Recently finding myself in Spain, both physically and in a sense of self-discovery, I recalled some not-so-veiled rumors I’d heard of a nearby island, allegedly home to some of the most incredible parties and EDM shows on the planet. Not sufficiently convinced by the endless amounts of media, social posts and DJ sets publicly available, I decided to take a few days and do my own research.

I’m talking, of course, about Eivissa, the White Isle, that we all commonly know as Ibiza. (Don’t sweat the pronunciation, I heard a thousand different versions from as many different people). This recap isn’t comprehensive of my visit to Ibiza; you don’t care about my exploration of historic or cultural destinations, nor my sailing trip to Es Vedrà. It also isn’t remotely exhaustive of my partying experience; nothing could be.

A gorgeous view, but probably not why you’re reading this article.

My visit took place just before the peak season, and while Ibiza was already full of life, I could feel a constant sense of anticipation in the air for the coming weeks. Enjoy this amalgamation of sunrises and sunsets, already hazy memories and an irresistible urge to return.

[UNVRS] – No Art Takeover

Put simply, seeing ANOTR at [UNVRS] felt like stepping into… another universe. The awe-inspiring main room was full of people, from the very back of a giant staircase all the way to the DJ booth. World-class production and custom “No Art” fixtures elevated an already amazing set from ANOTR B2B Pawsa. A 9-minute mashup of ‘Relax My Eyes‘ and ‘Talk To You‘ ended the night in classic ANOTR style, with the entire audience captivated by the music.

ANOTR B2B Pawsa at [UNVRS] Ibiza.

If you’re looking for a quick break from the main room, or prefer a more intimate atmosphere, try to find the Bunker, a small, hidden side stage with an oversized disco ball meteor seemingly smashed in through the ceiling. Truly a club within a club, with an amazing vibe and surprisingly powerful sound system. Be warned, you might not want to leave!

A UFO crash, spotted just outside of [UNVRS] Ibiza.

While not a summer-long residency, the No Art takeover returns to [UNVRS] one more time this season, on September 29.

Ushuaïa Ibiza – Tomorrowland with Dimitri Vegas

Consider a day trip to Planaxis, Tomorrowland’s underwater world. It’s not as far as it sounds – pick a Wednesday and go to Ushuaïa Ibiza’s daytime festival stage, conveniently located at the luxurious Ushuaïa hotel. (Lucky guests can watch shows right from their balcony).

Ushuaïa’s set-up is iconic on it’s own merit, but the Tomorrowland takeover adds a giant sea turtle, seemingly swimming into the crowd. Wukong, Bassjackers and Joel Corry guided the audience through the sunset with a mix of progressive and big room hits curated for the occasion, preparing the audience for Dimitri Vegas‘ showstopping performance.

The water theme feels especially appropriate given Ushuaïa’s placement right on the coast, and Dimitri Vegas’ set of EDM classics and fun, practical effects make for a fantastic early event. Then, grab a bite (or a shot) down the street, change, and head out for the night.

HÏ Ibiza – MEDUZA and James Hype Present OUR HOUSE

The OUR HOUSE residency returns to Hï Ibiza for another run, and stepping foot into the club makes it instantly clear why. The opening party carried a powerful energy felt even in the air outside, and the floor amassed enthusiastic listeners excited to kick off the season.

MEDUZA premiere one of several new tracks at Hï Ibiza.

MEDUZA³‘s hybrid-live performance artfully blended DJing, live piano and dynamic performance elements, culminating in a unique audio-visual experience rarely found elsewhere. The crowd responded with visible enthusiasm, dancing and jumping to tracks including ‘Piece Of Your Heart‘, ‘La La Land’ and ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home.’ A beautiful, white piano played on a club stage added additional audiovisualspectacle to an incredible set.

James Hype’s SYNC followed by raising the energy even further, showcasing his eclectic mixing style and bringing exciting effects and transitions. The SYNC show concept aligns visuals to actions made on the decks, giving James Hype full control of the Theatre at Hï. His crowd favorite, ‘Ferrari,’ lit up the room, and latest single, ‘Seratonin,’ showcased the SYNC spectacle, perfectly matching the clubs vibrant visual displays with the addictive dance track.

Based on the opening party alone, OUR HOUSE will easily be one of the summer’s most memorable residencies.

Closing thoughts

Not sufficiently emphasized in this recap is the warmth of Ibiza, beyond the pleasant weather. Staff, locals and patrons alike were overwhelmingly friendly and easy to talk to, and at no point in any club or place on the island did I feel unsafe. Allow me to add one more voice to a mainstream opinion – Ibiza lives up to the hype.

Ignore the people saying it was better 20 years ago, every generation experiences their own version of the White Isle. If you can, go. If you can’t, go when you can. Pet a cat, sit by a beach, smile at a stranger, embrace the magicand dance all night long. And please, try to put your phone away. Trust me, you’ll remember it.