When I first heard about Ibiza, I heard about the clubs, the endless party fun, the sheer hedonism. Yes, it ALL exists (some aspects we might wish a little less so) but for a while I also thought it was ALL Ibiza had to offer. Yes, you can come to the island, party every single night for a fortnight and still not tick every box on the "Biggest and Best" checklist, granted (You'll just have to come back again!)
You can also spend a fortnight on the island, never enter a club (although please do, even if just once - it's quite an experience!) and fill your days and nights effortlessly - and dare I say it, have just as much fun.
Historically, so I've been told, the story goes that when the Franco regime fell in the '50's, the Spaniards traveled to Ibiza where the locals embraced the changes and bikini fun-in-the-sun, once forbidden, became the new delight. Move forward in time a little and the word started to get out about the beauty of the island, it's laid-back nature and nudist beaches (I've no idea what happened to the bikini's)
However, it wasn't really until the 80's when Spanish DJ Alfredo - the DJ behind Ibiza Spotlights own album, 2012 - started mixing things up a little that Ibiza suddenly went global and became known as the 'party island of Europe' (and if only Europeans get to enjoy this isle, my heart goes out to the rest of the World)
Nonetheless, behind the super-clubs such as Pacha, Space, Privilege and Amnesia, life on the island sees daylight too and caters for it superbly well. The simple fact is the island perfected chilling out long before the first nightclub was built.
Off the Beaten Track
The island ticks boxes big and small. Some are quirky, some fun, some outrageous but all of them cater for someone somewhere and do so, well.
Take for example hundreds of couples choosing to celebrate their first Wedding Anniversary on the island. In steps Dreamlines (the artist based in France but a fond and frequent visitor to the island) to help you through the headache of "First year anniversary: paper". I mean, what do you get your loved one that is special and paper based, for goodness sake? Dreamlines offers a solution and has been delighting newlyweds the World over (as well as easing a few headaches for perplexed husbands, I'm sure!)
Cycle Tours: On the island, youngsters with you and the beach whilst fabulous, is not going to keep the children occupied for the fifth afternoon in a row? Check out Ibiza Bike Tours, run by 15 year old Rupert.
Keeping the Children Entertained: Or maybe you'd like just a few hours a day to yourself (every day!) but a babysitter just isn't going to do the trick. Check out Noah's Summer School (and if it's too late for you this year, make a note for next)
Restaurant of the Week.
Talking of chilling out, I popped along to Sands Beach Bar this week for lunch. I'm not quite sure what I expected but it certainly wasn't the chilled out, great food and service that wowed me from start to finish. Kudos to them, not only are the parties brilliant (and free, often with co-owner Carl Cox on the decks personally) but as a lunch venue, this is one beach bar you should definitely check out (especially if you like chocolate - see the review for details...)
Looking Ahead
If nights out definitely feature on your list of wants but full-on clubbing is just a step too far, check out Aura. I popped along twice last week and on Thursday when Goldie rocked up, so did the night! A truly fabulous party and although Goldie might not feature for a while again, Aura aren't standing still in the meantime - have a sneaky peek at what's coming (as to food, they do that well too - and kiddie-winks eat free!)
Auction - Invitation Only: With the generous support of artist Dominique Sanson and island landscaping, construction company Terravita, the Ibiza Preservation Fund is hosting an Auction evening. Commencing with cocktails and canapes, the evening includes a short film documenting the IPF current areas of conservation focus before auctioning Dominique's paintings of island fauna. A little birdie tells me that many of Dominique's paintings are expected to command in excess of 1,500 euros. Having met Dominique earlier in the week and seen the pieces for auction, I confess one or two have caught my eye. The event is to be held at Terravita's premises and commence at 8pm, 23rd August. Please email info@grupoterravita.com if you would like an invitation.
San Antonio - Fiesta of Saint Bart: have you ever seen a full blown tomato fight, where the air turns red? Welcome to just one of the events taking place in San Antonio over the next couple of weeks as the locals celebrate Saint Bart. The entertainment is free and there's everything from live music, the aforementioned tomato fight and lots of sea based competitions. Here's a summary of some of the events that caught our eye.
Where to stay - Hotel of the Week
Art Apartments in Es Cana - For modestly priced, self-catering accommodation in the family & couples' friendly resort of Es Cana we would certainly recommend the Art Apartments. The complex's ever popular "Popeye's Bar" provides great snacks and offers evening entertainment and all just a stone's throw from the wonderful sandy Es Cana beach. Not to be missed!
Where to Go - Club News of the Week
I don't think I saw Stivi, our Club Expert, this week but he's out there somewhere!
"I must confess that in August, when everything is so busy here, I tend to go out a bit less than in all the other months of the summer season. We're all focused on work and when we do have a free minute, we'll spend it somewhere in the shade or up north on one of those beaches that aren't completely packed.
Anyway though, there are obviously still loads of good parties to choose from this week as well, here's a few recommendations:
Friday 17th August - Music On at Amnesia. Main man Marco Carola has the terrace for himself all night (did I already mention I love long DJ sets?) and over in the inside room, Joseph Capriati, Maetrik (Maceo Plex's alter ego) and Carlo Lio are on duty. Expect pounding techno and a Italian dominated crowd!
Saturday 18th August - San Antonio's St. Bart's beach party at El Arenal beach! Never say no to a beach party!
Sunday 19th August - I find it really hard not to suggest We Love at Space on a weekly basis. Their line ups are just always cutting edge. This week sees the Innervisions crew back on la terraza. I mean who can say no to Dixon, Âme and dOP (live)?
Tuesday 21st August - Deepflight at the new Ocean Beach Club has a tasty line up this week! Phonique, Oli Koletzki + Fran (live), Aka Aka & Thalstroem (live as well) and more. Starts at 12 noon, I'd recommend people to go there mid-afternoon. Bring your swimming gear of course and enjoy the cool shows!
Hasta pronto!"
For and on behalf of the team at Ibiza Spotlight, wishing you and yours a fantastic weekend,
Cat Milton.
Know this; know Ibiza.
All Club Images credited to James Chapman
Ibiza Spotlight Clubbing Team