After dark magic – Casino de Ibiza
This glamorous island hotspot reopens its doors just in time for Carnaval, setting the scene for nights filled with fun, flavour and fabulousness.
After what feels like the longest, coldest winter Ibiza has experienced in recent times, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon for island dwellers this week – the glorious sunshine has finally returned, just in time for the annual Carnaval celebrations. And as dusk settles over the Marina Ibiza district each night, the feathers, sequins and glitter of the parades make way for the razzle dazzle of Casino de Ibiza, as the iconic nightspot reopens its dramatic doors this week after a well-deserved winter hiatus.
Gather your gang, or perhaps even a hot date, and get dressed up in your finest, then make a beeline for the revered hotspot, set within the five-star grand luxe surroundings of Ibiza Gran Hotel, on Ibiza’s famous nightlife strip of Paseo Juan Carlos 1. The sleek, sultry and low-lit interior of Casino de Ibiza – designed through the contemporary lens of acclaimed Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola – is quietly luxurious, setting the perfect scene for a night filled with divine dining and curated cocktails, with just the right dash of Ibiza magic.
Winter nights in Ibiza have a different kind of appeal and social hotspots like Casino de Ibiza have a special knack of bringing together the who’s who of island society to mix and mingle among its bars, tables and cosy corners. Adding a dash of theatrics to girls nights, date nights, birthdays and after-work celebrations are Texas Hold’em, American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker. The good vibes here flow just as easily as the cocktails that are whipped up to order by well-dressed mixologists around the venue.
Classics are executed with confidence, of course, and there’s nothing like a Negroni made with Malfy gin, Campari and Petroni vermouth to suits the setting perfectly. If you’re on an alcohol-free tip, the No-Groni Sbagliato ticks all the right boxes, as Casino de Ibiza at Ibiza Gran Hotel offers a selection of mocktails that maintain exactly the same sense of occasion as the rest of the menu. Additional contemporary signatures include the always-glam Hugo Spritz, everyone’s favourite late-night pep-up, Espresso Martinis, and Mezcal Mules that are so zesty you might even start to feel like it’s summer.
There’s more: the delectable Cucumber & Basil Martinis crafted with Grey Goose to keep things cool, Passion Fruit Caipirinhas and Raspberry Mojitos for those who like their libations fruity, and bolder options like the Red Hot Chili Mango Margarita to turn up the heat exactly when you need it. Whether it’s a cocktail or a mocktail that tickles your fancy at Casino de Ibiza, the focus remains on flavour, presentation and the pure pleasure of sipping a beautifully-made creation.
As the lively buzz of conversations builds as the evening stretches into the night, Casino de Ibiza at Ibiza Gran Hotel becomes a space alive with possibilities. When hunger inevitably strikes, food – be it snacks, sharing plates, main dishes, pizzas or sweet treats – can be served to wherever you’ve plotted up for the night and you can pick and choose off the menu as many times as you like, with the buzzing nightspot and its kitchen open until 5am. Inspired by the flavours of the world, the menu offers a decadent balance of refined classics with a side of comforting favourites – whatever you’re craving, you’ll find something to sate your appetite.
Order a round of starters to share, with standout dishes including finely sliced jamón ibérico served simply with toasted bread and tomato; elegant veal carpaccio with figs, Parmesan and rocket; or crunchy, golden croquettes filled with roast chicken and sweet corn mayonnaise. Steamed Japanese gyozas with ponzu introduce a subtle international accent, as do free-range chicken quesadillas and bowls of freshly made guacamole with crispy nachos. Casino de Ibiza favourites like the Caesar salad, the classic cheddar cheeseburger and the always-iconic club sandwich always hit the spot.
As the night goes by, groups settle in to Casino de Ibiza for dinner, tucking into dishes that feel generous and heartier – decadent dining with a sense of occasion. A grilled veal fillet arrives with baked potato, sautéed veggies and apple compote (speaking the language of classic winter comforts), while teriyaki-style free-range chicken adds gentle spice and depth with sancho pepper. Fish and chips are delicately lifted with wasabi mayonnaise, and an array of tastily topped pizzas are perfect for sharing. The wine list, of course, is on par with the cuisine, with some of the finest drops in the world showcased alongside locally loved vinos.
The buzz continues to build as more and more guests stream into the space – some having planned a night around the sights and delights of Casino de Ibiza, others sponteneously popping in, their curiosity piqued by the iconic signage twinkling seductively on the façade of the resort. Here, anything is possible, and no two nights are ever the same. Glamour goes hand-in-hand with the night – think James Bond style (martinis shaken, not stirred of course!) meets Ocean’s 11 elegance and above all, a sense of typical Ibiza fun and fabulousness.
In a season where Ibiza reveals a different side of its nightlife, a night at Casino de Ibiza is the perfect example of a winter evening spent well, where style, conversation and connection take priority – though if you’re not on the island, fear not! Casino de Ibiza at Ibiza Gran Hotel is open daily from 5pm until 5am, all year round. This week, to celebrate the venue’s much-awaited reopening and to get in the mood for the sparkle of Carnaval, all guests will be greeted with a welcome drink on arrival – more proof that even in the quieter months, Ibiza knows exactly how to create a little after-dark magic.
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