Ibiza is in a constant state of evolution. Things rarely stand still here. Even from summer to summer, those of us who spend enough time will tell you the minor differences go noticed.
After two full years away, some of the most recent changes are even more profound.
Not least in the clubs themselves, a few of which have undergone mini (or even large) makeovers. This includes some brand new dancefloor spaces for us to rock out on.
Let's take a closer look at the new places you can bust-a-move in 2022.
Pacha | Main room
Pacha Group had big plans for its flagship Ibiza club after the 2019 season. Although ultimately we had to wait a little longer to see those plans come to fruition, we can safely say they have been worth the wait.
Pacha had already undergone two stages of refurbishment before summer 2018 and summer 2019. It's third refit since the change of ownership has seen the biggest change of all.
Who knew that removing a couple of pillars from the dancefloor and changing the location of a bar would make such a difference? And yet, it has transformed the space. It now feels like a proper open dancefloor, whilst still retaining that Pacha charm.
Add in the new overhead lighting rig and it feels like a brand new club. Bravo team Pacha!
Don't worry, all the club's quirks and hidden alcoves are still very much there to be discovered.
Ibiza Rocks | Poolside
Playing host to poolside revelry seven days a week, San Antonio jewel Ibiza Rocks has been in a constant state of evolution since it began.
Everything from its layout to its programme has been tweaked and perfected from year to year. The party hotel is known for loungey sun recliners, garish pink astroturf and its suntrap dancefloor - that much remains unchanged.
One of the few venues that managed to operate in 2020 and 2021, nevertheless Ibiza Rocks decided another upgrade was due before the start of this summer. Clearly the team worked like Santa's elves over the cooler months to bring you a new and improved venue layout and it's lit!
The whole outdoor area has been taken to new levels for 2022. Completely switching their centre-stage set-up, as well as enhancing the pool and introducing a hot tub, poolside now boasts a festival-like main stage.
This comes complete with an expanded dancefloor, filled with production capabilities, whether you want to slog it out in the thick of the action or chill-out on the peripheries. Additionally, there's also new luxury beds, sofas and table options, meaning you're spoilt for choice when booking your day-out here.
Octan | The Basement
Consciously kept under wraps by management, imagine our surprise when we walked in to find the whole bottom floor excavated. The element of surprise cannot be understated. Well played Octan.
For those of you who have yet to go in 2022, what was previously the side room Spectre, has been knocked through thus creating a much larger Basement.
The DJ booth has been repositioned and while the vibe and aesthetic of the room has not changed, it feels like it's doubled in size. A fantastic use of space and a change that we wholeheartedly get behind.
Maybe we'll also see some changes to The Lab as well? That opens in early July.
Club Chinois | Ibiza Town
Replacing the now defunct HEART in well-to-do Ibiza Marina, is Club Chinois. If the name sounds familiar, you may recognise it from sister venue Park Chinois in Mayfair, London. Sure to attract an affluent crowd of music lovers, Club Chinois has been designed with nods to the 1930s French colonial era.
Already, Club Chinois has secured weekly residencies for Luciano, THEMA and Satori signalling its ambition, with more to be announced soon.
The club opened to full fanfare on Friday 17 June and since then it has also hosted an appearance from the one and only Sven Väth.
Akasha | Las Dalias | San Carlos
Akasha has been working its magic in the north of the island since Autumn last year, but since this its first summer in deserves a mention in this list.
Located at legendary music venue Las Dalias, Akasha manages to retain its hippy authenticity while also being a club of the future. The sound is impeccable and with the DJ booth positioned in the middle of the room, its a dancefloor experience made for real music heads.
Overseen by creative director Igor Marijuán, Akasha is another club which sticks to its core sound: dreamy, melodic Deep House with live acts as well as DJ sets. For the ultimate experience, pick a party which starts off outside in Las Dalias before moving indoors later.
Tox Club | Destino
Okay, again, not technically a new dancefloor, but let's be honest, very few people have ever had the pleasure of dancing in Tox Club. Destino's intimate on-site club was previously only reserved for hotel guests and those well-connected individuals.
Well not anymore. For 2022, Tox is being opened to the public for the first time.
Programmed by Denial Events, since mid June Tox opens on six nights per week. The other interesting thing about this new venture is the line-up itself, which takes a different route to the other clubs.
Amapiano and Latin music gets their chance to shine, while there's a really strong Trance presence, as the likes of Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz, Purple Haze (Sander van Doorn) and Ben Gold are all set to appear. Paul Oakenfold played the Opening Party earlier this month.
Below | W Ibiza | Santa Eulalia
In the heart of Santa Eularia on the serene grounds of the W Ibiza hotel lies the brand new underground masterpiece, Below. Small, but with a sexy, sophisticated feel, this innovative events space is the perfect place to let loose after dusk.
It's the usually sedate town's only real club dancefloor and it's free to enter for diners at the hotel's swanky La Llama restaurant and for those in the know. From late-night audio visual events, to dining and club experiences, there is a night for everyone here.
For full listings of all dancefloors, both new and old, head to our party calendar and get planning your holiday schedule.
WORDS | by Stephen Hunt and Lissy Lübeck
