Skrufff Guide To Ibiza 2002

"People go to Ibiza, do loads of drugs, have rampant sex with loads of people, have a really good time and a fantastic holiday, then go home and they're back 'on it'. They going back to clubs again, they're excited and everyone's happy." Steve Lawler, June 2002 (Skrufff)

Though England's superclub business apparently struggles through its biggest ever crisis, according to Space resident DJ Steve Lawler, the tables have already turned. With Ibiza's new season having only just begun, he's already claiming that the vibe on the White Island is already so good, it'll revitalize England's flagging scene, to launch another cycle in clubland's ever evolving wheel.

Judge Jules, whose Judgement Sunday event at Eden is one of the island's busiest events, is also optimistic about this season's start, telling Skrufff this week "overall numbers of tourists might be down, but there seems just as many clubbers at ever, certainly at our nights."

Nowhere else on earth (including London) caters so specifically for clubbers' needs and it's the one place where, between July and September, you can *always* find a party or club, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 90% of people there are tourists, explicitly on the island to party, helping Ibiza remain the friendliest and best holiday destination for clubbers anywhere in the world.


The Magic Of Ibiza:
Seekers of 'the Real Ibiza' should choose your starting point (based on whichever club/ beach/ bar/ DJ you prefer) then go with the flow, embracing whatever weird and wonderful tangents present themselves.

In practise, these 'tangents' will almost certainly be people, so chat and be friendly- if someone looks interesting, they probably are. And if someone smiles, smile back. And whether these tangents lead to luxury mansion parties, meeting the love of your life or simply getting loaded with a gang of new mates in San An, the more you communicate, the more you'll find. Because rather than being one big 'scene', Ibiza is a cluster of wildly varying, inter-locking social circles, loosely based on nationality, affluence, music industry status and sexual orientation. Ibiza has been a hedonists' paradise since the 60s and what the island offers beyond the obvious superclubs can often be what makes it truly special.


Clubs:
Key Clubs: Eden, Space, Amnesia, Pacha, Privilege, Es Paradis, El Divino, DC10

Eden, situated directly opposite San Antonio clubbing institution Es Paradis, is the newest superclub on the block (into its third season), hosting Paul Taylor's Retro on Wednesdays and Judge Jules Judgement Sundays each week. Godskitchen have also moved there from Amnesia to take over Tuesdays even School Disco. Holding 4,500 people and "designed for maximum euphoria", the club is populist rather than elitist and being in San an, packed to the rafters with Brits. DC10, opening on Monday mornings, is Charlie Chester's acclaimed venture is strictly for the hardcore (and has been known to get rough, shrinking violets should avoid).


Music:
House, specifically proper, soulful house remains Ibiza's stock-in-trade style, with clubs like Pacha, El Divinos and even Manumission remaining dominated by the sexier end of house. Hard house, as projected by the likes of Godskitchen, also remains popular and techno, in the shape of Sven Vath's Cocoon is also enjoying (another) renaissance. Ibiza is also the chill-out capital of the world, so be prepared to hear Pink Floyd and a smattering of downtempo ballads whenever you find a tranquil spot (Salinas Beach being one of the best).


Costs:
With most clubs charging £30+ (US$45) for admission then £4 and upwards for a glass of beer, burning money here is frighteningly easy though still not necessarily essential to have a good time. For the first time in (clubland) memory some clubs have reduced prices this year, though they're still soul destroying if you're going out every night.

Many places offer Tags

• ibiza