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Dawn Hindle A N E W C H A P T E R Having lived in Ibiza for 23 years we’ve seen such shifts in the way that the island is. This island has always been full of the freaks and the party people from all over the world; it’s a melting pot of different nationalities and life experiences but they were starting to globalise and become less colourful so we decided to create a little pocket of openness and freedom here at Pikes. The reason we took on the hotel initially was to house the bands that were playing at Ibiza Rocks and to recreate the old-school, rock ’n’ roll atmosphere that the hotel had in the ’80s. We wanted to inject the bands of today into that old Ibizan, bohemian, rock ’n’ roll vibe, which Tony had owned and created with the likes of Grace Jones and all those guys. We originally called it Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes for that time because it really was like our house – we’d give the bands the best experience that we could because we couldn’t pay the massive fees that they were getting in other places. What happened with it being open as a hotel was that other people were invited to come on that journey and they’ve stayed. A lot of regular clients really felt that they weren’t only getting a hotel experience with us, they were getting the whole Pikes vibe. They were meeting the bands around the pool and hanging out with the full cast of Pikes characters – Tony, Sunny, Mika and the rest. Staying here is an experience, it really is a little immersive world of what I feel Ibiza was when Andy and I first arrived on the island; an alternative lifestyle to wherever you’re from. A very free, liberal, happy party vibe with really interesting characters. This is an historic property that has a lot of heritage that we’re careful to build on and celebrate. This is an old finca, sitting up in the hills, and it’s a timeless classic. If you want a five-star, bling-tastic hotel room then you’re not going to come to Pikes because you’re definitely not going to get that. What we offer is service in a quirky way with lots of vibe. This year sees a whole load of new features for you to enjoy. Over the winter we’ve been busy with the first major renovation at the hotel in the seven years we’ve been here. We’ve doubled the size of the dance floor in Freddies and moved some of the farm machinery outside so you can actually get to the bar! I always wanted a pull down bed so we’ve built one in there that turns into a stage and we’ve built a secret bookshelf that will take you through to the Potting Shed bar. We’ve got cocktail chairs covered in our own print, and ’70s bronze palm tree lights – we’re taking Freddies back to what it was... a sexy bedroom. Musically we’ve got incredible line ups and they’re all free events. Harvey’s back with his brilliant Mercury Rising nights – he’s also designed a new DJ box for us, Paul Oakenfold is doing a residency in August, celebrating 30 years since his trip to the island that changed dance music for ever and Primal Scream are playing live… We’re hosting those intimate experiences that you just don’t find any more on the island. <strong>2017</strong> also sees us collaborating with people like Vicki Murdoch from Silken Favours. I approached Vicki as I wanted to tell the story of Pikes through her illustrations. She took things like Pikey the cat, cocktails with safety pins in, guitars, the mirror ball and the red crocodile and worked that into illustrations that you’ll see on the menus, the website, the staff uniforms and towels. It’s a way for us to reinforce our values and our stories but in an artistic way. We’ve done the same with Rockett St George. 6 I really like their look and feel and we’ve developed an interiors range for the hotel that didn’t distance ourselves from what Pikes is. Everything from that collaboration is for sale – we thought that that might stop people nicking everything! We’ve also installed fabulous sound systems from Cambridge Audio in every room. With the food we really want to shout about the fact we use locally sourced produce as much as we can. It’s fresh, organic and from down the road. We really want to keep the authentic Ibiza experience so we’re looking to serve Ibizan wines, cheese and meats, fish that’s caught in the morning and the vegetables are from the farm next door. Harvey’s making his own Tex Mex menu for his night and we’re going to have breakfast burritos so you can have that and a margarita on a Tuesday morning after you’ve done eight hours of dancing. We’ve also got different pop up kitchens coming in and Richard Turner from Hawksmoor returning with his Meatopia festival. At Pikes we really want people to want to come back to us. We want you to sample that intangible essence that you can’t put your finger on but it makes you want to return to experience it again and again. It’s the people that you meet – the kindred party spirit of people who don’t want to grow up, and don’t see a need to either. It’s fun. It’s a playground of misbehaviour. Pikes is what you want to get out of it. I think most people come to Pikes because they want an alternative to everything else that’s out there. And they get it. <strong>2017</strong> sees us opening a new chapter in the wild and hilarious story of Pikes Hotel – we can’t wait for this summer and we’re so glad you’re coming along for the ride. Dawn Hindle, Creative Director