Shantico Presents Autumn in Ibiza

Words: Emma Bennett
Images: NicJ.

This weekend just gone was a big one in Ibiza. With numerous closing fiestas to attend (some) of the EssentialIbiza team had prepared by having an early night on Friday so we were fresh for Saturday’s antics. Boutique Hostal Salinas has made something of a name for itself as the thrower of some of the trickiest parties on the island. Various after hours shindigs and notorious Halloween carry-ons have made this venue one of our favourites over the years and as we finish up at the finale of El Chiringuito, Es Cavallet at midnight, spraying ourselves with mosquito repellent we begin the infamous walk down the road dodging girls tottering in high heels, avoiding being mown down by cars and running away from biting insects we could not be more excited to get to the next venue….

Yes, Hostal Salinas throws one hell of a party however, on arrival, as we walk over the bridge through the zen-like garden we are reminded that it is in fact a luxury boutique hotel boasting eleven gorgeous en-suite rooms and fantastic restaurant serving Ibicenco and Mediterranean classics. As the party people pour over the bridge and head straight for the drinks tokens desk we pop our heads into the main room and see Kelvin Andrews on the decks playing some solid grooves. Stocking up on tokens we hit the bar and chat to friends. Hostal Salinas closing party is well-known as an islander party and all the usual friendly faces are out to play. Sid Shanti, ex-Manumission DJ and private chef to the stars is responsible for this evening inviting everyone to ‘Aii – Autumn in Ibiza’ and to ‘skank around jump up and down and party’. Heading for the creatively, yet aptly named Native Instruments Back Room Sweat Lodge, Donald O’Leary, one third of the Chronic Cowboys is playing big, bouncey house to the tiny, yet awesome room.

In the main room Andy Baxter is bringing the tech with his set and plays a blinder. Sid Shanti jumps in the DJ unit going solo until 4am dropping some serious classics like SL’s Away In My Brain which its safe to say got skanked to. The DJ booth is full of the pair’s friends such as Tom Crane who stood at the back cheering on their tune selection. EssentialIbiza’s very own Jo Mills is up next in the sweat lodge and what a laugh we have. Millsy starts with Ibiza 2014 favourite Patrick Topping’s ‘Forget’ before launching into a set full of belters. Spending a large part of her set dancing on the speaker does not seem to distract from the mixing at all and we are all very impressed with how many times Millsy actually jumps off the speaker, mixes in the next tune and then gets back up there whilst managing to vogue at the same time. The back room is packed and loving the set as well as everyone dancing outside in the infamous naughty corner and the crowd cheer and clapp the ex-DC10 resident. Chronic Cowboy Trevor O’Neil is on after Jo Mills playing some seriously filthy house music perfect for the little room which is now pitch black after Chronic Cowboy Rufus removes the light bulb. We love the mates-bedroom-party vibes here!

James Kameran has taken over in the main room and we have moved outside for a bit of a breather after dancing like we meant it for the last few hours. We have said it before and we will say it again – Boutique Hostal Salinas knows how to throw a party and we have loved every second of this one. Today social media sites have been filled with comments of praise for Shantico and the venue and we absolutely cannot wait for the Halloween party here on Saturday 1st November. Its not over yet guys!