Founded by the legendary Tony Pike on July 4, 1980, Pikes has become an icon of Ibiza’s nightlife and cultural history. Over four decades of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of pleasure have shaped the Pikes Ibiza history, one that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Pikes Ibiza History The Legendary Story Behind the Icon
Pikes Ibiza History
The Origins
Discovered by Tony in 1978, this 500-year-old ruined finca was lovingly restored by hand and, in just two years, transformed into something extraordinary.
Considered the first ’boutique’ hotel on the island (and possibly in the world) in just a few short years, this once-unknown hideaway in the hills above San Antonio would become a escape for some of the world’s most famous faces of the 80’s and 90’s. Pop stars, actors, models, musicians, DJs, record label executives and even royalty all escaped to Pikes, drawn by its hedonistic spirit, carefree charm, and the larger-than-life presence of Tony Pike himself.
The tales of Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday party and Wham!’s iconic Club Tropicana video shoot only added to its mystique and have since become legendary. But Tony was always careful, as we are today, to treat his non-famous guests with the same warmth and hospitality he reserved for his A-list clientele.
After Tony passed away in February 2019, we can no longer delight in hearing him retell the tales of his days as the ultimate host with the most. But thankfully, some of his stories have been put to paper, ensuring his legacy lives on.
The principles of freedom, equality, and hedonism on which Pikes was founded have remained at its core under the ownership and management of the groundbreaking Ibiza Rocks Group, who breathed new life into the hotel in 2011 and transformed it into the world-renowned hub for music, art, gastronomy, fashion, and, perhaps most importantly, fun that it is today. All with one simple mission:
‘Keep Pikes Magical’
The magic of Pikes is that it offers people the intangible; the Ibiza dream; it remains somewhat of an enigma yet is one of the most desirable names in the island’s hotel, dining and party scenes.
And while much has inevitably changed, one thing never will: all are welcome here. Background, race, gender, and creed are irrelevant — we’ve seen and embraced it all.
Our ever-revolving door of friends and family is what makes Pikes unlike anywhere else on earth.
You can check in but you can never check out
1978
Tony Pike discovers Can Pep Toniet, a 500-year old finca ruin in the countryside, and the dream begins!
1980
Pikes opens its doors as the first boutique hotel in Ibiza.
1983
Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’ film clip shines an international spotlight on Pikes.
1987
Freddie Mercury hosts his 41st Birthday Party at Pikes – a decadent star-studded event that is still talked about in island circles to this day.
1987 – 1995
International acclaim attracts a host of A-list guests, including Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones, Julio Iglesias, Sade, Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and many more.
2011
A new era is born as the ground-breaking Ibiza Rocks Group acquires Pikes, with a caveat that Tony can live on the premises for the rest of his life.
2011
The Marrakech Suite is converted into an intimate bar and nightclub called Freddies, in honour of the room’s most famous regular guest.
2011 (and beyond!)
Ibiza Rocks live show stars including Ed Sheeran, Zane Lowe, LCD Soundsytem, Fatboy Slim and 2manydjs – just to name a few – breathe new life into the venue’s nightlife offering.
2012
Inspired by the lamb dinners Tony Pike used to cook for invited friends in the hotel’s early days the Pikes Sunday Roast first appears on the weekly menu.
2013 – present
Pikes introduces a series of exclusive residencies from artists such as DJ Harvey, Idris Elba, Ronnie Scott’s, Artwork and more.
2016
Seth Troxler takes over the entire hotel for a two-day birthday celebration that almost (but not quite) rivalled that of Freddie Mercury.
2018
Our flagship series of events, Pikes Presents… is launched, with subsequent guests including Fatboy Slim, Sven Väth, Goldie, Robyn, Jarvis Cocker, Carl Craig, David Morales, The Blessed Madonna, Jamie xx.
2019
Tony Pike passes away in his sleep, never to be forgotten.
2020
Pikes continues to thrive, hosting sell-out nightly events and dinners despite the difficult restrictions in place due to the pandemic.
2021
Freddies reopens and Pikes welcomes back its international community of loyal friends, family and followers.
2023
Lewis Capaldi recreates the iconic Club Tropicana for his single ‘Forget Me’
2023
8 of our rooms receive a much needed refurbishment, fusing British eccentricity with timeless rock and roll.
