Pacha Ibiza, Pioneer Of Ibiza’s Party Scene, Is Still The Place To Go
by Benjamin Dzialdowski · BuzzFeedFor as long as I can remember, and long before that too, people have been flocking to the island of Ibiza. Millions visit each year for its landscape, beaches, and towns; not to mention the predictably perfect weather and, of course, the party.
While there are many things to do on the island, Ibiza's status as one of Europe's premier nightlife destinations remains very much intact, so when I got the chance to check out one of its most prominent clubs, Pacha Ibiza, I couldn't say no.
Pacha was a pioneer of Ibiza's journey towards the partying pedestal, and its iconic cherry branding has become synonymous with the island's glamorous nightlife culture.
Of course, it is no longer just a club; with venues around the world, Pacha is an institution, and you'll see its iconography on T-shirts and merch everywhere you go. Its home in Ibiza has adapted too, and isn't solely made up of the nightclub. In fact, I stayed at its hotel, El Hotel Pacha, located a stone's throw away from the club (I'm not joking, you could literally throw a stone to the club, but don't do that).
Passing the giant red cherries situated at the entrance of the hotel, the club's imagery was instantly recognisable – and the chic interior upheld the vibe of a place designed with style in mind.
Being met with a glass of bubbly at reception always helps the transition from travel to leisure, and the hotel room itself gave off a luxurious feel. The design was reminiscent of a finessed high-end Trullo house, with curving white walls and inlaid toilet and shower nooks.
Staying at the hotel also allows guests free entry to Pacha Ibiza, so you'll be sure to make use of the easiest club journey you'll ever have.
There are a number of elements that stand Pacha out amongst the top-tier clubs in Ibiza: its history, the brand itself, the unique structure of the club, but also the fact that, within the club premises, it boasts a restaurant where you can drink and dine before you walk in.
I didn't know that beginning a night out by drinking the restaurant's signature drink, the 'Horny' – which I must say is wonderfully satisfying – was something that I needed to experience, but I was happy to find out that it was.
We actually made one more pit stop before entering the main club at Pacha, but stayed within the maze-like confines of the space. We headed up from the restaurant to Paradiso Ibiza, the immersive cocktail experience located on the terrace of the nightclub.
It was at Paradiso where I had probably my favourite spicy margarita of all time... Which is very much saying something. You can't really go to a party destination without having at least one fancy cocktail on a rooftop bar, and there's really no better time or place to do it before heading downstairs to the music.
From the bedazzled courtyard to the intricate lighting designs on the walls, Pacha is truly an audio-visual experience. The Instagram-worthy art installations and lighting fixtures are dotted throughout, and there's even a merchandise shop on-site so you can dress the part while you party.
While Pacha excels with the bells and whistles, and has a keen eye for the finer details, you go to a night for the music and the atmosphere, and it doesn't miss there either.
Pacha's sound is provided by a full d&b audiotechnik configuration — the gold standard in high-performance sound — running on a Dante digital network for top tier clarity and precision.
The entire space is designed to optimise 'sonic balance', from the wall density to the stone composition, and each residency receives a bespoke setup by Pacha’s in-house team.
We were there for the beginning of Gordo's six-week TARAKA residency at Pacha Ibiza.
Clear and balanced, the sound system created the type of party atmosphere that Pacha and Ibiza are so renowned for.
With a full crowd immersed in the music, with the lasers careering off the walls and dancers that flanked the raised DJ booth, it's exactly the type of experience that makes Ibiza such a major player in the nightlife and party scene of Europe and beyond.
After leaving the club, I was pleasantly reminded that all I needed to do was cross the road on foot and I'd be back at the hotel, where I was greeted by one of the famous pizzas that El Hotel Pacha makes.
Note: Their restaurant shuts at 1am; I am just a genius and left one in my room before I headed out earlier that night...
An added benefit of both the club and the hotel is the location. Instead of having to get a cab out of the centre or to the club, I could stroll down to the old town to check out the food, bars, and shopping whenever I fancied without any effort.