The Spirits of Ibiza back together again
Posted: May 17, 2012 Filed under: Settling in | Tags: Ibiza, marlowfm, Spirits of Ibiza Leave a comment »As the summer season approaches and our thoughts turn towards the White Isle, and getting away from all this ‘odd’ May weather, the Spirits of Ibiza have been reunited in London once more. The Spirits met up at Paddington Station for a couple of hours, to welcome Jules back to Blighty after his stint as our very own man in Ibiza.
We talked about the radio show, our continued love of the island (most parts of it) and how it’s such a shame that it’s only a half-year island. After several glasses of vino tinto, we agreed that the show must go on and so Si will be dusting down his decks to mix the Spirits of Ibiza shows that go out on MarlowFM on Saturday nights from 10pm-Midnight
We’re all looking forward to a scorching summer and playing a great selection of Ibiza inspired music from Chill through Beach and onto Classic and Funky House.
Hasta Luego!
Si Livingstone, Mark Harris and Jules Miller
Flights to Ibiza 2012
Posted: January 31, 2012 Filed under: Ibiza news | Tags: BA to Ibiza, Brighton Airport to Ibiza, City Airport to Ibiza, Flights to Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza Sun, Michael O'Leary, Ryanair, Spanair, winter flight Leave a comment »
La Salinas Beach
“Your local correspondent was saddened to see the apparent demise of Spanair over the weekend. The Barcleona-based low-cost airline suspended all flights on Sat. Jan 28th, resulting in some 20,000 passengers being stranded throughout Europe. Spanair’s action also prompted the Spanish government to threaten to fine Spanair €9 billion – which I must say I find somewhat ironic – if Spanair have gone bust, how are they expected to pay a €9 billion fine?!
Anyway, the reason that I was saddened to see this happen, is that Ibiza is already suffering from RyanAir’s decision to completely withdraw their Winter Schedule Flights to/from Ibiza. Contrary to public perception, this was not just another case of Mr’ O’Leary being awkward. Nor is he simply trying to stop people having easy access to/from the UK and continue to enhance commercial opportunities both ways during the very quiet winter months on the Island. It transpires that the Ibiza Government reneged on a financial agreement that it had with RyanAir for winter flight subsidies, by not paying some €400,000 it owes to RyanAir. Under those circumstances, who can really blame O’Leary?
The bigger picture, as I see it, is whether or not another airline will seize the potential opportunity to ‘fill the gap’ in the winter direct flight service? BA have announced that they are beginning daily direct flights out of City Airport from March 15th, which is a little earlier than when they began the Ibiza service from City in 2010. Brighton Airport, although clearly only really viable for passengers who live in the South of England, are also looking to begin a direct service to Ibiza from Feb 1st.
All I can say is ‘watch this space’ & I’ll keep you updated with the latest news, as soon as I have it…!”
If you need any more local Ibizan info, please get in touch
Ciao for Now!
Jules
A Video review of Summer 2011 in Ibiza
Posted: October 31, 2011 Filed under: Ibiza news | Tags: Erick Morillo, IMS 2011, Pacha, Pete Tong, Ushuaia Hotel Leave a comment »Gives you a good feeling about the Island and this summer’s big nights and days.
Hed Kandi coming to Kanada 27th October
Posted: October 24, 2011 Filed under: God is a DJ, Ibiza news | Tags: Amp Radio, Greg Myers, Hed Kandi, Hed Kandi Ibiza, Hot 107, Spirit Halloween Leave a comment »Spirit of Halloween Alberta is proud to be hosting its inaugural Alberta Halloween tour with stops in Calgary and Edmonton. Join Sprit of Halloween at The Bank Thursday October 27th and at Empire Ballroom on Friday October 28th for “HALLOWEEN KANDI ATTACK OF THE KANDI GIRLS” featuring Greg Myers, Hed Kandi’s Ibiza and UK Resident Dj.
Hed Kandi is playing for the first time in Alberta and is set to dish out a dose of glamorous, funky, electro house. UK sensation Thomas Gandy will open for Hed Kandi with local guests DJ Tomek and the sexy DJ Bijou warming each night. Tickets are available at all Sprit of Halloween stores, or on-line, at www.zoobis.com and www.ticketzone.com. Co- sponsored by Amp Radio in Calgary, and Hot 107 in Edmonton listeners can win prize packages including free tickets,
End of Summer 2011 in Ibiza
Posted: October 12, 2011 Filed under: Settling in | Tags: Apartments in Ibiza, dc10, DJ Jamie Jones, DJ Luciano, Ibiza, Jamie Jones, John Sa Trinxa, Julian Miller, luciano, Pacha, Sa Trinxa, Salinas Beach, Ushuaia Hotel, White Ibiza Leave a comment »
As the sun sets...
Well, the end of Ibiza Summer Season 2011 is now truly here…
Local statistics reported that, in August, the White Isle was at over 90% occupancy (hotels, bars, restaurants, taxis and, of course the clubs…!), and all I can say is that it certainly felt like it!!
That’s a very strong recovery from the visitor numbers from 2010 (some 50% less) and I suspect that those running season-related businesses here were secretly very relieved… Ibiza has been full-on everything this summer, from people through to hedonism (well, it is what the Island is (in)famous for!!), bringing a renewed and much-needed optimism – there is no doubt that we will be in the grip of a global recession for some time, but this summer has seen Ibiza raise it’s head bravely above the parapet for a peek at what is out there…
With the locals (both of Ibiza & mainland Spain) now coming out of the woodwork to enjoy their very own White Isle as it basks in day-long sunshine and an average of 27 degrees in October, there is a calmer, more relaxed feel to all that is going on. It’s true that all the quaint & very stylish boutiques and restaurants in Ibiza Town are closing for the Winter – one-by-one, as I write – but there are the ‘year-round’ gems to now be found here – where you’ll now be able to have enough space to kick back & relax…
This month also marks your correspondent’s 1st year anniversary as a resident here – as opposed to the visitor that I’ve been for the last 12 years – and it is with genuinely mixed emotions that I personally say goodbye to the Summer. Maybe I shouldn’t say it, but there is a lot to be said for Ibiza’s natural beauty (some of it sadly destroyed by no less than two huge forest fires this summer) and truly chilled feel now that the hordes of visitors have departed.
Awesomely beautiful coves, beaches and dramatic green countryside – they are the main reason that I decided to come out to live through the Winter in October 2010 and, having been a resident through July & August, it would seem that my decision has been vindicated in how I feel now, sitting here and writing to you in October.
For those of you tempted to take a look at the option of spending a Winter here too, check out my (hopefully enticing) summary at http://blog.white-ibiza.com/ibiza-lifestyle-apartments-in-ibiza-winter-living-in-ibiza
It is said that Island likes to challenge the long-term resident in their resilience to stay & if you get through, then it embraces you with open arms – I’m still here and looking forward to my second Winter!! 
So, dear reader, on the high points and discoveries… :
- DJ of the season : there can be no doubt that the absolute star of the decks this year was Luciano, who’s gang of ‘Vagabundos’ literally blew the lid off both Ushuaia & Pacha every week. A very definitely close second was Jamie Jones, who did exactly the same at DC10 every week and will, in my opinion, be next year’s Luciano – a global star in waiting in the wings – watch out for Jamie soon…
- Beach Bar-restaurant of the season : without a doubt ‘Sa Trinxa‘ on Salinas Beach, owned by Ibiza legend John Sa Trinxa. Simply the best spot on the beach, with the best value-for-money food in Salinas – not to mention the eclectic music played there every day. Want to see an instant Beach Party just happen once the music hits the spot with the sun going down? Get down to Sa Trinxa next year – open May to October! (www.satrinxa.com)
- Sunsets : these, of course, are to be enjoyed on the West coast of the Island all year-round too and I’ve happened to enjoy many spectacular sunsets so far, with more to come…!
- Restaurants in Ibiza Town : a couple of best-kept secrets by the local community are… well, if I tell you their names, they’ll just become the worst-kept secrets! Email us at ‘SoI’ and I might ‘spill the beans’! Suffice to say, great & very inexpensive food, with super staff and a really buzzy atmosphere!
OK, I think it’s time for me to be signing off for now – I will be posting again in a few weeks’ time, once the beginning of Winter makes it arrival – with some more little gems for you…
Ciao for now!
Jules xx
Good Times with Norman Jay MBE
Posted: July 30, 2011 Filed under: God is a DJ | Tags: Good Times, MBE, Norman Jay, NormanJay, Southbank centre, Vintage 2011, Vintage Festival, www.Normanjay.com Leave a comment »I had the honour of meeting the Legend who is Norman Jay MBE. Honoured for his service to music and one of my main musical inspirations. I randomly bumped into this true gent who kindly took time out to chat before he went on to play The Warehouse at 10-midnight.
He’s playing on Sunday 31st July too, so there’s still time to catch him at the Southbank Centre.
http://www.normanjay.com/live-dates/2011/07/29/vintage-at-southbank-centre
Also get a copy of his new album is a must-buy celebrating 30 years of Good Times, it’s a supreme collection of Sir Norman’s finest shake and finger pop.
If you want Good Times, Get some now http://www.normanjay.com/
Norman we salute you, keep up the great work and how you get into the Good Times van we will never know – it’s so tiny!
Our very own Superstar DJ Si Macintosh
Posted: July 18, 2011 Filed under: Things To Do | Tags: Flowd, Ibiza, Si Macintosh, Spirits of Ibiza, www.SiMacintosh.com Leave a comment »Here’s Si Macintosh being interviewed by the Music Lovers’ Social Network – Flowd.com
He’s also got one of his mixes in here too.
Let us know if you have any extra questions for Si ?
Ibiza is officially OPEN!
Posted: June 7, 2011 Filed under: Settling in | Tags: Apartments in Ibiza, apartments-in-ibiza.com, Cathy Battistessa, DC!0, Es Paradis, Finca AM, Ibiza Rocks, IMS 2011, JD's Ibiza, Leo, Nassau, Pacha, Pete Tong, Plan B, Privelege, Samantha Cameron, Sirocco, Space, The Supper Club at Novum, Ushuaia Hotel, white-ibiza.com, www.ibizaroyalbeach.com Leave a comment »Calling all Ibiza-lovers around the world: the last two weekends saw the opening of the Summer 2011 party ‘floodgates’ – the season here has arrived!
Official ‘opening parties’ were launched at :
Ushuaia Hotel – the ‘uber’-luxurious & ever-so-sexy hotel right opposite Space
Space on Sunday
DC!0 (probably the best music on the Island!)
Privelege
The Supper Club at Novum – lovely vibe & super-cool people
Leo (great new Lounge bar/restaurant that used to be El Divino (with a fantastic view of Ibiza’s Old Town)
Es Paradis in San Antonio – worth mentioning simply because the lovely Jo Mills played a simply stunning set (as she did again at Pacha last Friday!!)
Ibiza Rocks with Plan B
Whilst the summer weather hasn’t quite yet turned up the heat – we’ve had both cloudy & rainy days here – the wet stuff was much-needed after the destruction wreaked by the forest fires up in the North of the Island… The forecast, however, is looking good…!
As the holiday season is now well & truly upon us, I need to make a few important notices for those of you currently planning your visit dates :
As ever, by far the best people to arrange all your Ibiza accommodation requirements, are the team at ‘Apartments in Ibiza’ – very friendly, efficient and offering you the benefit of over 10 years of experience here on the White Isle – visit them online at www.apartments-in-ibiza.com. They are also delighted to announce a venture with the brand-new Ibiza Royal Beach apartment complex & community (www.ibizaroyalbeach.com/index_en.htm) – 5* luxury apartments for 5* star clientele (sorry, no stag parties here! Don’t be surprised if they ask to check you Facebook pre-booking!) – a beautiful complex with its own private beach & infinity swimming pool and situated right on the beach at Playa den Bossa. The team is awaiting your call…
To enable you to plan the perfect itinerary for your holiday, visit ‘www.white-ibiza.com‘ – by far the most informed, connected & professional purveyors of what’s new & worth checking out – from Spa Hotels, the best venues and the nicest restaurants, right through to the best parties to go to…! All the beach bar/restaurants may now be open – and lovely they are too (Nassau, Sirocco, Sands & Ushuaia to name a few), but the warmest welcome you will get on Playa den Bossa will undoubtedly be at JDs Bistro – my firm favourite at the weekend throughout the winter – now open every day & offering great food at very good value! Joanne & Darren look forward to seeing you there…
On some musical notes, the last week of May saw the return of IMS- the International Music Summit – an annual music industry event brought to by none other than Pete Tong – with all the key names in music finding the time to visit. Even ‘SamCam’ (that’s Mrs. Samantha Cameron, wife of the English Prime Minister, to you & me!) was there and enjoying the final day’s open-air party in Ibiza’s Old Town!
Another event that I simply have to mention, was seeing Cathy Battistessa – the voice of Cafe Del Mar and well-known singer for so much music on the White Isle – performing a simply stunning live set at the afore-mentioned Sirocco recently, marking the launch of the “Finca AM” compilation (www.fincaam.com) – look out for Cathy singing her hit ‘More Than Ever People’ – the crowd were simply transfixed…
Finally, my fellow ‘Spirits of Ibiza’ & music-lovers of all that is the White Isle and I, have got together to once again come to you across the airwaves with our very own ‘Spirits of Ibiza’ chillout/lounge/house set every Saturday night from 10pm to Midnight (UK time) – you can hear us online at www.marlowfm.co.uk each week. Get a flavour of last Saturday’s show: http://podcastmachine.com/podcasts/9917
ENJOY!!
That’s it for this instalment. Thanks for your continued interest & support – and for reading – see you all again soon..!!
All the best,
Jules
Island Murmurs
Posted: April 11, 2011 Filed under: Settling in | Tags: Amnesia, Armada, Bambuddah Grove, Blue Marlin, Eden, Ibiza Opening parties, JD's Ibiza, Pacha, Pete Tong, Space Leave a comment »Hola from the wakening White Isle…!
It’s been a few weeks since these words came to you across the waves, but quite a bit has been happening, so let’s start at the top :
My secret (and ever-so well connected) source on the Island (whose name is….?) has given me the following ‘insider’ snippets of news for this summer’s season :
The world (in)famous ‘Clubland’ nights move from Es Paradis to Eden this year…’Wonderland’ moves from Eden to Pacha for the summer – no-one seems to know if Mr. Pete Tong will be moving as well?!… Armada moves from Space to Amnesia & no-one seems to know if Roger Sanchez will be moving with them either…Ssshhhh..! I’ll keep you posted on any updates as soon as I get them!
The Giant awakens… Well, it’s been a while coming, but Ibiza is rubbing the sleep from its eyes after the so-called ‘winter’! The weather here has been simply sublime for the past 2 weeks & it feels like summer is here already! As I write these words, it’s already a balmy 22 degrees and the sunshine is glorious! Shops are now opening for business, bars are popping corks & restaurants are serving up their fine fare… Opening Parties you ask?! Well, let me see… Last weekend saw the season kick-off with two of the very best on the Island – Bambuddha Grove opened its doors for the summer last Friday night (owner John Moon the ever-gracious & effervescent host!), with Blue Marlin smoothly taking over (or was that ‘carrying on’?!) from Saturday lunchtime – what a great day thru to the evening, getting down on the beach!
New arrivals! Many, many congratulations must go out to the ‘mainstay’ of the Winter Weekend resident gatherings! Joanne & Darren of JD’s Bistro (mentioned regularly in these pages!) have become the very proud parents of little Maxi – I have no doubt that Maxi will be in JD’s kitchen in his ‘mini-me’ Chef’s outfit with Daddy Darren, once JD’s re-opens on May 1st. Joanne is doing really well & tells me she can’t wait ti get back behind the front desk, ordering everyone around…!
Meanwhile, your very own ‘Spirit of Ibiza’ is settling in the Island well – a new apartment in beautiful Ibiza Town beckons from May 1st – pictures will be posted soon…
That’s all for now ‘chicas & chicos’ – more updates coming shortly!
Take care…
Hasta Luego
xx
++
Jules
