Pete Gooding's insider's guide to Ibiza

Pete spent twelve years as Cafe Mambo resident, filling in for Steve Lawler in mid 1998 and never looking back. As synonymous with the venue as laid back cocktails and beautiful sunsets, he's also seen some killer DJ action across the island, playing for the likes of We Love... Space and Renaissance - the latter for whom he was also a resident at Pacha.

As insiders to the island's beautiful character go, they don't come much better!

What’s one thing that any first time visitor to Ibiza should experience? 

Climb up to the top of the tower over looking Es Vedra to watch the sunset.

What is your...

...Favourite Ibiza restaurant 

Juan Y Andrea in Formentera or Sa Capella in Ibiza

...Best Ibiza memory 

Way too many to pick one but here's a few: 

- Playing over 1000 sunsets at Cafe Mambo.

- My first gig in the main room at Pacha.

- Playing for We Love many times on the terrace at Space.

- Playing live at Radio 1 weekends.

- Playing at Manumission as the sun comes up to thousands of people.

- Days on Salinas with my friends.

...Favourite place to escape the crowds 

Santa Agnes

...Favourite place for pre-club drinks 

For me it will always be Cafe Mambo!

...Favourite beach 

Salinas due to its natural beauty, turquoise water and there are four different bars that have great food and music, especially Jon Sa Trinxa at Sa Trinxa and Chema at Malibu.

...Favourite club to DJ at 

Pacha / Space 

…All time favourite Ibiza anthem? 

This is too difficult to pick just one, so here are 10 of my favourites: 

Kariya - 'Baby Let me Love you For the Night'

Lil Louis - 'French Kiss'

Hoomba Hoomba - 'Voices Of Africa'

Aphex Twin - 'We Are The Music Makers'

William Orbit - 'Story of Light'

51 Days - 'Paper Moon'

Salt tank - 'Saragasso Sea'

Nalin & Kane - 'Beachball'

Stardust - 'Music Sounds Better With You'

M.A.N.D.Y vs Booka Shade - 'Body Language' 

What’s the...

...Best place to recover from a hangover 

On a boat for a day eating fresh shellfish, swimming in the sea and drinking good Rose.

...Best place to watch the sunset 

Well if you like the crowds Cafe Mambo, but if you want somewhere quiet, Hostal La Torre.

...Best place for breakfast

Croissant Show, with their amazing freshly baked produce, and it has a great view of the Dalt Villa 

...Best lunch spot 

Es Torrent (Ibiza) , Juan Y Andrea (Formentera)

Try to sum up what makes Ibiza so special in one sentence. 

It's the combination of like minded people having  the time of their lives on a beautiful island in the sunshine! 

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