genres on each individual night, and its Opening and Closing Fiestas have marked the beginning and the end of the summer season for years.
www.spaceibiza.com/en
Most Rated Small Club: DC10
You cannot underestimate the impact that DC10 has had on the music industry. This is the club that made Luciano and Jamie Jones the huge names they are today! This is the place where influential music is played and massive parties happen on a weekly basis. Forget about the VIP, get your most creative outfit on, get sweaty, and enjoy yourself!!! And you’ll either get the point, or won’t! Skrillex, on the island last weekend, apparently didn’t get the point. Oh well… It was only his first time…
http://dc10-ibiza.ibiza-clubs.net/
Honorable mention: Sankeys
Into its second season on the island, Sankeys is programming a more serious line up for the summer. Not only was their two day opening party rammed to the edges, but Sankey’s is now the home to Steve Lawler’s Viva Warriors every Wednesday.
www.sankeysibiza.info
Most Rated Bar: Café Mambo
Great food, the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see, amazing cocktails and a world-famous DJ performing in an intimate atmosphere every single night of the summer are just some of the qualities this San Antonio Sunset Strip bar has to offer. Packed from morning to night, this venue run by the lovely Anadon family has established itself as the go-to spot for the international crowd.
http://cafemamboibiza.com/
Honorable mention: Rock Bar
Situated in Ibiza Town, this small bar in Ibiza port is the place to go to for people watching, port parades and drinks before heading to one of the clubs. A must for the likes of Groove Armada and Pete Tong, before heading to their respective gigs afterwards.
Most Rated Restaurant: Pacha Restaurant
Not content with being the best club on the island, Pacha also boast the best restaurant. Amazing sushi creations, Mediterranean fusion plates and great cocktails in an atmosphere that is so special and secluded even though the restaurant is situated right inside the club. Getting a reservation is not easy on any given night as a table in the restaurant means direct free entry into the club! Could you think of a better combo?
www.pacha.com/content/pacha-restaurant
Honorable mention: Cala Bassa Beach Club
Open for only its second season, Chef David Reartes is making this spectacularly located restaurant famous for the no-frills menu that leaves one breathless after receiving the plate at the table. Order the egg and chips… trust me!
www.calabassabeachclub.com
Most Rated Beach: Salinas
Salinas has got to be the one beach to visit on a short trip to Ibiza. Whether you decide to have some lunch at one of the four restaurants or just go there for a quick swim, you will not regret it. It is the spot where all of the clubs do their beach parades, the water is perfectly crystalline and it is Ibiza in its purest sense. Parking can be a little tricky so do try and make a full day out of this one.
Honorable mentían: Cala Conta (Platges des Compte)
Situated on the coast between San Antonio and San Jose, this beautiful beach is the top alternative spot for sunsets. Cala Conta offers a perfect ending to a beach day and a perfect beginning to your Ibiza night.
Most Rated Shopping: Sluiz
No matter whether you’re after a slick outfit for the night, a present for a friend, a piece of art, or a large piece of furniture (they even deliver to the UK), Sluiz is the spot for you. This enormous shop/restaurant/bar is situated right before the entrance to Santa Gertrudis and is one of the most colorful places you’ll ever see. Run by a Dutch family living on the island for almost a decade now, Sluiz is the place I love to spend a chilled afternoon… and I always leave with my hands full.
www.sluiz-ibiza.com
Honorable mention: Las Dalias Hippy Market
Las Dalias is now in every Ibiza guide book with tons of tourist visiting it on a weekly basis, but it hasn’t lost its charm. On the road from Santa Eulalia to San Carlos, it holds the honors of being the official first bar in Ibiza and if funky hippy style is your thing, you shouldn’t miss it for the world.
www.lasdalias.com
Most Rated Chillout Spot: Atzaro Agroturismo
If you like to pamper yourself, you can’t go wrong with spending the day (or night) at Atzaro Agroturismo. Situated in the peaceful Morna Valley, this hotel, restaurant and spa is spread out over an orange grove and run by a local family for over a decade now. I would recommend a brunch on their beautiful terrace, an afternoon at the spa, a swim in their volcanic stone lap pool, and one of their signature mojitos as the garden lit by a million tiny lights. Pure bliss…
www.atzaro.com/agroturismo-ibiza/es/
Honorable mention: Uma Beauty Spa
This modern, split-level beauty salon is located in the dead center of Ibiza town. Whether you’re after a quick massage, hair treatment, or a simple manicure/pedicure, the lovely Gemma will make sure you’re relaxed and gorgeous in preparation for your ultimate Ibiza nightlife experience. Even though they are a walk-in salon, do phone beforehand to make sure they’re not crowded.
www.umastudioibiza.com
So if you’re planning on heading over to Ibiza this year (and you definitely should be), this should hopefully give you an idea of where to start.
Till next week,
Jelena XX
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