The legendary hotel and party venue is the undisputed home of the pool party in Ibiza. Taking into account its mega summer programming, it's evident to see why. This year there is an increased focus on daytime events, with no less than 58 sun-soaked pool parties confirmed.
The musical vision may have evolved at Ibiza Rocks in recent years, but the attitude hasn't changed. It's still as musically diverse as ever, living and breathing the high-octane lifestyle at its core.
This year Ibiza Rocks also launches a brand new 360-degree ‘island' in the centre of the courtyard, so you'll be able to experience dazzling views whatever your spot. Whether you're frolicking in the pool, getting down on the dance floor or buzzing off the atmosphere from your hotel room balcony, feel good vibes are guaranteed.
With a bolstered sound system thrown into the mix, the addition of slick new VIP spaces and premium packages, Ibiza Rocks has got the customer experience covered! There's even private hot tubs and an all-new 24-hour Party Suite. This really is poolside paradise set to an unrivalled soundtrack.
Highlights include a return for Craig David's TS5, which regularly sold out the last two years. Rudimental are invited to curate their own party and house royalty MK brings his Area10 party to San Antonio for the first time. Not forgetting Stormzy's massive two-day #MERKY Festival and much more. It's going to go off!
STARTING WITH A BANG
This year Ibiza Rocks is taking the plunge with an official Opening Weekend for the first time. The two-parter starts on Friday 1 June with an encore on Saturday 2 June. As expected, Ibiza Rocks has wisely chosen the stars of its weekly events to spearhead both days.
Chart-toppers Rudimental are the big headline act on day one, while support comes from Cuckoo Land's Sonny Fodera and Oneman. The following day the gift that keeps on giving, Craig David takes centre stage. He will be joined by DJ Q, Amy Becker and more.
Besides giving Ibiza Rocks the magnanimous start it deserves, both days also provide a preview to what we can expect throughout the season.
BURNIN' UP WITH MK AND FRIENDS
A new addition for 2018 – and what an addition at that – Marc Kinchen (MK) invites friends to his Area10 pool party. Taking over Mondays from 9 July to 6 August, this capture should be considered an astute move.
MK has led the way as the biggest house producer on the planet for the past three decades. He's still causing chart havoc with his catchy, radio-friendly output today. It's going to be pure sunshine vibes when the American superstar touches down on these five exclusive dates.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU DO ON A TUESDAY?
Now entering its third year, Craig David's TS5 is a party which goes from strength to strength. It just keeps getting bigger. Craig David gets to showcase his multiple talents, with stints singing, DJing and MCing. If it weren't for the fact that he is so talented, he could be accused of showing off.
This year it stretches to a whooping 12-week run – underlining its unflagging popularity. If you're on the island between 10 July and 25 September, consider it a given that you should get down to Ibiza Rocks to sample to TS5 experience for yourself.
RUDIMENTAL SHARE THE LOVE
The other new arrival this summer is Rudimental & Friends. The prolific UK chart-toppers are no stranger to Ibiza Rocks, having wowed audiences here many times. Their A-list guests have been selected from the worlds of D&B, rap, house and dancehall.
Some of the biggest names confirmed to be joining Rudimental include David Rodigan, J Hus and Gorgon City. There will also be plenty of past collaborators, including Anne Marie and James Arthur. With this repertoire, we can't imagine a better band to host poolside shindigs in San Antonio.
TAKE A TRIP TO CLOUD CUCKOO LAND
Cuckoo Land made a real splash in its debut year last summer. Brought to you by the same team behind Do Not Sleep, this pool party promises hedonism without the VIP facade. The soundtrack is strictly underground, with a heavy emphasis on tech house and deep house.
Switching to Fridays this year, house sensation Sonny Fodera takes the helm as resident from 8 June to 28 September. Alongside a stable of underground talent, including Huxley, Ben Pearce, Disciples and Josh Butler. The roster will guide attendees through Cuckoo Land's abstract vision. A favourite of workers and holidaymakers alike, consider the ante upped.
GET #MERKY WITH UK KINGPIN STORMZY
As Ibiza's only dedicated grime event, #MERKY Festival returns in 2018. After the success of last year, we are gifted with a bolster two-day extravaganza with antics being spread across Monday 2 July and Tuesday 3 July. Stormzy himself will lead the line-up on Tuesday, while close friend J Hus takes centre stage on Monday.
You can find appearances from some of the hottest UK urban talent, including Krept x Konan, Mabel, Ramz, Ms. Banks and DJ Majestic across the double-header. There's sure to be the finest MCs spitting bars, fistfuls of attitude and crowd surfing aplenty.
STEEZEY DOES IT
Radio 1's Toddla T and Ibiza Rocks join forces to throw the maddest poolside carnival you can imagine. Toddla T's Steezey Wonderland is a fiesta of emboldened colours, celebrating Caribbean culture and music. Music aside, there will be body painting, inflatables, whistles and horns in abundance. One to get you skanking.
Dancehall, D&B, grime, garage and house will all be on the menu. Guests will include Donaeo, The Heatwave and that man J Hus again plus plenty more. It runs for four Tuesdays from 5 June to 26 June.
GARAGE FLAVAS COURTESY OF UKG'S FINEST
UK party-starters Garage Nation have been invited to Ibiza Rocks for four Thursday dates – two early-season, two at the tail end on 21 and 28 June and then 6 and 13 September.
Much loved UKG heroes DJ Luck & MC Neat, Oxide & Neutrino and Matt Jam Lamont are joined by next generation faces, such as Flava D and P Money. It's sure to be the ultimate Ibiza garage party.
SUMMER OF SAX
Island favourites Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago hook up for three dates this summer. Together, the legendary Laura on sax and Ben behind the decks create an infectious sound filled with energy and groove.
You can catch them weave aural magic together on 7 and 14 June and later on 20 September.
here we have it: a summer brimming with explosive parties.
Order your piña colada, put on your Hawaiian shirt and blow up a novelty inflatable. Ibiza Rocks really is the reigning home of the pool party. Expect fun and frolics both in and alongside the pool this summer. 2018 is shaping up to be the biggest year in its existence.
No news yet as to whether there might be an official Closing Weekend, but we'll keep you posted as ever.
Tickets for all of the above events are on sale now. Get in.
