Have you recovered from the head-throbbing-to-the-point-of-decapitating-oneself-hangover yet? Are you ready to bunker down for the customary January detox and hibernation or are you of the belief that New Year continues all the way through until Kings Day on January 6 (in Ibiza anyway)? While I’m not going to tell you which side of the fence I’m leaning towards, let’s recap the last few days of party action to help inspire you one way or another!
The North: Aura
Guest list: Yummy mummies (and daddies!), neo-bohemian expats plus Ibiza youngsters popping past for the midnight moment on their way to house parties. Music: By Aura’s beloved resident DJ Antz, all night long! Dress code: Figure-flattering black, fur gilets and knee-high boots for the ladies, chunky man-cardies, v-neck knits and dapper shirts for the guys… all made even more interesting with adornments from the NYE party packs – think leis, masks and party hats and you’ll get the picture. Drink of choice: While famous in the summer for their cocktails, on this Noche Vieja many a bottle of the finest cava were popped! Well, when in Spain…
More northern party vibes: A festive family-style dinner at La Paloma, and an exclusive red and black themed bash just down the road at Nagai made for the perfect northern road trip slash party crawl!
Ibiza Town: Pacha
Guest list: Tourists hailing from all over the globe (braving those non-connecting flights for the occasion), locals who like to party-hop and V.V.VIPs of course! Music: Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. Apparently they were guests of the Swedes throughout summer, though we’re surprised there wasn’t a bigger name on the bill. Dress code: Sequins, sparkles and plenty of skin on display for the girls, suit jackets for the guys… quickly relegated to the convenient cloakroom of course! Drink of choice: Vodka and Red Bull, VIP style – and when you’re splurging on a table, why stop at just one bottle?
More townie party vibes: For those who didn’t want to be un-fashionably early to Pacha, the night kicked off with a gala dinner at Café Sidney, or cocktails from midnight at La Cava.
The beach: Nassau Beach Club
Guest list: Expats hailing from Germany, Holland and the UK plus numerous Ibiza ‘orphans’ looking for a guaranteed friendly atmosphere, fab food and an up-for-it party vibe. Music: Island fave and We Love Space resident DJ David Phillips – famous for his eclectic dance sessions – was on the musical duties for the special occasion. Dress code: Wrapping up warm was the order of the day, though once inside and surrounded by heaters, the coats, scarves, gloves and hats were quickly discarded! Drink of choice: Kir Royals served between courses got the good vibes a-flowing, followed by lots of Grey Goose vodka as the night went on.
More beach party vibes: Just a little further down the beach, at Playa D’en Bossa’s newest player, Mumak, was an all-night-long all-inclusive affair incorporating great food, music from resident DJs and an array of expertly chosen wines… all with a beautiful view too!
The centre: El Clodenis
Guest list: The tight-knit French community of the island flocked to this legendary Ibiza establishment plus the hi-glam international gypset and a few creatures of the night on their way to the all-night-rave-athon across the way at Underground. Music: DJ Rob Torres brought the Hed Kandi-esque beats after the clang of the church bells had died down! Dress code: Chic, elegant and understated – designer labels an absolute must, only this season’s fashions acceptable. Drink of choice: Champagne all the way darlings…
More central party vibes: When people talk about the heart of the island, in both a literal and metaphorical sense, it’s often Underground in San Rafael they’re referring to. Starting late and carrying on well into the daylight hours in typical Underground style, as always, a meeting point between other parties and pre-DC10.
Santa Eulalia: Sandy’s Bar & Restaurant
Guest list: The loyal Santa Eulalia crew who know they don’t need to leave the barrio to find a good time, über-cool hipsters plus a big crowd of local musos who’ve adopted Sandy’s as their ‘local’. Music: Sandy’s music policy encompasses tunes from 1964 – 1976, which was the bar’s previous hey day (when it was voted by Playboy as one of the best three bars in the world) and really captures that ambience of party days gone by. Dress code: A little bit of OTT flamboyance is always welcome at Sandy’s, even if just a feather boa, sparkly face mask or bow-tie. Drink of choice: Classic cocktails only, from a Bloody Mary to a dirty martini, a Tom Collins and a grasshopper. Hey, if it was good enough for Errol Flynn…
More Santa Eulalia party vibes: In a not-so-secret Santa Eulalia location, was a not-so-secret villa party exclusively for those with an invitation or wristband for admission. No big name DJs but ultra tight security on the door… was there a special secret guest star they didn’t tell us about?
New Year’s Day: DC10
Guest list: Yep, I was on it after some last minute arrangements… but just how many people weren’t and were caught begging at the door? This is really where the who’s who of the island get together, the early-afternoon after the night before, so to speak. Bar, restaurant and hotel owners mix with DJs, party people and fashionistas, with no VIP to speak of – just perfect! Music: The arrival of Tato to the decks really got the party going, continuing with The Martinez Brothers, the mega-hottie ladies’ favourite DJ W!ld and DC10 regular Dan Ghenacia on the terrace, while the smaller room seemed a bit empty despite Circo Loco legend Cirillo on duty. Dress code: As always with DC10, obligatory oversized sunglasses hid party-hardy eyes, plus in true Circo Loco style there were plenty of fancy dress accessories, this year’s item du jour seeming to be plush animal hats. I believe I was guilty on both counts! Drink of choice: Hierbas con hielo in a big plastic cup of course, though at the inflated price of 12€ per drink (many of us remember the days when it was 4€!), it looks like the powers-that-be at DC10 have cottoned onto what was once the local’s tried and tested affordable way to keep drinking all day. Oh well! Those icy, icy cold aluminium Heineken bottles were a pretty good substitute in the end!
More after party vibes: Well! After DC10, there was indeed another after party. And then the after-after party. But if you think I’m going to spill any of those secrets, you’d be totally mistaken… after all, what happens at the after party stays at the after party (and the after-after party). My sources tell me that the party is STILL going as I type!
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