Ocean Beach Club Ibiza enjoyed a headline grabbing first season that made the stress of turning around a massive project in one winter all worthwhile. From the minute the ribbon was cut on the opening day to the last beat of the last tune at the end of September, it made a huge impact on the island, creating a buzz around San Antonio and attracting clubbers from all over the island.
Designer beachwear was the order of the day as some of the biggest names in the scene performed behind the stunning DJ booth, the likes of Hed Kandi, Tom Novy’s Deep Flight and Sebastian Gamboa’s Vintage party all made regular appearances throughout the summer and DJs such as Pippi, Antz, Jo Mills, Oliver Lang and George Morel all made an appearance. Highlight of the season for me was the live performance of Sister Sledge, who delivered the perfect show, christening the stage overlooking the pool.
It wasn’t just the pool that captured the imagination, The Pearl restaurant had island foodies watering at the mouth at its delicious menu, the variety only equalled by the quality as Ocean Beach Ibiza proved it was much more than just a big pool party. The pearl made a big contribution of the success of the first summer and even provided a few late night highlights, when the pool closed and everyone moved indoors to the intimate setting of the bar are of the restaurant, which made a wicked little late night venue!
Celebrities came and went, enjoying the luxury experience by the monster pool, famous footballers enjoying some rest and relaxation before pre-season, pop stars, television stars and the odd movie star or three all joined the army of cool customers that made Ocean Beach Ibiza their home for the duration of their holiday. With plenty of plans to improve on the facilities and build on the success of the debut season, winter will certainly be a busy one for the team behind the island’s latest VIP beach experience. Essentialibiza caught up with Duane Lineker before he takes a deserved break to get his thoughts on the first summer…
Ocean Beach was built in record time, was there any point when you thought it might not be ready in time?
Yes there were many times I thought it was an impossible task, it’s the biggest project I have been involved in and although we always had hope I still cant believe we got it done, there was so many hours put in by so many people, was well worth the stress though.
What were your main concerns heading into the season?
To be honest I didn’t have too many. We have a lot of things we have to get right and be a lot better in many areas but with time to prepare and all the lessons we have learnt last season I am sure things will be a lot better for everyone at Ocean Beach next year.
How has summer 2012 been for you?
2012 was a strange year for me, it seemed very long because we were working on the project for so long but then it all came to an end so fast, as it always does. I’m looking forward to a less stressful 2013 that’s for sure.
What has given you the most satisfaction about Ocean Beach Ibiza this summer?
The feedback, it has been great. Obviously we have had our teething problems, as any new venue does, but in general people have loved the venue and are excited to come back each time.
There is talk of the hotel becoming part of the concept, is that happening?
Yes we hope so, our partners the THB group are looking to revamp the hotel and bring it up to the standards requested by our clientele. We are just finalising the plans and décor at the moment. Hopefully more can be revealed soon.
What other changes are you looking to implement for next year?
As with any first year business there are always going to be small points we want to change after year one. Basic things really, like raising VIP areas, getting better entrance systems and concentrating on areas like the sunset terrace more, as all our focus was on the beach club this year.
You captured headlines both on the island and abroad, was that important for your first year?
It was incredibly important for us to get the exposure we did; we created a lot of hype in the press, which is always nice.
What was the stand out moment of the summer for you?
I think it had to be the opening party, it was so crazy, after all the work of the previous year, to see the place open and really busy was incredible, although I didn’t have to much time to enjoy it as I was running round like a madman trying to make sure service was ok.
Will you get a chance to relax and unwind before you go to work on 2013?
I hope so, we all need a little rest after Ibiza crazy summers and I think October is a great time on the island, so I will relax here for October then take November to do some travelling. Then I guess get planning for summer 2013 from December time.
