I went to a seven-hour party in a 2,500-year-old fort — here’s why you should go too

As I found myself in a crowd of hundreds of other electronic music fans, standing in a 2,500 year old Spanish fort, I felt a sense of peace in the chaos. Sounds cliché, I know. 

It was my final evening in Ibiza and the closing party of the International Music Summit, which saw hundreds of music lovers, those in the industry as well as performers, fly to the small island.

Now, here I was, listening to some of the biggest acts of the 2024 club season in a UNESCO heritage site. 

Days earlier, I had landed on the White Isle for the very first time from London, with my friend Millie in tow.

Unlike many twenty-somethings, I had never dreamt of going to the White Isle. I only knew of its reputation through songs, stories, and Love Island stars.

Growing up in North Carolina, spending a weekend in the Balearics was never really on my bucket list – not to mention that fact that you can’t exactly jump on a Ryanair flight from the States.

In fact, when I told my friends back home I was jetting off to the Spanish island, they all teased me about the Mike Posner song, ‘I took pill in Ibiza, to show Avicii I was cool.’

But this was to be a trip with a difference. I wouldn’t be heading to the super clubs like Amnesia or Pasha (although I’d love to go), but to the International Music Summit Ibiza (IMS), an annual event which sees the biggest (and most VIP) names in the electronic music industry come together to network – and party.

I was joined by my close friend Millie who is British, born and raised in Devon, and jumped at the chance to come to Ibiza. I decided her enthusiasm was just what I needed.

I was still expecting an early 2010s David Guetta ‘Where Them Girls At?’ but I was eager to see if the White Isle could lure in someone who hadn’t grown-up learning of its allure.

What is Ibiza’s International Music Summit?

The International Music Summit Ibiza (IMS) is a yearly event which has held since 2007 – it allows those involved in electronic music, whether it be industry, culture, education, technology or wellness – to convene and network.

The pinnacle of the weekend is an open-air party with some of the biggest names in electronic music, performing in the 2,500 year old old town, Dalt Vila. The area dates back to 7th century BC, a fortified old town full of winding streets, and ramparts. I’m not sure those that first founded the citadel would have imagined a giant dance party taking place in their fort all these years later.

Guests at the IMS include music lovers of all ages, from all over the world. Manchester legend DJ Paulette, Pete Tong and event co-host Jaguar also spoke on panels.  

The closing party goes on for a staggering seven hours, as well-dressed locals and visitors alike nod their heads to the music. The night has a full line up of big names on one mainstage.

I’ll admit, a seven-hour long party felt like a lot – was I going to be able to keep up with Ibiza’s veterans? I donned my Adidas Spezials (flat shoes were a must) and made sure I ate a big meal beforehand – I was going to need as much energy as I could get.

When we got there, there was so many people that it could have been daunting, but there was something almost religious about attending an electronic music gig in a labaryinth of ancient streets, surrounded by a crowd of moving people, lost in their own little worlds.

And yes, it can be a bit hard to dance when the ground beneath you is comprised of ancient cobblestones, but we managed. Adrenaline kept us on our feet, as did our fair share of hierbas ibicencas, a traditional liqueur from the island, for only £5 a shot – which I’ve now learnt is practically free for Ibiza prices.

Seeing the sunset behind the main stage, with the rest of the old town below, was a a breath-taking experience – and when it was over, somehow, we weren’t done. We followed Pete Tong over to the the posh Club Chinois to see him perform a set until the early morning.

My tips for anyone thinking of heading to the IMS next year? Drink water, all the time, whenever you can. That heat – and those shots – can get to you. And secondly, always travel in a pack. I clung onto Millie for dear life, if we’d have been separated, we’d have never found each other again. Failing that, share your location, especially as signal was patchy with so many people around.

And one thing I really loved about the IMS was how female-centric the event was – female DJs, producers, organisers and more.

In an industry that is so traditionally male, it was refreshing to see.

I spoke to DJ Paulette, who began her career as a young LGBTQ+ DJ decades ago. She was one of two women to have had a monthly residency at Manchester’s legendary club, The Hacienda.

She told me: ‘There are so many more women DJing who are getting a lot higher than we’ve ever got before. Nia Archives, Cheryl, Peggy Gou, The Blessed Madonna, Honey Dijon. 

‘Things are definitely changing and for me that is a massive positive.’

Where to stay

Millie and I stayed at the newly opened Hyde Ibiza, situated next to the beaches and lush hills of Cala Llonga, just a 15 minute drive from Ibiza Airport.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main Ibiza strip, the hotel was not the ‘party central’ I expected of Ibiza.

It provided a fun, avant-garde, relaxed accommodation all while being close to the main sights of the island. Not to mention, the mid-century modern decor in the main lobby was stunning.

The rooms faced the blue waters of the Mediterranean, and the design seemed to be a homage to the cool, laid back vibe of Ibiza.

The wooden sliding doors for the bathroom and the balcony provided an open-space living area, and the stone bowl sink was a special touch.

I’d recommend tacos and tequila at Cuyo, the restaurant inside of Hyde – I’m still dreaming about the guacamole they served us.

We were also able to attend Hyde Fest, which featured multiple names in electronic music, including Hilit Kolet, a London-based DJ who gave the grooviest background music to vibe to as we sat by the pool in the late afternoon sun.

At one with nature

If you fancy a break from dancing, a hike is a good way to blow off the cobwebs.

We met our hiking guide, Stivi, of Balearic Outdoor Adventures and began a picturesque walk along the coast.

Stivi took out maps and showed us the geography of Ibiza, told us about the animals on the island and even gave us a peek at the old Lime ovens where locals made limestone.

We finished our trek with a packed meal of jamón ibérico (fittingly) and packed lunches before walking back down into the sleepy town of Cala Llonga, where we encountered some very friendly cats and sat in the sun to relax.

Hiking to the summit of a hill (more like mountain) with Stivi and others in our group provided a glimpse into the history of an island dating back thousands of years.

But be warned, we did this trek in April, and still came back covered in sweat. If you’re heading there during peak summer, it’s one for regular walkers only – bring sun cream and plenty of water.

Verdict: Have I caught the Beefa Bug?

I was told by multiple people in the hotel and at IMS that I would catch the ‘Ibiza bug’ before I left.

I love a boogie, but came into this trip a bit worried that it would be exhausting, nonstop clubs and filled with the loud, Love Island-esque Turkey-teethed Brits I was trying to avoid.

After only three days in ‘Beefa’, I can say with certainty that those people were right – the bug has bitten me.

I met people who visited almost as an annual pilgrimage, it was clearly a special place full of music and memories.

I can’t say when I’ll be back, but I know I’ve got plenty more to see (and plenty more partying to do).

Need to know

• We flew EasyJet from Gatwick Airport to Ibiza Airport for £145 round trip (no additional luggage)
• We stayed at the Hyde Ibiza, where rates are on average, £154 per night.
• Hike with Balearic Outdoor Adventures alongside guide Stivi begin at £170.

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