Nothing beats a good team outing. So when Ibiza Rocks extended an invitation to top up our tans whilst sampling what it has in store for summer 2018, it was too good an offer to turn down. Refocused and building on the successes of last year, it enlisted the talents of the ever-versatile Craig David as the day's marquee act.
On Saturday 2 June we headed to the home of the Ibiza pool party for part two of its two-day opening party. "We" being most of the clubbing team, comprising of Mike, Steve, Holly and Kane.
Whilst we were naturally disappointed to have missed the likes of Rudimental and Sonny Fodera the previous day, we were eager to make up for lost time.
As the early evening sun beat down, we were escorted to the VIP area by our hostess. Passing by poolside, we immediately clocked a selection of familiar tracks in quick succession.
It had been a while since we heard Amine Edge & DANCE Frank Ocean remix, but it still sounded so fresh.
Conversely, Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa's record is easily the most played song on the island right now. Yet it was still the right track from the right moment.
Within a few minutes of being shown to our oval bed, DJ Q was getting things wobbly by steering through a selection of bassline, dubstep and UKG bangers.
Sharing is caring. Since some of us had visited Ibiza Rocks before while others were newbies, we agreed to split reviewing duties and each give his or her thoughts on the overall experience. What did we think of the performances? The new layout? The crowd? Here goes.
Urban heat
Michael Tomlinson, photographer
DJ Q played a nice blend of two-step and urban anthems, warming up the afternoon sun seekers. Q dipped into the old school archives, pulling out my favourite jam of the party, featuring the sultry vocals of Shola Ama.
Her song echoed around the walls of the iconic Ibiza Rocks Hotel, and the acoustics sounded amazing.
Close-season changes to the venue include bringing two fabulous VIP areas out into the sunshine. The new DJ booth now acts as a perfect centrepiece where the artist is the focal point for everybody.
Stars of Instagram Ibiza
Holly Woulfe, clubbing intern
Looking around the pool and VIP platform, I can say that it's an Instagram star's heaven. With more than one giant inflatable unicorn, the crowd took the opportunity on getting that perfect snap. Everywhere around us there were so many good vibes and smiling faces.
It was inevitable we would be sprayed with champagne at some point. The excitement in the venue practically popped open the bottles itself.
Craig David seemed to have brought his super fans out in force and he did not leave them disappointed. His interaction with the crowd was class, pointing to fans, working the stage, dancing for everyone. He was in his element, and we were all in ours, too.
His flawless mixing of myriad songs meant there was something for everyone to sing along to, whether it be one of his nostalgic classics like Fill Me In or dance floor classics like Show Me Love by Robyn S.
There was never a right time to make a pit-stop to the restroom, as the big tunes just kept coming and we didn't want to miss a beat.
An island in the sun
Stephen Hunt, staff writer
Fair to say that Craig delivered a showman-like performance that the adoring audience lapped up. A medley of his own hits was complemented by renditions of Fugees' Killing Me Softly, Justin Bieber's Love Yourself and Eve's Who's That Girl?
On this evidence, TS5 Tuesdays at Ibiza Rocks are going to be must-dos all summer.
The new 360-degree island also means that no matter where you are in the venue, you get prime views of the artist regardless of your position. In the pool, on the dancefloor, hanging in the VIP or even from your room balcony, there are no obstructed views.
The VIP was filled with an abundance of excitable stag and hen parties, meaning high jinks and playful banter were in no short supply. This section is brand new this year. With its selection of beds and bottle service, is ideal for large groups with something to celebrate.
Closing things out in style
Kane Allen, clubbing intern
Amy Becker was on hand to take the crowd into more relaxed territory, after Craig David's lively set. She opted to stay commercial with her selections.
Despite tiring after the exhilaration of our headliner, the crowd were still beaming on the dance floor. It was day packed with laughter and positive vibes – and this continued well into the last hour.
Cardi B and YG's popular hip-hop track She Bad was a welcomed choice to begin with. At this point in the day, people were preparing the night ahead. To her credit, Amy Becker read the crowd brilliantly and wound down the pace like a pro.
The hard work that the Ibiza Rocks team has done over the winter months is plain to see. The improvements are really noticeable, whilst it still feels like the Ibiza Rocks we know and love.
We get the sense that the party hotel is playing to its strengths, whilst adding more premium options to its poolside.
With its residents already firing on all cylinders, we think its fair to say that Ibiza Rocks will be enjoying another summer of heatwaves - in more ways than one.
