Dates you were there: 21 - 28th June
Where you stayed: Palladium Palmyra, San Antonio
Club nights visited:
I'm going to start this with a "but I never intended to go out 6 nights in a row" but evidently I needed to party this trip!
Saturday: Sundara for Seamus Haji
Sunday: Carl Cox opening @ UNVRS (see UNVRS thread for review)
Monday: Eric Prydz Holosphere @ UNVRS (as above)
Tuesday: Pikes Presents @ 528
Wednesday: Pikes for Cormac
Thursday: Defected @ Pacha
Best night: 528. I must admit i was skeptical when I first heard Pikes was putting nights on at 528. Having visited there for Cocoon last September and not being impressed I wasn't expecting much, but I went in with an open mind. I wasn't even going out on Tuesday!! I had my arm twisted and off I went. The outside bit was okish, Ron Trent was doing his thing and it gradually got better. The outdoor bit stopped and we headed in to the club part. It was at this point I realised exactly why Pikes @ 528 works!! The club was dark, loud, and an absolute sweatbox. I loved it!! I have no idea who was playing but it was the best night I've had in a long time. I did my usual 15 minutes or so in the club, then headed outside for a bit to chat to randoms, back in to the club - exactly like what I do at Pikes

no bar queues or toilet queues to speak of so it was a 10/10 for me! Stayed til just before the end (to make sure taxis weren't a problem).
Worst night: Eric Prydz. I've got to be honest I was totally there to see the lights like everyone else. I don't dislike Prdyz but his tunes don't keep me dancing all night. I knew this would be my only chance to see it though as I don't like him enough to make a special trip anywhere to see it, and wanted to see what the hype was about. I had a feeling my friends would have the better night at Pikes for Fat Tony but I stuck with my decision. Completely regret it now though - should have left the lights alone and gone to Pikes.
Best bar: Didn't really visit any as I had all inclusive at the hotel but Bondi still do a good Strawberry Daquiri!
Best place to eat: Ate at the hotel mostly but had a decent breakfast at Palapa on my first day.
Best beach and/or beach club: only visited the beach opposite the hotel.
Money spent: Don't know I refuse to check
Biggest regret: Not going to Pikes on the Monday.
Going back?: Of course, for trance week in September.
Top tip: Make the most of the drinks packages and any free transport being put on as part of the ticket. Even if you go one way and then taxi back you're £££ in! Also, go and see some DJs you've never heard of - you will likely be surprised in a good way!
Observations and/or conclusion:
Daytimes in San Antonio seemed very quiet. You used to see the masses heading to obeach swigging out of cans and bottles on the way over but that really wasn't noticeable this year. I got "adopted" by a couple at the hotel who we got chatting to and it was their first trip here (they were in their 60s - the husband was in trouble for booking "the wrong place") and they really enjoyed themselves. They had a pleasant surprise that San Antonio was not full of drunk Brits all the time. I guess the measures the local council/government are taking are working - I definitely noticed the change.