Top raver, booth infiltrator and our very own AM to PM girl, Lissy Lübeck is back on Ibiza for summer 2024, which means another weekly serving of misadventures in clubland. Here, Lissy shares her thoughts, experiences and inner musings direct from the dancefloor.
A year older, perhaps. But a year wiser? Nah.
If you heard it from anybody else, you'd dismiss it as hyperbole, but Lissy Lü's real life is like that... Partying as a profession is a hard life, but somebody's got to do it!
Prologue: Ibiza 2024
Back to the hustle
18 to 22 April
Somehow, it's that time of year again! The part where I pack up my (many) bags, suitcases and life to move from London back to the island.
Though this is my third summer in Ibiza, the feeling is still the same as my first and second. A tummy full of excitement, nerves and intrigue! Who will I meet? Who will I interview? What funny anecdotes will I amass? How many villa parties will I need extracting from at some ungodly hour?
The next six months will be a whirlpool, that much is a given. Though it now feels like my home, there is still so much to learn and explore. But before I get back into work mode, I have a very important social event to attend…
Thursday
When most people collect the keys to their new home, they can't wait to get inside. So you'd think I'd be spending my first night here, right? Well, you're wrong. I was off to Cubanito hotel for the weekend, to join other wedding guests in two full days of matrimonial revelry.
The bride and groom in question: Radio 1 queen bee Arielle Free and Defected's head of events George Pritchard are tying the knot.
From the hotel, a group of us headed down in "the vengabus" to Cala Gracioneta where the wedding reception took place. The last time I was here was for KEINEMUSIK on the beach at the end of last summer. This venue really does hold a special place in my heart.
As we walked down, the ceremony was ending but the party was only just getting started.
Arielle wowed in a silky, elegant number with two tastefully extravagant diamanté headpieces. George and his groom's men looked suave in their custom Jake Hall designed suits and their shiny New Balance trainers.
With them both being in the industry, it felt like the whole of Ibiza had congregated.
The reality wasn't far off. The whole cast of Radio 1, team Defected and an array of international DJs from Calvin Harris to Eats Everything and Fat Tony, yep, it was a glitzy affair. Swear I even saw Yann from Ushuaïa having a little dance.
What a way to throw me back into my networking and socialising routine after winter hibernation.
I also have to give a special mention to the newly weds choice of first dance song: LoveBirds' I Want You In My Soul. The sun was setting and it was a truly magical moment.
At 23:00, we all got whisked away to Racó Ibiza, where the rest of the night’s festivities continued.
Arielle and George had rented the entire place, using the intimate clubbing space as the after party location. Kitty Amor spun some heat, before Dom Townsend took over for the rest of the night, mashing up the dancefloor with our favourite dance anthems from back in the day.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. In this case, 04:00 was our cut-off.
For those who refused to throw in the towel, several rooms back at the hotel were utilised for the after-after party!
Friday
With strict instructions to be back at Racó for the pool party at 13:00, it was a case of shower, apply make-up, chug down water and swallow some paracetamol. Off we went for round two.
Danny Howard hopped on the decks for an Ibiza classics set at 16:00, with Defected CEO Wez Saunders jumping on immediately after. He told me this would be his first time DJing since 2018. This was his wedding present to George. He confessed to being a little nervous.
However, only a few tracks, he was in the GROOVE.
Racó provided a 10/10 barbecue, which was very received by malnutritioned bodies (all self-inflicted you understand, I doubt I need to clarify). Arielle flew in a tattoo artist to ink up guests, the drinks were flowing and the positive energy radiated.
It was a slow start as there were many sore heads, but we got there in the end. What a perfect way to end a lovely weekend of celebrations.
Saturday
Although our reservation at Cubanito lasted for another night, I was keen to head back to my lovely new apartment and start making it homely, but that wasn't before a full day's itinerary...
Fortunately, chill mode was one hundred per cent activated, as we headed over to Cala Bassa beach. Here, we rented one of the luxurious sun loungers and laid in the sun all day. It was exactly what was needed.
In the evening, we ventured into Ibiza Town to meet the R1 clan for their last dinner before everyone went their separate ways. The port was buzzing! It was like peak summer had already arrived.
The Ibiza marathon was taking place this weekend, so Vara de Rey was heaving with locals and early season tourists, making for a great atmosphere.
We ended up at El Pino for dinner, within the walls of Dalt Vila. In true British fashion, out of a party of roughly 16, a dozen of us ordered spaghetti bolognese from the menu. The head waiter found it hilarious. Made his job easier, I guess?
Sunday
My first ever Pikes roast! Luckily as it's a little earlier in the season, we managed to book it on the day without any problems. Usually in peak summer, to get a slot at this renowned roast spot is near impossible - unless you book two months in advance.
The bloody marys were flowing, and somehow the R1 lot managed to get back on the rosé (cannot relate!). They even arrived with their packed bags and suitcases ready to flee to the airport after they’d consumed their body weight in yorkies.
(Hats off to the chef at Pikes for accommodating my needs of extra gravy and extra yorkies. I can confirm, I will be returning to Pikes on Sunday multiple times throughout summer 2024).
Arielle and George made an appearance, and it was safe to say that they were absolutely pooped. Tired, but still in buzzing and in absolute awe of the last few days.
Monday
Back to work today! Usually a day many dread after a long weekend of fun times, but luckily for me, I love my job! Not to rub it in...
The clubbing team congregated at boss man Tim's house for some start of the summer planning and winter debrief. It was great to see everyone, fresh-faced and raring to go! With International Music Summit and lots of the super-club opening parties this weekend, we had a lot to plan for.
For me, Friday is my clubbing double-whammy as we decided that myself and the newest team member, Charlotte, will be attending Club Chinois and Pacha! We met on the island a few years ago and have been great friends ever since, so we're well accustomed to partying together.
However, now we've been thrown together under a working environment, we've got to remember to keep our professional hats on (most of the time!)
Whisper from the dancefloor
Which member of the Defected team missed their flight back to the UK on Sunday, after getting too carried away with the wedding celebrations? I did have a laugh. Typical!
Want to keep up to date with all the island gossip this winter? Head to our online forum and join the conversation.
Beach of the week: Cala Bassa
One of my favourite beaches on the whole island. What I love about Cala Bassa, is that its in a sheltered cove, so the surface is still pretty much 100 per cent of the time.
Clear blue water and perfect for swimming (although it has to be said, for me, still a little too cold for a full dip at this early stage of summer). The beach club is on the expensive side, however the food and service is great, and upgrading sun loungers pays for itself.
Party radar
International Music Summit Grand Finale | Dalt Vila | Friday 26 April | 17:00 - 23:59
It may be the beginning of the season, but this weekend is one the of the most exciting of the summer. Apart from all the super-club openings, IMS Grand Finale returns for its annual pop-up in the capital of the island's fortified Old Town.
Marking the end of the IMS conference but the start of summer, partygoers and industry heads gather at the top of the cobblestone apex for an evening of incredible music with an unbeatable views. It really is a spectacle.
This year's line-up includes Mochakk, Sasha, Franky Wah, Miss Monique, Róisín Murphy (live PA), Kilimanjaro, Sarz, Pete Tong, Artche, Kalismã, Jaguar and DJ Paulette.
Tune of the week
ANOTR & Erik Bandt feat Leven Kali | How You Feel | No Art | 19 April
The hype around this song has been rife all over social media and it's finally tangible! We've all been waiting for an ANOTR release that's on par with Relax My Eyes, and they've definitely done it with this one.
The duo knew exactly what they're doing, releasing the track just before the summer season kicks-off. Is it the sound of summer 2024? Yes. Will they be playing it at Pacha on Sunday? Absolutely.
Thirsty for more misadventures in clubland? The next entry from Lissy Lü's dancefloor diary is online now.
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