Whether you're flying in during daylight or after nightfall, pivoting in your seat to get that first glimpse of Ibiza imagery is part of the experience. A rush of endorphins hit as your Balearic paradise awaits.
Coming in low as you approach the runway, one complex in particular will catch your eye in the final descent. Rising like a mirage from the sands of Playa d'en Bossa beach, Ushuaïa Ibiza is the next stop on our island-round Ibiza club rewind tour.
The venue's dual function as both a hotel and a party destination makes for an alluring prospect.
The biggest names in the music business fly in to play on the festival-sized stage. From Chase & Status to Maluma, Paul Kalkbrenner to the late Avicii - that's the stature we're talking about. Even electronic music pioneers Underworld and Kraftwerk have performed here.
Many camera-moments spring to mind from Ushuaïa's short history, but here are three sets we've picked out.
Calvin Harris (2024)
Every Friday during summer (and now every Tuesday too!), Ushuaïa banks of the gravitational-pull of EDM superstar Calvin Harris. These afternoons are a rowdy affair in Playa d'en Bossa as the masses descend on the resort, filling 7,000 capacity Ushuaïa to the brim.
We don't need to tell you that every single date is sells out. On sheer numbers alone, that officially makes Calvin Harris the biggest party on the island.
Enjoy a barrage of high octane music, including tracks from Peggy Gou plus the host's collaborations with Ellie Goulding, Rihanna and Dua Lipa.
John Summit | ANTS (2022)
It isn't only big spectacle EDM and sensory overloads, Ushuaïa has always kept one ear to the underground as well.
Down the years, the likes of Used + Abused, Luciano & Friends and Le Grand Bazaar have all brought a wealth of revered selectors to Ushuaïa. However, none of them compare to TNL's own in-house production, ANTS.
Since landing in 2013, ANTS has taken over the island. Capturing the imagination of the public with its stark monochrome marketing, ANTS became the biggest event by numbers on Saturday daytimes. What a milestone that it has now exceeded ten years.
John Summit fit the profile of ANTS DJ perfectly - somebody who is a hit-machine who has enjoyed commercial success, but doesn't stray too far from the underground. 2022 was a big summer for the Chicago native on Ibiza and his appearances at ANTS stood out amongst those.
You'll hear music from RETNA, Riva Starr, Dombresky and Matt Sassari, plus some whoppers from John himself.
Wade | elrow Outdoors (2023)
Every party at Ushuaïa goes above and beyond when it comes to the visuals. You're getting a full festival-like experience the moment you walk through the doors. That said, there is one party that goes the extra mile. Chances are, you'll already be familiar. That party is elrow!
If you've yet to experience an elrow party in all its glory, then you're missing out. They are exhilarating explosions of colour, with CO2, confetti and giant props all used in abundance. To get a better idea of the carnage, watch the recording of Wade from last summer.
His set contains music from Joshwa, Round Table Knights and Skrillex, but just check-out the production. We've been many times, but it still blows our mind.
Fast-forward
Somewhat unbelievably, Ushuaïa hasn't just retained its tried, tested and most bankable superstars, it has added even more DJ Galacticos to its weekly roster - if that were even possible. Deep pockets, unparalleled ambition and a creative mindset all attract the very best of the best. Operator The Night League (TNL) wields clout that few others can compete with.
Therefore, while there is upheaval and changes galore at many of the island's other clubs, Ushuaïa's backbone of 2x Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Tomorrowland, Martin Garrix and ANTS remains intact.
Add Swedish House Mafia's longest island residency since 2012 and a special day-to-night one-off from ladies man HUGEL in late June and we're talking unprecedented levels of bragging rights.
All that and Ushuaïa has still found space for Reggaeton superstar Ozuna on three dates, as well as a month of I Love Reggaeton at the start of summer. Seriously impressive stuff and, no doubt, more surprises still to come.
