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 an impending "goodbye for now" looming, Jo was keen to waste as little time as possible, sniffing out more of the best finds on the Ibiza Spotlight party calendar.
Not goodbye, just adiós for now
27 August to 1 September
Tuesday
Another day, another club. This time we headed to Amnesia for The Masquerade by Claptone and HE.SHE.THEY.
We got down sharp to catch Paisley Jensen smash her opening set and reel in the crowd with her fun selections. I got a big squeeze from Rio Tashan, who I hadn't seen since the start of summer.
I also bumped into Hattie, the photographer who captured that photo at Pikes last week. She instantly recognised me from across the stage and came over up to say hi. It seemed like everyone was out tonight. It might be Tuesday, but Ibiza is giving Friday energy!
Wednesday
Today couldn't have started better. We woke up to the news that Ibiza Spotlight co-owner Tim and his partner Lauren had welcomed their gorgeous baby girl into the world. Our newest recruit! I can't wait for a cuddle, but this might need to wait until my October trip.
Social media manager Hayley is back on the island after a family vacation. Naturally, this called for a full club team outing. Our pick of the parties was House In Paradise at O Beach for a parade of sun-soaked House beats.
Afterwards, I headed into the heart of San An for a well overdue catch up with Nathan from the Defected team over a tasty tapas spread at Rincón de Pepe. I am immediately going to try and recreate the burrata salad recipe when I'm home.
Friday
Last night we called it quits sharp at Cova Santa, but for good reason. Bright and early, Lissy, Hayley and I headed to the Horse Country Club Ibiza for a morning retreat with therapeutic horse coaching. Yes, you did read that correctly.
Our session began with a guided breathing exercise and intentional meditation led by our kind and helpful guide Vera. A tarot card reading then gave us food for thought as we each took a turn in the paddock for bonding time with our horse.
Although we felt a little awkward at first, Vera encouraged us to make contact with our equestrian friend and find mindful moments. With a mind that races possibly just as fast as any horse, I was surprised at how calming the experience was.
There's a lesson to be learned in how present they are. Ibiza truly has an amazing way of broadening your horizons in the most unexpected ways.
Sunday
Already, it was final day of my August visit and that meant I had the rounds to do.
First stop, Bam-Bu-Ku. Tash and I had a gossip whilst her daughter and friend braved the surf machine. Hmm, do we think I could convince Miss Lübeck to hit the waves with me on my next trip?
Conquering the Flowrider is the ultimate in bragging rights. Up for the challenge, Lissy?
A spontaneous run-in with Lissy on the walk back was perfect timing to say ciao and I closed out the evening back at what's fast becoming one of my favourite local spots, El Kiosko. There, my co-habitants Steve, Phil and I cleared our plates of the most delicious pizzas.
Just what I needed for the three hour flight ahead.
This is not goodbye, just adiós for now. I'll join you on the dancefloor very shortly for one of my favourite times of the year: peak closing party season.
Restaurant of the week
Saturday afternoon's choice of hangout was Freedom Restaurant. Sitting shoreside on Playa Pinet (also known affectionately as Reggae Beach) Freedom is a family-friendly, uber laid-back beach bar buzzing with holiday-makers and locals.
Ideal for when you need to refuel on tasty light bites like nachos or croquettes after a dip in the ocean, or take shade with fresh paella and a cava sangria after a sunbathe session.
Party Radar
Joseph Capriati presents Metamorfosi closing party | Amnesia | Friday 6 September
Closing party season is about hit full swing and someone who has understood the assignment loud and clear is Joseph Capriati.
Joseph Capriati b2b Seth Troxler b2b ANOTR is exactly how you shut down the eighth and final party of Metamorfosi's 2024 run at Amnesia. Now do you see why closings are one of the best times of the year?
Where else but Ibiza, do you find three heavyweights of the scene sharing the booth?
Tune of the week
Botev | Wait | Dream On Records | 30 August
Moment of appreciation for Soundcloud's related tracks autoplay feature, because this week a sonic gem landed on my radar.
As fresh as they come, Arizona DJ Botev enters the world of production with a groove-stricken Tech House number on Dream On Records. Layer with percussion and throw in the party mantra topline "I don't wanna stop, let the music play" and you've got a crowd pleaser on your hands.
Adiós, Jo! See you in a few weeks for closings! Rest up in the meantime, as we think you'll be needing the energy. Jo may be off-island, but the next instalment of dancefloor diaries will be online soon.
Read previous weeks' capers here:
Excited puppy syndrome
Ibiza to Mallorca
The best things in life are free (beach parties!)
The busiest week of summer
You can find the full archive by visiting this page.
