Not every night on Ibiza necessarily needs to end in a super-club. If you're after something a little more intimate, a little more glamorous and infinitely more discreet, Socialista Ibiza in Ibiza Marina has become the island's newest nightspot.
Perched directly above Cipriani restaurant inside the lavish Ibiza Gran Hotel complex, the new members-style club feels a world away from the island's usual high-octane nightlife.
We headed on over to try out the new establishment in the well-to-do neighbourhood of Ibiza Town. If you're already familiar with this part of town, you'll know the dress code almost writes itself.
Men will need trousers and some smart shoes, while for the ladies, it's very much a case of your dazzling in your best number.
Even before stepping inside, the entrance for Socialista sets the tone.
Hidden at the front of the Cipriani reception, rich red velvet curtains reveal a tucked-away staircase that feels like you've stumbled across one of Mayfair's exclusive members' clubs. Think Annabels in London, but an Ibiza version.
The interiors lean heavily into old-world glamour, with moody lighting, ornate wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, plush tiled floors, beautifully upholstered furnishings and even a flock of elegant flamingo sculptures guiding you upstairs.
Every corner feels thoughtfully designed without tipping into excess. Although cameras are not encouraged, it's definitely a great photo setting to capture something for your holiday dump.
Asides by being blown away by the venue's interiors, music sits firmly at the centre of the experience. Literally. The DJ booth occupies pride of place in the middle of the room, making it clear Socialista isn't just simply somewhere to grab a cocktail. It's a place to pitch up for the whole night!
A couple of cool tastemakers built the atmosphere gradually, easing guests in with sophisticated House selections before the dancefloor slowly comes alive as the early hours approach. By 01:00 the room had filled, with many guests making the short journey upstairs after dinner at Cipriani, or flocking in from other nearby restaurants.
The sexy Tech House rollers were in full force. Many of the tracks played were by some of my favourite producers, including the Dunmore Brothers and Ollie BC.
Asides from the music, the clientele at Socialista was particularly striking. A stylish crowd that was dressed-up but relaxed - and one that creates an atmosphere that feels like an exclusive house party rather than a packed Ibiza nightclub.
Drinks are undeniably on the premium end, (expect cocktails to hover around €30 and beer around €10), but that comes with the territory in Ibiza Marina. While the cocktails are made with care, the food offering is deliberately simple, serving just pizza, but it's ideal for sharing if you need something to keep you going between cocktails.
What we like about Socialista is that it isn't trying to compete with Ibiza's headline clubs. And that's exactly why it works.
It's sophisticated, intimate and effortlessly stylish, offering the perfect alternative for those nights when you still want to dance, just without lasers, confetti cannons or 4,000 other people.
