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'I went on 72 hour Ibiza trip now I know why it's party capital of the world'

EXCLUSIVE: Daily Star's Senior Features Writer Layla Nicholson was invited by San Miguel to experience a 'spontaneous' Spanish summer in the world's party capital - and it was certainly a 72 hours to remember

[Layla ]

Senior Features Writer Layla Nicholson headed to Ibiza for 72 hours - here's what happened...(Image: Layla Nicholson)

Oh, Im going to Ibiza?

The excitement already landed once the invite touched down on my door mat. In an age of meticulous planners with life mapped out via an excel spreadsheet, people are starting to embrace spontaneity once again with 'extreme' slap dash holidays.

And beer experts San Miguel ingeniously clocked onto that. The Spanish beverage brand decided to host a party in London and fly six lucky winners out the next morning to the clubbing capital of the world to help Brits get in a 'siesta-style' mindset - and I got to go along for the ride.

After battling with my sanity through the notoriously rowdy Ibiza flight - though it was comparatively tame to recent headlines - two hours later the wheels firmly land on the tarmac of the busiest of the Balearic islands.

[suitcase]

San Miguel invited me to Ibiza to show how the Spanish enjoy a 'spontaneous' summer - let the 72 hours begin... (Image: Layla Nicholson)

Busy is one word for the next 72 hours. I came to quickly learn that Ibiza is like a relentless bull you cant tame, but youve just got to go with the flow and enjoy the ride. Remember - spontaneity is key and, on this trip, spontaneity is aided with a flow of San Miguel.

Sitting on a mini-bus enroute to the aptly named Cala San Miguel hotel already feels like Im going to be bucked off the bull, with my stomach weaving in the opposite direction of the winding roads.

Ibizas hilly terrain, just about overcome. One task lassoed, and now another in an attempt to train my apparent lack of rhythm.

Its not time for the clubs just yet, but I do get to tease myself into it by learning what it feels to be the likes of Calvin Harris or Robin Schulz.

Though, I highly doubt that DJ Nicholson will even become a resident name for children's discos, let alone some of the most iconic clubs in Ibiza.

[Layla ]

I brought the Ibiza vibes, but not the required skillset for DJing...

However, spontaneity is the name of the trip and so, with a sip of my first San Miguel, I let out an ahhh and proceeded to attempt to master the art of the decks.

To no surprise, Im no master nor novice. Not even a bit of Dutch,or Spanish, courage and the teachings of a veteran DJ could spur my hands and brain to work in coordination to mash two tracks together.

I even tried to embody the spontaneity of the trip by pressing buttons and just hoping for the best in that laid back 'siesta-style'. But, it turns out that you need more than just go with it vibes for DJing and actually need to require some level of skill.

I walk away from the masterclass with a newfound sense of respect for DJs, who arent just jumping while pressing play, and a slightly damaged dignity that has been somewhat patched up with my first bottle of beer.

[dj]

It's quite the task! Time for a beer?(Image: Layla Nicholson)

The taste of the spontaneous Spanish summer lingers in my mouth as I get ready for the rest of the evening, Im eager to bite into more.

Good job dinner is next then. OKU hotel is the destination for the meal, with the Teyo restaurant widely celebrated by influencers and It people of the island.

The Asian-South American fusion venue nails the high-end dining experience, along with the Ibiza party essence.

When eating somewhere that is splashed across the feeds of Instagram Blue Tickers, it can often result in just a good picture, and not a well fed stomach.

[food ]

OKU's restaurant is the place to eat for many high-brow Ibiza visitors (Image: Layla Nicholson)

But Teyo is both interiorly and gastronomically - particularly the Iberian pork belly and the wagyu gyoza - impressive.

The specially curated seven-course menu, a San Miguel and a Japanese-influenced Spicy Margarita later, it's time for day one to come to a close. But, it's only just beginning for a chunk of the island.

Spontaneity hails the name of some to hit the club, yet sleep happily lures me to bed.

I wake for day two of the trip and pack my bag for what Im only told is a boat day. The air of surprise helps aid the spontaneity of the trip, but a certainty is that there's always a San Miguel round the corner.

[Layla ]

Oh, I'm boating in Ibiza...(Image: Layla Nicholson)

[beer ]

What a view!(Image: Layla Nicholson)

Happily, I oblige to a morning beer as how could I not when cruising on a boat, in a bikini and listening to house music.

Away from the clubs, this is Ibiza.

Heading out of the dock in between the superyachts provides a sobering realisation that this is the everyday lifestyle for the rich.

But, I hope living on a party island in complete luxury becomes monotonous. Though, I doubt it as it seems that Ibiza is inherently spontaneous and exciting - full of new people to meet and new daily, or nightly, adventures to pursue.

[Layla ]

Beach lunch and a beer? Count me in(Image: Layla Nicholson)

We make it to Formentera, the smallest of Balearic islands, for a beach lunch. Theres nothing that brings a newly distinguished group together like paella, sangria and, of course, a San Miguel.

Clinking bottles for the first time, the tune of collective glass cements the bond over this shared whirlwind Ibiza experience.

Cradled with carbs and beer, its back to the boat where I quickly resemble not an effortlessly cool wind caressed model, but a wind battered E.T. Phone home? More like phone the hair straighteners.

My innovative towel guard is laid down, and quickly I too put my body horizontal when I get back to the hotel before its time to burst my Ibiza clubbing cherry.

[Layla Nicholson ]

The reality of boating in Ibiza in less glamourous away from the Instagram feeds...(Image: Layla Nicholson)

And pop didnt it just. Sequin-skirt and black tank top clad, its time to ease into the night that will lead into the morning - whether that be early or late - well let the free will of the untameable Ibiza trajectory decide.

Lio is a dinner extravaganza, which they dub as the ultimate, spectacular show. Very much a cheese before bedtime type of experience, vividly absurd.

Thats what I like.

The performers were incredibly talented, stunning and unashamedly camp. Yet, difficulty arises trying to take my eyes off of the stage and towards my burrata. Perhaps the viewing of sexy gyrating pirates and trapezing mermaids is just a cheese induced dream after all.

[Lio]

Lio's is spontaneity packaged into a performance (Image: Layla Nicholson)

Im glad its reality, even if bizarrely and randomly so.

After some dedicated photo-op time in the iconic mirrored toilets and, I guess, a spontaneous fashion emergency mended by the ingenuity of the avengers style ensemble of strangers in the ladies toilet, its off to the club.

The clocks strikes 12 and the Cinderella's of the world will be pacing it home, for Ibiza its an indicator to get your dancing shoes on.

[dancers]

The dancers certainly know how to put on a show...(Image: Layla Nicholson)

And where better to pop my partying cherry than Pacha, famed for their high-end iconic club nights and fruit logo.

Its just after 12am and its already buzzing outside the venue. Theres something about a night out that feeds that spontaneity in my soul. Who am I going to meet? What memories am I going to make? What eccentric character will I meet in the smoking area? Or will I be that to someone else?

Ushered to the VIP booth adjacent to the DJ area, that is accommodated by Spice Girl turned professional buttons presser and mixer, Mel C.

[Layla ]

Clubbing is truly alive in Ibiza(Image: Layla Nicholson)

Its a huge club with a capacity of 3,000 people, yet still feels uber-exclusive - especially positioned in the illustrious VIP section.

The exclusive area is positioned above the main floor that holds a sea of punters, with dancers swinging on cherry-shaped props that tower regardless of your wrist band.

The night continues into the early hours, with German DJ Robin Schulz taking over for his coveted set. His hits like Prayer in C, Waves and Sugar make for the backdrop of the evening of what TikTok would dub, in my case, white girl dancing, mingling with fellow punters on the sparkly-floored outside area and sipping beer.

Pacha closes at 6am, but I sensibly call it quits around 4:30 for a couple hours kip to kick off the final day of spontaneity.

[club ]

Walkway to bliss at Nassau beach club(Image: Layla Nicholson)

[beer]

Every night out should be followed with a day lounging at the beach(Image: Layla Nicholson)

Where to next? The club. Again? Well, this one has the sun and sand - though women still come kitted out in heels and men still attempt to impress with their expensive booze bucket of sparklers.

Having enjoyed San Miguel at dinner, on the boat and in the nightclub, its finally time to appreciate the beer, soothingly ice cold, lounging in the Spanish sun.

I lay back on the day bed, relishing in the beverage, the beast of a burger and take in the stunning beach before me.

Ibiza isnt just sleep all day, party all night, I quickly discovered theres so much to do and I barely made a dent in it.

San Miguel has helped me quench a thirst for a speedy Spanish trip I never knew needed watering.

And Im more than ready for a second Ibiza dousing.

[Layla Nicholson]

Layla Nicholson

Layla started working at the Daily Star in August 2021 after graduating with a first-class degree in Journalism from University of the Arts London. She started as an Audience Writer at the Daily Star and has now progressed to Senior Features Writer. Layla covers all topics across all desks with a main focus on Lifestyle, Travel and Reviews. Layla has interviewed many people ranging from celebs, Tiktok stars and those who have gained cultural significance. In her spare time, she loves to bag cheap holidays and will probably end up writing about them - the good, the bad and the ugly...

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