#Culture

Between secrets and stars: Pikes Ibiza, the hotel with a thousand tales

By Constancia Moreno

July 25, 2023

When you set up a business, you naturally have high expectations. But what Tony Pike founded in Ibiza he probably didn’t even expect himself. The 4th of July 1980 was the opening of this madness in the form of a hotel complex whose history is by no means unnoticed. Pikes Ibiza has been and continues to be a rollercoaster of sensations, celebrities and a lot of partying that has inspired generations to come on the white isle.

FROM ZERO TO EVERYTHING

Mr. Tony Pike

Born in 1934, Mr. Pikes had a tough time in World War II with his family but never lost his dreamer’s spirit. Young Tony’s longing to explore beyond his native England led him to join both the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy. These years were tough, yet filled with invaluable lessons that eventually led him to Australia – a place he came to consider his true home.

There he would do all kinds of jobs that would enhance his dynamic personality. After Oceania he visited dozens of exotic places, turning into a playboy and even acquiring an island in Papua New Guinea – a venture he had to sell due to its infamous reputation for cannibalism. His journey continued, ultimately leading him to Ibiza in 1978 via ferry.

Upon arrival, destiny drew him to a 500 year old property near San Antonio called Can Pep Toniet, accurately meaning ‘little Tony’s property’. The stars aligned, compelling Tony to make it his own. With no water, no electricity, and armed only with a jackhammer, Pike started to build what would become the biggest project of his lifetime.

Pikes Ibiza in its begginings
You can check in, but you can never check out.

HOME OF THE CULTURAL AND MUSICAL ELITE

Carl Cox and Tony Pike

Since its opening in 1980, Pikes emerged as a hedonistic and rock n’ roll haven. A mansion with a blend of rustic and bohemian charm. For those who considered themselves “somebody” a visit to this Ibiza hotspot was a must. It was the playground for the top.

Everything has happened within its walls, and there’s a reason behind its reputation as a place where fun knows no bounds. Videoclips featuring the likes of Wham! and their ‘Club Tropicana’ (in which Tony participated) themed parties, drugs, girls, and glamour. Tony offered it all, warmly embracing anyone willing to partake in the madness. 

Many of his celebrity guests became hotel regulars and lifelong friends. From Julio Iglesias and Freddie Mercury playing on his tennis court, to more contemporary icons such as Bon Jovi and Kylie Minogue.

Tony Pike and Freddie Mercury

In 2010, Tony stepped down from running the commercial side of the hotel, handing it over to Dawn Hindle and Andy McKay of the Ibiza Rocks Group. They saw the potential to revive the hotel while respecting its essence and magic. Mr Pike continued to live in one of the hotel’s humbler rooms by choice until his passing in 2019, but not before leaving a written memoir. From them you can get an idea of how shocking, moving and extravagant his life was. Although only Tony himself really knows how extraordinary it was.

PIKES AT THE TOP

The show must go on! As one of his most famous guests used to say. That’s why Pikes has passed the test of time and is still going strong and bold, like the man who started it all. It’s one of the few places where you can still breathe in the island’s original atmosphere, inspiring a multitude of themed hotels, each striving to capture a glimpse of Pikes’ bohemian charm.

In addition to its 26 rooms, each with a personality of its own, Pikes is also notable for its gastronomy at the Pamelas restaurant. On Tuesdays, Love Food Ibiza Brunch days offer Balearic cuisine and poolside sets. But take note: leaving without trying their Sunday roast would be a lifelong regret.

As you might have noticed, at Pikes you’ll find everything, including yourself. Musically speaking, too. Because the hotel is home to a programme that not everyone can afford. If you’re a party animal, you can’t miss Freddies, with its Saturday house parties featuring performers, special guests, mystery and a whole lot of magic. But the big game is ‘Pikes presents…’, since 2018 featuring the best of international talent: Fatboy Slim, Carl Craig, Myd and Kittin are some of the stars of this year’s line-up.

When it comes to residencies, Pikes is no slouch either. Mondays with Nightmares On Wax in the booth have given such magical moments as when his daughter DJ’d with him. The colour provided by the renownedDJ Jaguar with UTOPIA, the underground house and disco of Melon Bomb or the nights led by Back To Mine. An infinite range of options for you to discover the true potential of Pikes. If you’re more chill, the glitter ball-filled Sunset Terrace will warmly welcome you at the Pikes On Sundays curated by the Brothers Grim. 

Want to be part of the madness? Xceed offers  free access to their guestlists. Yes, you read that right.