This had to be the opening of 2011 that everyone was talking about. The rumours had been circulating for weeks that the hotel wasn't going to be finished on time. But boy did they prove us wrong! Not only was it finished, it was unlike anything I had seen before in Ibiza!
Walking through the colossal carved doors and into the main pool area, we all just stopped and stared. Gobsmacked. I had seen a few pictures beforehand but nothing could have prepared me for this. At one end was the stage, where the Cadenza DJ's Reboot and Robert Dietz were already pumping out the tunes. But this was not just any stage, it was a stage worthy of any festival or concert arena. Then there was the enormous pool, with dancers being carried on men's shoulders to their podiums in the middle (where a few were writhing around in super-sized Veuve Cliquot buckets!). With a 5000 person capacity you can imagine the sheer size of this place.
There were people everywhere! The main dance floor was already packed full of early bird party-goers, and the crowd had spread past the pool and the VIP beds all the way to the bar at the back. Ushuaia have managed to create a space that everyone can enjoy; with many different levels and zones, you don't need to worry about not being able to see the stage or being too far from the party. If you've booked a room you have the luxury of looking over the crowd from your balcony (which must have been incredible), or even getting your own personal dance space if you're on the ground floor.
It took us about 15 minutes just to take it all in before realizing that we should probably eat something prior to indulging in any mojitos. Luckily we were able to get a table in the Beach Club restaurant, which while being rather expensive, did not disappoint. The tuna was delicious and the ‘Ushuaia Burger' on the table next door looked mouthwatering. However, a quick word of warning; do not expect a quiet lunch on the beach during pool parties, the music was just as loud in the restaurant as it was by the stage. While this did make it rather difficult to engage in conversation it did mean I was able to watch all the TV reporters filming. I have to say that I have never seen so much press at an opening as I did that day. There were cameramen, photographers and presenters EVERYWHERE (a medal to anyone who managed to avoid being filmed or having their photo taken).
With our tummies now full it was time to get involved in the party. As the sun began to set, Ushuaia took on a whole other atmosphere. It had transformed from day time pool party to full on nightclub style, open air, club. The high tech lighting display behind the DJ booth was now in all its glory and the pool and water fountains were glowing with different colours. We weaved our way to the main dance floor and remained there for 3 hours. No toilet breaks, no drink breaks, nothing. It was so good that you just didn't want to miss out on anything.
I have to admit that I didn't quite understand why Ushuaia had called it the unexpected opening party. I had seen the rather random frog, pig and crocodile statues but that couldn't possibly warrant it the name ‘unexpected'. This was until I turned around to see gigantic air filled marshmallow men walking through the crowds, dancing to the music and cheering everyone. That was definitely unexpected!
The Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel Opening, has to be one of, if not the best parties I have been to in Ibiza in a long time. It has brought back the open air clubbing that Ibiza has been missing for some atime. The next pool party is on the 12th of June and you would be mad to miss it!
