Pikes Hotel, the rustic finca nuzzled in the San Antonio campo, is a venue that's built international notoriety, and a place in locals' hearts, thanks to its illustrious rock'n'roll history and its dedication to hosting some of the most famed parties in the world. It's been a home from home to a long list of celebs over the years - George Michael, Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones - and last week it was Team Spotlight's turn to get a slice of the action as we caught up with Ibiza Rocks owners, Dawn Hindle and Andy McKay, and brand director, Shane Murray, for an afternoon of fun, food and shared plans for summer 2016.
Last year was a big one for Ibiza Rocks; it celebrated 10 years of putting live music on the map by having one of its most successful seasons yet, and in 2016 the plan is to mark the first year of the next decade in similar style. Huge names have already been confirmed to appear at Ibiza Rocks Hotel throughout summer - LCD Soundsystem, Kaiser Chiefs, Faithless, David Rodigan, Dizzee Rascal and Skrillex - to name but a few. In addition, some exciting residencies have been lined up that are guaranteed to get the famous party pool jumping. After a phenomenal revival in popularity, Craig David will be in session every Sunday between 17th July to 3rd September. He'll be bringing old school anthems, inimitable swagger and no doubt a bevy of excitable girls as he moves his TS5 party from Miami to Ibiza - we recommend getting your tickets for this one asap before they sell out. The unrivalled skills of Stormzy, one of the UK's most exciting grime artists, have also been locked in, and he's set to host his #Merky mini residency once a month between June and September. He'll be vital in marking the fifth year of We Are Rockstars, the Friday night party that's really found its feet in recent seasons and continues to add a fresh dimension to electronic sounds available on the island.
Back at Pikes Hotel, which is now under full Ibiza Rocks ownership, and we've been promised more of the same in the form of eclectic parties that focus on quality, intimacy and that certain je ne sais quoi that harnesses the venue's unique magic. DJ Harvey will be back with another bout of his supremely successful ‘Mercury Rising'. Widely considered one of 2015's most loved parties, the famed DJ's DJ will continue to weave his spell from behind the booth for the benefits of a small, enamoured crowd. There'll also be foodie additions in the form of Cous Cous Club by Ferial K, which will bring North African-inspired cuisine and décor, as well as flamenco legend, Paco Fernandez, to Pikes on Saturday afternoons, and Meatopia, a pop up event run by Richard Turner, the man behind London's Hawksmoor restaurants.
There's also a new addition to the Rocks camp in the form of Sol House Ibiza Mixed by Ibiza Rocks, a partnership with Melia Hotels. Set in San Antonio Bay, it'll be home to more pool parties, stunning sunset views and a relaxed, family vibe. Plus tickets to Ibiza Rocks Hotel gigs will be included, so you can hop across the waters and not miss out on any of the live music action. Another year, another new chapter in the ever-growing Ibiza Rocks story - 2016, let's be having you.
WORDS | Abby Lowe PHOTOGRAPHY | James Chapman
