There's no shame in wanting a few pointers on making friends in a foreign country. By travelling to Ibiza on your own, you've already proven you're DOPE AF! Even those who come in pairs or small groups are wise to look beyond their established social corner and meet some new faces. It’s always when you meet unexpected people along the way, that you garner the best stories to tell, memories made, and even life-long friends.
Ibiza Spotlight's online forum
Before you get here, check out the Ibiza Spotlight's online forum – if you’re unfamiliar with our forums, they are an invaluable information tool for any Ibiza Virgin frequented by long-time Ibiza regulars and residents who know almost everything there is to know about the island – and questions are always welcome.
They are also used by people looking for others to get to know or go to parties with; just search for 'meet' or 'meet me in Ibiza' and see what threads come up! On the forums, you will meet people who truly love the White Isle and are generally up for anything - and it's a great way to stay in touch for the next Ibiza trip.
Things to avoid: Posting messages like this:
“Girl seeking strong man for love, protection and de facto benefits.”
OR
“Guy seeks large woman dressed in sexy rabbit costume – must be open-minded.”
Engage with the workers' community
Ibiza Workers can seem cliquey but are generally a very friendly bunch. It's worth muscling into their scene if you can – you'll meet some great people, gain insider's knowledge and there will always be some form of makeshift after-party to get involved with. So it’s sometimes worth quashing the inclination to swat the PRs away with your sun hat and get chatting instead!
In San Antonio workers often frequent venues in the West End and on the Sunset Strip. To blend in, why not wear a bumbag and shorts that might also fit a 7-year-old child? Start shuffling like a bandit and telling people how Ibiza changed your life. You're in.
Things to avoid: Waking up three days later in a not-so-glamorous workers' apartment having missed your flight. It happens.
Behind the scenes
If you’ve got your connections and your head screwed on, when you’re in Ibiza, you should use the opportunity to network with music industry folk. One thing I love about the island is that you just don’t know who you can be talking to! It’s happened to me a few times, where I've been chatting away with someone I’ve just met, to find out they’re someone super high-up in the industry or even super famous. If you get talking to the right people, this could be your way into a famed Ibiza after-party.
Now here is where the real magic happens. I’ve met some of the most incredible people, life-long friends and invaluable connections at villa parties, and so can you.
Things to avoid: Don’t start singing someone's song to them to make sure you’ve got the right person. Like the time I started singing 'Party Hard' to Donaeo at Calvin Harris’ wedding. Woopsies!
Pre-parties & boat parties
The Ibiza super-clubs are as massive and loud as you expect, so although you can meet some great characters on the dance floor, your bond will be exclusively based on your mutual appreciation of that wicked bass line and not much more. Pre-parties (often held on the Sunset Strip bars) and boat parties have all the fun party atmosphere, plus the added bonus of being able to hold down a conversation.
Going to a pre-party of the night you're attending is a great way to expand your crew for the clubbing session to come; as drinks are cheaper than at the superclubs, conversation is sure to be flowing freely… Boat parties have the added bonus of keeping several hundred of you in a confined (though fun-filled) space for a good three hours – a captive and willing audience! A number of boat parties are available in both San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa, every day of the week.
Things to avoid: Don't be the person who - in a frantic attempt to intoxicate themselves before entry to the club - ends up regurgitating their evening in the gutter and never makes it to the main event. Nobody likes that person.
Hit the beach
Playa d'en Bossa Beach is easily the most social for clubbers, with lively beach clubs piling out onto the long stretch of sands, there are always people up for a laugh along this coastline.
Think outside the box on your way home from the clubs; a dawn walk along Playa d'en Bossa beach after a night at Hï Ibiza, for example, can turn up some fantastic characters. I myself have met some incredible people doing this exact same route over the last two summers. For a more multicultural scene head to Salinas just south of Playa d'en Bossa - another sociable stretch of coast where people are usually open to being approached.
San Antonio Bay beaches are also big social hubs. Here you’ll find a swarm of friendly locals, and equally a few hungover tourists heading to one of the beach bars to 'hair of the dog' it.
Things to avoid: Approaching topless girls for a 'chat' whilst wearing dark sunglasses. Boys, they are onto you.
Lone ranger rave sessions
It's easy in the big clubs to stick to your circle of friends and only engage with them. Whilst it's wonderful to enjoy incredible music with your mates, don't let that be the only way you experience it.
The sense of community and camaraderie with strangers on a dance floor is what makes Ibiza so special. The best way to be open to these moments and make some new rave buddies is to embark upon a solo clubbing mission. Whether you go alone from start to finish, or simply ditch your mates for 20 minutes, every clubber worth his or her salt needs to go Lone Ranger at some point… you'll soon find you're not actually alone at all. You can do it, step out of that comfort zone.
Things to avoid: Approaching people from behind. Pacifiers.
So whether you come in a rowdy group of ten or on your lonesome, on Ibiza you are never a-lone! Life starts at the edge of your comfort zone - make a leap of faith and you won’t regret it!
Take away a few of these tips to make the most of your Ibiza experience, with the like-minded people who are drawn here too.
