Playa d'en Bossa was already buzzing with excitement by 8pm as I arrived. The streets were starting to fill with thousands of punters marching their way towards Ushuaïa. Tonight was a full moon. How appropriate…
Inside the venue, the vibe was super positive. Hundreds of die-hard fans danced on palm tree inspired podiums and proudly wore their Swedish House Mafia t-shirts while others opted for a louder tribute and went down the body painting path, all in the name of love for the Swedes.
Ushuaïa felt like a purpose built venue. Everything flowed so well. The bars were positioned perfectly and always within reach. The stage was jaw dropping and spectacular with equipment that easily costs millions of dollars, all with the intention of invoking our senses.
Ushuaïa is minimalist inspired. The light color palette used throughout the venue is tranquil with a dreamy reminder that you are no longer in Kansas anymore.
The VIP areas were luxurious, perfectly catered by Ushuaïa's well-trained staff and over flowing with expensive champagne and cocktails with flare. The VIP's were a mixed breed of movers and shakers, Botox enthusiasts and weekend millionaires.
As I arrived, Pete Tong was playing. He played a solid set with tracks that were perfectly fitting for an outdoor day party. What I loved about his set is that he wasn't banging it out for the sake of getting a hands in the air reaction. His set made sense. It was proper house. You know, those beats and loops that you never want to end. I loved it. His choice of music is a testament to his experience.
Next up was SHM. As the Swedish house Mafia graced the stage I could see the excitement growing on the dance floor. There was no turning back now. The opening track was 'In my mind'. If Ushuaïa did have a roof, its roof would have been blown off at this point. They dropped a remix of ‘Around the world' by Daft Punk and a smorgasbord of SHM classics like 'Leave the world behind' and an uknown remix of Axwell and Ingrosso's ‘Together'. The real ice breaker in the crowd was when they played 'Miami to Ibiza'. The feeling was surreal and yet so appropriate as you looked up into the sky and saw new aeroplanes bringing in thousands of new party people to experience the Ibiza journey with us.
The Swedish House Mafia was a perfectly coordinated act. Their well-timed production included inspiring visuals, fireworks, confetti, acrobatics, fireballs and loads of other eye candy. The production elements along with the tracks they played complimented each other really well and heightened the journey.
Their grand finale was like a ticker tape parade fit for royalty. It was spectacular to watch and a truly magical moment.
The Swedish House Mafia opening night was a mammoth success. SHM tweeted 'Ibiza, you crazy!' and 'Ibiza. 9000 of you danced under the only full moon that fu***n counts. A full moon. Wowowowowoowoowow'
With the trio recently announcing they are going their separate ways, SHM at Ushuaïa is certain to sell out each week.
Final tickets are available here.
What we didn't like: Human sized metal ants that decorated the hotel. I have a fear of ants.
