Ever fancied dancing inside a postcard? Either way, hop in. On Friday 26 May one of the leading global conferences on electronic music, the International Music Summit (IMS) comes to an end by throwing a massive bash in the heart of Ibiza's Old Town. The result is IMS Dalt Vila, the go-to event for the finest electronic music at one of the most picturesque locations on the planet.
Also the (un)official beginning of the summer season, this is one party you want to see for yourselves. If it is not already on your bucket list, put it on there and cross it off first chance you get. You will be happy you did.
Here are the top five reasons why you need to experience it at least once in your life.
The setting
Does it get much dreamier than partying open-air in an ancient town with views of a castle and the sea as the sun sets? A battlement in the citadel of Dalt Vila as a dancefloor is not easy to match.
The location alone is worth the trip. Dalt Vila, which means upper town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and rises above Ibiza Town. It is at the centre of the postcard.
Starting with the walk up to the once-a-year venue, one cannot but be amazed. Rife with charming corners and tiny cobbled roads, it resembles the magical world of a fairy tale, video game or fantasy film.
This time of year, the temperature is perfect for a stroll. Grab a bite or enjoy a drink somewhere on your way up while soaking in a bit of history.
The old town is clearly signposted with plaques relating the history of Ibiza with plenty of activities to choose from if you want to make a day of it. (Read here for a taste of it ahead of time.)
The party itself takes place in the Baluard of St. Lucia, the town's largest battlement with 360-degree views of the port, town and sea. Words cannot do justice to the feeling of dancing in such a magical location.
The music
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Music Summit. With a series of back-to-backs by some of the hottest names on the scene, the line-up is an indication of the milestone. Whether you are already a lover of electronic music or not, these artists alone make the trip worth your while.
The gates open at 17:00 with dancefloor craftsman Lollino going b2b with homegrown talent Manu Gonzalez. Expect a blend of techno and Balearic vibes as you soak in the reality of where you are. Second up B.Traits with the deeper and darker sounds of European house and techno will be taking on the house of Jesse Rose.
At 19:00 global stars The Martinez Brothers turn it up another notch going at it with Kenlou, half of Masters at Work. The masterful Dixon will then be taking on Kenlou as well for another smashing hour of banging electronic music.
Next up are two forces of nature. Besides being a veteran DJ and recognised tastemaker, Pete Tong is also one of the creators of the International Music Summit and will be going b2b with Nicole Moudaber. The energy of this one will blow you away. The beat runs through her veins.
House and techno freak Seth Troxler and Miss Kittin follow suit. The event ends with a mega-dose of techno from Maceo Plex going b2b with Tale of Us. Here you will also be getting a taste of these headliners' summer parties Mosaic and Afterlife.
The event ends at midnight as it is right in the middle of town, but no worries. The party never ends here but merely changes backdrop, bringing us to our next point.
The kick-off of the season
Even if you fly in exclusively for the party, you would not be able to depart until the following day. While you're here, you might as well stay for a couple of days. Why would you not? You will find yourself smack in the middle of one of the hottest and wildest weekends of the entire summer.
As the party island of the world, Ibiza is home to dozens of clubs, most of which will be opening on those days. The only difficulty you have is choosing which event to attend, starting the minute IMS Dalt Vila ends.
Head to the other side of the port to the HEART Opening Party where you will find the star of Acid Sundays DJ Acid Pauli, one of the creators of HEART Guy Laliberté and Cocoon head honcho Sven Väth spinning until morning.
Just one road over at Pacha, the new concept by Hot Since 82 kicks off with the Labyrinth Opening Party, while at Amnesia Marco Carola and his techno gang will be at it with the Music On Pre-Season Warm-up.
The next day, Saturday 27 May, two of the superclubs open their doors officially with the Amnesia Opening Party and the Ushuaïa Opening Party. For a taste of Paris by Night the Pure Pacha Opening Party also gets the season started that night.
If you stay in town through the weekend, you could witness the reincarnation of Space. On Sunday 28 May the newest club on the island opens its doors for the first time at the Hï Ibiza Opening Party. That same night the island classic for Sunday nights Solomun +1 Opening Party gets its fifth season rolling at Pacha.
While here, you might as well go all the way and stay through Monday 29 May when the legendary Cocoon holds the Opening Party of its 18th season. If you fancy some happy hippy vibes, the Flower Party Opening Party is the one for you. Think you are an underground trooper? Check out the second night of Circoloco at DC10.
To get an idea of the number of parties to choose from, take a look at the full schedule
The energy
The energy at IMS Dalt Vila is unique. We cannot say for sure what it is, but the combination of the setting, music, open-air, history, sunset and start of the summer creates some sort of mysterious cocktail.
The island itself is home to what is said to be the third most magnetic spot on the planet Es Vedra. Ibiza is also named after the god Bes, symbolising the good things in life such as music, dance and sexual pleasure. Thousands of years later, it still lives up to its name.
Whatever the source, the energy on the island is something that all those who have been here report feeling. One of its peaks is at IMS Dalt Vila. As everyone unites to have a great time, the vibe is contagious and feeds off of itself.
Well, it's on Ibiza
Before and after the party, parties and/or afterparties, you will have to rest a bit or simply enjoy the daytime. The island has around 100 easy-access beaches where you can replenish your energy. You could also try these resources for the mind, body and soul.
Whether you hit a spa, explore the island or pass out face down on a beach, the possibilities on Ibiza are endless.
Whatever the case, it all starts with IMS Dalt Vila. What are you waiting for? The best time is always now.
Check out the teaser and see below for tickets.
