My mum is so classic she went clubbing in Ibiza with me

Most people’s relationship with their mum only extends to a bit of shopping and, at a stretch, a few cocktails – but I went to the biggest party island in the Balearics with mine.

Leaving Dad at home, we spent five days in Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza. Our hotel was next to big name clubs like Ushuaia and Space, and it definitely made a difference to our usual family holiday. Having been to Marbs with just my mum once before, I knew what to expect. On big family holidays we usually hit up the fancy up market beach clubs and go a bit wild, so I was already used to partying with my parents in the sun.

Bithaaaaa

As soon as we arrived at our hotel, the questions began and they didn’t seem to stop. Are you mother and daughter? Are you sisters? No one could work out our relationship, or why exactly we’d come to Europe’s party capital for a holiday. From bartender to restaurant server, it appeared to be quite a surprise mother and daughter had travelled to Ibiza together. Little did they know my mum is the biggest legend going, and she was there to teach them all a thing or two about how to party. 

There were a number of older couples at the beach clubs and quite a lot of old men, but at both Ushuaia and Ocean Beach I didn’t come across anyone who was out with just their mum or dad. We were making heads turn everywhere we went. Servers at some of the tapas bars were very attentive. At one very busy restaurant we had three servers waiting on us, and they’d loiter and smile while we ate, making jokes about us being sisters. It was all very uncomfortable.

What a babe

On our second day, we travelled to San Antonio for Ocean Beach Club’s Ministry of Sound party. The majority of their crowd were in their early 20s and sadly, I didn’t spot anyone there having a boogie with their mother: clearly doing it wrong. At times I did feel a bit awkward as there were always big groups of people around my age on holiday, but at the end of the day I was there to enjoy myself and have fun with my mum.

We enjoyed a bottle over lunch accompanied by some absolute R&B classics. My mum even befriended one of the employees at the club, Donald. Unfortunately this new found friendship didn’t amount to any free drinks.

Bit close, Donald?

Walking along the beach after dinner one evening we stumbled across a party. Heels in hand and tipsy from dinner, we decided to join the fun. Mum put other party revellers to shame by getting up and dancing on one of the few sun loungers. Thankfully she was hardly visible due to the poorly lit alfresco set up. As much as I’d like to say she embarrasses me, I think it’s fair to say we probably embarrass each other.

Half way through the holiday, Mum spotted Tinie Tempah waiting for a taxi at our hotel. It was embarrassing she was the one who spotted him, and not me – even though I’m surrounded by his music every time I turn on the radio, and see his face all over the magazines. She went over in an instant and having complimented him on his recent appearance on the Graham Norton Show, managed to get a few pics with the star. They chatted and laughed away while I stood there thinking about how my mum became so cool.

Best friends

Mum having a boogie

On our last day we decided to go big, and book tickets for Ushuaia’s infamous Ants party. Mum had been recommended the club by her friends who had been out the previous week (is middle aged women going on clubbing holidays a new thing?). Most people there appeared to be in their own worlds, two-stepping to progressive house and guzzling down €9 bottles of water.

My mum and I both awkwardly witnessed a few partygoers pour baggies containing mysterious white powder into their drinks. Again she was more ahead of the game than me, saying “I think that’s ecstasy isn’t it?”. We turned a blind eye and danced the evening away, before having to catch our flight home in the early hours.

Although mother-daughter party holidays are rare, it was really good fun. We’re currently discussing a joint 21st and 50th for next year. Full Moon Party maybe?