Ibiza Sunsets: Hostal La Torre

The first night on my recent trip to the wonderful island of Ibiza; i was invited by a D.J Tim Angrave  (who has a very successful podcast The Chillout Lounge http://thechilloutloungemix.com/landing.html  ) to see him soundtrack a sunset at the picturesque location of Hostal La Torre. I was Staying on the other side of the island ( near Ibiza town ) it was a short bus trip across and a taxi from Sant Antoni ( about 5 mins ) in to the countryside. The hostal/restaurant is perched on a cliff top, just up from Cala Gracio beach. On entering, i have to stop to take pictures of the rustic furniture and the welcoming warm hug of the sun, beaming through the entrance. Very impressive. 

We're greeted by a friendly waitress who takes us to our table. The vibe is very laid back, the staff are very patient, no rush. Sunglasses are on, I'm hypnotized by the ever changing sky while Tim Angrave provides a gentle, emotive soundtrack: Tunes like Sabres Of Paradise - Smokebelch 11, Sub Sub - Past, Future Sound Of London - Papa New Guinea and a beauty from himself ( Tim's remix  of ) Lauge - Sollys; to mention a few of the musical delights, all mixed in to one seamless journey by the weekly sunset specialist ( Catch Tim here every Wednesday )

https://www.facebook.com/tim.angrave

While we were sipping the delicious sangria, our food arrived: A selection of mouth watering tapas, which me and my wife slowly enjoyed, while the attentive waiter tops up our glasses. Even though the restaurant is busy, we didn't feel at any time that we were being rushed to finish our dishes. We stayed to the end of Tim's set and finished off a bottle of chilled white wine. A perfect first night in Ibiza for us. Any one who would like to experience a legendary Mediterranean sunset in a romantic and intimate setting away from the crowds should book a table here. You won't be disappointed. 

Hostal La Torre is owned by Javier Anadon from Cafe Mambo. I recently spoke to Javier who said he plans to keep the true spirit of Ibiza alive in La Torre. He has appointed former Mambo resident D.J/producer/label boss; a man who knows a thing or two about the Balearic style of D.J sets: One Pete Gooding; who has booked the line up of highly respected guests to play throughout the summer. Also Pete can be seen providing high quality sunset sets here as well.

Recently i got  a Q & A with Pete Gooding about this:

Me: Hi Pete; You are heavily involved in the bookings of the DJ's over the summer, who can we expect to see?

Pete: I look after the bookings, and we have great residents joining me here like;

Chris Coco http://www.chriscoco.com/

Mark Barrott ( International Feel ) https://www.facebook.com/IntFeel/

Andy Wilson ( Ibiza Sonica ) https://www.facebook.com/andywilsonibiza/

Also we have guests like: DJ Harvey, Phil Mison, Leo Mas, Balearic Gabba Sound System, Paul Daley ( Ex Leftfield ) Simon Mills ( Bent ) A Man Called Adam ( Live ) and Danny Rampling recently played a Balearic set.

Me: Obviously your a specialist yourself, true music fan, have Balearic vibes firmly set in your style and soul. With your experience playing Cafe Mambo over the decades now and so many sunsets; could you give me 5 favorite pieces that have stayed with you in your sets?

Pete: Luciano Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtlgzFKWZKE

Brian Eno - An Ending

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It4WxQ6dnn0

Pink Floyd - Wish you were here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7N0mY6FaRg

Ennio Morricone - Once Upon A Time In The West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s0-wbXC3pQ

Dr Baker - Would you like to seduce me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtyZWby-ON8

Me: What makes Hostal La Torre so special?

Pete: Many things but it's location is unrivaled to be honest, it's breathtaking. The food and service is great and it has a nice family vibe. The rooms are great and overall; it has that rustic, authentic old skool Ibiza vibe that can be hard to find these days.

Me: I've personally enjoyed listening to the Cafe Mambo mix compilations ( which Pete Gooding has been on ) over the years; are there any plans for one for Hostal La Torre?

Pete: Yes, i just started Hostal La Torre recordings with the owner ( Javier ) It has been compiled by me & Mark Barrott ( International feel ) It will be a gatefold 180g double vinyl release, plus C.D will be available on Ibiza in July. Vinyl & Digital releases will be from early September.

It's very special musically as we wanted to make a statement fitting of La Torre, not just some disposable generic compilation. We have really strived for something that will be remembered and hopefully we have achieved that, but i guess that's for the listeners to decide, so fingers crossed.

Me: At the moment; give me one new tune that defines the Ibiza sound?

Pete: Well the Ibiza sound means different things to different people but for me a track like Mark Barrott's new single called Cascades is incredible

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rfhcY-5qRg



You can keep up with Pete on Facebook with his dates and releases:

https://www.facebook.com/petegoodingofficial

Also if your heading over to Ibiza this summer, check out Hostal La Torre at :

http://www.latorreibiza.com/en/