Living the party life on the world's biggest party island can get tough, right? Lissy Lü takes some well deserved respite and diary duties are handed over to Jo. We had the pleasure of offering Jo an intern placement in 2019, which gave her first experience of working in the music industry.
In the time since, she has gone on to work for a music publicist, feature on podcasts and present on regional radio, but she has always kept Ibiza close to her heart. Five years later, we're delighted to welcome her back to the island and to the club team.
This is the story of What Jo did next...
With a severe case of 'excited puppy syndrome' she’s back on the island and ready to sniff out the best finds on the Ibiza Spotlight party calendar.
Excited puppy syndrome
21 to 26 August
Wednesday
Yes, I've thrown around the statement of best day ever more than I can count, but our day to night hang out at Pikes might beat them all.
Lissy and I tucked into a gorgeous lunch on the terrace, opting for the wagyu burger with fries and tasty halloumi shawarma. Our bellies now full, luckily for us, we had a poolside bed reserved to unwind in the Balearic sun and sip on Pikes' sumptuous 5Star and Bloody Mary cocktails.
Jess Iszatt and guest DJ Van Damn (also a personal friend!) were already in the poolside spirit and convinced me to join in some synchronised diving. An impromptu wine tasting session then presented itself. I jumped at the chance to tick this off my bucket list. Very demure.
A siesta and mouthful of a pizza later and we were back for Jaguar's UTOPIA by night.
Jess Iszatt, Trudy Knight and Jaguar herself took turns in the booth, but for me, it was Van Damn who stole the show with his vibrant energy and wicked selections. Wu Tang Clan's Gravel Pit - now that's a curveball!
Friday
This evening we headed north. Steve, Lissy, Charlotte and I visited San Carlos Bar & Restaurante for the most delicious spread. More to come on this soon. We shared drinks, food and laughter over an iconic pic of baby Charlotte dressed up as a cactus. Parents do the cruellest things!
We then popped our heads into Ibiza institution Bar Anita, but there was no room at the inn. Instead, we ventured to the village square for pre-drinks at Cor Carola. Now well lubricated for a dance, it was only a short walk to Akasha where Dutch record label SlapFunk was hosting.
Downtempo vibes set a steady groove and we two-stepped into the night, before catching a taxi and some Zzzs!
Saturday
Starting the day off strong, I wandered down the road to El Kiosko for a solo breakfast date. The breakfast combo including sourdough, avocado, tomato and sweet potato, plus a fresh juice of choice and coffee was exactly what I needed.
After some chill time by the pool, it was back to the dancefloor.
Charlotte, Lissy and I headed to Ushuaïa to get in amongst the ANTS colony. Kindly given backstage access, we had the perfect view of Nic Fanciulli and special guest Marco Carola going back-to-back to close out the night.
When in 'Bossa... we diverted to Maccy Ds to grab some food to go. Charlotte and I then headed back to San Antonio to find a spot on the beach to watch the magical firework display in honour of Sant Bartomeu whilst we tucked into our fries. The best end to the day.
Monday
Oh, how easy it is to get carried away on Ibiza...
Clearly in the UK bank holiday mindset, I indulged in a few wines at Que Pasa? whilst catching up with my friend Tash. Steve soon joined and at this point, I remembered why the golden rule is to never drink on an empty stomach. Jo, you rookie.
Still, we made it in time for sunset on the rocks in front of the Sunset Strip with a bag of jamon Ruffles in hand before ending the night back at Phil's, digging out our fave '80s tunes on the TV. Elite!
Restaurant of the week
Located in Ibiza’s tranquil north, San Carlos Bar & Restaurante is a meat-lovers haven with fresh cooked cuts are seared to perfection on the wood BBQ and grill.
The menu caters to all and is incredibly well priced for the quality of dishes and the charming setting.
Spoilt for choice, we shared hearty homemade spinach and ricotta pasta, crispy tempura prawns and straight from the grill to our table came provolone cheese, chorizo, boneless chicken and steak. All delicious!
Party Radar
Black Coffee | Hï Ibiza | Saturday 31 August
Reigning supreme in his Saturday night slot at Hï Ibiza, Afro House Black Coffee opens up the dancefloor to a femme-heavy line-up of talent this weekend.
Joining Black Coffee in The Theatre, the pairing of Jamiie back-to-back Fiona Kraft casts intrigue. Jamiie, a Berlin aficionado, and Ibiza-based Fiona Kraft, who has soared in popularity, make a sophisticated match sure to exude Afro allure.
Over in the Club Room, gal of the moment TSHA guests alongside Damian Lazarus. Much like her productions, TSHA's DJ sets are immaculate. Journeying through a plethora of genres and rare records, she knows how to hold the dancefloor's attention.
Tune of the week
Josh Baker | Jam Is Pumping | You&Me Records | 23 August
Hedonistic attitude, a '90s-esque Hip-Hop vocal cut and gnarly bassline hungry for the dancefloor are the key ingredients for Josh Baker's fierce new drop Jam Is Pumping.
On rotation at festivals and clubs over the last twelve months, demand for the ID's official release has been as hot as the funky energy it evokes.
Along with two B-sides, the two-step stomper drops on Josh Baker's own You&Me Records which is set to host a one-off takeover at Cova Santa this coming Thursday 30 August. Jam Is Pumping is sure to get a spin from Baker himself and I’m ready for it.
Hungry for more dancefloor diaries? The next instalment is online now.
Read previous weeks' capers here:
Ibiza to Mallorca
The best things in life are free (beach parties!)
The busiest week of summer
Amnesia debut
You can find the full archive by visiting this page.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Hattie Scanlan and The Vitorino
