As the nights get lighter and the temperature in northern Europe edges above freezing and the sun pops its head out once in a while to check that the coast is clear, thoughts turn to summer days not that far ahead. Here at Essentialibiza HQ, we are always aware of our responsibility to keep you entertained, informed and prepared for the long hot days that are just around the corner. With that in mind, we took the proverbial ‘one for the team’ and agreed to head out on a gruelling four week trip through the Middle East and Asia to show you some of the clear blue skies and sparkling waters, not to mention amazing parties, that await you in the white isle this summer. Yes, we can hear you now – “Damn, those boys at Essentialibiza go above and beyond on our behalf”, or some colourful variation!
First stop on the trip is Bahrain and the stunning Cocoon Lounge on March 14 for Ladies Night, is it wrong that I am already a massive fan just on the night name alone? This stunning setting and crowd to match is the perfect launch pad for the Essentialibiza/ Tilllate Tour 2012. Check out www.cocoonlounge.net. We have a couple of days in Bahrain and intend to get as much information and sightseeing done as possible before heading to Dubai for stop number two.
A this point we must thank our friends at the Rezidor Hotel Group for hooking us up with the Radisson Blu Hotel in Downtown Dubai as we get set for the Never Get Out The Boat party on March 16. Our host is ex-pat Matthew Charles, after leaving his residency in Ibiza’s Café Mambo; Matt has become a prominent member of the ever evolving scene in the Middle East. With a few days before our flight to Singapore, we have a few friends to catch up with and some Essentialibiza deals to be done, watch this space…
Next stop, Koh Samui and the breathtaking Karma Resorts. Luxury villa on the beach anyone? There really is no length that we won’t go to, to make sure you have the finest content to peruse over your morning coffee and croissant! Karma Samui is the latest addition to the ever expanding Karma Resorts empire of luxury villa resorts dotted around some of the world’s most amazing destinations. The Rockpool is a cool bar/ lounge that boasts a 200 square metre deck, which extends out towards the oceans edge, a dramatic setting for the next party.
Next up, we’re back in the air and off to Phuket for the grand opening of Xana with Attica. From the guys that brought us Attica Singapore and Shanghai comes a brand new beach concept, in conjunction with the Angsana Luxury hotel group. Think luxury beach club meets cool boutique club in one of the world’s most stunning locations. The opening party on March 28 promises to be one of the highlights of the tour. Oh and the five star hotel that we will be relaxing, I mean working very hard from – Angsana Laguna Phuket, is the cherry on top!
With just about enough time to catch our breath after the opening extravaganza of Xana With Attica, it’s off to the airport and the flight to Bali and back into the arms of Karma Resorts, who have three stunning resorts on the island. We will be staying at Karma Kandara and hosting a couple of parties at new beach club Karma Beach Batu Belig and beautiful Nammos on March 31 and April 1. Two different but equally stunning spots where the views from the venue provide a dramatic backdrop to some cool tunage.
After Bali we finally say goodbye to the warm hospitality of Karma Resorts and head back to Thailand where good friend Janne Nurminen waits to welcome us to his Dragon bar and Maya Beach club in Koh Tao, the first weekend in April. Dragon Bar has played host to many of the world’s finest talent as they pass through the region and has the reputation of going off, so we are looking forward to that one and to catching up with Janne. Maya Beach club has recently opened and has already hosted some high profile parties, this is another one that we cant wait to get to, hopefully this year there will be no monsoon to keep us from Thailand.
It’s time to leave South East Asia and work our way back home but not before a trip back to the Middle East. Next stop Cairo and the Yasso Lounge. Having never managed to visit Egypt before, I am excited about seeing this famous city. Yasso Lounge regularly entertains touring DJs and parties and is known for its unique party atmosphere. Check out Yassolounge.com for more information on the 7-star Lebanese Lounge. April 12 will see the Essentialibiza/ Tilllate tour make its debut in Yasso, the perfect way to finish off the tour. Or is it?
Yes it is the perfect party but is it the end of the tour? We might just have a special announcement to make before the dust settles on the tour, keep them peeled right here for information…