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Ibiza, Spain’s idyllic beach party island, welcomes an eclectic mix of hippies, Euro backpackers, and high-end ballers. Thanks to the flower-power hippies of the 1960’s, and their love for music, Ibiza has transformed into an iconic music-lovers destination. Although there’s more to the island than epic parties, young 20 and 30 year olds flood the shores in search of the island’s biggest party. Electronic music lovers “eat, sleep, rave, repeat” throughout the towns of San Antonio and Playa D’en Bossa.

After experiencing a week of opening parties at some of the best clubs--Space, Ushuaia, Amnesia, Destino, and Bora Bora—I learned several valuable survival tips.

Question Your Party Style
Do you like to party until midnight, go to sleep, and wake up being able to function the next morning? Or, do you prefer to party until sunrise? Since most American bars and clubs close at 2:00 am, Americans are normally less trained than their European counterparts’ 24-hour open-air parties. Luckily, Ibiza offers parties at all hours of the day. Many daytime venues spin DJ’s from noon to midnight where other clubs open their doors at midnight, and push through the following afternoon. It sounds easy to hit several parties in one night, but depending on your stamina, lifestyle, and Redbull consumption, it’s more realistic to choose one or the other.

Stay Hydrated
The Balearic sun beams as hard as the music beats. Sunny days, hot temperatures, dance parties, and sweat-drenched bodies packed in a nightclub are a surefire way to become dehydrated. Dehydration is often a problem with clubbers which causes headaches and muscle cramps, and makes those hangovers even worse. The supermarkets sell coconut water, also known as nature’s Gatorade, which is essential along with fruit smoothies and plenty of water.

Catch a Beach Nap
After one day of partying you get tried. After two days your feet are thrashed. By day three you’re energized and addicted to the Ibizan spirit circle of electronic and techno raves. But in reality the body cannot push on without sleep. Once you’ve hit that wall, passing out on the beach underneath the burning hot sun will be the best idea you’ve ever had. Sleep until four or five o’clock and head to Bora Bora for a daytime dance before nighttime parties.

Wear Comfortable Shoes
If you want your feet to survive, wear a pair of comfortable shoes. Skip the stilettos and get some danceable shoes. Your feet, knees, and back will thank you by day three. Every club has a different dress code, but unless you are wearing a Borat man-kini with flip flops, most clubs will not deny you.

Smart Party Planning
The downfall of Ibiza is that all that clubbing is expensive and can be a nightmare with poor planning. It sounds simple and easy to stay in Playa D’en Bossa and catch a cab or the party bus to San Antonio. Most of the time it’s easy, but during peak hours and season, clubbers can wait up to two hours for a cab. Even when you’re exhausted at 4:00 a.m. it can take up to an hour to get a cab because hundreds of other partiers are exhausted too. Illegal cabs roam the street, but use your judgment before hopping in one. Also, some pre-sale tickets have entry before 9:00 p.m. so plan according to the crowds. If you plan on mainly partying in one town, book a hotel in that area.

Expect to Spend Money
Are you on a budget? Do your research and get acquainted with the Ibiza price list. Ibiza is not cheap and spending money is inevitable. Upscale clubs charge up to 80 Euro entrance fees; cafes serve 10 Euro smoothies and illegal cabs charge double post parties, up to 40 Euro to drive five kilometers. While clubbing, water can cost eight Euro per bottle, one mixed drink can cost up to 25 Euro and VIP tables cost up to 10 thousand Euro for the night. If you are on a budget, look at one of several online Ibiza party calendars and select the clubs and parties that you really want to experience. Most everyone spends more than they want to during their time in Ibiza. What’s the survival lesson? Bring your ATM card and plenty of cash.

Be Stress-Free
Depending on how your body reacts to stress, and the amount of booze in your stomach, your gut will either want to eat a smorgasbord or nothing at all. Keep up your strength and make sure you eat. A lighter fare with plenty of fruit and vegetables balances stress and energizes the body. Also, Ibiza clubs do not allow re-entry, which means you are locked inside a club for six to eight hours. Many clubs serve overpriced pizza or sandwiches, so grab some grub before you club.

Use Your Intuition
This tip is not limited to females. Ibiza is a fun place to let it loose and party but can also attract some ill intentioned people. Many do not use clear judgement on their limits of drugs and alcohol. Electronic concerts trick the mind with upbeat music and insane multi-media techniques. This makes you want and crave a bigger "high." Use your senses and intuition to limit yourself. Isn't it better to remember the party with a good buzz rather than getting piss-wasted, blacking out, and possibly having some creeps grope on you? I do not think Ibiza is a dangerous or sketchy place, but those looking for trouble will attract trouble. 

It was just another morning of boardwalking through Ses Figuertas and Ibiza Town. I found it too hot to drink a morning tea or coffee so I thought, “Why not energize the body with yet another smoothie.” I walked past Soleado a few times noticing the amazing seaside tables perched about 10 feet above the crashing waves.

With only five Euros in my pocket, I glanced at a menu with gratitude since their smoothies cost five Euros. I grabbed a front row table and sat in peace while staring at the ocean.

“Wow, life is so….,” I thought as the waiter approached saying, “Hola Como Estas?”

I ordered a coconut-based smoothie that contained tropical fruit and banana. The restaurant sits in the heart of Ses Figuertas nestled between Ibiza Town and Playa D’en Bossa.  In my opinion, the water and shoreline is more beautiful and pristine than the Playa shore.

Soleado is mainly a seafood and meat-based restaurant that offers vegetarian options. For breakfast, they serve smoothies, coffees and teas. It’s an ideal morning destination for one of the cheapest smoothies and the best views on this side of the island.

Even if I went out the night before, I dragged myself out of bed no later than 9:00 am to explore town. The “early morning” café was quiet with a few folks sipping a latte. I found it enjoyable to sit in peace and quiet while the ocean inspired my thoughts. With ambient music in the background, I felt as if I discovered Heaven on Earth.

It reminded me of the times I sat in Australia with my surfboard and contemplated the deeper meanings to life. The ocean has an effect on me that only those who are aquatic-loving creatures can understand. I send positive vibrations to the universe to bring me back to Ibiza in hopes of doing a retreat or something similar.

Soleado (like most cafes) offer British English, French, German and Spanish menus. For the seaside view, I feel Soleado offers comparable prices with other restaurants. The restaurant offers an upper and lower terrace for your eating pleasure. To sign off I leave you with some inspiration from Soleado.

“I can resist anything but temptation.” O. Wilde

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Soleado Restaurante
Paseo Ses Pitiusas s/n, 07800 Figueretas – Ibiza
http://www.soleadoibiza.com/?lang=en

Watch your pocketbook ladies, ‘cause you’re gonna spend a lot of money in Ibiza. Anyone who fits the Bohemian-Island Goddess stereotype will want to spend her life savings in Ibiza. Ibiza is a shopaholic's paradise. The shopping in Ibiza ranges from the downright trashy to the upright classy. It’s an eclectic array of choices to cater to the eccentric mix of people who visit the island. From backpackers to back-pocket ballers, Ibiza has everything and anything. There are a few suggestions I highly recommend, but here is an overview of what to expect in Ibiza.

Cheap Souvenir Store Club Wear
This is the neon-colored, Miami stripper meets the Jersey-Shore-inspired club wear that makes you look as trashy as Snookie. It’s the type of fashion and style I despise as it’s underlying message is “haha we got you.” What do I mean? It’s the brainwash bullshit messaging sent to young twenty-year olds (who can afford the clothing) to make them feel good about themselves because they “fit into society” and “did something epic.” Some of it I think is worn as a funny joke, which I agree is hilarious, but some girls had handfuls of this trashy treasure-shit to take back to England. It’s the type of clothing that rips knock off lines from Vegas such as, “What happens in Ibiza, Stays in Ibiza,” and shirts, thongs, boxers and shorts that proudly state the word, “fuck” on everything. I see this type of clothing on the same level of lowness as the dipshit who created the bloodstained Urban Outfitter Kent State University shooting sweatshirt. What about any of this is funny or remotely cool? But, what the hell do I know? I’m an independent hippie at heart who gets angry when people try to insult my intelligence. And this type of clothing I find is an insult to the beauty of one’s mind, body and soul.

Actual Souvenir Store Club Wear
The main clubs in Ibiza are not just eat, drink and dance venues. They are a brand and brands sell clothing. Inside some of the clubs (such as Space) you’ll find a souvenir store open during the parties. However, some clubs have street side stores such as Ushuaia and Pacha. Here you’ll find every piece of clothing slapped with a brand or party-theme insignia. For example, one of Ushuaia’s parties in ANTS. You can bring home your party memory with Ant-themed t-shirts and thongs. Café del Mar sells everything from bathing suits, CD’s and logoed shorts. Don’t worry if you’re too hung over to shop during the day. The airport has several club stores such as Pacha and Ushuaia.

Hippie Market meets Modern Trend Wear
The hippie markets sell everything from Buddha bags to bracelets. The modern Bohemian theme is popular now on the island. What does this mean? Fashion uses modern cuts, styles and trends while using “hippie-inspired” fabric with bold colors and vibrant designs. You can find everything from bathing suit cover ups to fashion scarves. A common trend is to take something traditional from Ibiza such as a semi-precious (or faux) stone and create a bracelet dangled with a feather. Hippies find traditional “energy” goods such as crystals, stones and angel-shaped statues.

Upscale Beach-Inspired Wear
Similar to what I mentioned above, select stores throughout the island cater to those who can afford a 200-Euro chiffon beach sarong. The jewelry uses real stones and gold and there is nothing faux about it. Designer swimwear can cost up to several hundred euros for both men and women and all goods cater to the classy.

Music
If you come to Ibiza for the music, you’ll most likely go home with some CD’s. I found the average price of the CD’s cost 30-euro for a two-disc pack. You’ll find everything from Hed Kandi, deep house to Café del Mar-ambient beats. If you love Ibiza music, you’ll find every type of house, EDM, techno and Balearic beat throughout the island.