Japan
Hideki Aoyama
After roaming the world for 10 years, Aoyama settled in Ibiza in 2003. His Japanese father had been a Silicon Valley pioneer in the 1970s, heavily involved with the invention of the microchip, but Aoyama junior was more interested in cooking and eating.After six years in tiny Plaza de sa Drassaneta, his cult sushi hangout Sushiya Aoyama has now relocated to the centre of Ibiza Town. It remains a go-to for islanders, offering arguably the best sushi in Ibiza.
Colombia
Eli Rojas
It’s the perennial fairytale of Ibiza – a girl arrives on holiday, falls under the island’s spell and never leaves. For Colombian DJ Eli Rojas, who’s known for her Latin-infused electronic sessions at the Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal, this was her story too. Catch her tropical urban grooves on Thursdays, with well-known guests from the local electronic scene.
United Kingdom
Aimee Hodgson
Following her sister to Ibiza, Hodgson worked as creative producer at Pikes before joining the Mambo Group last year as creative director. Spanning hotels, boats, bars and restaurants, Mambo’s portfolio is vast, but Hodgson’s passion project is the dreamy Casa Maca.
Argentina / Switzerland
Ulisses Braun
Born in Argentina but raised in Switzerland, Braun arrived in Ibiza in 1979 following a tip-off in a German magazine. He is perhaps the best-known PR on the island, having worked with Amnesia, Rock Bar, MTV Ibiza and Lío over the years. Braun now takes care of guest and VIP relations at sunset hotspot Cotton Beach Club.
Nepal
Toya Kandel
Born in Nepal, Toya studied hotel management in Singapore before doing an internship in Amsterdam. Used to city life, Ibiza struck him as small and disorganised, until he revisited his homeland. Kandel opened the original Kathmandu in Santa Eulària with his brothers, Tika and Krishna. A further restaurant, Kandel’s own, followed in Ibiza Town.
United Kingdom
Claire Wakeman
Before 2013, Wakeman had never been to Ibiza. She’s now swapped a commute on London’s Underground for her new venture, Musical Mermaids, which involves sitting in a boat, dressed like a mermaid, playing guitar and singing. Bravo!
