Party islands don't come bigger than Ibiza. At what other holiday destination can you party every night and day from Easter to Halloween? No matter the day of the week, clubbers are spoilt for choice.
Yet there are still specific weekends that stand out as having that extra "wow" factor. Three or four-day stretches that we've dubbed ultimate Ibiza weekenders.
If you are looking to escape reality and dance your troubles away, nothing could be more of a getaway than an extended weekend break to Ibiza. Those in-and-out Friday to Monday excursions to the island are often our favourite type.
Jet in, drop bags, then squeeze as much partying as possible into 72 to 96 hours. Exciting.
House hedonism
For our first instalment, we're putting the period Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May under the spotlight. Lovers of House music especially will want to pay close attention, as this covers the Defected Records weekend. We're gonna take you to House heaven.
We're talking deep, soulful, funky, jackin', tribal and - perhaps most importantly of all - Balearic!
You can always count on Simon Dunmore's global conglomerate to bring the noise.
Schedule:
Friday 29 April | 21:00 | Free pre-party at Café Mambo, Sunset Strip, San Antonio
Friday 29 April | 23:59 | Defected opening party at Eden, San Antonio
Saturday 30 April | 17:00 | Defected outdoor takeover at Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town
Saturday 30 April | 23:59 | Classic Music Co. at Octan Ibiza, Playa d'en Bossa
Sunday 1 May | 23:59 | Defected at Amnesia, San Rafael
Sun sets, spirits up
Easing you in gently, we start on the stretch of San Antonio's coastline known as the Sunset Strip. World-renowned Café Mambo is our destination. Although the music will really get going at 21:00, we reckon you should head down for 19:45 to get the full "golden hour" experience.
After dark, Defected's DJs will jump in the famous Café Mambo booth and welcome us to the weekend. The best part? This bit is free. The best things in life are...
That's just a little taster. Afterwards we roam inland to the doors of Eden, for the Defected opening party.
Always a raucous occasion, this party sets the tone for the rest of the season. 2022's opener sees sets from Darius Syrossian, Hannah Wants, Riva Starr and Low Steppa. Early bird tickets available from €25. BUY TICKETS
Summit at the Old Town
After the excitement of Friday night, you'll want to get your head down for a few hours because Saturday is a busier day.
In the late afternoon, we head over to Ibiza Town. Specifically, we're heading to the castle at the top of the hill. The ancient walls of Dalt Vila usually only host one party a year, but this year we get an extra one. Defected becomes the first label ever to get the privilege.
The programme at this outdoor is fitting with the locale ie. nothing short of spectacular.
Force of nature Honey Dijon and DJ icon Danny Tenaglia line-up alongside Defected alumni Louie Vega, Bob Sinclar and Simon Dunmore himself, overlooking the Mediterranean. House hedonism meets postcard perfection. Expect festival vibes. BUY TICKETS
Afterwards we move onto Octan Ibiza in nearby Playa d'en Bossa.
At this intimate, but true underground club, we'll be treated to the record collections of the Classic. crew. The Defected sub-label has invited studious selectors Dan Shake, Natasha Diggs, Sophie Lloyd and Melvo Baptiste to join Derrick Carter and Luke Solomon.
Tickets start from only €15. BUY TICKETS
Back to Amnesia
Do you still have some gas in the tank? You'd better, because we end on a high.
Defected held court on Amnesia's Terrace in the summer 2015. It seems like a lifetime ago. This special one-off date sees Defected return to Amnesia for one night only, rounding the weekend off in style.
Melé, Ferreck Dawn, Mambo Brothers and the Dunmore Brothers are the DJs booked for the huge send off. BUY TICKETS
By the end, how many of you will be able to tick-off attending at all parties? Not only do you get awesome music from Friday through to Monday, but you get to see a lot of the island and hit multiple cool venues.
Get in the mood with our House playlist...
Now that's what we call an ultimate Ibiza weekender. Keep your eyes out for more instalments coming soon.
Whenever you're planning on coming to Ibiza, head to our party calendar, enter your dates and get planning.
