After being on hiatus last year, Ibiza's favourite episodic clubbing diary is back for 2026. A new summer has dawned on the White Isle. This year marks my fifth full summer season on the island (yep, I know, I can't quite believe it myself!)
It's a bit of a different diary entry this time, as I was in hen do mode, rather than work mode. Nope, not my own! My older sister is getting married In June, so naturally I answered the call to be maid of honour, as she's set to tie the knot to her partner of twelve years.
Being a resident and one of the island's leading party experts (if I do say so myself...), who better to plan an Ibiza-based hen do than me, right?
Undoubtedly one of the best places for a hen do, Ibiza has everything you could possibly need. From gorgeous weather to beach clubs and nightclubs to more wholesome activities, there is something for every bride and her entourage to enjoy.
If you're looking for hen do inspiration, look no further.
Maid of honour mode: activated
20 to 23 May
Wednesday
I woke up feeling extremely grateful that I hadn’t gone out the night before. I was tempted by Franky Rizardo's FLOW closing party, but I knew the risk was too great. Feeling rough on the day of my sister's arrival would have been very poor form.
Setting my alarm ripe and early, I taxied over to my old stomping ground San Antonio to check into my sister's suite in Blau Parc where we would all be pitching up for the next three nights.
Determined to make the trip feel extra special, I’d already ordered bridal bits and personalised decorations. What I had neglected to organise, however, was balloons and room décor.
I ran around the Chinese bazaars trying to piece together something presentable. Thankfully, I managed to find white and silver balloons before racing back to the hotel to blow them all up. Thirty balloons later (and feeling mildly lightheaded), the room was finally decorated, prosecco was chilled and I was ready to welcome everyone.
Despite the fact they were on a red eye flight, everyone's enthusiasm was sky-high. No encouragement was needed to get ready for a full-on day at O Beach.
I carefully chosen which VIP bed I wanted a few months in advance and, having been to O Beach countless times, I knew which one I coveted the most.
The jugs of cocktails were soon flowing and I managed to arrange a little surprise with Lucy Base, the promoter of House In Paradise. She arranged for the dolled-up animation team to deliver Kristy's name spelt in placards. It didn't entirely go to plan, as we saw the name "Kirsty" come towards us in bold lettering. Absolutely hilarious, it added to the moment.
O Beach's very own resident DJ Lucy Jane made an appearance, managing to get my sister into the DJ booth. She was loving life.
After speaking to a few love islanders and random groups throughout the day, we’d danced our socks off, made new friends and gawped at the acrobats flying in from all angles. The night didn't end here.
We headed back to the roof of Blau Parc for a nightcap and food, before calling it a night at 01:00. What a day!
Thursday
Up bright and early, we managed to make the hotel breakfast just before it ended.
Despite all feeling shattered, we got our bikinis on and hit Raco. Captured by mother of the bride, Nells, all six hens passed out on the day beds after sinking one of their faultless Bloody Marys.
After this experience, I've realised that day drinking combined with plenty of sun exposure takes it out of me way more than a 06:00 club finish! We were out for the count.
Later, we ate some gorgeous food and swam away out hangovers whilst basking in the sun. The weather was perfect, and everyone had a lovely day lounging about, regardless of having to nurse a first day hangover.
With all intentions of going out after dinner at the Sunset Strip's newest hotspot Bambino Ibiza, we decided to go to Mambo for a sundowner or three, before heading back to the hotel for a full night of uninterrupted, non-drunken sleep. Bliss. (Wild, I know!)
Friday
Another action-filled day came in the form of Blue Marlin Ibiza on Friday. Out the door by 11:30, we all felt a lot more fresher than we did 24-hour earlier. Heading straight to two seafront king size beds, we were very happy girlies and began ordering drinks and food straight away.
As the drinks flowed, superyachts drifted across the bay like scenes in a movie. My second dip of the summer in the sea, it was freezing but absolutely invigorating, nevertheless.
The vibes at Blue Marlin moved up through the gears every hour or so. By 18:00, everybody was undeniably tipsy. Now, people were beginning to go inside the glassed area and starting to dance. Blue Marlin strikes the perfect balance between chill out and party, if that’s what you’re after.
We had dinner booked in Ibiza Town for 20:00, so we had to leave before the party got in full swing. After a quick spruce in the toilet, we headed over to El Olivo Mio in the Old Town.
The entertainment for the day didn't stop there as street singers created a vibrant atmosphere for all the surrounding restaurants. A little old lady and her niece on the tambourine brought some magic and authentic Spanish vibes to this picturesque setting
A quick potter round the shops post dinner, before heading back to San Antonio for a much needed freshen up and outfit change before heading to Pikes for the Flash opening party with special guest Gerd Janson.
Arriving to no queue was a bonus, but by 01:30, the place was heaving! Gerd really had Freddies on lockdown and the new addition of the aircon in the intimate discotheque was something I’ve been dreaming about for years. You cannot go wrong with a night at Pikes.
Saturday
Our two-and-a-half hour quad bike excursion with Emove ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Two people to a buggy flying around Ibiza’s winding roads, while hysterically laughing your way through a hangover? Elite activity. This was my second time doing the tour and it was even better than I remembered the first time.
Our instructor, Paul, was brilliant and made everyone feel instantly comfortable. We stopped at Es Vedrà before visiting Cala de Porroig - a tiny hidden fisherman’s cove I’d never previously visited. Exploring Ibiza with local experts really does make all the difference.
Completely covered in dust and desperate for a swim, we jumped into the sea one last time before heading back to the hotel to pack and say our goodbyes.
Even though we didn't even step foot inside a super-club, I honestly couldn't have wished for a better hen do for my sister. We managed to squeeze so much into four days without completely burning ourselves out. Most importantly, the bride had the best time.
What more could a maid of honour ask for?
Whilst hen dos tend to be short and sweet, I have now discovered that whilst you want to make the most of the short time you are away, its also important to not overdo it.
After experiencing the first hen I had planned myself, I wanted to leave a few tips and tricks below, for anyone who finds themselves in a maid of honour situation in Ibiza. I hope this helps :)
Dos
- From club tickets and beach clubs to activities and restaurants, pre-book everything well in advance and remove stress on the trip
- Late check out on the last day if you have a late flight was a god send. We paid €45, but it was worth every cent
- Get a hotel with breakfast included, to save you trying to find somewhere decent each morning
- Factor in some wholesomeness amid the madness
- Keep an eye on spending tabs throughout the day instead of waiting until the end. You might be in for a surprise. There are many apps which allow you split bills between groups
- Pre-arrange surprises for the bride ahead of time to make the trip feel more personal
Donts
- Don't plan daytime activities if you have any intention of being out until 06:00 the night before
- Don't spend more than you need to. Pre-drink in the hotel.
- Don't overpack the itinerary. Down time is needed just as much as activities.
- Don't make every event revolve around heavy drinking.
- Don’t wear heels everywhere. Ibiza cobbles will humble you quickly.
- If you’re the maid of honour, don't forget to enjoy the trip yourself
For more Ibiza hen and stag do advice, we've got a full guide you can read by clicking here.
Thirsty for more misadventures in clubland? Lissy Lü will be back on the grind soon.
Read the last instalment here:
Back in the mix
You can find the full archive by visiting this page.
If you heard it from anybody else, you'd dismiss it as hyperbole, but Lissy Lü's real life is like that... Partying as a profession is a hard life, but somebody's gotta do it!
