Location: Ibiza, Spain
Capacity: 7,700
Even on an island full of clubbing mythology, Ushuaïa Ibiza stands out. We've all heard the fabled story of founder Yann Pissenem stumbling on a “wild and almost undiscovered beach” near Playa d’en Bossa. A breathtaking place that invoked the end of the world, or at least the southernmost tip of Argentina, tales from the small cabana bar he launched there in 2008, and word-of-mouth free parties that sprung up right on the sand, have already been committed to the great pantheons of Balearic nightlife.
Sixteen years on, or thereabouts, Ushuaïa Ibiza still stands on the same stunning spot, but has grown, evolved and developed, changing the face of daytime clubbing on the island with it. Today, it is one of Ibiza's biggest and most high-profile dancefloors, a sprawling music-hotel complex with chic rooms looking out onto a beautiful beach, central pool, and iconic mainstage; focal points for some of the most in-demand day-into-evening tickets on the planet, powered by state-of-the-art sonics in the form of a razor-sharp Adamson multi-diffusion sound system. Tunes seem to follow you around every corner of the mammoth address, which is transformed for each occasion.
The ideal canvas for others to realise high-concept White Isle experiences, in 2023 residencies featured some of the biggest in the business: Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, F*** Me I’m Famous! by David Guetta, Tomorrowland presents Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Kygo, Martin Garrix, and Tiësto. Meanwhile, many of last summer’s standout guests also speak to versatility; we can think of few other clubs where you might catch Steve Aoki or Skepta, Timmy Trumpet or TSHA, Afrojack or ANOTR. Other highlights, like Bicep, Peggy Gou, Mattn, Honeyluv, Monki, Maya Jane Coles, Maceo Plex, Swedish House Mafia and Eric Prydz only emphasise our point, and we’ve still not mentioned ANTS.
A cornerstone of this open air club since 2013, the weekly Saturday party looks deeper underground for its tech and techno soundtrack, while aesthetics nod to sci-fi surrealism beneath Balearic skies. Favourites like Andrea Oliva lead the charge from a booth that this summer will be graced by the likes of Boris Brejcha, Paul Kalkbrenner, Loco Dice, Nicole Moudaber, Mau P, Chelina Manuhutu, John Summit and more. In 2024, the new ANTS Next Gen Artist Programme will nurture raw, fresh talent, helping DJs hone skills and moulding tomorrow’s prize headliners. Meanwhile, the venue itself welcomes Defected Records to the wider programme. The label will celebrate its 25th anniversary every Tuesday throughout what will be the longest season in Ushuaïa Ibiza's storied history. See you down the front.