THE GREATEST PARTY VENUE EVER!
Coachella, Tomorrowland and Glastonbury are all incredible places to dance, drink and be entertained. However, due to the numbers, most of the big festivals tend to be in the middle of nowhere. I have always preferred the smaller venues, and very few will come close to IMF Ibiza, International Music Summit. Which I consider to be the greatest party venue in the world!
FROM NOW UNTIL NEXT YEAR, OUR PHONE WILL BE RINGING, EVERY DJ WANTS TO PLAY HERE….PETE TONG
Around 15 of us headed to the only party capital of the world, Ibiza! Some might see Vegas as this, but Ibiza really set the tone, it has been hosting huge parties for the best part of 4 decades! Click here to see how it all started.
WHERE IS DALT VILA, IBIZA?
STAG DO
Ibiza is one of the most popular stag do destinations in Europe, and for good reason. With world-class clubs, beach bars, boat parties and the famous opening weekend parties, a stag do in Ibiza almost guarantees a story worth telling. Ours certainly delivered.
As my buddy Ryan and his cousin Andy were recently engaged (not to each other, before you wonder), they decided to have a shared stag do as most of their friend circle is the same.
It was the first weekend of the season, which is synonymous with Ibiza and known as the opening parties! The idea for us was to just take every day as it was and go with the flow.
IBIZA….
- The oldest club on Ibiza is Pacha which started in 1973.
- 6 million tourists travel to Ibiza each year.
- There are 4 main clubs in Ibiza; Pacha, Space (now Hï), Amnesia and Privilege.
- The world’s biggest nightclub is Privilege Ibiza, which can hold up to 11,000 revellers and features its own swimming pool
THE HIGHLANDER
One of the guys got talking to the manager of The Highlander, the most popular bar in the west end. It turns out she had a load of tickets going for this event in Ibiza Town, on the opposite side of the island. No questions were asked, and we made plans to head there that night.
IBIZA….
- In 2007 the Ibizan government stated that all new hotels in Ibiza had to be 5 star.
- One of the world’s most expensive restaurant, Sublimotion, is at the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza. The cost per head….£1,500.
- Ibiza was originally called Ibozzim by the settlers who founded the island. It was dedicated to Bes, the God of music and dance
I’ve been to Ibiza quite a bit now, and I always try to stay somewhere different. The parties tend to be spread all over the island, but Ibiza Town is generally quiet when it comes to hosting anything, apart from Pacha, which is one of the original clubs.
The party was set up by the BBC, and it was no surprise that it was top drawer; everything they have ever been involved in in Ibiza comes out a success.
THE LOCATION
Dalt Vila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above Eivissa in Ibiza Town. Its Renaissance-era walls, cobbled streets and panoramic sea views make it one of the most photographed spots on the island. On the one night a year, it transforms into the venue for the IMF Ibiza closing party, it becomes something else entirely. Without question, the greatest party venue in the world.
Dalt Vila, which translates to “upper town”, is a fortified town overlooking Eivissa. 364 days a year, it is a place to relax, unwind and learn the history; however, on this day, it was slightly different. I wasn’t high on drugs, but I couldn’t help but think it was the greatest party venue in the world.
THE GREATEST PARTY VENUE IN THE WORLD!
Yes, it was in essence a rave, but it was everything else that made it special. The cobblestone grand entrance was like something out of a movie, where we are actually going to have a rave up here? It didn’t stop there either, with the treasure trove of history which spans over 2500 years, the panoramic views of the sea, marina, old town and the sunset behind the mountains. Tell me what there isn’t to like, and I haven’t even mentioned the godfather of dance music yet.
VIBE
The party wasn’t a big one either; the vibe was perfect, and everyone was just buzzing. I dropped my wallet and had a girl tap me on the shoulder and hand it back to me, something I shouldn’t be surprised at, but maybe in this day and age.
Although the party never moved, you could feel the atmosphere change as the sun set and a proper rave ensued during the night! This was the first IMF here, and it has continued ever since due to its popularity not just with punters but also the DJs who all want to play here!
The Ibiza International Music Summit (IMF Ibiza) takes place every October and is widely regarded as the most important electronic music conference in the world.
What started as an industry event has grown into one of the most coveted tickets in the Ibiza calendar, with performances across the island, including the now legendary Dalt Vila closing concert.
If you are planning a trip to Ibiza, the party capital of the world, timing your visit to coincide with the IMF is absolutely worth considering.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At times I had to pinch myself, and I won’t be afraid to admit a bit emotional. It wasn’t something we were expecting, so it really made the holiday what it was!
Having seen a fair bit, I have a lot of highlights, but this one is for sure near the top!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do a stag do in Ibiza?
The best time for a stag do in Ibiza is late May through to early October, when the island is fully open, and the main clubs and beach bars are running their full programmes. The opening weekend in late May is particularly electric as the whole island kicks off the season simultaneously.
What is the Ibiza International Music Summit (IMF Ibiza)?
The Ibiza International Music Summit, known as IMF Ibiza, is an annual electronic music industry conference and live event that takes place every October in Ibiza Town. It brings together DJs, producers, labels and music fans from around the world for talks, panels and performances.
What is Dalt Vila in Ibiza, and can you visit it?
Dalt Vila, meaning “upper town”, is the medieval walled hilltop district of Ibiza Town (Eivissa). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back over 2,500 years, with Phoenician, Moorish and Renaissance era architecture. It is free to visit and open year-round.
What are the best clubs in Ibiza for a stag do?
For a stag do in Ibiza, the party capital of the world, the main club options are Pacha Ibiza (the island’s oldest and most iconic), Hi Ibiza at Playa d’en Bossa (formerly Space, known for its open-air terrace), Amnesia near San Rafael (famous for foam parties and deep house nights) and Privilege Ibiza.
Explore Ibiza Town, get inside Dalt Vila, and if the timing works, get yourself a ticket to IMF. When Pete Tong calls a venue the greatest party venue in the world, you listen.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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Question Time
- Have you been to Ibiza, where did you stay?
- What was your favourite club?
- Did you check out the beaches?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
