I visited the ‘best club in the world’ where A-list celebs like to party

FLASHING neon lights, bikini-clad dancers and a sound system so powerful that it makes the floor beneath you shudder.

This is Hï Ibiza, recently voted the best club in the world for the second year running.

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It’s a big claim from DJ Mag, even if the White Isle in Spain is known for its party scene with over 20 clubs scattered across the tiny island.

But with huge names in music from Idris Elba to David Guetta passing through it’s doors every week, there must be something special about Hï.

Even England footie player Jack Grealish was spotted there last week, on the decks next to DJ Fisher

So, on my recent return to the sun-kissed island of Ibiza, I decided to see exactly what makes this raucous venue worthy of its golden title. 

Formerly known as Space, the super club underwent a huge makeover and reopened as Hï in 2017 with a capacity of 5,692 people.

It costs a minimum €35 to enter (although VIP tickets can be up to €500) and it’s crammed every night of the week in summer.

I was there for the Glitterbox event which runs every Sunday at Hï until the end of the season in September. 

It’s not exclusive to the venue, with Glitterbox club nights taking place all over the world, but Ibiza is where it all started.

Among the 10 dance DJs on the decks that night were Carl Craig, Coco & Breezy and Jellybean Benitez.

Names I did not recognise.

I am now 30, after all, and my wild clubbing days have near enough come to a halt.

But still, my university years were spent in Manchester, home to the thumping Warehouse Project (which frequently tops best club charts in the UK) and with a house party scene that’s so notorious students would hire bouncers to monitor the queues at their birthday shindigs.

So, I feel like I’m still equipped to judge what makes a good club, even if I don’t recognise the DJ names anymore. 

Hï is, simply put, a hive of energy where enjoyable chaos fills every secret corner and crazy dancefloor.

It’s got themed rooms decorated with splashes of neon paint, glittery dancers in tall glass boxes twisting their bodies above the crowd and, along with regular bursts of atmospheric smoke, we were doused in silver confetti from a cannon while we danced along to the heavy beat.

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The place is magnetic, literally – the same bunch of dedicated Ibiza-lovers return to year on year.

It attracts a heavy dance crowd, even at the more sparkly events like Glitterbox.

But there are rooms to explore and fun to be had for those who aren’t just there for the music.

At one of the rooftop bars you’ll find cosy cushioned booths and below that, an outdoor area where clubbers are dotted around huge trees dripping in neon lights.

Next to the tree, we meet one cheery lad who has been separated from all his mates, but he has no trouble making friends with the welcoming groups of fellow party-goers.

When you aren’t stomping your feet and clapping your hands to the beat, there are seated areas for down time, including several giant Tipi-style structures in one of the outdoor sections.

The inside of each Tipi is littered with cushions, usually occupied by clubbers who have perhaps gone a bit too hard and need a break from the packed crowds and thumping music.

There are plenty of bars too, inside and out, including specialty ones like Tequila Corner – brightly coloured and decorated with a leafy trim that makes it look like a beach hut.

Be prepared to shell out a small fortune on drinks though as a mere bottle of water will set you back €13.

Alcoholic beverages are, unsurprisingly, even pricier. 

This is the same for most clubs in Ibiza, though, which can be a challenge for those who like to be properly boozed up, especially when it can take over an hour to even get into the club at busy times.

Make sure to arrive by 12:30am at the latest if you want to avoid the main crowds.

The club opens at 11:30pm and 1am is the busiest time, according to workers at the venue, with queues snaking through the street.

Once you’re in though, you’re guaranteed to have a wild night.

There’s no predicting what you’ll do, where you’ll end up or what famous faces you’ll see popping up behind the DJ booth.

Click here to book tickets and see the list of upcoming events.

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