If you thought the only beats you’d hear on an Ibizan getaway would be house and electro pumping until the early hours (preceded by weeks of Vengaboys being stuck in your head), you’re not entirely wrong. But for those who prefer something a little more gritty, there is another side to the island.
If your taste is more Glastonbury than David Guetta, we’ve got your alternative itinerary sorted. From where to dance through the night to where to stay, this is the music lover's guide to Ibiza.
The Location
Head south from Ibiza Town and over to Playa d’en Bossa on the east coast of the Balearic island. Still one of the major clubbing resorts, Playa d’en Bossa boasts the longest white-sand beach on the island and has no doubt hosted many a rock star recovering from a week-long hangover on the Bali beach beds.
The Hotel
While you may be spoilt for choice when it comes to occupying your time on the island, there’s only one place to forget to take off your makeup after a late-night gig. The Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, situated at the more upmarket end of the Playa, has stylish rooms and suites fit for any front-woman.
Think luxe marbles, touchable velvets and Prince-purple rugs begging for bad behaviour, plus huge beds, hot tubs on the terrace and whirlpool baths overlooking the beach. On your way to the hotel’s two pools, don’t miss the iconic Hard Rock memorabilia lining the walls, including some of David Bowie’s gold discs.
The Nightlife
Because all the best parties happen after dark. You don't have to leave your hotel to dance into the early hours – the Hard Rock Hotel hosts the most famous pool parties on the island to get the party started in the sunshine, taking place in the most glamorous pools you've ever dipped in. Think cocktails, sunshine and beats from some of the world's most famous DJs.
The entertainment doesn't stop there – towel yourself off and head down to an unforgettable dinner with the In Heaven dining experience. Dine on dishes created by top chefs while watching an incredible live show, followed by cocktails at the Ninth Sky Lounge. Booze and views, what more could you want?
When you're done with dinner, check out the unmissable Children of the '80s party every Friday night. Blasting classics from the decade of Queen, Bon Jovi and The Cure, this retro night revisits the decade with sound, light and colour.
The Spa
There’s no better way to recover from one-too-many late nights than with your own personalised playlist in the Hard Rock Rock Spa. Take a quick dip in one of the thermal pools, saunas or hot tubs or book a private suite to customise your spa soundtrack – because sometimes Bon Iver is more relaxing than panpipes.
Sign up for a Synchronicity massage and your Hard Rock masseuse will match their choreography of pressures and rhythms to a specially curated musical soundtrack.
The Soundtrack
Let your Balearic playlist be inspired by the famous names who have holidayed on the island. George Michael was a regular on the Ibiza club scene in the '80s and '90s, The Rolling Stones made waves in San Antonio in 1964 and Freddie Mercury held an infamous 24-hour birthday party in 1987, with a guest list including Grace Jones, Robert Plant, Jon Bon Jovi and Spandau Ballet.
While you’re in your hotel, take advantage of the Hard Rock’s Sound of Your Stay programme, where musical instruments can be ordered just like room service. We’re talking Fenders, Stratocasters and Telecasters to be strummed alongside a personalised playlist on the Hard Rock streaming service, or your selection from the vinyl library to spin on the Crosley turntable in every room.
Ready for a jam session? Get a glimpse inside the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza here:
For any true music lover, there’s only one place to stay in Ibiza. Book your holiday at hrhibiza.com or +34 971 31 28 01 now
Isabella is a freelance journalist who has written on young women's issues, entertainment, TV and film, South Asian representation, mental health, dating and so much more. She has bylines in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Prima, Digital Spy, Women's Health, and Harper's Bazaar, and was named 30 Under 30 by MediaWeek, PPA and We Are The City. She was also shortlisted for Workplace Hero at the Investing In Ethnicity Awards and Hero of the Year at the European Diversity Awards. Follow Isabella on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
