El Divino is one of the most stunning clubs on Ibiza Located in the port area of Ibiza town its busy dancefloor, sumptuous decor and stunning views attracts a glamorous and sophisticated international crowd.
With visitor numbers to the white island dropping the competition between clubs is becoming a lot fiercer in recent years yet El Divino is succeeding where many are failing, despite being within a few hundred meters of superclub Pacha. Martina, head of promotions at the venue, talks to Higher Frequency about the club and their plans for this summer.
> interview & photo : matt cheetham (HigherFrequency)
HigherFrequency (HRFQ) : How would you describe El Divino as a club?
Martina : El Divino is without a doubt the most beautiful and glamorous club in Ibiza. Its beautiful structure, decor and location makes it a cut above the other clubs. It has an encapsulating terrace, which has the best views in Ibiza of the floodlit Old Town, every photographer's dream. Our gourmet restaurant which is influenced by both international and Mediterranean flavors has earned us a reputation for being the best place to dine as well as party on the island. With award winning promoters making it their club of choice, to hold nights such as Hed Kandi, Defected and Salvation. This unique combination makes us untouchable and totally unique.
HRFQ : What kind of people does El Divinio attract?
Martina : El Divino attracts a very cosmopolitan, classy crowd. Typical clientele are glamorous, beautiful people who appreciate excellent music and stunning surroundings. It's a favorite with celebrities attracting the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Madonna, Spandeau Ballet and endless Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. It's also a favorite with people from film and TV industries and English footballers, only recently we had Jonathon Woodgate and Robbie Fowler from the England squad in our illustrious VIP.
HRFQ : How's this season going so far?
Martina : It is our best season to date. Although the general feel is that the island is not as busy as it has been in previous years, El Divino is doing exceptionally well. We opened our doors on May 28th and had record breaking numbers and lengthy queues. It was an excellent start for us and true indication of how the season will be for us. As Ibiza is changing from a lager lout, rave island to a more sophisticated glamorous club scene we at El Divino are benefiting most as we are the number one place for the new wave of holidaymakers.
HRFQ : What changes have been made at the club for this year?
Martina : There have been a few structural changes to the terrace as well as a new podium in the centre of the club. We also have a few new nights including the hugely popular German DJLS "Disco Boys" on a Sunday night, "Kinkymalinki" a glamorous British night on the Monday night and a new RLnLB night "Sexy&Stylish" a true description of what to expect on the Wednesday, from the promoters of Twice as Nice. We've also got a new resident DJ for 2004 from the UK, called OnePhatBillie infamously known for his production of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" in 2001. He has wowed clubbers globally with his acute mixing and set structure and never fails to get the crowd going. He will be playing the opening party at our new club in Brazil. Which opens on July 16th, another exciting venture for El Divino.
HRFQ : Which promoters do you think are doing really good things this year?
Martina : All the promoters are doing exciting, new, individual things this year. We have Salvation our Italian night which has such amazing shows and projections, including stilt walkers, ladies with snakes and sexy stage shows. Live PALs and beautiful d?cor with our long standing infamous night, Miss-Moneypennys. World famous DJLs with Defected, including Junior Jack, Kid Cr?me and Sandy Rivera (Kings of Tomorrow). Amazing production, live P.ALs and giveaways with Hed Kandi. And as mentioned our new nights are guaranteed not to disappoint either. So I am proud to say they are all doing exciting things this year.
HRFQ : What are the club's plans for the next few years?
Martina : To sustain our reputation and build on that. With the opening of El Divino Brazil 2005 is sure to be another excellent year for us.
HRFQ : What are some problems facing clubs in Ibiza having at the moment? For example I hear that a lot of clubs are having problems with noise?
Martina : Noise levels have been restricted this year for most clubs but as we are surrounded by water almost 360 degrees as we are situated in the port in Ibiza Town we have not been affected.
HRFQ : How do you see the club scene in Ibiza changing?
Martina : The club scene in Ibiza has been gradually changing for a few years now. As the island has become more of a funky house scene than a rave scene. Its attracting a different type of people, its more upmarket and glamorous and less hedonistic.
HRFQ : Why do you think the numbers in Ibiza fell after the mid to late 90's?
Martina : The numbers feel I think firstly because Ibiza underwent a lot of a bad press. As always its takes a few "bad" people who are not in tune with the true Ibiza vibe, the "lager louts" who gave a very wrong impression of the island. Unfortunately these people were televised and it put people off coming to Ibiza as these programmes gave an unfair depiction of how it really is out here. Also as the music scene was changing here people still associated the island with the rave scene and were unaware that it had moved on from this scene.
HRFQ : In the UK there has been a decline in the superclubs with a move to smaller more underground venues, do you think that'll happen in Ibiza?
Martina : I have always believed there is more enjoyment in going to a smaller more intimate venue, than a huge superclub where you feel like a needle in a haystack! Smaller venues a more personal and you are less likely to loose your friends!! That is what clubbers appreciate now as the rave scene is fading and a new generation of classier party people want more from a night out, than lengthy bar and toilet queues! Ibiza is no exception.
HRFQ : Do you think the scene in Ibiza has peaked or do you think there's more room for growth?
Martina : I consider myself a very optimistic person and believe in and love Ibiza. And like life itself it is impossible to predict the future so who knows! I always believe there is room for growth and I think Ibiza is undergoing a rebirth at the moment so it's in a transitional period. It is changed from being a predominantly trance scene to a more funky house scene, with RLnLB also becoming more popular. The islands clientele has also changed so yes, I think its growing into a new island.
HRFQ : Why should Japanese clubbers visit Ibiza?
Martina : To visit the opulent El Divino of course!! And also experience all the island has to offer. Its amazing beaches and scenery, its excellent shops and bars. And to enjoy what is still the clubbing capital of the world. Nowhere in the world has as much to offer in a holiday.
End of the interview
