Inside: A Sun-Drenched, Disco-Dusted Hen In Ibiza

From glittering beach days in Formentera to sultry nights under the disco balls at Pacha, step inside Lauren Stevenson’s sun-drenched hen in Ibiza.

If there’s one thing the island of Ibiza knows how to do, it’s deliver magic. So when one bride-to-be decided to return to the very place she met her fiancé – during a charity cycling challenge, no less – it set the tone for a hen party that was part wellness retreat, part nostalgic love letter to the island, and entirely unforgettable. Think neon nights, white heart sunglasses, perfectly packed accessories, and a Mr & Mrs quiz with custom caps. Here’s how it all unfolded.

Why Ibiza?

My fiancé and I first met in Ibiza during the Last Night A DJ Saved My Life charity cycle challenge in 2018. We’ve both loved the island ever since, so it felt only right to host our wedding there – and for the hen party to become the ultimate Ibiza warm-up weekend.

We chose August for the guaranteed sunshine and the perfect sea temperatures, ideal for a boat day around Formentera. I wanted the itinerary to reflect all my favourite elements of the island: a nod to the memories we’ve made there over the years, and a chance to explore the rural parts we fell in love with through cycling.

Where We Stayed

We based ourselves at Can Vistabella Boutique Resort in Benimussa, which sits along one of our favourite cycle routes. The setting has that unmistakable old Ibiza charm: rustic yet modern bungalows are tucked among manicured gardens, with a restaurant serving fresh, healthy dishes, cold-pressed juices and knockout cocktails.

I’ve been staying here for five years, so it felt particularly special to share it with my best friends. The vibe is low-key and peaceful, removed from the buzz – exactly the calm energy we wanted. There’s also daily yoga, perfect for anyone craving a wellness moment.

What We Did

While I was involved in the initial planning, I was swiftly removed from the WhatsApp group – meaning everything aside from the locations became a surprise. And what a surprise it was.

Night One: We kicked off with a champagne reception at our bungalow, where I found white heart balloons and Pacha cherry-adorned Polaroids of my Ibiza memories strung through the trees. Each guest received a Pacha-style tote filled with essentials – Make Waves deodorant, hangover pouches, and white caps emblazoned with “Gone With The Winslade,” the trip title and hen hashtag.

We headed to La Paloma for dinner, where the bridesmaids had curated the dreamiest tablescape: mini disco balls, cherry-embroidered linen napkins, custom menus and personalised name cards. After dinner, we hit Pacha for Music On, one of my all-time favourite nights, dancing until 5:30am.

Day Two: After a wholesome breakfast by the pool at Can Vistabella, we made our way to the new Soho House in Santa Gertrudis for a relaxed lunch – just five minutes from our wedding venue.

The evening theme was neon (a tribute to my two-decade-long Ibiza wardrobe). We gathered at the bungalow for more champagne and a surprise Mr & Mrs quiz, with my fiancé answering the questions in the original cycle top he wore the day we met. We later headed to Pikes – forever a favourite – and danced beneath the disco balls until 2am.

Final Day: The monochrome boat day. I wore white while everyone else wore black, paired with our matching slogan caps and tote bags. We rented two boats from the Ibiza Old Town marina and sailed to Beso Beach in Formentera for a seafood paella lunch. After lunch, we cruised along the coves and caves, and at one point, I swam back to the boat to find everyone – even the captains -wearing white heart sunglasses.

We ended the day with cocktails and sushi on the rooftop of the Montesol Experimental Hotel in Ibiza Town before a quick change and one last night at Pacha, dancing to Steve Angello – one of my favourite DJs from Swedish House Mafia.

Where We Ate

Beso Beach on Formentera was the ultimate long lunch spot. The seafood paella was exceptional, and the setting couldn’t have been more idyllic.

La Paloma in San Lorenzo was the perfect first-night dinner. We sat under the stars on the garden terrace, surrounded by candles and laughter – an unforgettable start to the weekend.

For breakfasts, Can Vistabella truly delivered. Their wellness-led menu was the ideal reset after our late-night escapades.

What We Packed

This was my bridal era, and I packed accordingly – an all-white wardrobe filled my suitcase.

Night One: The theme was Ibiza glam. I wore a white sequin dress by New Arrivals, white Balenciaga sandals and a navy Chanel bag. Everyone went full glam, which made our first night at Pacha feel like a fashion week afterparty.

Day Two: For lunch at Soho House, I wore a white Manuri lace dress. Later, I changed into a white Away That Day bikini, a Melissa Phair beach skirt, and Hermès sandals.

Night Two: The theme was Neon Club Tropicana, a nod to Wham!’s iconic video filmed at Pikes. I wore a neon Alex Perry corset dress with black studded heels I found in a boutique in Ibiza. The girls went all out with pops of neon, whether in dresses, accessories or glow-in-the-dark nails.

Boat Day: I wore a white Away That Day swimsuit with a matching pareo and Hermès sandals. The hens coordinated in all-black bikinis and coverups, creating a chic monochrome effect.

My maid of honour, who works in fashion and beauty, curated two months’ worth of bridal accessories: two veils, three pairs of pearl-encrusted sunglasses, two fans, one hair clip and a gold Ginger Ray hanger to display my daily look.

Best Moment of the Weekend

There were so many unforgettable moments, but one that truly stands out is the first night. Seeing the decorations, the incredible merch, and all of my best friends – from different chapters of my life – in one place, dancing together at Pacha. It felt as if everyone had known each other forever. I couldn’t stop smiling. The thought and effort everyone put in made me feel so loved. It was magic.