Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 58

Passport Cover May 2012_Passport Cover Mar 2011 4/9/12 1:56 PM Page 1

TRAVEL • CULTURE • STYLE • ADVENTURE • ROMANCE! PASSPORT

GREAT WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS IN WHAT’S NEW IN NEW YORK TEL AVIV

THE VIP LOUNGE INSPIRING GAVIN CREEL AMSTERDAM

INSIDER’S GUIDE PALATE-PLEASING WASHINGTON DC CITY FOOD TOURS

MAY 2012 USA $4.95 CANADA $5.95 +15 HOT HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS! IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 58

58 PASSPORT I MAY 2012 IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 59

THE PARTY ISLAND?

IBIZAby Stuart Haggas

There are many places that boast w orld-renowned nightlife, but there can be no where on earth where clubbing has made a greater impact than Ibiza, Spain. In fact, over the last few decades, Ibiza’s reputation as a non-stop par ty island has e volved into a million-dollar brand. Although there are other sides to Ibiza, including remote and idyllic beaches, a rural interior of olive and almond groves and pine forests, and an emer ging agrotourism scene, the role clubbing plays in the island’s economy is evident from the moment you arrive.

MAY 2012 I PASSPORT 59 IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 60

ibiza

t any other airport in the world you’ll most likely see adver- “In the 90s Ibiza w as the mecca, ” says Juan De Ibiza. “It w as the tisements for b lue-chip products lik e Coca-Cola or Apple place where people from all o ver the w orld would come looking for iPads. Here at Ibiza’ s air port I w as instead confronted b y freedom, love, music, sun, and sea. It’ s in the 90s w hen Club Culture huge posters abo ve the luggage carousel for Matinée, the was born, when DJs were the Gods of Music whose sessions would last gay-friendly Saturda y night par ty at super -club Amnesia, [as long as] the pub lic would want. It’s when dancing in the da ylight whereA sexy go-go dancing boys and girls, acrobats, p yrotechnics, and lasers and dancing on the beach were born.” create a dazzling experience that’s like Cirque Du Soleil on steroids. During the 1990s, another unique aspect of Ibiza’ s clubbing scene Continuing into the arrivals lounge, I was handed flyers promoting parties was conceived. Seminal club promoter Brasilio de Oli veira threw his at other signif icant clubs lik e Pacha, Space, and DC10. By the time I’ d first party here in 1978, he’s brought everyone from Gloria Ga ynor to reached the taxi rank, my stash of flyers had multiplied dramatically. Speed- Kylie Minogue to Ibiza, and his famous party La Troya remains one of ing towards Ibiza Town (“Eivissa” in Catalan), we passed billboard after bill- the gayest and most popular of all time. As the mega-clubs are in out- board advertising all the major par ties and heralding star guests including of-the-way locations, far from the f ashionable bars, shops, and restau- Kelis, Robyn, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mark Ronson, and Mika, reaf firming rants of Ibiza Town, he came up with the idea of parading all his Ibiza’s status as the world’s ultimate clubbing mecca. dancers, acrobats, and performers through Ibiza Town’s narrow cobbled Famous for its me ga-clubs, Ibiza is home to w hat’s officially recognized streets, and the concept of Ibiza’s club parades began. by the Guinness Book of Records as the w orld’s largest nightclub. Having “The club parades star ted in the 90s, and the pur pose of them is to begun as a humble restaurant in the 1960s, it was reinvented as KU in 1978, alert the cro wds of the happenings of the night, ” Juan elaborates. and its outdoor dancefloor , swimming pool, and la vish gardens became a “Everyone has to have the best parade so people will go to their par ty. playground for the jet set. In 1987, F reddie Mercury and Montserrat Cabal- The competition star ts here! Most of them f inish at Soap and this is lé premiered their hit Barcelona here, a la vish spectacle that became the where everybody goes to see the Fin de Fiesta of the parades and get song’s official video. Now called Privilege, it has a capacity of 10,000 and ready to go to the club of y our choice.” the main room alone is the size of an aircraft hanger . Even if you have no intention of setting foot inside a club, these nightl y Altogether, Ibiza’s eight big clubs ha ve a combined capacity of o ver parades of gor geous, scantily clad men and w omen in la vish themed cos- 33,000—astonishing when you consider that the island’ s entire population tumes are still w orth seeing. If y ou are planning a big night out, the y can was assessed in January 2010 as just 132,637. help you to choose your party. And as discounted entry wristbands and fly- Many of the world’s top DJs have summer residencies here, and they use ers are usually distributed during the parades, it makes economical sense to the oppor tunity to test ne w tracks on the cro wds. What debuts on Ibiza’ s keep a look out for them; club entrance fees range from €25 to €50 in decks will influence w hat’s heard on radio stations and dancefloors around advance, and can go up to €100 at the door. the world. International record labels like Defected, Hed Kandi, and Ministry Of Sound release bestselling compilation CDs of Ibiza club anthems; super- biza’s transition to clubbing mecca be gan in 1967, w hen the Sum- stars including Black Ey ed Peas and Rihanna echo Ibiza in their beats; and , mer of Love and its legacy of music, mood altering drugs, and sex- in the case of Jennifer Lopez’ s On The Floor, even give Ibiza a euphoric Iual freedom radiated to Ibiza from San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury shout-out in the chorus. neighborhood. Ibiza’s tolerant attitude made it an ideal hippie haven, its Although predominantly straight, cer tain nights attract ga y and lesbian glorious weather conducive to open-air parties. Next came artists, writ- party people on a mission to dance the night a way. Besides Matinée, other ers, gays and lesbians, and Ibiza became a f avorite spot with a glam- recommended gay-friendly parties include the legendary La Troya at Amne- orous party crowd. Toward the end of the 1980s, w hen the UK experi- sia on Wednesday and the massive SuperMartXé at Privilege on Friday. For enced what’s often referred to as the Second Summer of Lo ve with the more exclusively gay partying, look no fur ther than Anfora, located within rise of Acid House music and ecstasy-fuelled rave parties held in huge the historic walls of Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town. It compensates for the lack of warehouses, this also impacted upon Ibiza. size and superstar DJs with a friendl y and frisky atmosphere (there’s even a Those hedonistic summers altogether paved the way for the 1990s to small darkroom), and is b usiest and best e very Thursday for “Disco Night be the decade that sa w the bir th of Ibiza’s clubbing culture, and Ibiza Fever.” Directly below Dalt Vila’s fortifications are two of Ibiza’s most pop- became the world’s most famous island for summer partying—an acco- ular gay bars Soap and Angelo, while nar row Calle de la Virgen is lined lade it retains to this da y. The 90s w as also the decade that Ibiza w as with more intimate gay bars, shops, and restaurants. discovered b y the masses, w hen y oung tourists from Europe and beyond flocked to raucous resorts like San Antonio for a vacation full hristened “Ibiza’s gay ambassador” b y Pacha Magazine, Juan De of sun, sex, sangria, drugs, and clubbing; the island’s subsequent hang- Ibiza is one of the island’s most colorful characters. You’ll find him over was exposed on TV reality shows like Ibiza Uncovered. Cand his par tner Nadal w orking a f ierce high-f ashion look e very “All the celebrities used to come to the island and w ould be treated night at Soap. In 2011, he had 47 different outfits inspired by designers such like others,” continues Juan De Ibiza. “There was no world of paparazz- as Thierry Mugler, Dior, and Givenchy, and he never repeats the same look is, and they could be free and not worry that they were followed in their twice. “Our look has to be outrageous, extravagant, glamorous and provoca- private time. Ev erybody used to mix to gether from hippies, locals, tive as we are the center of attention, ” he e xplains. “During the winter w e celebrities, rock stars, millionaires. No wadays has changed lots. We produce all the costumes for the next season, and it’s a hard job. We draw the separate everybody. Lots of people come to the island and do things outfits and we have tailors in Mallorca, mainland Spain, and e ven in Thai- that they would not do in their hometowns. But Ibiza is a Scorpio island land who do the work, always supervised by us.” and it changes and re generates, which is good. In 2011, I ha ve seen a Though he w as bor n on the neighboring island Mallorca, one da y his great change in Ibiza which I hope will last for a long time. ” mother said to him “Son, your life is in Mallorca but y our soul and spirit is Another notable face on Ibiza’s party scene is Logan Schmitz. Born from Ibiza.” He’s now been involved in Ibiza’s tourism and LGBT scenes for and raised in Oklahoma, toda y he’s the UK promoter for Matinée and over twenty years, so I asked how Ibiza has changed. SuperMartXé as w ell as his o wn par ties under the Lo gan Presents

60 PASSPORT I MAY 2012 IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 61

ibiza

Like the sound of a cicada, it’s the nocturnal buzz that gives Ibiza its magical vibe. There’s a genuine sense here that nightfall is the beginning of something exciting.

brand. His journey from America’s Midwest to London’s gay club scene seen the island more restricti ve. I never had the oppor tunity to experi- was made via the go-go podiums of Ibiza. Ha ving discovered Ibiza ence Privilege (formerly KU) as a garden paradise without walls or bar- thanks to E! Entertainment’s Wild On!TV show, it became Logan’s goal riers, or w atch this clubbing mecca transfor m from the 70s complete to land a job on the island. At the time he w as attending Florida State hippie style, writing its own rules of party.” University, which fortuitously had a campus in Valencia, Spain. Upon completing his f irst ter m there, Lo gan’s real plan click ed into action ou don’t have to be a hardcore party animal, however, to enjoy and he boarded a boat bound for Ibiza. Ibiza, because this beautiful island has a mello w B-side. Rec- “A little lost in paradise, f inding a job w asn’t so easy without a Yognized since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the for- proper w orking visa, and this countr y bo y needs to eat, ” Lo gan tifications of Ibiza Town known as Dalt Vila (literally “Upper Town”) explains. “After the f irst month, m y money was r unning thin, but I are the photogenic focus of e very vacation on the island. This Renais- was determined to keep my Ibiza dream ali ve. Inspired by the ar t of sance era acropolis is full of nar row streets that wind up to the 14th- dance, I quickly adapted my ‘newbie’ Midwestern-gay style to a Euro- century cathedral of Santa Maria d’Eivissa. Historically, those impen- fashion Ibiza dancer. The transformation didn’t happen overnight, and etrable w alls protected the Spanish cro wn from enemies including learning a personal dance style w asn’t easy in co wboy boots… but I Turkish and Berber pirates, b ut today they shelter restaurants, ar t gal- soon found myself working my debut shift at Pacha, Ibiza’s most leg- leries, and craft shops. It’s also a focal point for open-air concerts, exhi- endary dance space.” bitions and cultural events, including the Festival del Mar internation- “When I f irst touched do wn in Ibiza in 2002, I sa w the island al gay and lesbian f ilm festival. You should note that Dalt Vila’s ram- through virgin eyes—every nightclub, posh restaurant, and chill-out hot parts do become cruisy at night. spot seemed surreal. The Ibiza scene b urst with freedom,” Logan con- For a dinner of delicious local specialties lik e arroz de matanzas tinues. “Had I known the island 20 years earlier, I probably would have (rice with cuts of pork), guisat de peix (fish stew), and flaó (a soft tart

MAY 2012 I PASSPORT 61 IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 62

ibiza

made with goats cheese and spear mint), Dalt Vila’s most co veted tables are to be found on the time-polished stone ofPlaza de Vila, but my recommendation is to head up to Plaza del Sol and El Restau- rante Plaza del Sol, whose candlelit tables offer stunning panoramas and oodles of romance. Wherever you dine, be sure to end your meal with Hierbas Ibicencas, a digestive liqueur of anisette to which sprigs of aromatic herbs lik e rosemar y, lavender, chamomile, juniper and sage have been added (many places follow their own treasured recipe to make their own supply). Hotels are sur prisingly scarce hereabouts. Man y gay visitors opt to stay in the neighboring resort of Figueretes, where popular gay-friendly accommodations such as Hotel Cenit are within walking distance of Ibiza Town’s sights and gay scene. If you insist on staying in Ibiza Town itself, the best option is five-star Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila. Occupy- ing a noble estate house built in 1905, its 13 stylish rooms and suites feature original period fur nishings and antiques. Overlooking the lively cafés of palm-fringed Plaza del Parque, the more affordable Hostal Parque has 30 modern rooms, the best of which are three rooftop ático rooms, boasting lovely terrace views. The cafés and bars of the adjacent f isherman’s quarter, La Marina, are ideal for enjo ying a lazy breakf ast on a sunn y terrace. Here you’ll also f ind a plethora of shops selling inter national brands as w ell as Ibiza’s own Adlib fashion creations. Adlib fashion is typicall y white, uses natural f abrics, is simple and comfor table, and possesses handmade characteristics that echo Ibiza’ s easy-going hippie attitude. Accessorized with sandals and handmade je welry, this bohemian style is adopted by many visitors to the island, and often inspires some of the world’s biggest designers. The majority of shops sta y open until after midnight. In f act, this w hole area comes tr uly alive after dark, w hen everywhere is buzzing with anticipation of a big night out.

ike the sound of a cicada, it’ s the noctur nal buzz that gi ves Ibiza its magical vibe. There’s a genuine sense here that nightfall is the Lbeginning of something exciting, which explains why it’s an island tradition to celebrate every sunset. The most iconic spot used to be Benirrás Beach, where sunset was accompanied by the rhythmic beat of bongo drums and much clapping and hipp y-hippy shaking. Then in August 2010, a de vastating f ire destroyed over 300 hectares of pine forest sur rounding this secluded beach, and toda y Benir rás is remembered b ut rarel y visited. Ibiza’ s summer influx of hippies and hipsters now flock to Sunset Ashram on rocky Platges de Comte. Another renowned sunset rendezv ous is Café Del Mar, a bar in the resort of San Antonio that’s world famous for its chill-out music compi- lations. Here, sunset is accompanied b y ambient Balearic beats; ho wev- er, San Antonio is hedonistically heterosexual and perhaps best avoided. Instead, I recommend y ou watch the sunset from the ter race of Hostal Restaurante La Torre at nearby Cap Negret. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the island , it nevertheless fills to capacity with cro wds who ha ve cocktail and camera poised to celebrate and capture the moment that the sun says adiós. Once the moon has tak en center stage, a euphoric sense of e xpectation takes hold, a feeling that e very visitor will share, ir respective of w hether they will go to a club. Ibiza has a special nocturnal vibe that no other place can replicate, which is why it puzzles me to lear n that the island’s Tourist Office prefers to understate its importance. In fact, they’re eager to rebrand Ibiza as an upscale and family-friendly destination that’s synonymous with culture and heritage, not clubbing and hedonism, and ne w laws have been

Photos: Stuart Haggas introduced over the past few years to help achieve this goal.

62 PASSPORT I MAY 2012 IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 63

ibiza

There was a time w hen you could club around the clock, but in an Juan De Ibiza of fers a philosophical and , perhaps, economical per- effort to reign in the unbridled hedonism of Ibiza’ s never-ending party, spective of the situation. “Of course w e have to promote the ecotourism the island’s government introduced stricter laws on opening times, a bit- and cultural events as this is how everything started. Not everybody who ter pill prescribed in an attempt to cur tail Ibiza’s revelry. By imposing a comes to Ibiza comes for the clubs. We have the most beautiful beaches mandatory 6 A.M. till 4:30 P.M. ban in 2008, the y immediately brought of the Mediter ranean, the cleanest w aters, golf, w atersports, riding, a an end to Ibiza’s famous afternoon and after-party scenes. Coincidental- great range of local cuisine well-known all over, vineyards, salt flats, nat- ly, at the end of that season, Ibiza’ s biggest and most notorious par ty ural parks…do not for get that Dalt Vila and the Posidonia meadows are Manumission closed its doors for the very last time after 14 years of fire- not clubs, they are history and biology, recognized by UNESCO.” eaters, performing dwarfs, and li ve sex shows. But did this signify the Ibiza is attracting other kinds of tourist, but it’s not entirely the kind end of an era, or the be ginning of a new one? they were aiming for. As the recession bites, families overlook Ibiza in favor of cheaper destinations but, as Juan De Ibiza says, Ibiza is a Scor- ther recent legislation requires that new hotels be f ive star, and a pio island and it’s constantly evolving and regenerating. major highway construction project has made Ibiza’s beaches and It used to be said that if you returned from Ibiza with a tan, then you Otranquil rural interior more accessib le to tourists. It’s hoped that didn’t have had a good time, because y ou didn’t spend e very waking these grand schemes will attract a new kind of tourist, but many Ibicencos hour in a club . That’s no longer tr ue, because some super -fashionable and internationals question the wisdom behind the le gislation. beach clubs have emerged to fill the afternoon club void. “My early seasons w ere def initely the most magical, ” says Logan. We need look no fur ther than Chiringay. This popular spot on the “Ibiza was tr uly happening. I w as engulfed with a hedonistic atmos- southern tip of Es Ca vallet beach is described as the w orld’s first gay phere unlik e an ything I could ha ve e ver imagined. There w ere no beach. Estab lished in 1980, f acilities toda y include a palm-thatched stereotypes, no clichés, just millions of open-minded travelers all look- restaurant ser ving simple Mediter ranean food to diners in their ing to have a good time. I felt for the f irst time in my life “truly” free. swimwear, and there’s usually a DJ playing mellow sundrenched beats. Since my first year in 2002, I have seen this magic island evolve.” As the beach lies within the Ses Salines nature reserve, there’s plenty to He also told me about the ne gative impact that the ne w laws are explore and experience amongst the surrounding dunes! having on Ibiza. “It w asn’t until 2005 that w e star ted to feel the More luxurious beach clubs include chic, w hite Blue Marlin on change,” Logan continues. “The island star ted to w ork on the ne w beautiful Cala Jondal beach, where A-list guests including Leonardo highway system, connecting Ibiza’ s most treasured hideouts to the DiCaprio and Kate Moss are likely to arrive by yacht. For guaranteed mainstream public, slowly commercializing the beauty and destroying beach partying, Matinée hosts the Sunday afternoon session at super- the atmosphere of w hat made Ibiza unlik e any place in the w orld. I cool La Plage in Playa D’en Bossa, while the nearby Ushuaia Beach could feel the island lean a way from its clubbing roots. In 2006, the Hotel is a fashionable party palace whose pool is purposefully shal- famous Space terrace grew a new set of glass windo ws outlining the low so you can dance rather than s wim in it, altogether proving that entire structure, keeping the natural light, b ut blocking out the open the party doesn’t need to stop until you board your plane home. air. Ne w la ws and re gulations restricting noise k ept s weeping the In fact, it doesn’t necessarily end there, because y ou might e ven island as a ne w government took control in central Spain, and e ver- fly on an Ibiza-themed plane! In 2011, Spanish low-cost airline Vuel- changing laws began enforcing outrageous f ines to whoever dared to ing introduced to its fleet an Airbus A320, its fuselage specially cus- proceed. The final nail pushed through the music cof fin was in 2008 tomized with colorful g raphics and the insignia “Fl y Me I’m when it was announced that all after -hours and daytime events must Famous” to promote Cathy and David Guetta’s huge Ibiza party F*** close, forcing party promoters to only work in the night. Everyone on Me I’m Famous. Assisted by popstar Taio Cruz, David Guetta treat- the island felt these ne w restrictions. With closing times at 6 A.M., ed those lucky enough to win a place on its debut flight to a live mix clubbers felt the need to enter the major super -clubs b y midnight of in-flight music. After completing this 30,000-feet gig, the airline instead of later (previously after 2 or 3 A.M.). In turn, the Ibiza Town went into re gular service, flying passengers from 11 European air- bars and lounges emptied earl y or ne ver f illed at all, causing man y ports to and from Ibiza. Ibiza is a million-dollar brand , and has its shops, bars, and restaurants to close.” own plane to prove it!

MAY 2012 I PASSPORT 63 IBIZA MAY 2012_Lima APR-08.R5-2 5/19/12 2:49 PM Page 64

ibizaresources

CLUBBING GUIDE GAY BARS With so many parties to choose from each and every A night out in Ibiza Town begins along narrow Calle night, not forgetting the gay venues of Ibiza Town, it can de la Virgen, where you’ll find dozens of intimate lit- be difficult to know where to go, so here’s our night-by- tle gay bars, each with a handful of outdoor chairs night guide. “Ibiza is a special place that has to be visit- and tables placed perilously on the cobbles. These ed once in a lifetime,” says Logan Schmitz. “I guarantee include Bar 22 (C/ De la Virgen 22), Mad Bar (C/ De if you follow my lead, it won’t be your last visit!” “Sum- la Virgen 32), Indira (C/ De la Virgen 40), Sunrise mer starts at the beginning of June and runs full season Ibiza (C/ De la Virgen 44), Foc i Fum (C/ De la Vir- until the first weekend of October,” adds Logan. “Tradi- gen 55), Exis (C/ De la Virgen 57), Bar Leon (C/ De tionally, August is the most gay month on the island, as la Virgen 62) and JJ Bar (C/ De la Virgen 78). the first two weeks get bombarded with hot European boys.” “August is the month when everybody is here,” Next, head to either Angelo (Alfonso XII 11) or Soap agrees Juan De Ibiza. “The island is rocking, the beach- (Santa Llúcia 21-23), a pair of popular bars located es are full, the clubs are full. And in August, it’s when the adjacent to each other in the shadow of Dalt Vila’s local fiestas are in all the towns of the island. In Ibiza imposing walls. Both have large outdoor terraces, and Town the 8th of August with the famous fireworks, and are open every night till 1 A.M. in Figueretas the 15th of August.” HOTELS SATURDAY Hotel Cenit, C/ Archiduque Luís Salvador, Los Matinée @ Amnesia, C/ San Antonio, San Rafael. Molinos. Tel: +34-971-301-404. Popular gay-friend- Tel: +34-917-198-041. Mixed, gay-friendly party at ly hotel with swimming pool, on the top of a hill fac- this 5,000-capacity super-club, famous for its sexy ing the sea, within walking distance of the gay stage shows. “This event is not to be missed,” says scene and sights of Ibiza Town. Summer rates from Logan. “Mixed with one of the best soundtracks, €85. www.hotelcenit.com be amazed with the incredible facility in Amnesia and experience one of the most high tech produc- Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila, Plaza de España 4, Dalt tions in the world.” www.matineegroup.com Vila, Ibiza Town. Tel: +34-971-303-045. With just 13 place,” says Logan. “This island local party brings rooms and suites, this homey but luxurious five-star SUNDAY (DAY) together the right elements of a great night.” “It’s hotel occupies a grand 1905 mansion within Dalt Vila’s Matinée Beach @ La Plage, C/ de la Playa D’en always full,” agrees Juan De Ibiza, “and I am host- walls, and boasts original art and antiques, a small Bossa. Tel: +34-971-590-363. The Matinée team host ing the party!” www.somnyibiza.com swimming pool, restaurant, and cocktail bar. Summer the Matinée session at this fashionable mixed gay- rates from €370. www.hotelmiradoribiza.com friendly beach club. “This super-chic beach club, with TUESDAY white beds and a very Nikki Beach Miami style décor, Seduction @ Pacha, Avenida 8 de Agosto, Ibiza Hostal Parque, Plaza del Parque 4, Ibiza Town. Tel: heats up the sands of Playa D’en Bossa,” says Logan, Town. Tel: +34-971-313-612. “The Legend,” says +34-971-301-358. Modern hotel with 30 simple but “bringing outdoor havoc the Matinée way!” Juan De Ibiza, “with seven nights a week the top stylish rooms, located on a lively square just outside www.matineegroup.com DJs of the world. The most famous party is Flower of the historic walls of Dalt Vila. Summer rates from Power, which is a must for everyone. Also Swedish €110. www.hostalparque.com SUNDAY (NIGHT) House Mafia (Monday) and F*** Me I’m Famous Fetish @ Pacha, Avenida 8 de Agosto, Ibiza Town. Tel: (Thursday). Seduction (Tuesday) attracts lots of gay Ushuaïa Beach Hotel, Playa D’en Bossa 10. Tel: +34-971-313-612. Iconic super-club founded in 1973, people.” www.pacha.com +34-902-424-252. Fashionable new five-star hotel with a capacity of 3,500. “Sunday nights belong to the and beach club designed to appeal to upscale party legendary nightclub Pacha,” says Logan. Although it’s WEDNESDAY people, with massive pool parties every night till not a gay party, Pasha’s opulent take on clubbing is La Troya @ Amnesia, C/ San Antonio, San Rafael. midnight, and facilities including luxury swim-up worth experiencing. “If you are lucky enough to experi- Tel: +34-917-198-041. Mixed, gay-friendly party from rooms and suites. Summer rates from €324. ence a gay night in Pacha, don’t miss it. These are rare seminal club promoter Brasilio de Oliveira. “This leg- www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com and far between, bringing elegance to an intimate night endary island favorite made its home Amnesia just 10 with the gays.” www.pacha.com years back. Now after some venue hopping, La Troya DINING has returned to Amnesia with a taste of outrageous Blue Marlin Beach Club, Playa Es Jondal, Sant Lola’s, C/ Alfonso XII 9, Ibiza Town. Tel: +34-687-755- entertainment,” says Logan. “Although not so high Josep. Tel: +34-971-410-117. Chic, white, Asian- 618. Ibiza’s first discotheque, today this small club inter- tech as Matinée, this intimate outing gives you the Mediterranean fusion restaurant located within connects with adjacent gay bar Angelo and it attracts a best of the gay homemade island clubbing!” Ibiza’s most famous and fashionable beach club. predominantly gay party crowd every night of the week, www.latroyaibiza.com It’s ideal for a sundrenched lunch, but is equally but it’s especially recommended on Sunday night. happening for dinner. www.bluemarlinibiza.com THURSDAY MONDAY (DAY) Disco Night Fever @ Anfora, San Carlos 7, Ibiza Town. Chiringay, Playa Es Cavallet, Las Salinas. Tel: +34- Circo Loco @ DC10, C/ de Las Salinas KM1. No Tel: +34-971-302-893. Small but buzzing gay club built 971-187-429. This rustic, palm-thatched eatery on phone. Located in a converted finca with a large into the rocks of historic Dalt Vila. Its retro disco night on beautiful Es Cavallet beach has served cocktails, covered terrace beside the runway of Ibiza Air- Thursday is its most popular party. “With a downstairs lunch and snacks to gay men and lesbians since port, this 1,500-capacity club is the antithesis of dancefloor and an upstairs darkroom with full frontal 1980 – a gay legend! www.chiringay.com many of Ibiza’s bigger and slicker clubs—and porn on the TVs, if a shag is what you’re after, you’ve that’s what makes it unique. “Although not known found the place!” says Logan. www.disco-anfora.com El Restaurante Plaza del Sol, Plaza del Sol, Dalt Vila, as a typical gay outing, if you have the party urge Ibiza Town. Tel: +34-971-390-773. Situated on a pret- inside of you, this is definitely the spot to visit,” FRIDAY ty square beside Dalt Vila’s ramparts, this romantic says Logan. “Opening its doors in the early after- SuperMartXé @ Privilege, C/ San Antonio, San candlelit restaurant serves up stunning views accom- noon, anything goes once you step inside as you Rafael. Tel: +34-971-198-160. Mixed, gay-friend- panied by delicious Mediterranean cuisine. are filled with an unsuppressed extreme party ly party at the world’s biggest club, with a capac- www.plazadelsolibiza.com environment.” www.circolocoibiza.com ity of 10,000. “Friday belongs to SuperMartXé,” says Logan. “Although not as gay as my franchise Hostal Restaurante La Torre, Urb. Cap Negret 25, MONDAY (NIGHT) in London, this over-the-top creation is the Sant Antoni de Portmary. Tel: +34-971-342-271. Hid- Scandal @ Somny, C/ Alcines 15, Playa d’en biggest in Ibiza. SuperMartXé comes to life every den away from the hustle and bustle of the island is Bossa. Tel: +34-971-306-417. Exclusively gays Friday night with a complete theme and set this simple hotel and restaurant. The menu is limited party at this stylish little beachfront club, close to change. With celebs such as Paris Hilton and to a handful of local dishes, but you don’t come here the gay-friendly hotels of Figueretas. “If you are Dennis Rodman in the mix, you are sure to wit- for the food—the big attraction is that the terrace is a looking for a night out but not as full-on as a super- ness one of the most outrageous productions of stunning vantage point from which to enjoy a famous club like Privilege or Amnesia, Scandal is just the your life.” www.supermartxe.com Ibiza sunset. www.hostallatorreibiza.com

64 PASSPORT I MAY 2012