The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

OVER THE years, Nassau has witnessed many nightclubs come and many clubs go. Countless venues have tried to fill a void in the local entertainment scene creating clubs where DJ’s and live music co-exist in one place. Owners of the newest club to hit Nassau, Ibiza Bahama, believe the brand has what it takes to stay fresh and stand tall for a long time. It is owned by the Wells family in collaboration with Saleh Bari.

The club which opened early this month, hosted stars from Love & Hip Hop television show this past weekend. Scores of the party goers flocked to Ibiza to enjoy a fun filled night with the show’s cast including, Yandy, Kaylin, Joe Budden, Tahiry and one of New York’s most popular entertainers DJ Self.

Ibiza Bahama is positioning itself as a trendy venues in the downtown vicinity that “won’t be leaving any time soon”. Investment in the construction of a pool which did not exist at the former Cocktails & Dreams is proof, said Makel Wells, co-owner of Ibiza nightclub.

“If we did not have confidence or if we did not think that the club would be successful we would not have invested half of the money we invested, because if we close down we cannot take a pool with us. So with these type of things the we have put in place, tells that we are very adamant about staying. We are pretty sure about this spot,” he told Tribune Entertainment.

The name Ibiza, which is an island in the Mediterranean Sea is synonymous with wild techno dance parties. The island is considered to be a popular tourist destination because of its vibrant night life.

Makel said at different times he and his three partners attended an Ibiza party and thought it would be a good concept to introduce to the Bahamas.

“This was a project we wanted to do for a while now. We were owners of a previous club and we wanted to go into a nightclub business mainly because we felt there was not sufficient or the right night club spot in Nassau. The most premier spots down here, are not Bahamian owned, for example Aura. They say it is one of the best clubs down here, but Aura is not Bahamian owned and I do not consider it to be a club in Nassau, because it is located on Paradise Island.

“That was the first thing we wanted to do. If we were going to create a club we wanted it to be the best club at the best location and go against the number on spot,” he said.

Owners designed Ibiza to be a day and nightclub. The day club will be opened in the first week of March, closer to Spring break where foam and paint parties will be hosted. It also features a Sushi Bar, and snack bar. The property features a stage, giant tent, jacuzzi, private cabanas, and a pool.

“So people can come there during the day, chill out by the water, listen to some live Bahamian music, eat some Bahamian food and come back at night time and enjoy the night life,” Makel said.

One of the main attractions of the nightclub side of Ibiza, is the lighting, Makel said. There is a great deal of techno lights throughout the club which sets the tone for the party atmosphere.

There are also four VIP sections where tables can be bought in accordance with bottle prices. There is also an upstairs VIP section which features a private staircase, security, a hostess, and an 8ft-fish tank.

“That section is for people that want to party, feel the music upstairs, but do not want to be bothered with the crowd. That section can seat about 40-50 people. People can also rent that section for private parties,” he told Tribune Entertainment.

While the nightclub targets Bahamians, a big part of the project was also interacting with tourist to get them to come to the spot. Makel said they offered taxi drivers an opportunity to come and see Ibiza in hopes of establishing a partnership.

The owners, intend to keep Ibiza fresh by starting other projects and bringing various artists to the Bahamas, and also invite Bahamian artists to perform.

“Right now we are auditioning people to come out and perform. We will have some local talent performing throughout DJ sets and those are the things we are doing to keep the Bahamian talent going. We are open to all Bahamian talent not just singers, but dancers, magicians anyone who is talented,” he said.

“It takes team work for any business like this one to thrive. Competition is healthy but we have to come together for it to work and work for the long-term,” he said.
Ibiza Bahama Nightclub is open from Thursday - Sunday from 9pm -2.30am.