Discover some of the best party hotspots on the planet this summer, make new friends and dance the night away under the stars in the most exciting international destinations imaginable.
From a vibrant festival scene in The Netherlands, to the spiritual home of dance music in Ibiza, plus party and festival hotspots all over Eastern Europe, Spain, Morocco and beyond there’s plenty to keep you busy this summer. Why not combine your memorable party moments with a city break or beach holiday? Mix idyllic coastlines, picturesque views, unique architecture, culture and gastronomic delights for the perfect festival break. Here’s 10 of the best places to party in 2017!
IBIZA
It goes without saying that Ibiza is a paradise for party-goers, this sunny oasis has long been the spiritual home of dance music and club culture. Enjoy the warm sunshine and sun-drenched days pool side and party into the night at some of the world’s best clubs and parties. For those looking to balance out the party life with some much-deserved r&r, there’s a wealth of yoga retreats and tranquil sandy beaches on the island, making for the most picture-perfect party location.
This summer Ibiza enters an exciting new chapter with the much-anticipated launch of Hï Ibiza, the brand new superclub by Ushuaïa Entertainment. The club formerly known as Space will be elevated to new heights, with a fresh new look and the most advanced sound and technologies on the island. From May through September Hï Ibiza will play host to the finest selectors from the global electronic music scene, including Apollonia, Black Coffee, Joris Voorn, Kölsch, Luciano and Nic Fanciulli. Don’t miss the club’s Opening Party on Sunday 28th May, which promises to be a historic moment in club culture and one of this year’s essential party destinations.
Be like a local…
Drink: Hierbas
Eat: Sobrasada
Say Cheers: Salud!
Hï Ibiza parties all through the summer from May – September. To book tickets visit hiibiza.com
THE NETHERLANDS
There must be something in the water in Holland, with the sheer number of festivals that take place in the country every year! Whether you’re into rock, pop, indie or electronic music there’s literally hundreds of events to choose from. With a flourishing Dutch music scene too, it’s the perfect time to look out for emerging acts like Klangstof and Amber Arcades or Dutch DJs Tom Trago, Mirella Kroes, Hunee, Steve Rachmad and more. Why not combine a festival with a city break to Amsterdam, where you can take in the laid back atmosphere, wander the cobbled streets and canals and check out one of the most cutting-edge nightlife scenes in Europe?
Join one of the biggest parties of the year at the 25th edition of Lowlands festival! The Dutch answer to Reading & Leeds, has an extensive multi-genre line-up featuring over 250 acts including Mumford & Sons, The xx, Editors, alt-J, Bastille, Cypress Hill, Michael Kiwanuka, Ben Klock, Dixon, Glass Animals, Talaboman and more. When it comes to electronic music, the world’s longest running dance music festival Mysteryland has it all. Over 346 acts, criss-crossing house, techno, disco, African beats, vinyl-only, hardstyle, hip hop and feel-good bands, plus an extensive arts and culture line-up. For the underground heads there’s also Welcome to the Future festival, a celebration of underground electronic music culture with a cutting-edge house and techno lineup, featuring Audion, Claptone, Jackmaster, Lil Louis, Loco Dice, Ross From Friends, Sandrien, Tom Trago and many more.
Be like a local…
Drink: Kopstoot
Eat: Stroopwafel
Say Cheers: Proost!
Lowlands takes place from 18th – 20th August. To book tickets visit lowlands.nl
Mysteryland takes place from 26 – 27 August 2017. To book tickets visit mysteryland.nl
Welcome to the Future takes place on 22 July. To book tickets visit welcometothefuture.nl
MOROCCO
Few countries hold as much dreamy fascination for travellers as Morocco. From the Sahara desert, Berber towns and sandy coastlines there is so much to be explored, especially in the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech. The winding alleyways of the Medina give way to the bustling souks, filled with brightly coloured silks, spice baskets and the most delicious local cuisine. Relax and unwind at the hammam and indulge yourself with massage or take in the breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, the Jardin Marjorelle and stunning architecture that the country has to offer. The city also has a growing music and festival scene, thanks in part to Oasis festival, which kick-started the festival scene there back in 2015.
Nestled on the outskirts of the bustling city of Marrakech in the luxurious surroundings of the Source music resort, Oasis brings a slice of festival paradise to Morocco, shining the light on North Africa as the latest must-visit festival destination. In addition to the cutting-edge music programme featuring Richie Hawtin, Nicolas Jaar, Marcel Dettmann ,Charlotte De Witte, Chloe, and many more, there is ample opportunity to nourish the mind, body and soul with daily yoga, massage and reflexology. Guests can also experience Moroccan culture on-site with authentic local street food, a wide selection of locally produced and organic products, market vendors, henna artists and more. There’s no doubt Oasis is one of this year’s most unique party experiences!
Be like a local…
Drink: Mint Tea
Eat: Pastilla
Say Cheers: Fe sahetek
Oasis takes place from 15-17 September 2017. To book tickets visit theoasisfest.com
SPAIN
Spain is a mix of old and new, modern and traditional. Think cathedrals, world-class art, stunning architecture, beautiful sandy beaches, a buzzing nightlife and a thriving festival scene. It’s no wonder Spain has long been the go-to destination for British travellers and the Basque country’s Bilbao has everything to offer, and more! This culture-rich city is full of character and there’s plenty to keep you busy. Visitors can head to one of the many museums and art galleries, including the world-famous Guggenheim, take a street art tour, check out the world-famous Basque gastronomic scene or sample some of the region’s famous Pintxos and Kalimotxos (Cola and Red Wine!) along the way.
The Spanish sure know how to party too! When it comes to Bilbao, it’s fiesta time when Bilbao BBK Live festival comes to town, taking over the stunning Kobetamendi Hill with breathtaking views across the city. This year’s line-up features acts including Depeche Mode, The Killers, Justice, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Fleet Foxes, The 1975, Sundara Karma and a whole host of Spanish musical talent. Plus, Basoa, the festivals carefully curated dance music space will also play host to uninterrupted party sessions from many of the most-respected names in electronic music including Dixon, The Black Madonna, Andrew Weatherall and Motor City Drum Ensemble.
Be like a local…
Drink: Kalimotxos (Cola and Red Wine!)
Eat: Pintxos
Say Cheers: Salud!
Bilbao BBK Live takes place from 6-8 July 2017. To book tickets visit bilbaobbklive.com