Metro Checks In to Pikes Ibiza, an institution of the infamous ‘White Isle’ that is as famous for its Sunday roast and A-list DJ sets as its juicy history.
There’s a lot to say about Ibiza and its contradictions.
On one hand, the island is a blissful escape from modern life, with its beautiful beaches and Instagrammable landscapes.
On the other, it has bone-shaking beats and mega clubs, pool parties and, as of this month, Ibiza Final Boss vibes.
But there is one place that strikes the right balance of party and peace.
I am talking, of course, about Pikes, an Ibiza institution that sits in the countryside, just beyond the buzzing 24/7 town of San Antonio at the end of a 500m-long rubble-filled path.
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At a glance, the entrance suggests ‘unassuming and rustic’ – after all, it used to be a 15th-century finca – and offers little clue to what awaits inside.
The brainchild of island legend Tony Pike, who opened it in 1980 and lived there as a guest until he died in 2019, the venue has long been a much-discussed ‘must-visit’ for a night out on the White Isle.
While there’s no doubt it’s chaotically charged fun once the sun goes down, by day, this boutique hotel comes to life in a very different way – as I discovered on a recent trip.
Fun and sunshine, there’s enough for everyone
Walking through the beautifully kept gardens with the hot Ibiza sun beating on my back, a clutter of well-looked-after cats slink around me. One of them, Romana – said to be the Queen of Pikes – sits regally in reception.
At check in we’re met by our hostess Audrey, who shows us to our room and delivers us to the iconic poolside area, which featured in Wham’s Club Tropicana video.
We’re told that all new arrivals get a free welcome cocktail from the bar – aptly named Club Tropicana – and we’re handed an ice-cold paloma.
As birds chirp in the trees and the poolside DJ gets to work, there’s no escaping that this place is a world away from the super-size hotels that have infiltrated the island.
Huge day beds are dotted across the tiles of the multi-level terraces surrounding the pool, and there’s enough for everyone — no sunbed wars here.
Once we settle in, it’s hard to move again. To be fair it’s only a few steps to the pool for a dip, but with friendly staff on hand to take drink orders, find you some shade or simply have a chat, there’s really no need to do anything else.
It’s a friendliness that extends between guests, as conversations about last night’s DJ to today’s plans dance through the air.
The clientele
The hotel boasts an A-list guestbook, from Kylie Minogue to Rita Ora and the Blessed Madonna, while DJs such as Fatboy Slim, David Guetta and Roger Sanchez have graced the decks.
Freddie Mercury was also regular, even throwing his infamous 41st birthday party at the hotel. He always stayed in the Marrakech Suite, which has since been turned into a tiny club called Freddie’s in his honour.
With such big names hanging about it is easy to assume that everyone will look like a superstar, but the reality is – and maybe due to Pikes over-27 ‘rule’ – guests come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone is welcome.
In fact, there’s only one thing that might get someone turned away, hostess Audrey confides. ‘If they’re a c***’, she says matter of factly.
Being a guest means you get to see Pikes in all its glorious daytime technicolour.
In the Plaza Mayor, disco balls sparkle and specks of light dance off them onto the garish pink walls and eye-popping fuschia, violet and magenta flowers.
There’s 26 rooms in total and we’re staying in one of the Garden Junior Suites, where a black and white picture of Debbie Harry hangs on the wall and bottles of fancy tequila sit next to the mini bar. It’s sleek, comfy and cool.
Outside there’s a fully mod-con bath, just in case you fancy a soak in the sunshine.
The doors are soundproof, so once you’ve had enough, you can easily switch off for the night.
Eat sleep rave repeat
At breakfast, coffee is poured into a Pikes mug that sits on every table. As it flows, my server smiles and says ‘life is good, eh’.
While a few decades ago the food might have been hit and miss, Pikes is now known as a place to eat as well as party. Portion-sizes are generous – there’s no chance of going hungry.
The Sunday roast is almost as famous as some of its guests. With prices starting at €28 for the vegan and €32 for the meat version – which are all served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, mixed greens, roast carrots and parsnips with agave syrup and gravy – it’s so delicious, it’s worth every penny.
As you explore, you can see that every corner is a nod to the legacy of Pikes.
There’s the uber-Instagrammable pink tennis court from the 80s, complete with giant rollerboot. Then there’s the tiny bathroom just along from Freddies, with a tub filled with balls ready for some merriment. I’ve partied in there and it’s just as much fun, if not more, as any other superclub on the Isle.
There are nooks and crannies to explore and hang out in, from the easily missed Potting Shed to a place where you can have a singalong while someone plays Freddie Mercury’s piano.
Plus, the club’s no photo policy means that you can let your hair down without fear the morning after.
The best bit though?
As a guest of the hotel, when you’re done there are no taxi dramas or fears of fomo, as you can just head back to your rooms (and then go back out again if the desire takes you).
Of course, staying at a place like this isn’t cheap. But if you ask me, it’s worth it. So many people we met were repeat Pikes guests, booking up well in advance.
Plus, I learned, if you happen to order a drink while the poolside DJ plays Club Tropicana, you’ll get it for free. (Think about it.)
Claie Wilson was a guest of Pikes Ibiza. Rooms at Pike’s start from €229 per night for a ‘Pikes Room’ and €389 for a Garden Suite. Breakfast included.
For exclusive offers, customers can sign up to the Pikes newsletter here.
