help me with 3 days in Ibiza

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Good people of the Spotlight Forum I need your help. You see I’m a 40 year old virgin – Ibiza virgin. Well not a true virgin (isn’t that always the case) as I’ve been on the White Isle a few times before but always with the family. I even managed a sunset at Café Del Mar 2 years ago but had to leave for the water bus before the party got going. This time it’s just me and The Wife and we’re going for the full Ibiza experience!

I’m under a bit of pressure, firstly because in a couple of years my daughter will want to go and having brought her up on the Balearic Beats there’s no way I can let her beat me to the Ibiza party scene (I was going to write something about losing virginity but it didn’t seem right in the context of my daughter!)

Secondly, and maybe more importantly, it’s our 20th wedding anniversary. The Wife left me in charge of arranging a few days away. I thought you couldn’t beat the sunset strip and a super club. She was a wee bit less enthusiastic. Anyway we’re booked and we are going so I need a bit of help in planning an amazing few days.

Don’t let the 40-something give you the wrong impression. I’m not about Jesus sandals and ankle socks. I can throw a few shapes with the best of them (do they still do big box - little box?) Ironically my Ibiza introduction was back in 1995 (yes I know you’ll all claim not to be born then) in the Algarve. It was a club called Kadoc. Anyway met up with a crowd who played “Ibiza Soul“ music and I was hooked. Turns out it was a cd called Spiritually Ibiza (see avatar) which puts all that commercial chill out music to shame. That led me to life dance music and all things Ibiza. Too many things got in the way of a trip to the island until it was too late and it became a family holiday.

I’ve been doing a bit of reading on the forum and think I’ve got a bit of a plan.

I’m there from Mon 7th to Thur 10th Sept. We’re staying at the Blau Park round from the sunset strip. I’m thinking something along the lines of this: -

Monday – a few hours at the pool and then sunset on the stip. Mambo seems to get all the praise on the forum but I have a calling to café del mar. Are the bars on the strip open right through? I thought I read something about closing around midnight.

Tuesday – fancy a sunset cruise and I reckon it gets me a few brownie points in the romance stakes. Just need to keep The Wife away from You Tube until we get on the boat! Looked at Float Your Boat. What about a combo ticket for Carl Cox at Space? Only thing is that I noticed you have to be in Space for 11pm. would the place not be dead at that time? Does that mean I need to pay 15 euros a beer for a couple of hours until things get busy? For a guy that drinks pints of heavy I can do 3 beers an hour without trying... Might be better with just a boat trip and forget the combo.

Wednesday – Thinking about the Ocean Beach in the afternoon for a pool party. What about Es Paradis or Eden in San An later on?

Well what do you think? Does that cover the “Ibiza Experience”. Any better ideas?

How’s the age gap thing? Don’t want to be the oldest swinger in town (should maybe re-phrase that or it might attract the wrong type of reply) . Don’t mind getting down with the kids but don’t want to feel out of place. Seems to be a few people on the Forum that are of the more mature status. Liked the reports from the “cougar” lady. If she can party for a week I’m sure I can manage 3 days ! Even liked her advice for the ladies not to bother drying your hair as you’ll just tie it up anyway. Not sure The Wife will buy into that –can you believe she takes a hairdryer and straighteners even despite my protests about the baggage allowance!

Also liked the guy who talks about Swedgers – that’s my language although admittedly it was sweets from the van !

A few people have talked about getting tickets before you go. I like to plan ahead but not so good on commitment (so I keep getting told ) so could I just keep it flexible by going with the flow when I get there? Would it be more expensive? I’m thinking that by 2nd week in Sept it might be getting quieter.

So can you help? It’s been a long time coming so need to get it right...
 
I am 44 in August and don't feel out of place (I like to think I am a lot younger than I look!) and it is my 20th visit next month.

There will be some nights that are a lot younger, mainly EDM type events. What type of music do you like? I think the boat parties will be a young crowd, I have never been on one but seen people get on them and they look younger.

I never buy tickets in advance and get the best deal when on the island.

Es Paradis and Eden will be quiet I would imagine on these days (if open) You could probably pick up free tickets and pop in for a couple of drinks to see what it is like.

Middle of September is a perfect time to go, that is when we will be there.

Cafe Del Mar isn't what it used to be but get there early and get a seat and some sangria if you haven't done it before it is still worth it. Try Kumharas (further round the bay) for a more original sunset vibe. Also the Golden Buddha right behind your hotel is a great bar for cheaper iced cool beers and a good sunset vibe.

There is a little bar up from the Buddha bar if you walk for 10 minutes away from San Antonio on the dust track. The boat takes people to Cala Gracio and drops then off at the pier attached to the bar. You can walk up there, visit Cala Gracio beach for lunch or dinner and then come back to the bar for a few beers. A boat can then take you into San Antonio centre for a couple of euros, not sure what time they run to, but if you time it right it will be decent for the sunset.

For food, you must visit Tapas at some point. Also Itaca is a great bar for people watching and beers during the day. Rita's Cantina for breakfast and lunch. Ibiza Rocks does decent burgers and can have some decent nights depending on who is playing.

Ocean Beach isn't really my type of thing, sure others can give you their thoughts. It won't be cheap
and I would rather spend the day in Itaca listening to music, having a few beers and chatting to people.

Let me know if I can be of anymore help.
 
Question. Does your missus like house/dance/electronic music?
I've had a few fall outs late in the night in clubs, when she wants to go home and I'm only just warming up.
 
I am 44 in August and don't feel out of place (I like to think I am a lot younger than I look!) and it is my 20th visit next month.

Thanks Dirk - I'll take your word you are a lot younger than you look ! Thanks for the feedback, probably some wise words. I might need to re-think the boat trip and Ocean Beach.
I like the sound of the Cali Gracio bar. Had a look and know roughly where it is so will give it a try.
If you've been 20 seasons you've probably seen it and done it. I was just trying to get something that gave a wee flavour of Ibiza. We probably are more about bars and music than clubs at 5 in the morning.
One last thing - you said you got tickets over there. Anywhere in particular or just at the door?
Cheers
 
Question. Does your missus like house/dance/electronic music?
I've had a few fall outs late in the night in clubs, when she wants to go home and I'm only just warming up.


Thanks. The type of music she likes .... I think she might be a bit more of a "Dave Pearce Dance Anthems " type of a girl ! Wouldn't know the difference between EDM and deep house.
I'm thinking I might have been a bit ambitious with the party planning. I can see us ending up just like you describe and a difference of opinion in the early hours isn't pretty !
We stayed in Port de Torrent a few years ago so might get the water bus over to the Imagine Beach Bar. They had a good sound going on.
Maybe if we could get even 1 club experience it would be ok.
 
Mmm, makes it a bit difficult to recommend anything. How can you not know what music your Mrs likes if you have been married to her for 20 years?? What type of music do you like (DJs if you are unsure of genres)

You might be better with a more commercial early evening event at Ushuaia ?
 
I would recommend you try Pacha on Wed night for Martin Solveig (House music) or Monday @ Ushuaia (House music and evening party rather than overnight party) or Coxy @ Space on the Tuesday (House and Techno)

I don't tend to buy tickets in advance as you get exactly the same deals on the island BUT if you are thinking of doing Coxy @ Space then i would buy online beforehand as it's sold out the last few weeks

Sunset boat trips are good but avoid the party ones (Pukka Up etc) as they tend to be full of mashed Brit teenagers.

Khumaras is good for the sunset and is a quick water taxi and 5 min walk away from San An port. Cafe del Mar and Mambo get very busy and there is a minimum spend if you want a table on the terrace outside of 70 Euros PP. Do the terrace one night and the next night grab a bottle of wine and a couple of beers and sit on the rocks.

Villa Mercedes and Tapas in San An are great restaurants. Villa Mercedes is good for a romantic meal but if you really want to blow her socks off try here its a 5 min cab ride from San An central http://restaurants.ibiza-spotlight.com/sa-capella

I wouldn't recommend Eden or Es Paradis tbh they are struggling again this year and are never busy (other than Hed Kandi on a Saturday)

Try and do as many different things as you can because on such a short trip you will probably come away thinking you should have done more haha
 
or Monday @ Ushuaia (House music and evening party rather than overnight party) or Coxy @ Space on the Tuesday (House and Techno)

Don't want to sound a knob..... But be careful with this bit of advice. These two nights couldn't be more different! Not sure Guetta is "House". It's commercial EDM. And yes Coxy's night can have some good House artists playing but it's more Techno. They are pretty opposite ends of the Ibiza offering.....
 
Don't want to sound a knob..... But be careful with this bit of advice. These two nights couldn't be more different! Not sure Guetta is "House". It's commercial EDM. And yes Coxy's night can have some good House artists playing but it's more Techno. They are pretty opposite ends of the Ibiza offering.....

On the night in question its not Guetta
 
I would describe Solveig as a halfway house between cheese and not so bad cheese. Might be a viable option for you both. Take her for a meal at the restaurant attached to/within Pacha (midnight sitting), then roll into the club 2-230. A bit of romance and the suspense for the club is great. Its a minimum spend of 90pp (i think for this night) but its free entry into the club afterwards.

I think Pacha ticks all boxes for your situation.
 
I am 44 in August and don't feel out of place (I like to think I am a lot younger than I look!) and it is my 20th visit next month.

There will be some nights that are a lot younger, mainly EDM type events. What type of music do you like? I think the boat parties will be a young crowd, I have never been on one but seen people get on them and they look younger.

I never buy tickets in advance and get the best deal when on the island.

Es Paradis and Eden will be quiet I would imagine on these days (if open) You could probably pick up free tickets and pop in for a couple of drinks to see what it is like.

Middle of September is a perfect time to go, that is when we will be there.

Cafe Del Mar isn't what it used to be but get there early and get a seat and some sangria if you haven't done it before it is still worth it. Try Kumharas (further round the bay) for a more original sunset vibe. Also the Golden Buddha right behind your hotel is a great bar for cheaper iced cool beers and a good sunset vibe.

There is a little bar up from the Buddha bar if you walk for 10 minutes away from San Antonio on the dust track. The boat takes people to Cala Gracio and drops then off at the pier attached to the bar. You can walk up there, visit Cala Gracio beach for lunch or dinner and then come back to the bar for a few beers. A boat can then take you into San Antonio centre for a couple of euros, not sure what time they run to, but if you time it right it will be decent for the sunset.

For food, you must visit Tapas at some point. Also Itaca is a great bar for people watching and beers during the day. Rita's Cantina for breakfast and lunch. Ibiza Rocks does decent burgers and can have some decent nights depending on who is playing.

Ocean Beach isn't really my type of thing, sure others can give you their thoughts. It won't be cheap
and I would rather spend the day in Itaca listening to music, having a few beers and chatting to people.


Spot on advice here, although the sunset strip is good for a visit its a lot more relaxed at Golden Budah (which I think is part of your hotel). Dont worry about the age gap think, Im 53 coming up (im 49 in my profile pic) and have never let that worry me one bit. Im there next weekend for a couple of weeks and will be doing most of things 'Dirk' has suggested.

Concur about Ocean Beach, for me its a little bit too Geordie Shaw but hey if it floats your boat and you dont mind the prices then have a go!
 
Mmm, makes it a bit difficult to recommend anything. How can you not know what music your Mrs likes if you have been married to her for 20 years?? What type of music do you like (DJs if you are unsure of genres)

You might be better with a more commercial early evening event at Ushuaia ?
Ha Ha you think because we are married I understand her ! I was only half joking when I said she's a Dave Pearce sort of girl. I could also have said GBX but that's probably a bit to local radio for most of the people on here. Actually we went to GBX at the Barrowlands but it really just proved it wasn't her thing. Probably a good guide for what to avoid if I want to make it to the 21st.
Not blowing smoke but I really like that link to the White Sox mix on your soundcoud. There's also a guy called Yorkslander on there who has a 2014 On the Terrace mix which is brilliant. As I said before the Imagine Beach Bar in Port des Torrent was great late afternoon / evening and a guy called DJ Toni French. So I guess as a guide deep house moving to a bit more commercial as the night goes on.
 
I would recommend you try Pacha on Wed night for Martin Solveig (House music) or Monday @ Ushuaia (House music and evening party rather than overnight party) or Coxy @ Space on the Tuesday (House and Techno)

Try and do as many different things as you can because on such a short trip you will probably come away thinking you should have done more haha

Thanks - good advice. I think the boat trip is out. Too many suggestions that its not right. I had just thought the combo ticket to get to Cox at Space was an idea but you get dropped there at 11pm and I think its too early.

I quite like Solveig, I think I've seen a video on Spotlight of him doing a pre-party set at Mambo recently.

Will look into Pacha - a trip on the disco bus sounds like a laugh. Probably like getting the late night bus home from Glasgow !

I think for two of the nights anyway I'm going to try and make the most of the afternoon through to midnight. Maybe a blowout one night.
 
Hey there.

I will be in Ibiza same time as you. This time going with younger guys from work who are 19/21

Normally go with my wife who is 38 and I am 35.

GBX I guess is the George Bowie Experience.

By that you are probably into a bit of uplifting house/trancey stuff.

Shame as the Sunday would have been great with the big trance festival up at the abandoned zoo.

As far as any of the boats are concerned none are what you call romantic.

However due to your style in music you may enjoy the connect one on Monday as a bit of solarstone will be right in touch of older trance stuff.

I done Carl Cox last few Closings and with this a few weeks before closing will still be busy and to be fair don't think your wife will enjoy it. I know mine did not.

I am going to it as I am a Coxy nutt.

I think the Monday for ferry corsten might be a good bet for you guys. Also Tuesday trance up at connect and privilege.

If you want somewhere nice, classy and not too expensive for the day go to aperture which is pool with nice cocktails inside the playa marina apartment in San Antonio. The complete opposite of the Blau tho. Near hotel Bellamar which incidents has a nice spa if she likes that.
 
Hire a boat from star boats watch the sunset from your own boat in front of sunset take a nice picnic with you spend the day exploring
 
Thanks Fergi, all good stuff. "uplifting house / trancy stuff" now I know what I like ! Cant beat a bit of Soap on a Rope or Discoland.
 
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Good ideas, although I'm probably more confused than when I started !
All options under review. I might even be tempted to write a wee review when I come back.
2 weeks and counting ...
 
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