Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza - ought to make your bucket list
Ibiza is renowned as the hedonistic raver’s paradise, the unrivaled destination for the rich to flaunt their cash, the ravers to pursue their sweaty electronic-driven desires, and the home of illustrious clubs such as Amnesia, Space, Sankeys, DC10, and Pacha. But now there’s a new offering on the island in the form of The Hard Rock Hotel, Europe’s first instance of the chain which has seen huge success in the States and beyond. Having opened in 2014 the hotel boasts 493 luxurious rooms, a varied selection of restaurants, swimming pools, a spa, and of course all the amenities a hardened (or first-time) White Isle goer with some cash to splash could ever dream of. Situated in the famed Playa d’en Bossa, and less than a 5 minute walk from both Space and Ushuaia, the Hard Rock Hotel is in a prime location by the longest beach on the entire island.
Where the hotel really sells itself is its Children of the 80s night, which are gradually becoming something of a Sunday seminal institution on the White Isle. From now up until the closing party in October, every Sunday from 7 - 11pm the hotel comes to life as revelers donned in fancy dress take to the dance floor to see some revered artists who shaped the 80s and 90s. Confirmed artists for the season include 2 Unlimited, Alice Deejay, Bananarama, Barbara Tucker, Blackbox, Jenny Berggren from Ace of Base, K-Klass, C+C Music Factor, Corona, Capella, Level 42, Rozalla and Ultra Nate, plus a whole load more. The event takes place at the hotel’s Main Stage which has previously hosted the likes of Nile Rodgers and Tinie Tempah, but of course this year it is reserved for a throwback to the 80s and 90s. Thankfully there’s no prerequisite of having to be a hotel guest to attend these events, and therefore the event draws a crowd from all over the island to indulge in a spot of light-hearted nostalgia, all delivered by a stellar selection of artists. There can be little doubt, given the event’s name, that the target audience are the slightly older generation of Ibiza clubbers who wish to be reminded of their youthful exploits to the backdrop of Ride on Time, Rhythm is a Mystery or Better of Alone. There’s a reason that these tunes have become such classics though, with the likes of Blackbox and Alice Deejay being engrained as much in the minds of the youth today as the old school ravers. This is down to the longevity of the songs, their now legendary status and their prevalence in nightclubs as anthems which have, and always will, stand the test of time. Turn to your left in the crowd and its likely that a bystander who is singing enthusiastically probably has vivid memories of coming up to Free by Ultra Nate in ’98, a memory that they’ll happily divulge to the younger kids present who “just don’t know the meaning of rave like us oldies do.” But that’s fine, the whole notion of the event is that it can bring together the new generation of clubbers with the older ones, and while the glory days of the oldies may be ending, they’ll be content to reminisce to the younguns of the ever present rave culture at the likes of Tribal Gathering and Fantazia in the UK, or Pete Tong and Carl Cox’s legendary 90s sets in Ibiza. Okay so maybe the musical offerings this summer at the Hard Rock Hotel aren’t quite as full on as they were back then, but the idea remains the same: an evening to evoke memories of 80s and 90s dance music which helped to shape the way things are on the White Isle today. So whether you’re dancing along to Barbara Tucket, Bananarama, Level 42 or K-Klass’s Rhythm is a Mystery then you’re definitely in for a nostalgic treat.
Once your Ibiza virginity has been taken party goers are known to come back annually for their pilgrimage to the White Isle. For those who have a bit more money to spend then the Hard Rock Hotel certainly offers the perfect setting to indulge all of your Ibizan needs. With standard rooms starting at around £200 a night it’s not completely out with everyone’s budget, but of course there’s the option to really emulate the lives of rock stars and book gargantuan suites kitted out to the nines with the latest technology and jacuzzis. One downside is that it is located on the flight path, but the rooms are well insulated from the sound, while the other facilities on offer really prove that you can get your money’s worth. For instance there are numerous dining options, ranging from a snack bar aptly named “Munchies”, to a mediterranean Beach Club restaurant serving salads and seafood in an alfresco setting, as well as a breakfast buffet restaurant and coffee bar. Moreover there is the experimental gastronomical experience at the Sublimotion restaurant from double Michelin starred chef, Paco Roncero (though this will set you back €1,500 per person making it one of the most expensive restaurants in the world). Thankfully the same chef also manages the Hard Rock Hotel’s tapas restaurant with dishes at a fraction of the price. The hotel is certainly not short on drinking options either given its numerous bars: a huge attraction is Ibiza’s highest rooftop sky lounge, The Ninth which offers 360° views, live music and cocktails until 2am. The Hard Rock Hotel also has a sports bar with pool tables which shows live sport and music in addition to the two bars at the Main Stage which remain open even when no performance is taking place. Pool bars can be accessed without leaving the comfort of the water, enabling you to indulge on snacks and cocktails. Alongside the 24-hour room service, guitars and DJ decks can be ordered to your room, and the staff at reception will happily point you in the right direction to the best pool parties, events and nightclubs around the island.
Granted it may not be the cheapest accommodation option on the island, but a quick flick through the various reviews of the hotel on Trip Advisor and Facebook point at its growing stature as the definitive destination for the Ibiza faithful. Take a look at everything the hotel has to offer here: http://www.hrhibiza.com/
Christopher Gill