As the curtain falls on the most challenging year of our lives, we look forward to 2021 with renewed optimism. Despite cases of Covid-19 spiking in many countries, as a result of the anticipated winter second wave, it genuinely does feel that we have arrived at the beginning of the end. The concerted efforts of the world-wide pharmaceutical industry to develop vaccines to combat this tenacious foe, in record time, have been monumental. Whether the medications will be sufficient to put an end to this outbreak remains to be seen, but they do give us all hope.
Hope of a return to social events, where we can hug our loved ones and dance in the best clubs in the world. Hope of a carefree summer holiday in the sunshine. Hope to hear new, original music and make unexpected, life-long friends.
Clubbing
As lovers of the Ibiza dance scene, we cannot wait to welcome the reopening of our world-famous clubs. The likelihood is, when the clubbing season begins, vaccinations and testing will be an important requirement for those attending the events - how that is rolled out in practical terms will become clearer over the coming months. You can rely on us to keep you up to date with all the developments, straight from the main players, as we get them. So please stay tuned…
A promising, 5-hour test event was held in Barcelona by Primavera Sound on 12 December, with DJ's and live bands. Guests complied with strict testing and mask wearing (except when drinking), while the Apollo venue opened with half capacity and strict ventilation regulations. The lucky guests were allowed to sing and dance and the event passed off successfully with no Covid contagion, giving us hope that a clubbing season here may turn into reality.
Over the coming months we will bring you news of events being added to the summer roster. Our famous party calendar will still be the number one source for up-to-date information about what's happening on Ibiza. Please remember that any club tickets purchased on Ibiza Spotlight are 100% fully refundable. Your money is kept safe until the date of the event, so you can always request a refund up to 24 hours beforehand.
Testing
Currently, all visitors to the Balearic Islands have to produce a negative Covid PCR test result on arrival. This situation is likely to continue for some months to come and will be a common feature of our future efforts to travel. Most importantly, if everyone arriving on the island is already proven to be clear of the virus, it will mean we can all be secure in the knowledge we are protecting each other.
The availability, accuracy and speed of test facilities will continue to improve, and we are confident that testing will be available locally during the summer, making access to venues a very real possibility.
Hotels
The hotel industry had a baptism of fire this summer, with the sudden opening of borders and the arrival of tourists. While some elected to remain closed, those that opened adapted well to strict new regulations. Regardless of the difficulties presented, the hoteliers overcame them and provided a safe and secure environment for holidaymakers.
No doubt these new norms will continue into the 2021 season and help to make your holiday experience a satisfying one. We will be bringing you the latest news of how the hotel industry will be adapting to the 2021 season over the coming weeks.
Activities and charters
During the short 2020 summer season, the leisure sector briefly had a very productive time. It seemed that everyone wanted to get out into the open air and enjoy the assortment of pleasures the island and its crystal waters have to offer. Boat charters and excursions were very popular and will, no doubt, continue to be this year. The beaches were much less crowded, with the maximum capacities being carefully managed.
Many visitors took the opportunity to explore the island over land by car, foot or bicycle and discover new sides they had never seen before. Although the season was unexpectedly cut short, it was arguably the best season for years to be on the beach or on a boat. Please keep an eye on our improved Activity store for suggestions how to best enjoy your stay here next summer.
Villas
One of the best ways to experience the wonders of Ibiza is by renting your own exclusive villa. There are few greater pleasures than living the dream in your own stylish, modern villa or traditional, old finca in the countryside. At Ibiza Spotlight we are very fortunate to have access to a wonderful selection of top-quality properties through our partnership with Privadia Homes. Privadia will be adding more villas in the New Year and we will be announcing a new partnership, with a whole new portfolio of jaw-dropping holiday homes, very soon.
Restaurants
Many of the restaurants and beach clubs that opened in the height of summer this year were taken by surprise by the demand for the delicious cuisine on offer here. We are extremely fortunate to enjoy such a culinary diversity on Ibiza but making the decision where to eat can be a difficult choice. In the new year we will be launching our very own dedicated Restaurant Guide app. Digging deep into the Spotlight database and our first hand local knowledge, we will make the choice easier for you the next time you visit.
We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of our loyal visitors, forum members and social media followers, who have stuck with us throughout this difficult year. We wish you all health, happiness and prosperity for 2021 and look forward to seeing you again on the beaches, bars and dance floors of Ibiza very soon.
