One of electronic music's rolling stones, Defected is gathering no moss. It's on the move again in Ibiza 2026, making a third off-season move in as many years. This time, it doesn't have far to roll. Just down the road, in fact. Next summer, the brand winds up at Chinois Ibiza.
Wez Saunders' all-encompassing House music entity takes over Thursday nights at the deluxe nightspot.
Things get underway nice and early on 7 May and roll weekly all the way to 8 October, totalling 23 all-night sessions of House music heaven. Sign us up!
This move marks the latest coup for Chinois, whose profile rises year-on-year.
Defected follows in the footsteps of fellow past Pacha nights Claptone presents The Masquerade and Bedouin present Saga, which moved there ahead of Ibiza 2025.
In total, Chinois will be the seventh club on the island to host a Defected weekly residency.
Given that Defected started its Ibiza journey at the former El Divino, which stood just metres away in Ibiza Marina, you could argue it's another full circle moment for the long-running club night.
The move also reunites Defected with Danny Whittle (pictured below), now brand director at Chinois, but one time head of creative for Pacha Group. He has been a big advocate of the party since its initial Pacha run between 2005 and 2012.
Danny said of the revelation, "Having worked with the Defected brand for over 25 years, it's incredibly exciting for me to be collaborating with them again for summer 2026. Both Chinois and Defected put the music first and foremost.
Defected's audience expects the very best in sound and atmosphere, and we believe that aligns perfectly with Chinois' values. For me, it's a match made in heaven. I'm confident this partnership will continue to evolve into the future. Here's to Ibiza 2026."
The first piece of the Ibiza 2026 jigsaw is now in play, but there are lots more twists and turns to come. Like we always say, it's never boring.
If you can't wait until the official announcements, head to our forum, sign up and get gossiping about the rumours you've heard. Apart from that, make regular visits to our magazine homepage and social channels in the new year, when announcements will heat up.
€30 Holiday Special launch price tickets for all Defected dates are on sale now and available to buy below for a limited time only. This introductory price won't last for long. Add cancellation insurance for peace of mind and book to secure this great price now, comforted in the knowledge you can claim a refund should plans change.
HEADER IMAGE | by Ben McQuaid
