Cafe Del Mar
If you asked almost anyone in the world to name a venue in Ibiza , the odds are that they would come up with either 'Café del Mar' or 'Space'. Despite the fact that they have probably never been to Ibiza , nor could even tell you whereabouts the island is?
Nearly 10,000 sunsets later.
Café del Mar is to Ibiza what 'rock' is to Brighton . However, the rocks upon which Café del Mar was built don't have pink writing running through the middle, but have proved to be a sound foundation for the world's most famous sunset bar.
The concept, and this was much more than just a bar!, was the brainchild of Ramón Guiral, Carlos Andrea and José Les who arrived in Ibiza in 1978 attracted by the nightlife of San Antonio, which in the 70's was very much the birthplace of island tourism. They chose a location with the best sunset view on the island, overlooking the island of Conejera, added the perfect background music to fit the spectacle, then went completely overboard designing and decorating the location in outrageous baroque splendour. The emblematic architect they chose for their vision was the internationally renowned Catalan Luis Güell, who subsequently became famous for his unique creations of 'space dedicated to leisure'. Much of his success stemmed from the design of the 'Café del Mar' with it's clouds, eroticism and sensuality that combine so neatly with the sunset, the sea and the music.
Lois took barely a fortnight to come up with the inspirational design that still looks cool 25 years later. Work began in 1979 despite the concerted opinions of friends and business professionals that the three partners were completely crazy. From day one the bar was a huge success attracting people from all over the island as the ultimate meeting place.
The perfect sunset, accompanied by what proved to be the foundation stones of 'ambient' music - a fusion of classical music, blues and jazz - attracted world famous musicians intrigued by this totally different style of Ibiza sound. Many later paid tribute to the 'Café del Mar' in their own music. Frank Zappa and Jon Andersson of 'Yes' and 'Vangelis' were often found at the bar, as was Mike Oldfield.
Demand for this 'speciality' sunset music pushed 'Café del Mar' into producing their own cassettes for eager punters. Then ten years ago the English record company 'React' released the first 'Café del Mar' CD which featured such artists as 'Underworld', 'A man called Adam', 'Nightmares on Wax', 'Sabres of Paradise' & 'William Orbit'. This and the following pair of 'Café del Mar' CD's sold over half a million copies attracting the attention of Polygram who released volumes 4 & 5 of the 'Café del Mar' collection taking sales to well over a million.
