UJ Ibiza Magazine by Urban Junkies

EDITOR’S LETTER

Photo by Danielle Tasca-York

elcome to the first issue of Urban Junkies Ibiza, in partnership with ME by Meliá Hotels. We at UJ love Ibiza. With a website, app and newsletter already dedicated to the White Isle, we’re thrilled to finally add print to our stable. When we started to think about what we wanted in this publication, we knew we would highlight the side of Ibiza that we’ve always loved – the rustic venues, the parties with spirit, and the people that make the island what it is. We also knew we wanted to touch on hot topics and include insider tips throughout.

Kate Spicer kicks off this launch edition by touching on last summer’s standout hit, Beachouse, and explains why she’ll be seeing more daylight this season (p14). GQ’s Jonathan Heaf comments on the increase of bling in Ibiza (p26), while we find out where insiders go to get away from it all (p28).

And lastly, we’ve also included guides to London and Madrid, should you have a pre- or post-Ibiza jaunt (p34).

We really wanted Javier Anadon of Café Mambo fame in the magazine – he truly embodies the Ibiza spirit we believe in – so we’re grateful that he took the time to speak to Maya Boyd about his story (p20). The next person who tells you that Ibiza has lost its soul, get them to read this.

See you on the dance floor.

Ralph Moore takes a look at the rise of DC10, which #UJloves (p30). It may no longer be our little secret, but it’s still one of, if not the best dance floor in the world.

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

People always talk about where they’re from. For many of us, we may not be from the White Isle, but our spirit certainly is. Welcome to our Ibiza family.

TARYN + ME IBIZA @tarynross | @urbanjunkies | @meibiza For up-to-date information throughout the summer, please subscribe to our free Ibiza newsletters. Visit our Ibiza website and app for more detailed listings. urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide

URBAN JUNKIES IBIZA

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Tar yn Ross

Deputy Editor Rebecca Tay

Design Director Nick Guest

Senior Features Editor Chloe Sachdev

Sub Editor

Sasha Filimonov

Art Director at Large Rob Meyers

Contributing Photographers Alex Soto Danielle Tasca-York

Contributing Artist May Van Millingen

Office

Urban Media London Ltd. 34A Marshall Street London W1F 7EU + 44 20 7287 4772

Please send any comments or queries to UJibiza@urbanjunkies.com. Special thanks to ME by Meliรก Hotels, Simon Dane, Jo Berr y and Luchford PR.

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

CONTRIBUTORS

Kate Spicer, journalist, The Sunday Times contributor, and documentar y filmmaker, explains why she’ll be spending more time in the daylight this summer (p14). These days, you’ll find her at The Fish Shack in Talamanca – a far cry from her first trip to the White Isle. “ We were properly clueless. We kept seeing these stickers on the back of cars with two cherries and going: ‘what is this Pacha?’ We didn’t find out until two days before we left.” Ralph Moore, owner of Moore Media and co-manager of Tensnake, looks at Circo Loco then and now (p30) and gives us his pick of top nights this summer (p12). Looking back, “1999 was my first proper season,” he recalls. “I was working for Muzik Magazine as a completely fresh biscuit, but met and interviewed everyone from Daft Punk to Armand Van Helden that summer and came back a seasoned veteran the next year – at the grand old age of 24.” Maya Boyd, Ibiza-based writer and editor, speaks to Café Mambo’s Javier Anadon about his Ibiza story (p20). “ This summer, by day, I’ll be poolside with my baby at our finca in the Morna Valley – finally, a home in the campo. By night, I’ll be hoping for the odd rave at The Kave, which is stumbling distance home!”

Jonathan Heaf, British GQ’s Features Director, looks at the rise of the glitz in Ibiza (p26). When it comes to old-school Ibiza, “doesn’t everybody think the same thing?” he asks. “Club Tropicana, drinks are frreeeeeee…” He has a word of advice for first-time Ibiza-goers too: “Say yes to ever ything, once. And if you take photographs, look at them on the flight back home – then destroy them.” Mario Ximenez Hernandez, Digital Editor at Harper ’s Bazaar Spain, gives us five must-visit restaurants in Madrid (p36). His per fect summer day in the Spanish capital? “I wouldn’t leave San Ildefonso Square – it’s always full of people having drinks until two in the morning. If I don’t go out at night, a good walk around Parque del Retiro is my per fect alternative.” Abby Lowe, writer, tells us what’s new this summer (p3) and highlights our star picks (p8) and old faves (p10). In Ibiza, you’ll find her “gazing wistfully out to sea at Punta Galera or outstaying her welcome in the bathtub at Pikes”.

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

NOTES

IBIZA NEWS

From the latest openings and Formentera picks to our favourites for dinner and views, here is your guide to the White Isle By Abby Lowe

reVOLVER Sunglasses

Forgot your shades? No problem. Designer boutique reVOLVER have branched out to open reVOLVER Sunglasses, an entire store dedicated to the most interesting designs around – think Linda Farrow Luxe, Kuboraum and Thierry Lasry and you’re on the right track. #UJloves this Yazbukey by Linda Farrow Gallery pair (£165). Calle Bisbe Cardona 6, Ibiza Town, +34 871 514 606 revolveribiza.com

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

NOTES

HEART

For those like us who fondly remember elBulli and always try to get into Tickets Barcelona, good news: the Adrià brothers have arrived in Ibiza with HEART. Teaming up with Guy Laliberté, the man behind Cirque du Soleil, expect three separate concepts under one roof – think world-class cuisine meets art and music, but without any pretension, so the brothers say. If the carnivalesque décor in Tickets is anything to go by, this could be a fun, different night out. Passeig de Joan Carles I, 17, Ibiza Town heartibiza.com

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

The Jam Shack

The Jamaican flavours of The Jam Shack in Playa dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en Bossa are heading to Cala Llonga. As with the original, expect lashings of rum, jerk chicken, and non-stop reggae vibes. Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme. Cala Llonga, +34 636 013 098 facebook.com/jamshackIbiza

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

DarkShadow/Getty Images

NOTES

Photographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice/Getty Images

For a complete listing of new venues, services and more in Ibiza this summer, please visit urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide.

NOTES

Fay

Last year Cotton Beach Club put Cala Tarida back on the map. This year theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re upping the ante with a rooftop Asian restaurant, which promises zesty, exotic cuisine and a view that will Blow. Your. Mind. Crispy duck, marinated salmon and unrivalled sunset views? Si, por favor. Carrer Posta de Sol, 21, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, +34 971 806 180 cottonbeachclub.com

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

A VIEW FROM...

Photos by Alex Soto

Should you find yourself N/S/E/W for an a f t e r n o o n , t h i s i s w h e r e w eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d g o

NOTES

STAR NORTH: E S P O R T I X O L

STAR SOUTH: T R O P I C A N A

It may be a 5km hike down, but that’s part of the appeal. A dreamy secluded spot, the mesmerising views make it worth the effort. Pack a picnic with supplies, and be brave – this is a skinny dipper’s paradise.

A beach club with an abundance of sass, Tropicana has the blissed-out soundtrack and casual-chic ambience nailed. All you need to do is turn up, lie back in your hammock, and order pitchers of sangria de cava on repeat.

Head for Illa Blanca and then ask a local.

Cala Jondal, +34 971 802 640 tropicanaibiza.com

STAR EAST: T H E F I S H S H A C K

STAR WEST: S U N S E T A S H R A M

Follow the signs for Sa Punta and then turn left over the rocks and you’ll find this ramshackle set-up with plastic chairs and an array of colourful umbrellas. Fish is freshly caught each day and is served with potatoes, salad and a side of salty sea air. Simple, unpretentious perfection.

We challenge you to find an islander who doesn’t cite Sunset Ashram in Cala Conta as one of their favourite spots to watch the sun go down. It’s the heady combination of bohemian vibes, heavenly location and laid-back jams that leaves everyone enraptured. Our tip: book a table, this place gets crowded.

Talamanca, Ibiza

Cala Conta, +34 661 347 222 sunsetashram.com

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

NOTES

OLD FAVOURITES Ever y year, ever y trip, you’ll find us here

MACAO CAFÉ Loud, bustling, and romantic, Macao is always buzzing with chatter, and is a definite UJ fave. With a menu of hearty Italian favourites and a great wine list, we say go at night, grab a table in the candlelit courtyard and settle in. Carrer Venda des Pobles, 8. Santa Gertrudis +34 971 197 835

CAMÍ DE BALÀFIA This is a family-run favourite that’s earned its place in the hearts of locals for its sensational grilled meats. Dine under the stars, order a bottle of house red and start with the famous tomato salad before moving on to the mains of grilled chicken, lamb chops or steak. If you don’t eat meat, the tomatoes and potatoes are divine – plus the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. Sant Joan de Labritja km 15.4 +34 971 325 019

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

NOTES

WHERE TO GET A HEALTH FIX Kelly Morgan and James Davis, 38° North Health Holidays thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com

Passion Café, Santa Eulalia “Sit outside, order the Buddha Bowl (brown rice, mixed salad, tofu, polenta and more), and ask for a Superman Smoothie on the side."

BAR ANITA A haven for hippies, artists and tortured creative souls back in the day, Bar Anita maintains all its bygone charm. Tucked away in the tiny village of San Carlos, it still hums with activity every day of the week. Don’t leave without trying the homemade hierbas.

Nagai, Santa Eulalia “We go here for the mixed sashimi and wakame salad, and they do amazing healthy cocktails (#UJloves) – just ask!” 38° North Juices “If you need to reset, look into our three and six-day alkalising detox juice retreats. You’ll feel rejuvenated in no time! For bookings email: info@thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com."

Lugar Barri San Carlos, s/n, 07850 Sant Carles +34 971 335 090

WHERE TO EAT IN FORMENTERA Christian and Alan Anadon, Café Mambo cafemamboibiza.com

Es Moli de Sal “They do these amazing boquerones fritos that are served in a wooden box, as well as a special lobster dish where they scramble an egg in the leftover sauce. Incredible. And the vanilla ice cream – it comes in a bucket!” Can Dani “We go in the winter for the fantastic tapas. They just won Formentera’s first Michelin star."

Illustrations May Van Millingen

SA CALETA Boasting a beachside setting that’s hard to beat, Sa Caleta specialises in fish dishes and paella, all served up with an abundance of rustic charm. Bring your swimsuit and go for a dip – it’ll perk you up after one too many café caletas.

El Pirata “The best place on the beach for fresh fish – either John Dory or lubina a la sal (salt-baked sea bass)."

Playa d'es Bol Nou, 07830 Sant Josep +34 971 187 095

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

THE SCHEDULE NOTES

T h e r e ’s a l o t g o i n g o n ! N o t s u r e w h e r e t o g o ? H e r e ’s o u r p i c k o f t h e b e s t n i g h t s t h i s s u m m e r

DC10 Monday: Circo Loco at DC10

This is one of the best parties in the world, and with good reason. The crème de la crème – everyone from Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones to Richie Hawtin and Luciano – has played here over the years. Even in 2015, it’s still got the best assembled collection of underground house and techno DJs in the world: even Berlin can't deliver this. The opening party at the end of May features Jamie Jones, Tale Of Us and Apollonia as well as cool curveballs like Jackmaster and Black Coffee. The line-ups are released every week ahead of the party so keep your eyes peeled for those iconic posters.

AMNESIA

Compiled by Ralph Moore

Monday: Cocoon at Amnesia The one and only Sven Väth is the man behind Cocoon, which remains the original and best techno party at Amnesia. From Seth Troxler to Ricardo Villalobos and Craig Richards, there is little talent in the underground that hasn’t stepped up to the plate here on a Monday night. And every year, Richie Hawtin plays for Sven at Space and vice versa as a mark of respect. Amazing.

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

NOTES

SPACE

Tu e s d a y : C a r l Cox , Music is Revolution at Space

Last year saw everyone from Nic Fanciulli and Green Velvet to d‘n’b don Andy C step up and play at the most solid line-up Space had to offer. From Laurent Garnier and Rudimental to the mighty Carl Cox himself, this is a brilliant party for Brit and Euro tech/house heads alike. And from July 7 to September 22, Yousef will host his infamous Circus party on the terrace. Don’t miss Carl’s birthday party on July 26!

PACHA

Wednesday : I biza Rocks, San Antonio The list of confirmed artists at Ibiza Rocks in 2015 includes The Libertines, who will headline the 10th birthday party on July 22, Grammy Award-winners Clean Bandit, drum and bass giants Sigma, and Fatboy Slim. Get VIP tickets and watch from above.

Sunday : Solomun +1 at Pacha Last year, this was still the coolest party at Pacha by far and it’s back for more on Sundays in 2015. If you like the DIYnamic label sound and miss Luciano at Pacha, this is the party for you. Always a great vibe.

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

LET TH LIG urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

ERE BE HT... K AT E

SPICER ON WHY SHE’LL A C T U A L LY S L E E P I N G AT N I G H T T H I S S U M M E R mebymelia.com | @meibiza

TREND ALERT ur lives are ruled by algorithms. From online dating to trading in pork bellies, a boffin somewhere has a bunch of squiggles that lets computers make impossible decisions for us. There’s one algorithm, however, that has yet to be written. It’s the eternal Ibiza question: when exactly to sleep? Those precious days in the year when the white island is a temporary home must be perfect. (No pressure there then.) Not for me, the joined-up funning of the 72hour party people, who roll from Sunday to Tuesday – Space, DC10, Amnesia – barely breaking for a bocadillo. I want to see more actual daylight than catching the sun rising over the Old Town outside Pacha while waiting for my driver with the blacked-out windows to whisk me home to bed. Because for every memory of dance floor euphoria,

there are another two of more mellow pleasures, like a woodland walk that smells the way hierbas tastes, the lunch when we laughed for eight hours straight on Es Cavallet, or swimming, dancing and drinking rosé, all nearly naked at Sa Trinxa on Salinas. Back in that overly discussed day, a lot happened while the sun was up in Ibiza, and I liked it that way. I used to go to DC10 early on Monday, when it was still light. I loved that naughty feeling of being there while the rest of the world was still hunched over their desk at the office. Partying in daylight, says Charlie Chester, the man who promoted Circo Loco for a decade, “feels like when you were a kid and found your Christmas presents – that giggly naughty feeling when you gave ‘em a squeeze.” Partying under the sun has always been a particularly Ibicencan pleasure. Some of the most legendary clubs have or had a terrace; KU, now Privilege, was entirely open-air until the noise police came knocking in the nineties.

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

Ben Turner of IMS says, “We fell in love with Ibiza for its daytime partying – Space first, then DC10, but then the authorities pulled it away from us. Finally, daytime partying is back, albeit with a new time slot of post lunch and over dinner time. It means you have the option every day to be up early on the beach – or, if you’re over 40, you can convince yourself it’s okay to keep living this lifestyle.” Charlie Chester’s giggly feeling is what made Ibiza magic for me when I first came here. And it’s what’s making it magic for people again. The DJ Arthur Baker says, “After [Circo Loco at] DC10, Beachouse had the best music and the best vibe last summer. You got there for 4pm, ate, saw your friends, and a lot of the warm-up DJs who were going to play with Solomun on Sundays at Pacha would play there.”

TREND ALERT

“BACK IN THAT OVERLY DISCUSSED DAY, A LOT HAPPENED WHILE THE SUN WAS UP IN IBIZA, AND I LIKED IT THAT WAY.”

Beachouse has restored some of the unpredictable, easy magic that once defined the island – when the authorities were a bit more laissez-faire. Last summer, the newcomer on Playa d’en Bossa saw all the big resident DJs pass through for an impromptu set, and Guy Gerber’s 5-midnight Sunday party, Rumors, spilled out onto the beach. It was the hit of the season. There’s a more leisurely pace of rave – one that suits an older crowd – at Beachouse. The only kids around are, like, actually children, unlike Ushuaïa, where the cream of reality TV go to the huge day parties and mega-pout for squillions of arms-in-the-air selfies. When it comes to a day party, that’s not really what I’m mad for.

I daren’t go near Blue Marlin anymore, unless I have the cash to have my Champagne delivered by helicopter. Blue Marlin’s strictly for when rich friends are paying these days. If you can find the invites to the best after parties, outdoor jollies can continue as soon as breakfast is over – but invites to The Kave or back to Carl Cox’s are not always easy to come by and there’s the challenge of dropping in to a party that started eight hours ago in a club. However, for the melodic sets and big name surprises, setting your alarm for an after party can be another way to embrace the sunshine. (However, if it’s an Ushuaïa after party you’ve managed to get a wristband for, bear in mind it’ll take place in a soundproofed room called the Dark Side.)

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

This summer, I’m going to love the light. No $100m Vegas super-club or elite VIP corner full of babes can compete with dancing in the sand while the sun disappears on the horizon. Rumors continues at Beachouse this season, along with new parties scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday. That people struggled to decide between a beach club and the mighty closing party at Space says a lot about the lure of daylight raving. Nothing about Ibiza should be prescriptive, except, perhaps, to get some sleep sometime. And radical as it sounds, it could be that the best time to sleep on the island this summer is roughly between the hours of midnight and morning – otherwise known as “actual bedtime”.

INSIDERS

PLAY TIME

With the 5-midnight party slot seriously hotting up, there’s now more choice than ever when it comes to party time. UJ checks in with global industr y insiders to find out when and where they rave

FREDERIK BOCKHAHN GENERAL MANAGER, CROSSTOWN REBELS “If I have a choice (which is often the case with Ibiza), then I want to be outside and preferably in the sunshine when I party. In my experience people are just more on point when they can’t hide drunk in the darkness. Most often I will go to bed at a normal time, wake up super early, get some work done and then go join my friends wherever the night may have taken them. DC10 is my favourite club, but I will also sneak in the occasional Rumors at Beachouse and go for some special sets in the Sake Bar at Space for ENTER.”

GUY WILLIAMS DJ/PRODUCER/ PROMOTER OF FUN “As a DJ, my favourite set time is 2-4am in the heart of the Ibicencan night. As a partygoer, my favourite time to go out is DC10 in the late afternoon as the sun is setting.”

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

INSIDERS

BRYDIE TONG DJ/ARTIST “Working in music, I try to check out most parties at some point. I’m into a diverse range but I have my favourite spots for the music I want to hear and where I like to let loose. DC10 on Mondays — the quieter weeks, early doors (4-9pm) — still takes the cake for me. And of course, a traditional Ibiza after-party mission, with the perfect combination of crew, location, music and the heroes spinning it, flowing drinks, the enchanting hours of sunrise, and most importantly — smiling people and good vibes, that's where the magic happens.”

DAMIAN LAZARUS RESIDENT DJ, CIRCO LOCO (Look out for his new album, ‘Message from the Other Side’)

FRANCESCA LOMBARDO DJ

“I’m always playing the final set inside at Circo Loco at DC10, so my rave begins a couple of hours later with dinner and drinks at The Fish Shack or a swim at Atlantis. The after rave is a villa party!”

“I love to start the day on the beach and take it straight to the night, from a Benirrás sunset on a Sunday to one of the great restaurants on the island. Then finish off with with some of the best music at one of the beach parties around."

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

INTERVIEW

WITH A LITTLE BIT OF LUCK:

The king of CafĂŠ Mambo on hippies, hedonism and being in the right place at the right time As told to Maya Boyd

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

Photos by Danielle Tasca-York

JAVIER ANADON

INTERVIEW

came to Ibiza in 1976. I’m from Navarra, near the Basque Country, but I’d met my girlfriend in Benidorm and we’d heard of Ibiza as a hippie and bohemian place. I first worked as a barman at Nito’s in the West End, which was beautiful and so cosmopolitan, with Swedish, English, and a few Dutch. It was like an artist’s quarter. It went downhill but I think in the last two years it’s been coming back. The first bar I owned was Bucaneros in the bay. It was fantastic! Every night, 200 taxis would arrive outside, and it was a true party vibe, with people dancing on the tables. At the end of the night I’d take the staff to KU, Amnesia or Pacha. KU was a magical place – open air, with the most beautiful people in the world: good dress sense, great hair, kind of hippie chic. People would go to the club just to see how other people dressed. Sometimes, the girls would take their clothes off – mamma mia! But that was nothing unusual. There was a small VIP area for the really famous – the princes and princesses. Instead of a VIP door with security, they gave 200 friends of the club a key for the back door. I would arrive in the car park with five or six people and take them to the back door and let them in. They would be so shocked, like ‘who is this guy?’ It was magic. I don’t like to say the old times were better – I move with the times – but believe me, it was special. When I opened Mambo in 1994, Café del Mar was already so big, we needed to do something different. I had some English friends, Alan Warman and Tommy Mack, who were doing a party in Es Paradis called Mad Mondays. I invited them to the bar beforehand to eat and play some music. They came and brought their friends – and that was the birth of the pre-party. Afterwards we had Roger [Sanchez], John Digweed, Sasha, Pete Tong – there have been so many. I remember that Frankie Knuckles used to do one -off vinyl edits to play at Mambo. Commercial success came in 1995.

Everybody in the world was at Mambo. John Galliano, Kate Moss, Boy George. Mambo was unique then, because it was during the nu-age scene and that was the music we were playing. It became the thing — to go to Mambo, sit on the rocks, smoke a spliff and watch the sunset. Now, more than ever, the DJs want to come here to play really different sets, to explore their artistic side. We let them do whatever they want, no pressure. The first time David Guetta came, he played some really classic sunset tracks that I loved. He was with his family and he was so nice. That’s the spirit – such a huge DJ, yet he comes and eats with us then plays in the bar. For me, that is Ibiza. At Mambo, it’s always been about family. Some people have worked with us 15, 20 years. In the beginning, I made my sons work here, and now they’re the future of Mambo. Keeping it in the family continues our style – it’s like a seal of quality. Of course it’s always difficult to take over from a father, but in Ibiza there are a lot of places where it works. Martin [Ferrer]’s son at Amnesia is amazing – he has a real talent; the family at Teatro Pereyra is beautiful; Ricardo [Urgell]’s children at Pacha, too – they ’ll all take over from their fathers, carry on and maybe improve! We’re trying to do the same. Any project that we do, we do with that Ibiza soul. There are some mega projects in Ibiza that I don’t like. I don’t think Ibiza should have anything to do with Vegas. A little bit of Miami, fine, but to go the way of Vegas is scary. We never expected Mambo to become what it is. But we were in Ibiza, in the sun. We had a lot of luck and we were kind to people. I love what I do. Sometimes I have a little stress, but every day I spend a couple of hours at the bar, I sit with friends, we tell stories, drink some tequila. I fall in love with Ibiza more every day. It is magic. Sure, we like to earn money, but we’ll never sell our soul to the devil.

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

INTERVIEW

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

CONNECT

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CONNECT

ME NEWS See whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening with ME @MEbyMelia | @me_by_melia

ME Milan, scheduled to open summer 2015

ME Miami, scheduled to open 2015

ME Dubai, scheduled to open 2016

ME Barcelona, scheduled to open 2017

ME Cabo, refurbishment

ME London, stay tuned for Radio re -launch

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FEATURE

RITZ V S . RUSTIC Yes, the big names have found our fair isle, but Ibiza still has something for everyone. Seek and ye shall find – you just have to know what you’re looking for. And if you look hard enough, you’ll find the best there is J O N AT H A N H E A F LO O K S AT T H E R I S E O F T H E GLITZ IN IBIZA. PLUS, WE ASK A HANDFUL OF I B I Z A F R E Q U E N T F LY E R S W H E R E T H E Y G O T O G E T AWAY F R O M I T A L L

biza, if you hadn’t got the memo, has done some growing up in the past few years. A wave of super rich glitterati has swept the island. For ever y sweatbox, there’s a zinc-covered Cristal bar. The influx has been gradual but is now at its zenith. The first to usher in this new money mood was, arguably, Cipriani, which flung open its doors back in 2012. Last summer, Rober to Cavalli opened an animal print-clad restaurant, complete with namesake -branded vodka and bling. Today, there are more high-end restaurant openings, more luxur y hotel launches in the pipeline, more members-only soirées announced per week in Ibiza than any self-respecting par ty hopper could shake a firework-adorned Methuselah of fizz at.

And where there’s a party (foam or otherwise) there will be sun-kissed celebs. From the hyper-publicised Bloom vs. Bieber fracas inside Cipriani to Paris Hilton on the decks at Amnesia and Kanye West and Kim Kardashian flying in to celebrate the high octane, high glamour birthday party of Givenchy ’s Riccardo Tisci, Ibiza has become the place where the moneyed let loose. Of course, come feeding time, this new breed of beat-loving jet setter won’t be running to San Antonio for an all-day breakfast. Urbane, sophisticated food has become big business on the island. This year sees the opening of HEART, a partnership between the worldrenowned elBulli brothers and Cirque du Soleil at the Gran Hotel, offering scintillating food to over 1,000 covers each night. And over at the

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Hard Rock Hotel in Playa d’en Bossa, diners, for €1,500 a head, can enjoy a 20-course meal at Sublimotion, meticulously prepared by double Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero. “The receiver is the diner, the dish is the message and the setting is the channel,” he explains. And you thought you were just going out for paella. But what has always been the enduring attraction of Ibiza is its ability to fuse high and low culture, elegance and debauchery, and an uninhibited youthful zeal with a more mature heritage and spirituality. This, whether you’re sipping from a flute on deck or feeling the sand between your toes at DC10, will always remain. No mobile signal? No problem…

INSIDERS

Sure, the bling is on the rise, but don’t let that fool you – quiet coves, remote mountainous trails, and restaurants that only accept reservations in person. #UJloves. Here is where our Ibiza Insiders go to get away from it all. No sparklers allowed Hugo Martini, Owner, Balearic Bootcamp and Body Transformation Coach “Bar PK2 In S’Estanyol, Jesus – no one knows how amazing this bar is. Look for the rock on the side of the road, then follow the bumpy road down and you’re there. Plan to spend the day here.” Lottie, DJ and Producer “As an alternative to Benirrás, we go to Cala Conta for amazing views and gorgeous food. It’s not too far from the Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes where we often stay, but as it’s on an extreme westerly point – the sunsets are truly spectacular. We opt for delicious paella and a perfect view (book a table at the edge of the restaurant) at the much calmer S’illa des Bosc.” Eva McBride, Director, Mission PR “The San Juan market on a Sunday makes me feel so alive and I love hanging out with the locals there. Xuclar beach in the north is so hidden; it only has one restaurant and it’s stunning at night, with fairy lights and the best pale rosé in the world.”

Georgina Scarbrough, Owner, 365 Productions Ibiza “ There’s a little pebbly cove in the north called S’illot des Rencli, where a little fish shack feels as though it hasn’t changed in 50 years. A simple menu, great views and no fuss – a forgotten Ibiza.” Liz Mendez, Co-Designer, The Gypset Diary fashion label “In Ibiza Town’s Mercado Viejo, just opposite Croissant Show, there’s a great little stall called Bio Lunch. The owner, Nico, makes the best sandwiches – you can choose your own bread – and he has lovely fresh coconuts. It’s really well priced too!”

“I’ve been going to Camí de Balàfia for years – it’s not exactly secret but it is definitely rustic! There’s no better way to spend a relaxed evening with friends. The steak, tomato salad and potatoes are simply incredible.” Helen Coates, Locket Artists “Cala Boix in the northeast of the island is Ibiza’s only grey sand beach and is really dramatic. You access it via a long flight of stone steps down the cliff and there’s a simple wooden chiringuito that sells beers and mojitos.”

Liv Nervo, DJ “Everyone goes to La Paloma for dinner, but not many tourists know that during the day it’s transformed into a really sweet, sunny, laid-back café with a super-healthy menu. We love the juices and the homemade hummus.”

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

INSIDERS

melia.com/ME-hotels | @MEIbiza

THE CIRCOLUTION Ralph Moore on DC10’s humble beginnings to global popularity, and where we go from here…

It was also home to brilliant music from Circo Loco mainstays like Rocky, Cirillo and former Peace Division producer Clive Henry, who continues to play for the club today. Indeed, the West London producer was back at the club on January 1 alongside Carl Cox. For island and club veterans, January 1 is maybe the closest you can get to the very early Circo Loco spirit. It takes serious dedication to make the journey to the Balearics off season, but it’s totally worth it to see a superstar like Carl while the tourists head to faroff destinations like Punta Del Este and Tulum. “The second some friends mentioned that they were going to DC10

for New Year’s Day, I knew I had to be there,” enthused one NYD rave witness. “The terrace felt more like a good friend’s party and the DJs played like I hadn’t heard in years. It was truly just amazing music and vibes. This was the Ibiza I fell in love with: I didn’t want to leave. No one did. DC10! I’d go back right now.”

Photo by Alex Soto

t’s arguably the most important underground institution in Ibiza. But Circo Loco’s wheels have been spinning for a lot longer than you might think. Back in the late 90s, the club was barely half full and looked more like something from that wretched hive of scum and villainy known as Mos Eisley in Star Wars – desert-like and strangely deserted. Back then, DJs like Lottie and Danny Tenaglia would play tribal-house beats to an audience of savvy house heads, while Ibiza promoter Charlie Chester kept an eye on behalf of the Brits. It was genuinely one of the bestkept secrets on the island.

FEATURE

NAMES TO KNOW Although Circo Loco are keeping tightlipped about their specific artist plans for 2015, the three DJs below should all be making an appearance this summer.

R YA N E L L I O T T

“THIS WAS THE IBIZA I FELL IN LOVE WITH: I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE. NO ONE DID DC10! I’D GO BACK RIGHT NOW.” And while most clubs now accept that it’s the superstar DJ who powers the tables and floors (thanks in no small part to social media and occasionally, smart billboards and branding), Circo Loco is one of the very few that trades on its own unique brand and only releases the line-ups as the party is getting ready to start. In February and March, promoter Andrea Pelino is still finessing those line-ups and isn’t ready to tell anyone what he has planned for the season ahead. Judging by previous form, it’s safe to say we can expect Circo Loco mainstays like Tania Vulcano and Clive Henry alongside newer DJ/ producers like Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex and Laura Jones. But something else happened in 2014: while most Circo Loco heads have witnessed P. Diddy behind the DJ booth, celebrities headed to the club in force last year, with British actor Orlando Bloom just the tip of the iceberg. Luckily, for every artificial celeb, there were bona fide legends like US

producer Rick Rubin at the party. Hell, even Madonna made it to DC10 last year. Ask promoter Andrea Pelino when he was there and the response tells you everything you need to know: ‘Rick was at DC10 on 22 July,” says a superspecific Andrea with a smile. “Was he was nice? Yes, and he stayed for a few hours with me and [WME’s] David Levy! Paul Cook also came down last summer. They came like normal people.” But as anyone who has been to the club can tell you, Circo Loco is anything but normal. Which is why even the most average of Ibiza clubbers leaves its dusty floors transformed by the experience. And also why clubbers and VIPs will traverse the globe in search of similar beats and find themselves returning to the club again and again. It may not be the best secret club it once was but nowhere gets to keep that accolade forever. No Circo Loco, no Burning Man, no BPM in Mexico. And that’s a fact.

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

The super-charismatic Ostgut Ton artist should be back for more this season. He’s the boss of Spectral Sound and undoubtedly the best DJ to emerge from Detroit in a long time.

BLACK COFFEE

Last summer, the fast-rising SA wunderkind played in front of P. Diddy and published the sweetest post imaginable online afterwards in disbelief.

LAURA JONES

Expect to see more of Miss Jones after her debut season on the terrace in 2014. She's the most adept deep (deep) house and techno DJ to explode since Maya Jane Coles.

FIVE TRACKS SUMMER 2015

1. M I R K O

LOKO – ‘KOLOR’ (CARL CRAIG REMIX)

Carl Craig continues his remix hot streak with this deft re-rub for the Cadenza camp

2. G E E N E U S

– ‘ELE’

It’s been awhile since Rinse FM owner Geeneus released a new single – six years, in fact – but this brilliant jam is one for Jamie Jones and Apollonia alike

3. M I C H E L

CLEIS – ‘MARVINELLO 2015’

Massive for both Tong and Luciano, this brand new reboot of the Michel/Marvin Gaye house classic will be HUGE

4. R E B O O T

– ‘THE FRENCHIE THING’

Talking of Reboot! The French filter disco revival may well start (and eventually end!) with this new club cut

5. F L O A T I N G

POINTS – ‘NUITS SONORES’

Not new per se, but we have a feeling this killer Mathew Jonson-style instrumental will still be on full blast when opening parties come around

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

TRACKS

ME Madrid, Plaza de Santa Ana

CITY GUIDES

For those planning any pre-or post-Ibiza trips or stopovers, London and Madrid are our go-tos. Check in and check out our city hotspots

MADRID GUIDE

LET’S DINE, MADRID S p e n d i n g s o m e t i m e i n M a d r i d ? G e t o u t t h e r e a n d e a t ! H a r p e r ’s B a z a a r S p a i n’s Mario Ximenez Hernandez highlights some of the city's top restaurants

BOOK AHEAD: PUNTO MX

NEW HOTSPOT: CHUKA RAMEN BAR

ROOM WITH A VIEW: ME MADRID

The only Mexican restaurant in Europe with a Michelin star, if you like your pico de gallo, this is a must. Once you’ve secured a table (call at least a couple of days before to reserve), settle in to the bright, comfortable sofas and order the chilaquiles. Don’t leave without trying chef Roberto Ruiz ’s guacamole too.

New, authentic and central, Chuka Ramen Bar is hopping. A no reservations policy means you’ll probably have to wait, but it’s worth it for the delicious bao buns. Plus, one bite of the butifarra gyozas or shoyu ramen and you’ll think you’re in Shibuya.

Located in Plaza de Santa Ana, the ME Madrid is in the heart of the city, with restaurants, cafés and tapas bars at your doorstep. Book into the Passion Suite, which features a private terrace (with sunbeds, outdoor dining and a whirlpool) and an amazing view. Unwind with a massage and try their restaurant, Ana La Santa, by the cofounder of the acclaimed Tragaluz group. Plus, staying here means you can skip the evening queue for access to their much loved roof terrace.

General Pardiñas, 40, 28001 +34 914 022 226, puntomx.es

Calle Echegaray, 9, 28014 +34 640 651 346, chukaramenbar.com

Plaza de Santa Ana, 14 +34 917 016 000, melia.com

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

MADRID GUIDE

BUZZY ATMOSPHERE: T R A D I T I O N A L F A R E : W E E K E N D L U N C H : SALA DE DESPIECE CASA LUCIO FEDERAL CAFÉ A cross between a typical Spanish bar and a butcher’s shop, at Sala de Despiece the focus is on simple ingredients presented in a new way. The hero dish Chuletón Cenital reduces steak to its essence and is served with truffle oil, mushrooms and sea salt. Located in the bustling neighbourhood Ponzano, if you don’t get in here, then MUTA, La Contraseña or Lambuzo are great alternatives.

Located in the buzzy Cava Baja, in the Barrio de La Latina ( just five minutes from the ME hotel), this is a must for traditional fare. The huevos rotos (scrambled eggs on thin, crisp potatoes) are considered the best in Madrid, and as this is where the Madrilian glitterati hang, so it makes for fun people watching.

An Aussie café in Madrid, this is the Saturday spot. In the well-known Comendadoras Square, next to Malasaña, they have a terrace and serve a great selection of salads (try the quinoa), pasta, burgers and sandwiches. Have brunch then take a walk to Plaza de España, or linger and try the CocaCola spider with vanilla ice cream.

Calle Cava Baja, 35, 28005 +34 913 653 252, casalucio.es

Plaza Comendadoras, 9, 28015 +34 915 328 424, federalcafe.es/madrid

Calle de Ponzano, 11, 28010 +34 917 526 106, academiadeldespiece.com

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

LONDON GUIDE

THE LONDON LIST

Summer stopover in London? Do the city like a local. From casual dining and in-the-know speakeasies to the latest hotspots, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy!

NO BOOKINGS: SMOKING GOAT

PRE-DRINK: MILROY’S OF SOHO

STAY: ME LONDON

This Thai barbeque spot is small, packed and always buzzing. The kaffir lime margaritas and palm sugar old fashioneds flow fast, music blasts and the food is messy: think sticky wings, chilli crabs and barbecued duck legs – all basted in heat, spice and smoke. A firm Soho favourite, get there before the 7pm rush or head in for a late-ish dinner.

The oldest whisky specialist shop in London, Milroy ’s has recently re launched to offer a retail space, tasting bar, and hidden 55-seat cocktail bar downstairs called The Vault, which you access through a bookcase. Once inside, the lights are low, the music is good, and the drinks are worth travelling for. This is a serious gem, and #UJloves.

Situated on The Strand and moments from Covent Garden and Soho, ME London is per fectly located but not at all hectic. We say treat yourself and book into the Passion Suite. From the fully stocked maxi-bar (to make your favourite cocktails, of course) and spacious bedroom to the Bali shower and 24-hour butler, it has all bases covered. Book a table outside for drinks at the Radio Rooftop Bar, and enjoy the sweeping views.

7 Denmark Street, WC2H 8LZ smokinggoatsoho.com

3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX +44 20 7734 2277, milroys.co.uk

336-337 The Strand, WC2R 1HA +44 808 234 1953, melia.com

urbanjunkies.com/ibiza-guide | @urbanjunkies

LONDON GUIDE

BOOK AHEAD: KITTY FISHER’S

LATE-NIGHT: PEONY AT OPIUM

CULTURE FIX: SAVAGE BEAUTY

A sexy, louche dining spot in Mayfair courtesy of chef Tomos Parr y, winner of the Young British Foodie Chef of the Year 2014. Book a table (it’s small and has been a hit since opening in December) and dine on the wood-fired, Basque -inspired menu: think Cornish crab with barbequed cucumber and beef sirloin topped with pink fir potatoes and Tunworth cheese. Team with sloe gin and Bad Kitty cava cocktails.

A secret bar inside a hidden bar is the concept behind Peony. Leave the hustle of Chinatown for Opium, the well-known cocktail lounge and dim sum parlour. Find the hidden door and proceed to Peony. The bar is small (part of the appeal), and drinks are straight-up amazing, matched only by the delicious morsels of dim sum served. A UJ fave.

The first and largest retrospective of Alexander McQueen’s work to be presented in Europe, expect nothing short of the drama and spectacle synonymous with his runway shows. Pre-booking is recommended, but if that fails, the museum has made 200 tickets available on the door each day on a first-come, first-served basis.

10 Shepherd Market, W1J 7QF +44 20 3302 1661, kittyfishers.com

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, From March 4 – August 2, 2015, V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL +44 20 7942 2000, vam.ac.uk

The Jade Door, 15-16 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JE +44 20 7734 7276, peonychinatown.com

mebymelia.com | @meibiza

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