Business

Why do concert tickets now cost as much as a games console?

Published

3 hours ago

September 23, 2024

NewsAdmin

Why do concert tickets now cost as much as a games console?

Tickets to see Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Oasis have set new benchmarks for pricing

BBC A treated image showing Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Liam Gallagher in front of hands holding up credit cards — Tickets to see Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Oasis have set new benchmarks for pricing

The last time Oasis played Wembley Stadium, in 2009, a standing ticket cost exactly £44.04.

For their return next summer, the same ticket was priced at £150. Vastly more than the old ticket price which, when adjusted for inflation, would cost £68.

Not only that, but some fans were charged hundreds of pounds more than the face value, after so-called “dynamic pricing” boosted the cost in response to high demand.

But Oasis aren’t alone. If you’ve logged onto Ticketmaster over the last couple of years, you’ll know the cost of live music has soared.

Ticket prices shot up by 23% last year, having already risen 19% since the pandemic. Going to a gig can cost the same amount as taking a holiday, and prices are only rising.

At the most extreme end of the scale, Madonna charged £1,306.75 for VIP passes to her Celebration tour; and Beyoncé offered fans the chance to sit on the stage of her Renaissance concerts for the bargain price of £2,400.

Overall, the average ticket price for the top 100 tours around the world was £101 last year, up from £82 in 2022, according to Pollstar, a trade publication that tracks the concert industry.

In the UK, 51% of people say high prices have stopped them going to gigs at least once in the last five years. Among 16 to 34-year-olds, two-thirds of concert-goers say they’ve reduced the number of shows they attend. But despite this, tours with high-priced tickets keep selling out – but only for the biggest-name artists.

Abbi Glover, 33, from New Holland, Lincolnshire, said the cost of tickets “creates a divide” between those who can afford them and those who are “priced out”.

“I work hard and earn a decent wage. What do I have to do to be able to just enjoy these things when I’m doing everything I possibly can?”

‘Milking the cow’

UK prices are still below those in the US but, as ticketing expert Reg Walker told the BBC, “what happens there happens here five to 10 years later”.

So why have costs skyrocketed?

If your first thought was “greed”, well, that’s definitely part of it.

“It’s not speculation to think that some artists want to make as much money as they can,” says Gideon Gottfried, Pollstar’s European editor.

One musician who’s been bullish about the price hikes is Bruce Springsteen.

Fans were alarmed when some seats for his 2023 US tour were priced as high as $5,000 (£3,874), thanks to Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Springsteen argued that most of the tickets were in an “affordable range”, but he was fed up with touts making money off his back, so he chose to match their prices.

“I’m going, ‘Hey, why shouldn’t that money go to the guys that are going to be up there sweating three hours a night for it?’” he said.

Kiss star Gene Simmons also defended the system.

“Whatever the pricing is, it’s all academic,” he told Forbes. “Somebody sits in a room and tries to figure out how far the rubber band can stretch. And if you’re not selling tickets, guess what happens? The price goes down. Capitalism!

“Vote with [your] money,” he concluded. “You don’t like the ticket pricing? Don’t buy a ticket.”

Springsteen and Simmons are in good company. Other artists who’ve embraced dynamic pricing include Coldplay, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift (although she ditched it for the Eras tour after significant fan backlash).

Following the Oasis debacle, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to get a “grip” on the situation and “make sure that tickets are available at a price that people can actually afford”.

But it might not be so simple…

A pie chart showing that from a £150 ticket, £84 goes to the artist - which will also pay for crew and transport - £30 on VAT, £16.50 on ticket fees, £15 to the promoter, and £4.50 goes to royalties. This is illustrative and amounts will vary from show to show

Aside from the lure of a big payday, there are many reasons why artists are charging more.

Some are trying to combat the impact of streaming – the majority of musicians make just 5% of their income from streaming, a sharp decline from the years when vinyl and CD were king.

Others are worried about their longevity, in an era when entire careers can be measured in the span of a TikTok trend.

“Nobody really knows what the heck is going on, and how the economy will develop and what the next crisis is going to be,” says Gottfried, “so some artists are trying to milk the cow as much as possible, while it’s still possible.”

Beyonce’s Renaissance tour broke records

Beyonce sits on a piano in front of a large crowd — Beyonce’s Renaissance tour broke records

Not everyone thinks that way. Punk-pop star Yungblud organised his own festival in Milton Keynes this August, setting prices at a market-beating £49.50.

He was compelled to take action after noticing unsold seats on his US arena tour last year.

“Five hundred seats would be completely empty because they were $200 a ticket,” he told Music Week. “I’d have 1,000 kids outside the venue who couldn’t afford to come in and I was like, ‘Something’s got to change here.’”

But the festival didn’t go completely to plan. Heightened security after a stabbing in Milton Keynes the previous weekend led to delays of up to three hours for fans waiting to get into the venue. As temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius, some passed out in the queue. Others gave up and went home.

Higher-priced tickets could have paid for extra security staff and eased those pressures – illustrating the delicate balance that has to be struck when setting prices.

Still, Yungblud isn’t the only one trying to get a fair deal for concert-goers.

Paul Heaton capped prices for his upcoming tour at £35. Pop star Caity Baser set her 2023 concerts at just £11 – or “two meal deals”, as she put it – to help cash-strapped fans.

But these artists don’t require big productions full of pyrotechnics and jumbotron video screens.

For acts who do, the cost of touring has spiralled since the pandemic. Here are just a few examples:

Transport Whether you’re in a minivan or a private jet, it costs more to travel these days. Fuel prices have risen by 20% since 2019 and a shortage of drivers post-Brexit means experienced crew can charge a premium.

Freight costs A tour isn’t just about moving bodies – for big arena and stadium shows, the stage also has to be transported. According to the pop star Lorde, the cost of shipping her stage around the world increased by up to 300% after Covid. And logistics company Freightwaves says the cost of insuring one truck can be as high as $5m (£3.8m). For context, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour requires up to 50 trucks.

Catering We’ve all seen our food bills increase, and touring artists are no exception. When you have hundreds of mouths to feed, the costs add up.

Stage equipment From sound systems to lighting rigs, rental costs for tour gear have risen by 15-20%. And with more tours on the road, equipment is overbooked – which can push prices even higher.

“We’ve seen projects where the cost of overheads have increased by up to 35 to 40%,” says Stuart Galbraith, CEO of concert promoters Kilimanjaro Live, “and the only form of income that comes in to cover all of that is ticket money”.

Even when prices go up, the profit margins are minimal, according to Stephan Thanscheidt, CEO of FKP Scorpio, which organises more than 20 European festivals, as well as tours by Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones and Foo Fighters.

“The costs associated with our productions have doubled or tripled [but] we cannot and will not compensate for this by tripling the ticket prices,” he told Pollstar last year.

The squeeze is particularly tight on UK festivals, which have also been hit by a ban on “red diesel”, a fuel tinted with red dye, which they previously used to power the generators and heavy vehicles needed to construct festival sites.

The move is part of the UK’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases, and meant some organisers suddenly had to pay a higher rate of fuel duty from April 2022 – a big increase of 46 pence per litre.

Since then, the average cost of a UK festival ticket has shot up by 22%. Combined with other rising costs, more than 50 festivals went on hiatus or closed completely this summer.

The teetotal tax

Small venues are under pressure, too. Their prices might average between £7 and £10, but they’re struggling to sell shows – partly because fans have already spent their money on stadium tickets that cost the same as a games console.

Toni Coe-Brooker from the Music Venues Trust said this is down to “a culture in which people think that grassroots gigs should be free”.

In the past, that didn’t matter because owners made plenty of money behind the bar. But Gen Z are increasingly turning their backs on alcohol. One study says 26% of 16-to-25-year-olds are teetotal, and that leaves yet another hole in venues’ finances.

Combined with other pressures including higher rent and electricity bills, 125 music venues closed or stopped hosting live music in 2023.

In those that remain, costs are so tight that “a lot of venue operators aren’t even paying themselves, which is really worrying,” says Coe-Brooker.

The Music Venue Trust wants bigger concert halls to donate £1 from each ticket sold to the grassroots scene and the next generation of artists.

That wouldn’t necessarily push prices up again – the trust says the £1 fee would be factored into existing costs – but here’s the fascinating thing: If the artist is the right one, fans will pay regardless.

Oasis’ upcoming gigs will cost vastly more than their 1996 shows at Knebworth

Live Nation is the world’s biggest concert promoter and it shifted a record 118 million tickets in the first six months of 2024.

According to its latest earnings report, sales for arenas, amphitheatres, theatre and club shows are all up double digits.

“People’s enthusiasm to go out has not been as curbed as we expected in the current economy,” says Gottfried.

“VIP ticket sales have definitely picked up. Every single promoter I’ve spoken to across the individual European markets, has seen an uptake in almost every case. And £1,000 for a VIP package is not at all unheard of.”

‘Outrageous money’

However, the same rules don’t apply to everyone.

The biggest names might get away with charging hundreds of pounds per show, but “the weaker tours are coming under more pressure,” says Galbraith.

In other words, with an ongoing squeeze on their disposable incomes, fans are cutting back on experiences that don’t seem unique or essential.

“We’re competing in a marketplace that isn’t just gig to gig,” says Galbraith. “It’s also, are we value for money versus a restaurant? Are we value for money versus a mini break? So every tour has to be as cost effective as they possibly can.”

There are some signs that we’ve reached a peak. Jennifer Lopez and the Black Keys both scrapped recent US arena tours, after fans baulked at average prices of around $150 (£116). And the most expensive tickets for Billie Eilish’s 2025 UK tour (£398, of which £151 goes to local charities) are still available, months after going on sale.

It’s hard to say whether this will change. But Leah Rafferty, 27, from Sheffield, is an example of a fan who will pay whatever is asked. She lives with her parents, which allows her to spend her disposable income on concerts – something she says she feels “extremely lucky” to do.

A devoted Swiftie, she has seen The Eras Tour six times: Once in Edinburgh, twice in Liverpool and three times in London, at a cost of £1,192.57.

“As long as it doesn’t bankrupt me, I’m happy to spend whatever it costs.”

That’s exactly what promoters are relying on, says Gottfried.

“One of the reasons you haven’t seen notable dips [in sales], despite people struggling economically, is that seeing their favourite artist means so much to them that they make irrational decisions.

“Any market will be distorted by people making irrational decisions. It might be a beautiful decision for them but it’s also an irrational one, because their emotions and their fandom will make them pay outrageous money.”

Lead image: Getty

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Travel

Barefoot Luxury At Its Finest at North Island, Seychelles

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7 mins ago

September 23, 2024

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(credit: North Island)

The tropical oceanic climate of this small country presents the ultimate in barefoot luxury and a backdrop for an exceptional and unique destination. Located in the far north of the Indian Ocean archipelago, North Island measures at 201 hectares where guests are surrounded by turquoise water and breathtaking white sand beaches and warm crystal-clear waters, a dream island fantasy island that has come to life. Only accessible by boat or helicopter, the island resort attracts visitors seeking the ultimate romantic escape offering views of jagged peaks, vibrant green jungles and a wide variety of water-based and land-based activities.

(credit: North Island)

While the resort opened in 2003 and has gone through refurbishments and modern upgrades, the island was put on the map in 2011 as it was the honeymoon destination of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Located amongst the granitic islands of Seychelles, one of its 115 islands dotted in the Indian Ocean, North Island is a place of exclusive luxury within an exquisite wilderness sanctuary. Comprising 11 villas, each measuring between 5,000 and 8,000 sq. ft., the villas have all been created from local materials harvested during the island rehabilitation process in 1997, balancing luxury and simplicity to make it your own sanctuary.

(credit: North Island)

Immersed in lush tropical vegetation and just steps from the soft white-sand beach, the villas offer each guest unparalleled space and total discretion. The villas balance serene comfort with the natural environment, as they are screened from view by the natural vegetation, ensuring total privacy. Presenting a mix of textures and handcrafted furniture, each villa has a private plunge pool, a butler and fully retractable doors with spectacular views of the ocean beyond.

The epitome of luxury is their Villa North Island which is perched on a granite cliff at the edge of East Beach. This grand villa is spread over one level and presents two bedrooms and a bathroom and features a hidden entrance through the adjacent coconut groves. Guests of this villa enjoy unmatched views of the beach along with an oversized marble bath perfect for sharing and excellent sunrise sights, adding to its grandness and romance.

(credit: North Island)

Beyond a luxury destination, sustainability lies at the heart of North Island’s philosophy and allows for an inimitable experience. With a true sense of place, the island employs full-time environmentalists to preserve one of the world’s most biologically diverse and important areas. Its Noah’s Ark program started in 1997. The ambitious challenge to restore the island following the collapse of the coconut industry in the 1970s has seen multiple efforts in marine conservation, forest restoration, sea turtle nesting and its Magpie Robin conservation local conservation program. Guests on the island can also meet Brutus, their 450-lb 160-year-old turtle which lives on the island.

(credit: North Island)

Guests who visit the island will have their own golf buggy to traverse the winding sandy paths from their villa to the restaurant or beaches around. North Island allows guests to live the idyllic island life with its generous list of activities, where couples can feel like they have the entire island to themselves. From yoga to aquatic experiences to massages by the sea to a number of excursions like diving, hiking and fishing, a day on North Island is pure bliss.

The scenery at and around the resort perfectly positions itself as one of the most romantic spots in the world. Whether couples are celebrating their dream honeymoon or planning the ultimate beach destination wedding, the resort offers bespoke offerings that couples will never forget. A place of natural beauty and timeless relaxation, the calm rhythm of the Indian Ocean infuses the resort and offers guests a private place to rejuvenate their bodies and awaken their souls.

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Business

Standard Chartered takes investors to court in Libor transition test case

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13 mins ago

September 23, 2024

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Standard Chartered is taking legal action against several of its own investors, including a hedge fund run by DE Shaw, in what is seen by legal experts as a test case over the transition from the scandal-ridden Libor interest rate.

The legal battle, which is due to be heard in London’s High Court of Justice this week, could set a precedent for other companies’ investor payouts.

The dispute is over whether Standard Chartered can force through a change in the interest rate it pays out on its preferred shares, bypassing investor concerns, according to legal documents seen by the Financial Times.

Lawyers have claimed it is the first time the way a company moves away from using Libor has been challenged in the courts and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences.

Libor — or the London Interbank Offered Rate — was scrapped in June 2023 following years of scandal, including revelations more than a decade ago that traders from a range of global banks were systematically rigging the rate.

A synthetic version of Libor was developed to allow companies to transition, but this is set to be phased out this month.

Standard Chartered issued $750mn of preference shares in 2006 with an interest rate that was later linked to Libor. But the prospectuses did not set out what would happen if Libor was scrapped.

The bank has tried to switch from Libor to an alternative rate known as SOFR, or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, but has met resistance from its investors.

Their lawyers are set to argue that SOFR, which is insensitive to risk, acts very differently to Libor during times of economic and financial crises, and is therefore an inappropriate substitute, according to documents seen by the FT.

Standard Chartered sought a consent solicitation from its investors in January last year over switching the rate, but it was denied.

The bank then began legal action this June to force through the change. Several investors, including DE Shaw’s Galvanic Portfolios fund and three funds run by Boston-based hedge fund manager Bracebridge Capital, requested to be added to the suit as defendants.

The case will be heard over five days at London’s commercial court, starting on Friday, with a decision expected by the end of October.

Lawyers for the investors are expected to call on Standard Chartered to redeem the shares and reissue new shares with the updated interest rate.

Standard Chartered and DE Shaw declined to comment. Bracebridge did not respond to a request for comment.

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Money

7IM enhances platform with ZeroKey integration

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30 mins ago

September 23, 2024

NewsAdmin

7IM enhances platform with ZeroKey integration

7IM has upgraded its platofrm tools and functionality following feedback from advisers and clients.

The enhancements include the integration of software from ZeroKey, a web-app that enables advisers to transfer client data from their own tech stacks into 7IM’s illustrations and application tools.

This eliminates the need for advisers to manually re-key data, saving them valuable time.

The web extension also enables advisers to easily access their clients’ data, allowing them to move it to wherever they need to.

7IM said the upgrade is part of a multimillion-pound and multi-year investment into its proprietary technology and commitment to providing unrivalled service to advisers and clients.

It has also expanded its investment range with the addition of the Standard Life International Bond to the list of bond providers available on its platform.

This provides an open architecture wrapper giving advisers the freedom to manage their clients’ investments without being tied to a particular platform.

Last week, 7IM introduced Brooks Macdonald as a new DFM partner through the Retirement Income Solution (RIS) available on its platform.

Two new fund ranges will provide advisers with more flexibility as part of their centralised retirement proposition as well as offering clients greater choice through their retirement plans.

Russell Lancaster, MD platform and intermediary partnerships at 7IM, said: “As part of our ongoing conversations with advisers, we are aware of their frustrations such as a lack of integration between technology and this being a major cause of inefficiency in their businesses.

“We continue to listen and are actively addressing these pinch points by investing in technology to make their lives easier.

“We know that we must constantly evolve what we offer in line with adviser and clients’ needs if we are to realise our ambitious growth plans.”

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Business

Post Office scandal: Horizon still causing shortfalls

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45 mins ago

September 23, 2024

NewsAdmin

Post Office scandal: Horizon still causing shortfalls

Almost seven in 10 Post Office sub-postmasters have experienced an “unexplained discrepancy” on the Horizon IT system since January 2020, a survey has revealed.

It suggests faults remain in newer versions of the accountancy system still used by the Post Office, which has been at the heart of one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

A poll of sub-postmasters by YouGov found that almost all of those who had difficulties with Horizon reported shortfalls in their accounts and most resolved them by using their branch’s money.

An inquiry into the Post Office scandal resumes on Monday and will focus on how the company, which is wholly owned by the government, operates today.

Between 1999 and 2015, more than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted after faulty software called Horizon made it look like money was missing from Post Office branch accounts.

Despite this, a version of the Horizon IT system is still in use in UK Post Offices.

YouGov said it found that nearly half of the sub-postmasters it spoke to were “dissatisfied with how the Horizon IT System currently operates”, compared to 25% who were happy with it.

It added: “The vast majority – 92% – of sub-postmasters surveyed reported experiencing some form of issue with the Horizon IT system in the last 12 months.”

YouGov was commissioned to carry out the research by chair of the inquiry Sir Wyn William. It invited 6,532 current sub-postmasters to take part in its survey between 18 July and 15 August – 1,015 people responded.

It also held a second survey regarding compensation payouts relating to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS). It found nearly half of HSS applicants surveyed were dissatisfied with the scheme.

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Money

Advisers see AI as the best investment opportunity for the next 24 months

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51 mins ago

September 23, 2024

NewsAdmin

Advisers see AI as the best investment opportunity for the next 24 months

The majority of financial advisers (71%) see Artificial intelligence (AI) as the best investment opportunity for the next 12 to 24 months.

This is according to Capital Group research, which also found 13% believe the energy transition, 9% healthcare innovation and 6% evolving globalisation to be the best investment opportunity.

Capital Group investment director Steven Smith said: “AI has the potential to be the new tech mega cycle disruptor.”

Smith explained that mega cycles “tend to happen every 10 years”.

Additionally, 56% have confidence in investing in equities over the next 12 months and 58% expect their clients will increase the amount they invest.

Clients are more confident investing in the UK (58%) compared to globally (37%), emerging markets (36%) and Europe (29%).

This research comes as Capital Group has unveiled its flagship global equity strategy as an Open-Ended Investment Company (OEIC) in the UK.

The launch of the New Perspective Fund (NPF UK) can enable UK investors to “capitalise on extensive transformational changes in the world economy” with over 60% of UK financial intermediaries agree are occurring.

Intermediaries can be independent financial advisers or mortgage brokers.

Capital Group said: “NPF UK is based on a time-tested strategy built for an evolving world. It employs bottom-up research to identify and invest in multinational companies we believe offer strong growth opportunities and resilience capable of driving and benefiting from global change.”

Capital Group head of UK financial intermediaries Chris Miles added: “Our research shows that 70% of intermediaries consider it difficult to find an equity fund that can demonstrate its ability to invest through market cycles and periods of uncertainty.

“At Capital Group, we are dedicated to ensuring UK intermediaries have access to durable, time-tested investment strategies in their quest to achieve their clients’ long-term financial goals, and we believe the launch of New Perspective OEIC fund, based on a strategy with a 51-year history, could fill that gap.”

Capital Group was formed in 1931 and is one of the world’s largest investment management organisations, with over £2.1trn in asset under management.

To obtain these results, Capital Group commissioned Research in Finance to conduct an online survey of 205 advisers.

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Travel

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay Where Luxury Meets Paradise

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1 hour ago

September 23, 2024

NewsAdmin

As the glistening sun rises over the pristine shores of Ibiza on this mystical Spanish Island in the Mediterranean, the iconic Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay begins its annual invitation to guests every spring. This inspired 5-star luxury hotel on the white island in the Balearic Islands offers an unmatched blend of luxury, relaxation, and indulgence in one of the world’s most coveted locations.

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Talamanca Bay, this exclusive beachfront property has become synonymous with sophistication, catering to the discerning tastes of global travelers who seek more than just a getaway—they seek an experience.

Nobu Hotels

An Island Escape Like No Other

Every year, as late March or early April approaches, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay opens its doors to a season that promises new adventures, luxurious stays, and unforgettable memories. The resort’s season stretches through late October, a period where Ibiza transforms into a vibrant hub for the elite, the creative, and those in pursuit of the extraordinary.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is referred to as the “ultimate playground for the grown-up Ibiza set.” The hotel provides the essence of Ibiza, seamlessly blending the island’s free-spirited charm with an opulent lifestyle, creating an atmosphere where every detail is designed to elevate the guest experience.

Nobu Hotels

Traditions of Excellence

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay continues its tradition of excellence each year with a new season of Ibizan Discovery and is in an idyllic seaside location slightly away from the island’s busy hotel row. Guests returning to this luxurious haven and first-time visitors find themselves immersed in a world of unparalleled comfort. The resort’s offerings have been carefully curated to ensure that every moment spent on the property is infused with luxury, relaxation, and a touch of Ibiza’s unique energy. Whether it’s the breathtaking views from the suites, the world-class wellness facilities, or the innovative dining experiences, each element of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is designed to cater to the desires of its discerning guests.

Rejuvenation and Indulgence at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

The experience at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is more than just a stay; it is an opportunity to indulge in the finer things in life. Guests are welcomed into stunningly designed accommodations with open terraces that blend contemporary aesthetics with traditional Ibicenco architecture and Ibizan artwork.

Junior Suite with Plunge Pool

Each of the 152 designer Ibizan-style rooms and grand suites is a sanctuary of comfort and tasteful details, offering modern amenities, luxurious bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. The sense of tranquility that pervades the rooms is complemented by state-of-the-art wellness facilities that promise to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Nobu Hotels

Six Senses Spa

For those seeking to unwind, the Six Senses Spa offers a haven of relaxation, featuring a range of treatments that cater to every need. From island-exclusive CBD rituals to personalized skincare consultations, the spa is a sanctuary where guests can escape the stresses of everyday life. Enjoy sunset yoga on the panoramic roof terrace.

Yoga By Ibiza Bay – Nobu Hotels

The wellness offerings at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay extend beyond the spa. Fitness facilities include an expanded gym and serene yoga sessions on the rooftop. Here, guests can practice yoga or indulge in sound baths while overlooking the azure waters of Talamanca Bay, a perfect blend of physical and spiritual well-being.

Views From The Holistic Hike – Photo by Dana Sanderson

Holistic Hikes Retreats: Connecting with Nature and Self

For those who prefer a more active and immersive spiritual experience, the Holistic Hiking Retreats offer a unique way to explore the natural beauty of Ibiza while engaging in wellness practices. These retreats, which are highly anticipated each season, combine the luxury of a three-night stay at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay with invigorating hikes through some of the island’s most stunning landscapes.

Manuel Ehrensperger – Founder Ibiza Hike Station

Participants are guided through dramatic gorges, hidden caves, crystal-clear hot springs, and lush greenery, with each hike designed to connect them with the natural world and their inner selves.

Chambao by the Beach

Culinary Delights and Cultural Experiences

At the heart of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay lies a passion for gastronomy, with three restaurants offering an array of culinary delights. The iconic Nobu Restaurant, renowned for its innovative Japanese fusion cuisine, invites guests on a gastronomic journey like no other. At the same time, Chambao by the Beach showcases the flavors of Ibiza with its fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Breakfast Buffet – Dynie Sanderson

For those seeking a more casual dining experience, The Bay Café offers light bites and refreshing cocktails throughout the day. Every day before hitting the lounge chairs by the pool and bay, guests can casually indulge in the delicious breakfast buffet offerings while seated at their beachside tables in the sand.

Chef Nobu at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

Culinary Excellence at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

At the heart of the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay experience is a dedication to culinary excellence, a quality that the renowned Nobu restaurant embodies. Founded by world-famous Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the Nobu brand has become synonymous with innovative cuisine that masterfully blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences.

Nobu Restaurant

The Nobu Restaurant at Ibiza Bay is the pinnacle of Nobu Hotels’ global brand’s commitment to exceptional dining experiences. Guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey that combines the finest ingredients with the artistry of Japanese culinary techniques.

From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance, where every detail, from the décor to the service, reflects the high standards set by Chef Nobu himself.

Black Cod Miso – Photo by Dynie Sanderson

The Nobu Menu: A Symphony of Flavors

The menu at Nobu Ibiza Bay offers a tempting array of dishes that showcase Chef Nobu’s innovative spirit. Signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso – “the star of the show,” Yellowtail Jalapeño, Tiradito Nobu, and their Omakase menu are celebrated for their exquisite balance of flavors and textures. The Black Cod Miso, in particular, has become a signature dish across all Nobu restaurants, with its delicate, buttery texture and rich, savory glaze leaving a lasting impression on all who taste it.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay Lobby

The Nobu Experience at Ibiza Bay

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s ambiance is enhanced by attentive service that anticipates every need, ensuring that each guest feels like a VIP. The staff at Nobu Ibiza Bay is not only knowledgeable about the menus and the hotel’s many amenities but is also passionate about sharing the story behind Nobu, making the guest experience both educational and enjoyable. You are welcomed like a rock star from the moment you embrace the lobby area upon arrival and are warmly greeted at the entrance of this spectacular hotel.

Sun Lounges by the Pool Overlooking The Bay

The Beachside Experience at Hotel Nobu Ibiza

After being satiated by a remarkable breakfast feast, it’s time to claim your spot on your spacious sun lounger by the freshwater pool area with breathtaking sea views. Imagine a perfectly created refreshing drink, mixed cocktails, and freshly prepared sushi or other yummy delights delivered to your beachside enclave by your on-call waiter.

Immerse yourself in the sheer magic of the experience with enchanting mornings of relaxed nirvana. You are easily lured into bliss by the enchanting, intoxicating melodies orchestrated by the hotel’s talented musical DJ masters. The afternoon perks up with a more lively party mix of tunes as the energy by the pool takes off. Just a minute’s walk from the hotel along the soft sands, you will find many beach shacks that offer refreshing libations and fresh seafood bites.

Many early evenings, by the pool area, Nobu Hotel Ibiza will entertain guests with live music. What a great atmosphere at one of the best hotels in authentic Ibiza.

Celebrating Ibiza’s Cultural Heritage

Beyond its luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is deeply connected to the rich cultural heritage of Ibiza town. The hotel regularly hosts exclusive events celebrating the island’s vibrant arts scene. As a sponsor of the Ibicine Film Festival, the resort offers guests the opportunity to mingle with stars from Spain’s film industry and experience the glamour of the silver screen up close.

The hotel collaborates with local artisans and craftsmen, showcasing the island’s artistic traditions through bespoke souvenirs, artisan ceramics, and gifts available at the El Almacen boutique. These partnerships reflect Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural richness of Ibiza, offering guests a deeper connection to the island.

Old Town Ibiza

Exploring the Magic of Ibiza

While Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay offers an oasis of luxury and tranquility, the island of Ibiza itself is a destination with a rich history, vibrant local culture, natural beauty, and adventure. From the ancient fortress of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the stunning beaches and hidden coves that dot the coastline, Ibiza is a place where history and nature converge.

Travelers can explore the island’s diverse landscapes on foot, by bike, on horseback, or on private guided tours discovering secluded spots and breathtaking views along the way. For those seeking adventure on the water, Ibiza’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding.

Ibiza Nightlife

The island’s natural beauty is complemented by Ibiza’s legendary nightlife, making it a destination that offers something for everyone. In old town, you will discover an array of trendy boutiques and hand-crafted ceramics, a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring.

Conclusion: A Luxurious Retreat Awaits

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers exemplary luxury and relaxation on the White Isle, delivering guests an unparalleled escape amidst the stunning beauty of Talamanca Bay. Experience the good life with its luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, innovative Nobu cuisine, and commitment to holistic wellness; the resort promises a rejuvenating experience like no other.

As travelers immerse themselves in the tranquility of the resort and explore the enchantment of Ibiza, you are invited to discover the true essence of paradise on this idyllic Mediterranean island off the coast of Spain.