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Ibiza opening party highlights: Ocean Beach

It may be run by Gary Lineker’s tattooed and geezer-ish brother and be a haven for reality stars, but Ocean Beach’s opening bash this year was anything but C-list.

Despite a few Love Islanders lurking about, Yahoo Celeb was just surrounded by splendid, glamorous things when we were invited for the massive pre season launch.

With our own table topped with many, many mango daiquiris and a stonking great bottle of Ciroc vodka, we had the perfect view to watch the spectacular show that the Ocean Beach team spent months preparing.

Paaaarty!
Paaaarty!

Elephants, aerial trapeze, dancers and drag queens paraded around the three pools and the potential for people watching was immense. The music was solid Ibiza house but became slightly more commercial after dark.

And one of the great things abut the vibe was that sure, there were scores of perfectly toned, pert and pretty party-goers, but there was also guests aged 50 and over. All are welcome and if in doubt, glitter yourself to the max with the Kiss My Fairy gals, on site to make you sparklesome.

All day drinking requires some soakage as we know, and the food at Ocean Beach doesn’t disappoint. Juicy tempura prawns, delectable canapes and yummy sushi are all available. The whole experience was glamorous, chilled and luxurious. Perfect weather and the perfect start to the White Island’s summer season.

All the beautiful people…
All the beautiful people…

If Ocean is full the nearby THB Naeco hotel is superb. It’s brand spanking new too so everything is spotless. The design is minimal and airy and each room has funky mood lighting that changes depending where you are. It’s also really close to the action in San Antonio but private enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Naeco Hotel Ibiza
Naeco Hotel Ibiza

Other alternatives to partying hard are hiring a boat with you and your pals to get some hangover-crushing sea air and a break from the crowds. Stop off at Cotton Beach Club at Cala Tarida for cocktails and lunch. It has fantastic views and a pretty little beach and is sort of a Ibizan hidden gem (well, not anymore!)

And of course no trip to Ibiza is complete without a trip to the infamous Pikes hotel. It’s been described as an Alice in Wonderland for adults and is a cheeky, whimsical playground of naughtiness. Edgy rude decor, so many nooks and crannies to misbehave in and a terrific Sunday lunch roast make it one of the most talked about places on the island.

Jordi Cervera photography © 2015
Jordi Cervera photography © 2015

The bed-hopping founder Tony Pikes still lives there and is a regular fixture though as a business it’s now owned and run by husband and wife Dawn Hindle and Andy McKay. The Freddie room (where Mr Mercury threw parties) is a sweaty micro club within the hotel and whatever you do, you have to have a go in Sunny’s bathtub karaoke. And if you’re extra lucky, he might let you take a peek in his dressing up room.

Pikes: A wonderland…
Pikes: A wonderland…

Easyjet, BA and Monarch fly daily from all over the country so get booking.

And remember, Ibiza is always a good idea.