Here's the good news. I haven't yet experienced a genuinely bad vibe anywhere on the island. Doormen, owners, bartenders, waitresses, cab drivers...we salute you!
But for a guaranteed soft landing, there are a handful of nights that more than nod to their transgender credentials.
My first outing was La Troya at Amnesia, a Wednesday night institution. Their posters are a testament to the adage: “you can never wear enough make-up”
It has a huge, loyal following and has succeeded in re-inventing itself year on year. . Many regard it as the “best night” of any sort on Ibiza. (But then, every night has its legion of fans) If you feel like splashing out, the Amnesia VIP experience provides an outstanding grandstand view of this human maelstrom.
Amnesia is a massive venue and La Troya shares Wednesday's with the “Espuma” pool party.. Just make sure you ship back to La Troya before the foam cannons blow...unless you packed an emergency wardrobe.
No rest for the wicked, so Thursday offers The Face of Ibiza at Privilege, competing with La Troya for the most wigged-out party on the island. Baby Marcelo is the queen of this particular night and you certainly won't be feeling like “the only girl in the world” here. And if you thought Amnesia was roomy, the sheer scale and complexity of Privilege remains one of the wonders of the clubbing world.
Saturdays offers a veritable feast. Amnesia hosts Matinee (yes, it used to start in the morning). One of a number of successful imports from Barcelona, its origins are proudly gay but it has become a distinctly polysexual festival.
Meanwhile down in Playa d'En Bossa, you can groove from 5pm to dawn.
PoolDisco arrived this summer with Director Mark Herman promising to bring a slice of “London Fashion Cool” to the island.
Collaborating with Yann and Romain Pissenem, respectively creative and production directors at Ushuiaia, the team has created a unique blend where you can really express yourself to the sounds of DJ resident Severino.
Luscious hostess Johanna Londinium explains:
We're an avant garde family who openly express our gender and sexuality within our creativity. We do that in the very safe environment that Pooldisco at Ushuaia provides.
The crowd is hedonistic, cool, open minded and happy to engage with people of all walks of life. Pooldisco is about having a good time,... and not about who you are and what you are".
Sadly now, you'll have to wait for 2013 for the next Pooldisco as the last party was 08th September...
Worry not, there's more so let's strut across the street to Space, and the wonderful Cafe Ole. Maybe Boy George will be on the decks or trans-superstar Amanda Lepore rousing the crowd. They get the vibe and music right and have a big and friendly international gay following.
The phalanx of bare torsos filling the Discoteca is a sight to behold! Space is a great club to explore any night of the week. Get your groove on.
In the next chapter, Jade will take a wider sweep of Ibiza nightlife – taking a look at the most glamorous clubs and venues.
