This summer’s seduction begins on Sunday June 4, when Space opens its doors, and won’t be over until the morning of Tuesday September 26, when the last revellers stumble out into the early autumn breeze - that’s over a hundred sunsets, watched by more than 500,000 UK holiday-makers.

These days (or nights), Ibiza is more than just a bustling holiday isle; it’s the buzzing centre of dance music. This is where unknown slices of vinyl mutate into international hit singles and clubs become recognised brands, capable of shifting shelves full of compilation CDs.

A mecca for everything that is glossy in club culture, last summer in Ibiza saw DJ Magazine, Mixmag, Ministry and Muzik all distributing free magazines. The airwaves are nearly as crowded as the beaches: Kiss, Galaxy and even Radio One, not surprisingly prefer it to Rhyl, Torquay and Morecambe, replacing the seaside roadshow with, among other things, a week in Ibiza. And despite Sk’s ‘Ibiza Uncovered’, there are still things left to uncover - MTV, Rapture TV, ITV, BBC2 and C4 are busy packing their factor 25.

Although the tiny island looks like it has more clubs than Tiger Woods, when you realise that there are only a handful of really top venues, you won’t be surprised to learn that throughout the winter, rival UK promoters are in competition for the best slots. The most striking changes have been at the club Pacha. Regarded by many as the last bastion of Balearic clubbing, Pacha responded to the all-conquering British invasion by appointing a British musical director, Danny Whittle. This has resulted in a weekly rosta which includes Perfecto/Paul Oakenfold, Gatecrasher and Ministry of Sound. For those wanting the authentic Ibizan clubbing experience, Thursdays and Sundays seem like a good bet, with resident DJ Pippi laying down a naturally undulating soundtrack - a welcome change from the chemically inspired staccato builds prevalent at many UK-run nights.

Perhaps it was inevitable that DJs would, to quote an old-skool tune, ‘Take Control’. A decade ago, the attraction was the beautiful island and the Balearic nature of the (then open-air) clubbing. As the ’90s progressed, the focus shifted toward the UK brands that set up stall each week, emphasising the exclusive services of superstar DJs. Soon the DJs recognised that their very presence was what twirled the turnstiles. Hence this year Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules and Dave Pearce host their own nights. According to Pearce: ‘Running your own night allows you to have a greater input in everything from decor and flyer design, to choosing the right guests. So often you get booked to appear and it’s obvious that the line-up just doesn’t gel; this is one way of ensuring a certain consistency and quality.’

Balearic Bliss

The homogenisation of the island’s nightlife has inspired the opening of Magnolia, a members-only bar, and the only one of its kind. This joint venture between Andy and Dawn McKay (aka Manumission) and El Divino, is perhaps the sole cosmopolitan venue. ‘We feel that there are surprisingly few places to hang out in relative comfort,’ comments Dawn. But anyone expecting leather armchairs and cigars will be surprised by the tongue-in-cheek theming.

New developments in San Antonio meanwhile, include Charlie Chester’s Mezzanine Bar teaming up with El Divino to launch a sunset café; Manumission opening a fancy-dress shop called La Vida Loco; and Pacha setting up a beach bar on the eastern side of the bay. After an impressive first year, San An’s newest nighterie, Eden, has been rebuilt, with an increased capacity, a roof garden, improved sound system and repositioned DJ stand (which doesn’t say a lot for the original one designed by Judge Jules).

For Amnesia, it’s still very much a case of ‘as you were’. Cream continue their massive Thursday residency, Bugged Out will be throwing the occassional one-off and the famous espuma (foam) parties will bubble forth from legendary San Rafael venue, providing everybody on the dance floor with even more chemical fun.

Getting there

Manumission have again teame up with Ibiza specialists Avant Gard Travel to operate ‘Ibiza Trips’ (020 7836 1414). This programme covers the whole spectrum: from high-rise apartments in San Antonio and showbiz haunts (Pikes and Ocean Drive) to the infamous Manumission Motel. From June, Monistry of Sound will be operating its ‘Clubbers Guide to Ibiza’ (0870 909 0129) - a five-star villa programme with car hire and club pass options.

Ibiza on a budget

1. Join the club

This summer sees the launch of Ibiza Club Card, a scheme which entitles one person in a group of four with 15 percent discounts on food and drink in Cafe Mabo and Savannah in addition to free entrance for Eden, El Divino and Privilege. The card costs 8,000ptas, is available locally from clubs, bars and newsagents, and is valid for 14 days.

2. Life’s a beach

This year even bigger, Playa Dien Bossabeach bar Bora Bora provides a top soundtrack from early afternoon until 5am with name DJs for absolutely no admission. Don’t be surprised if the likes of DJ Sneak and Brandon Block drop in unnannounced and spin just for the hell of it. A few doors further along (in the direction of Ibiza town), youll find the Conga bar - under new management and currently wowing the locals.

3. Work it out

Ibiza Promotions (responsible for providing the wide-eyed club crowds for ‘Kevin and Perry Go Large’) are recuiting folk to work on the island. #145;We#146;re looking for people who can, and will, do absolutely anything from body-painting and juggling to less glamourous jobs such as handing out flyers.#146; Send your cv, along with a photo of yourself to sophiemac@hotmail.com or a SAE to Ibiza Promotions, telepost box 34, paseo vara de rey, Ibiza 07800, Baleares, Spain.

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