addicted to ibiza

new in ibiza for 2009

Like all places that stay exciting and fresh, Ibiza constantly changes and 2009 is no exception. A new bunch of venues have arrived on the scene and Addicted bring you our pick of the places you should be looking out for - soon they will be on everyone's lips.

Gala Night

Strictly speaking, Gala Night isn't a new venue. It's been around for years and was previously known as the 'abandoned zoo' (even although it never actually was a zoo - work that one out). However, now it has finally got a name, it has quickly become the venue of choice for the island's underground clubbing scene. With daytime, outdoor dress-up dance parties hosted every Saturday from 4pm until midnight by The Zoo Project, word on the street is that Gala Night is the new DC-10. The Zoo Project also host Wednesday under the Channel Zoo moniker, while As One host Monday evenings bringing some of London's big clubbing names to the island. This is the place everyone is talking about this summer - go before it's massive.

Amante

Ibiza's places to chill are even better than Ibiza's places to party, and Addicted loves venues such as the Blue Marlin and KM5. Opened a few months ago, Amante joins Ibiza's distingushed collection of laid-back beachside restaurant/bars. Situated in a secluded bay near Cala Llonga just north of Ibiza Town, Amante looks set to find a niche as one of the most romantic places on the island. Come here to kick back in style on a beach bed. Anyone fancy brunch by the sea?

Boho

When Ibiza Rocks opened a hotel in San Antonio a couple of years ago, the tide started to turn for Ibiza's less sophisticated town, previously more famous for English breakfasts than world-class nightspots. That trend continues with the opening of Boho, a new club in San Antonio town that has already become a regular on the celebrity pages of British newspapers.  A million miles away from the sleazy 'free shots with your lager' San Antonio of yore, Boho was launched a month ago by the team behind Hotel Es Vive and Base Bar and this year hosts Ibiza institutions Superfreq and Miss Moneypennys. With big names and lashings of style, this is one to watch.

records that say ibiza

Its cheesy. Its silly. Its downright cringeworthy. But we received a suggestion to run a feature on records that have 'Ibiza' in the lyrics and simply couldn't say no. They're perfect for setting the party off with a bang on your way to the airport. Just make sure to put a seriously good tune straight after these on your playlist so your musical credibility isn't compromised.

3. People from Ibiza - Sandy Marton
First released in 1982 by Italian disco crooner Sandy Marton, this record has never gone away. Embrace it, it's almost trendy again.
Download from iTunes.

2. We're going to Ibiza - Vengaboys
Just how do you pronounce 'Ibiza'? Not like this, that's for sure.
Buy CD. (Not licensed for MP3 download)

1. This is Ibiza - Sander Kleinenberg
Sits nicely on any Ibiza playlist. You should probably download This is Miami too - just in case you get on the wrong plane.
Download from iTunes.

win free guestlist for carl cox at space

On a fashion-conscious island where club nights rise and fall like Victoria Beckham’s bra size, longevity is a truly remarkable virtue.

Not only is Carl Cox one of the few DJs who can command a self-titled club night on the island, but it’s a club night that has been running for eight consecutive years. No mean feat – especially when this year’s line-up features some top notch names.

Not only will Carl Cox himself be playing every Tuesday night at Space, but he will be accompanied by some legendary DJs such as Moby (Jul 28th), John Digweed (Jul 7th) and Sasha (Sept 1st).

Moreover, as its one of the cheaper nights to check out Space, you’ll get great bang for your buck.

Carl Cox at Space opens on 7th July and closes on 22nd September – and Addicted can get you on the guestlist! We have two free tickets to give away for you and a friend.

For a chance of winning, just send an e-mail with ‘CARL COX’ in the subject line to competitions@addictedtoibiza.com before midnight on Friday 26th June. We’ll get touch with the winner to find out what Tuesday night you would like passes for. If you're not lucky enough to win, you can click here to buy tickets for any night this summer.

Don't forget to sign up to our e-mail list or join us on Twitter in order to hear about our latest competitions first!

ibiza's three escapes

Contrary to popular opinion, there are things to do in Ibiza other than eating, drinking, dancing and sunbathing. Even if it’s just for one day, it can be nice to spend just a little bit of your holiday somewhere other than a restaurant, bar, club or beach; even if only to feel all smug that you’ve avoided the Ibiza cliché of spending your entire holiday in a nightclub.

Here are Addicted’s three favourite Ibiza activities. To make them even more appealing, we’ve exclusively negotiated a 7% discount for all our fans! Aren’t we great?

3. Get a scooter and see Dalt Villa
The Old Town is a truly beautiful place with lazy traditional cafés and hidden boutiques. Just a stone’s throw away from the craziness of Ibiza harbour, locals live a relaxed life seemingly oblivious to the island around them. It’s a hilly place and a scooter can be the best way to see it all. A guide can help you navigate the maze of narrow streets. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet!

2. The Water Park
The water park in Playa d’en Bossa is an infamous Ibiza distraction. No one is going to pretend Aguamar is the greatest water park in the world, and the music you hear from the tinny speakers certainly won’t equal Hotel Es Vive’s outdoor pool just down the road. But the tandem water slides are unquestionably one of the most fun ways to spend a hungover afternoon with your mates. And the beans and chips sold in the poolside café will make you feel like you’re a kid on a family holiday again.

1. Formentera
Ibiza’s little sister, the island of Formentera is tonic for the soul. Quieter, prettier and arguably cooler than her brash big sis, Formentera is the ideal escape with Ibiza gets a bit too much for you. Addicted’s top tip is lunch at Juan y Andreas. That is, of course, provided you can find a boat to take you there.

We’ve negotiated a 7% discount on the price of all these attractions exclusively for users of addictedtoibiza.com! Simply click this link to book via our friends at Isango and enter voucher code CJHLNAK when you book. The prices listed on their site and either the same or cheaper than what you would pay on the island, plus you get a further 7% off. You can choose to pay in Euros, Pounds or Dollars. Offer valid until 30th June.

ibiza meets the future

It’s after dark and you’re a bit lost in the hire car trying to find Amnesia. What road do you take? It’s 4am and you’ve just stumbled out of a club with a serious craving for some late-night grub. Where’s the nearest café? And more to the point, is it any good?
 
In the past, you would need a hardened Ibiza guru as part of your group to know the answers to questions such as these. Now all you need is an iPhone or an iPod Touch.

Addicted has just set our eyes on what could be the ultimate Ibiza accessory this summer: the ‘Clubber’s Guide to Ibiza’ for your iPhone. Released last week by Ministry of Sound, the application uses GPS to guide you to the nearest club, bar or restaurant. It also features reviews of every venue so you can check them out before you start walking.

For those impromptu ‘quiet nights’ when you only decide to go clubbing after the second bottle of cava at dinner, the Clubbers Guide can tell you what’s happening that evening and maybe give you a special offer too. Then when the night is over, it will connect you straight to a taxi company to help you make your way back home. It doesn’t need to cost you a fortune in roaming charges either as it even includes a feature to locate the nearest free wi-fi hotspot on the island.

Addicted can’t wait to put this app to use over the next few weeks. If you’re already using it, let us know about your experience.

Click here to find out more and download from iTunes.

ibiza gets fierce

On June 26th, Ibiza gets Fierce! Every Friday this summer, El Divino will host Fierce Angel’s first major Ibiza residency and Addicted is excited about what lies in store. Fierce Angel was set up two years ago by Mark Doyle after handing over the reins at Hed Kandi. Addicted caught up with Mark to chat about what lies in store.

Addicted: El Divino is a little bit different to the other clubs in Ibiza. Why did you choose to base Fierce Angel here?

MD: Well obviously I brought Hed Kandi to El Divino in 2003 so I’ve always loved the club. The team that work there are really great people and the venue is simply stunning. Other clubs may be bigger or “cooler” but I defy anyone to find a club with a better terrace or a better view. Plus the size makes it possible to have a great night without worrying about delivering massive numbers through the door.

Addicted: Friday is often thought of as one of the quieter nights in Ibiza. Why did you choose the Friday night slot?

MD: Friday was the obvious night to choose as I felt Defected and Hed Kandi will dominate Saturday on this side of the Island. Also when we started Hed Kandi Saturday was deemed the difficult night and we never had a problem there. I think as long as you put on a great night you will bring the people. El Divino is also helping a great deal, this year they are offering drinks for 5 euros …and we will be keeping the door prices sensible as well!

Addicted: If you have to sum up Fierce Angel in one sentence, what’s it all about?

MD: We will be giving the island a night of pure unadulterated fun. The music policy is strictly up-lifting vocal and funky house and its not just about one DJ but the entire team fierce experience. We’ve got some spectacular décor, amazing performances and a superb venue all we need are the people to make it perfect – so I hope everyone will come and have an amazing night out.

Before you get to Ibiza you can get fierce from the comfort of your own home! Not officially released until July 3rd, Addicted has got 10 copies of the limited edition Fierce Angel Ibiza 2009 CD to give away.

To win, just e-mail fierce@addictedtoibiza.com with ‘FIERCE’ in the subject line before midnight on Monday 22nd June. Ten entries will be drawn at random and we will get in touch with the winners to confirm delivery details.

top five all-time ibiza classics

There are some records that just seem to define Balearic dance music. They never seem to go away. They're reprised in slightly different forms every year and are iPod essentials. Addicted's selection is below, but if there is anything we've missed out - let us know!

5. Cafe del Mar - Energy 52
The record that became even more famous that the San Antonio bar that named it. It's been remixed more times than anyone can count, but the 1997 original is a must.
Download from iTunes

4. Papua New Guinea - The Future Sound of London
Designed for listening to while the sun goes down, this record has spawned many imitators. Sunglasses are suggested while you play this track.
Download from iTunes

3. Born Slippy - Underworld
Trainspotting was the seminal film of the 1990s and this was the seminal theme which never tires.
Download from iTunes

2. Insomnia - Faithless
Last reprised in 2005, Insomnia is an undisputed hands-in-the-air classic. Faithless played a number of sets at Pacha Ibiza last summer and while they currently have no plans to return this year, their music certainly will.
Download from iTunes

1. For an Angel - Paul van Dyk
Revamped again for 2009, this is truly a tune that never dies. If you want to do Ibiza like it was in the late 90s, the man himself will be playing selected dates this summer for Cream at Amnesia.
Download from iTunes

top five celebs to spot this summer

Ibiza has always been a destination of choice for the rich and famous. The Balearics were once the playground of the Spanish aristocracy and a quick glance at the number of exclusive villas around the island tells you that little has changed. Even before the A-listers touch down in their private jet for a summer break, Ibiza is already celeb-plenty with full-time residents such as Jade Jagger not to mention many of the world's top DJs. But just so you know who to look out for, here are Addicted's top five tips for who the paparazzi will be chasing this summer.

5. James Blunt
Could the ubquitious middle-of-the-road crooner have a secret penchant for house music? Who knows. What we do know is that he bought a €2.5m secluded luxury villa in 2006 where he penned his last album.
Where will he be? Hosting parties in his villa deep in the hills.

4. Prince William
The heir-to-the-throne famously took girlfriend Kate Middleton to the white isle in 2006. As we all know, Ibiza is an addiction. Could 2009 be their year to return? Or will he leave that to his younger brother...
Where will he be? Surrounded by an army of royal protection guards. Sorry girls.

3. Jordan
After her superbly publicised marriage breakdown, the rumour mill says that everyone's favourite glamour model has tickets booked for a trip in July. And if you believe the tabloid hype there isn't a party that Katie Price isn't attending right now, so she's going to be easy to spot.
Where will she be? Anywhere with a flashbulb.

2. P Diddy
Legend says that P Diddy pulled up his yacht in Ibiza a few years ago and fell in love with house music. It led to a rather bizarre attempt at making dance music (anyone remember Let's Get Ill?) and an infamous YouTube video of Diddy getting down with the crowds on the main dancefloor at DC-10.
Where will he be? Lounging on his super-yacht moored just off shore. When he comes on to the island, Addicted reckon he'll be throwing shapes at the Zoo Project now DC-10 is no more.

1. Kate Moss
If there ever was a celebrity who is addicted to Ibiza, it is Kate. Last spotted in August 2008, Kate is an Ibiza regular and truly one of us. The question isn't if she will be coming to Ibiza this summer, the question is how often.
Where will she be? Chilling by the beach at the Blue Marlin, cigarette and wine in hand.

a little something to brighten your day

While browsing our Facebook photo album, Addicted stumbled across a photo posted by one of our fans that made us feel all warm and fuzzy. Imagine you are on that beach now - enjoy!

Photography: Valeria Love Belozertsova.

top five new tunes from pacha djs

As every Ibiza addict will agree, one of the most exciting things about clubbing on the island is catching sets from DJs whose music is being played all over the place back home. With this in mind, here are a run down of new releases from five artists who will be playing nights at Pacha this summer. Get them on your iPod and get ready!

5. Erick Morillo feat. Deborah Cooper
Subliminal is returning to Pacha on Wednesday nights for their eighth consecutive year hosted by the one and only Erick Morillo. This summer he releases 'I Get Lifted' featuring Deborah Cooper on vocals, giving you a taste of what lies in store.
Download from iTunes. Download from Amazon.

4. Defected in the House Ibiza 09
Not so much an artist as a promoter and not so much a new tune as a new compilation mix, Addicted couldn't leave Defected off this list. Their annual Ibiza compilations have become legendary for setting the backdrop to the summer and this year they take over the main room at Pacha on Saturday nights. The perfect warm-up mix before you head out clubbing.
Download from iTunes. Download from Amazon. Buy CD.

3. The Swedish House Mafia feat. Deborah Cox
The Swedish House Mafia, otherwise known as Axwell, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and Laidback Luke, host electro-house charged Monday nights at Pacha this summer. To get you in the mood, they have just released a collaboration which is a likely contender for every Ibiza playlist this year. 'Leave the world behind' features Deborah Cox on vocals and is out now.
Download from iTunes. Download from Amazon.

2. Fedde le Grand feat. Mitch Crown
Hot on the heels of summer 2007's infectious 'Put your hands up for Detroit', Fedde le Grand is back with an electro-influenced party anthem we are certain to be dancing to all summer long. Moreover, he is bringing his hugely successful Flamingo Nights party to Pacha on Tuesday night. His new single, 'Scared of me' is out now.
Download from iTunes.

1. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
Released yesterday, could this be the anthem of the summer? When David Guetta teams up with one of America's biggest voices, you know the result is going to be something special. The lady herself will be doing live PAs at Pacha throughout the summer on Thursday at F*** me I'm Famous. 'When Love Takes Over', you'll be singing this in your sleep.
Download from iTunes. Download from Amazon.