Es Paradis Terrenal is a spectacular club, in the shape of a pyramid, overlooking San Antonio Bay (Bahia San Antonio). One of the few clubs that can be reached by foot from the centre of the nearest town with their front door on the other side of the road from Eden
It's one of the longest established and most innovative of the world famous Ibiza 'super clubs'. Originally established behind Pacha in Ibiza Town, planning permission for their inevitable expansion was refused, so they relocated to San Antonio. The pyramid overlooks the beach and the marina. It is by far the most imposing structure in town, if not one of the most easily recognised on the island? Officially opened in 1975, in the days before discos had rooves, the decor was inspired by the sort of classical gardens found in the Mediterranean region.
The hedonistic Greek and Roman cultures are represented alongside the obvious Spanish influences. Doric and Corinthian columns, temples, fountains and terraces emerge from what is basically one huge natural garden. The name actually means 'Paradise on Earth' which to some extent explains the oft heard reference to Ibiza's 'super clubs' as the 9th, 10th & so on wonders of the world.
When these clubs were obliged to install rooves, as sound system technology advanced to the stage where the neighbours could no longer sleep, Es Paradis rose to the challenge and installed it's emblematic pyramid shaped roof. It weighs over 120,000 kilos and includes mobile sections, each weighing 14,000 kilos, opened and closed by a huge hydraulic system. After all a healthy garden needs fresh air and it's quite unusual to witness a sunrise whilst inside a club - especially with 3,000 other people.
The inspired developer and owner, to whom re-investment has always been paramount, is Pepe Aguirre who worked in the world's first ever disco on the Spanish mainland. He introduced the original concept of the 'water party', which is why all of the other clubs have to make do with 'foam parties'. The JBL 140,000 watt sound system was originally the only one of its kind in Europe. Combined with a 300,000 watt light system and the various fountains flooding the central dance floor, this is a place to temporarily lose your inhibitions with a large crowd of people who want to share that unique moment. A unique combination of light, water, music and colour. Yes, this man has a lot to answer for when it comes to explaining how this tiny island has become the party HQ of Europe, and nowadays the musical barometer of the planet.
It's the sort of place you would expect to find the clientele pink from an afternoon spent asleep on the beach following a day on the Spanish beer. But suntans are few and far between, the clubbers come here to dance, not to drink - they wouldn't survive the night....
Nonetheless there are nine bars spread about the 'garden-centre' like decor within and a separate gallery upstairs with views over San Antonio and a different sound system.
Strangeley considering the space-age appearance of the place, the toilets are outside and there's no roof. It doesn't really matter though because its not going to rain.
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