One hundred years ago, the period commonly referred to as The Roaring Twenties is widely regarded as the height of human decadence. The decade that preceded the global financial crash of 1929 was one of economic prosperity, lavishness and excess.
Nowhere was this defined more than colonial Shanghai - a convergence point where Eastern and Western worlds, and the riches they shared, were thrust together.
A century later, we're back in the '20s, this time the 2020s. The world has changed greatly, but mankind's desire to chase the finer things in life has not. It's that same desire that the architects of glitzy Club Chinois seek to replicate in both design and ethos.
This is evident in its decor: golden swan faucets, antique lamp shades, sumptuous cushions, oriental-style columns, lowly-lit bars with a haul of premium international spirits, marble flooring and the logo that hangs above the door. It's also mirrored in its well-to-do clientele.
The model has at least been partially inspired by the success of sister club-cum-restaurant, Park Chinois, in London's trendy Mayfair.
In some ways, it could be argued that Club Chinois is a contradiction. In keeping up with the Joneses of its immediate neighbours, the club courts a patron of a particular social status. Yet it also boast one of the best music programmes of a 1,000 capacity club anywhere in the world.
Quick Facts
Number of rooms: Club Chinois is a single room club, meaning that everyone present is focused on the same action at the same time
Capacity: 1,000
Famous for: Entering its second year on Ibiza, still finding its feet in a lot of respects, but with a clear artistic vision that targets an affluent, discerning crowd who know their music back-to-front, 360 degree wrap-around digital wall with sliding panels, its giant laser-refracting disco ball and moving lighting rig
Vibe: Imagine the most exclusive venue in Mayfair, but with a music programme that includes some of the most sought-after DJs on the planet every night of the week
Go if: You seek an incredible sound system in luxury surroundings amongst a classy crowd
Trivia: Club Chinois is part of the expanding Island Hospitality Group, whose leisure portfolio includes the restaurants Beachouse, Mikasa and Finca La Plaza
Music
Unlike year one, there's a bit more variety lined-up for year two, largely thanks to the influence of veteran Ibiza club authority Danny Whittle coming on board.
Throughout the week there's classic House (The Ritual with Anané & Louie Vega), Afro House (Pablo Fierro's We're Here), Progressive Techno (Ida Engberg's Mystik), Minimal (TRIP), melody and Breaks (Franky Wah presents SHÈN), not forgetting one of Ibiza's longest-running gay parties, La Troya, which combines an upfront soundtrack with outrageous theatrics.
For the finer details, find our party guide here.
How to get there
Club Chinois is located a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the centre of Ibiza Town, in Ibiza Marina, sharing the same unit as Ibiza Casino. It's in the same neighbourhood home to Cipriani's high-end restaurant Downtown Ibiza, SiR Joan Hotel, BVLGARI jewellery store and nightclub Lío Ibiza.
That should give you an idea of the type of clientele that frequents this area. It's prime real estate. Don't let that put you off.
Although living or staying here can be pricey, Club Chinois keeps its ticket pricing affordable, while its drinks are in line with the other clubs. What this end of the market does guarantee, is faultless service and delivery. You certainly won't be squeezed in like cattle and made to feel claustrophobic. The compromise is that the dress code expectations are higher - more later.
Finding parking can be a bit of a pain, unless of course, you'll be spending enough money to use the valet services. Sometimes though you can get lucky. Best to manifest those good luck vibes as you pull off the roundabout down the one-way street on the approach.
If you don't mind a short walk, the free car park near IKEA is a good alternative.
Taxis are approx. €11 from Ibiza Town, €16 from Playa d'en Bossa and €32 from San Antonio (see taxi fares).
Taxis drop-off and collect immediately outside the front door, although due to queues you may get more joy walking to the taxi rank in the port on leaving.
Food & Drink
The rooftop of Club Chinois has been outsourced to international restaurant chain, Zuma.
Anyone who visited the club in its former incarnation as HEART Ibiza will already know the unrivalled views of the fortified old town of Dalt Vila this vantage point offers - a sublime setting for dinner when all lit-up at night.
You might want to move quickly for table reservations though. These get booked up months in advance. If that's too fancy, then around the corner you can grab late-night pizza and early-morning pastries for relative pittance.
Revisiting what we said earlier about the level of service you can expect, Club Chinois also offers some very opulent cocktails, created by some of the most skilled mixologists on the island.
For standard drinks, such as bottled beer, spirit and mixers and water, you can expect to pay similar to what you would in the super-clubs.
DRESS CODE
Please note that Club Chinois maintains a "classy casual dress code". We kindly request gentlemen to adhere to its policy of wearing long trousers. Sportswear and open shoes are not permitted in the club. Please note that the club reserves the right to refuse entry.
Just in general, whether you are a man or a woman, the elegant nature of Club Chinois should be reflected in your chosen attire.
Do with that information as you see fit. On the door, it will be up to personnel's "discretion on the night." With that in mind, it might be better to err on the side of caution.
Plus, it's just true that the Club Chinois crowd are a stylish bunch. You would look seriously under-dressed in a casual t-shirt and beach shorts, even if you could get in.
Making a bit of an effort goes a long way.
DJ SET TIMES
DJ set timetable are displayed on arrival, at both the VIP and general admission entrance.
CLOAKROOM / ATM
There is no cloakroom operated at Club Chinois during summer. Nor is there an ATM inside.
However, there is an ATM located in the adjacent Ibiza Casino, as well as further ATMs outside Gójico Café and also further up Carrer del Ceramista Joan Daifa, opposite Pacha. You will also find a branch of LaCaixa bank at the end of the road in nearby Marina Botafoc.
In any case, you can use card/contactless tech as payment at all of the bars.
Club Chinois opening & closing parties
Like most of Ibiza's "smaller" clubs, Club Chinois opens earlier and ends later than its larger counterparts. That said, it's summer residencies start a little later than its bigger rivals. The means that often the April/May and September/October programme differs to peak summer.
The Grand Opening Party syncs with the rest of the island - over International Music Summit weekend.
Before that, there's a run of pre-season parties that start over Easter weekend.
Then in the days leading-up to the opening shindig, there's several IMS-linked parties, including the IMS Opening Party and the IMS Grand Finale After Party, either side of a launch event for UNUM festival. The weekly residencies start-up in late May and June.
Similarly, the summer Closing Party might not necessarily be the last chance to party at Club Chinois this year, although it'll certainly be the last big party in Ibiza Marina.
This article is part of our Ibiza Virgins' Guides, packed full of information on how to get the most out of your stay on Ibiza. Check them out.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rusne Draz, Mario Pinta, PHRANK and Fernando V
