Only a few weeks ago, hedonists worldwide were eagerly preparing for a return to pre-pandemic-level partying on Ibiza, Spain’s summer playground. Mega clubs such as Pacha and Hi Ibiza were readying the foam machines. But now the Delta variant has derailed the revelry: people from different households are currently banned from mixing indoors or outdoors from 1 AM (about the time one traditionally got dressed) to 6 AM.
But with proper guidance, travelers can still find bliss on the White Island. British-born Serena Cook arrived on Ibiza more than two decades ago, after she opened London’s first organic cafe with Zac and Sheherazade Goldsmith. When another friend, Jade Jagger, suggested she spend a summer on Ibiza, Cook found her calling—catering to the endless whims of the island’s wealthy and famous visitors. Whether it was Johnny Depp in need of a massage, Ricardo Tisci planning his 40th birthday party or Mick Jagger looking for a villa to rent, Serena got the call. With her concierge company, Deliciously Sorted, now in its 19th summer, Cook is the island’s supreme fixer and taste arbiter.
Despite the obvious challenges of the moment, Ibiza remains open for business. For Vanity Fair, Cook prepared a list of what to do and where to go on Ibiza, in this summer unlike any other.
Current restrictions in Ibiza mean that no indoor nightclubs are open, but the spirit of Ibiza still rings true. Visitors can enjoy outside events, table-seated night life, or resort to the Ibiza of old at Cafe del Mar, the iconic sunset spot. Restaurants have become the social hotspots to see and be seen.
Newcomer Jondal, which opened last year, does not even have a DK but heaves with the creme de la créme of Ibiza clientele, enjoying Executive Chef Rafael Zafra’s phenomenal seafood whilst enjoying the restaurant’s understated elegance. For Mediterranean with Middle Eastern flavors as well as a Balearic DJ there is nothing better than El Chringuito on Es Cavallet, which does the Ibiza ”beach club” restaurant so well.
The Pacha group newly opened Casa Pacha in Formentera offers a boutique hotel with a delicious restaurant where sunset experiences together with musical happenings reference the legendary mothership. Cuts and Wines by Johannes Goller Ex Cocoon hosts music and meat-focused nights with world class DJs; think Sasha and Ida Engberg spinning the tunes in various locations, including the new hot spot El Silencio. And for a farm-to-table experience head to Juntos, a 22-person dining experience deep in the heart of the Ibiza campo, serenaded by live acoustic music.
The world renowned Lio Ibiza cabaret dining continues to be the most glamorous and entertaining night experience on the island, as well as having opened a Mykonos venue. New on the block is “528,” a theatrical pop-up experience, from the people behind Ibiza Rocks. The magical Woo Moon, the hit of nightlife pre-Covid, has reopened, though revelers will be seated due to the new nightlife ‘normal’. Private parties are still permitted, but with no gatherings allowed between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., events are starting early— late lunch languidly rolling into sunset.
For the ultimate private event. rent the just-launched Fincadelica, a paradisal estate in the North of Ibiza. Set in 20 acres with 9 sumptuous suites, the property offers a cave-style nightclub with state-of-the-art musical facilities. Together with an extraordinary biodynamic greenhouse and its own private chef, an unforgettable party is guaranteed.
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