An In’Spier’ed, Exclusive, Experience
Hale-born Ben Spier talks to Craig Hough about his new exclusive, music-led yacht parties on Ibiza’s crystal waters
During Ibiza’s 2020 season, where its super clubs were forced to close due to the global pandemic, the island had to adapt and evolve in many ways. This adaptation led to the creation of something very special for British-born business owner and Ibiza-resident, Ben Spier, who approached global DJ Sasha with an exciting concept to take his music to the crystal waters of the Island. From there, the two will join forces to create a series of high-end luxury yacht experiences for a select number of White Isle residents and tourists.
Having created the long-standing Goodgreef night, what was it that made you move over to the White Isle?
I first visited Ibiza when I was 17 as a clubber, and from that moment on, I just fell in love with the place. I continued to go as a tourist for the parties, but then I became Eddie Halliwell’s agent and he had a residency at Cream Amnesia at the time. Following that, I had to travel back and forth every couple of weeks during the summer season. I was constantly asked to arrange Ibiza experiences for friends, from sorting VIP guestlists to securing tables at exclusive restaurants. It was at this point, my concierge service idea was born, and as all of my contacts were based in Ibiza, it made sense to make a permanent move there.
As you mentioned, moving over to Ibiza you became an agent for famed DJs such as Eddie Halliwell and Paul Oakenfold – how was the evolution from club promoter to agent?
I have been lucky enough to make them work hand in hand. I started organising GoodGreef parties at St Phillips Park Hall back in 2000 and Eddie was one of the residents. As Goodgreef became recognised throughout Manchester and beyond, I decided to set up a DJ agency to promote the residents, and that is how it started. One day, I got a call to ask if I would be interested in becoming Paul Oakenfold’s agent, and it was a dream come true. I always used to go and see Paul play as a kid at Amnesia at Cream, and I would go every week as he was a musical icon to me. To this day, we have remained close friends.
Even after 20 years of working and travelling with Eddie Halliwell, we have become best friends, which means more to me than anything.
What was the inspiration around the creation of your new music-led yacht experiences?
When I came up with the concept for the yacht experience, it was off the back of the pandemic. I had to rethink what I could do with all of the covid restrictions in place and wanted to use my contacts within the music industry to provide clients with an alternative to clubs. I do a lot of business in yacht charter, so it was an obvious choice for me to put the two together and see what happens. The experience I have created is very up close and personal; you are literally out in the middle of the ocean with your favourite DJ onboard. With social restrictions still in place across the globe, these parties will be the most exclusive the island has to offer. My guests will enjoy an intimate experience with some of the world’s biggest DJ’s onboard a gorgeous yacht in crystal clear waters. There aren’t many people with the connections to arrange this, so the whole experience is very exclusive. I had to find ways to navigate around restrictions, and through creating parties on the water, I was provided with the perfect opportunity to do this.
How did you get Sasha on board with this project?
I’ve met Sasha a lot over the years just by working in the industry. I knew he would be a big pull for this type of experience as he is one of the world’s most famous DJs. As soon as I approached him with the idea, he loved the concept and agreed to do it. For that, I’m very grateful.
Tell us about your unique partnerships on this project with Smart Charter Yachts and Capote.
Well, I have worked with Smart charter for almost ten years, and so it was a no-brainer to approach them about this project as we work so well together. They have a stunning range of yachts that are known for being super luxurious. Regarding Capote, I am a massive fan of their eyewear, and I send several clients to them already, so they agreed to be a brand partner for this project; if you don’t know the brand, you need to check them out.
You created and run Ben Spier VIP, a concierge service for the White Isle elite, used by affluent entrepreneurs, actors and actresses, sports stars and musicians. What bespoke services does your business offer?
I offer a personalised service with attention to detail for every client as every client is different. No matter how big or small the client’s budget, I want to make sure their Ibiza experience is one to remember. To do this, I use a host of exclusive contacts to create memorable experiences. Whether that’s securing tables at Heart Ibiza for their sell-out Cirque du Soleil nights or organising VIP limos and yachts, I make sure my client’s trips are exclusive. I also used to host the Masquerade party at Pacha every Monday where it was my job to look after the DJ’s and friends and family, and so this was always a hotspot for my clients. As a concierge, I’m very transparent, with no hidden fees or costs, so my clients trust me and always come back for high-end partying as they know they are guaranteed a good time!
Having been at the helm of so many events throughout the years you have worked with some huge names and experienced so much. Can you share any stories of particular events that really stick out to you?
There are so many, to be honest, as I have been very fortunate to travel for many years to so many unreal events, but there is one that comes to mind straight away. I was standing on Ipanema beach in Brazil in front of 1.5 million people watching Eddie Helliwell play. That was a real highlight! There was also another party in Brazil that Eddie played on a private island that you could only get to by speedboat. My favourite will always be Amnesia in Ibiza, I went there every two weeks! Other memorable events would be a rooftop party in Columbia, a rave in Tokyo and the EDC carnival in Las Vegas. I always get to go backstage and watch crowds from behind the DJ box, and I usually take one of my clients as well for a super special experience. I’ve had the chance to meet some incredible sports stars like Michael Bisping, Connor Mcgregor, and John Stones, who are now clients and actresses such as Nicky Whelan from Neighbours who is now a good friend.
How do you feel the after-effects of the pandemic will change Ibiza nightlife?
It will affect it temporarily, not long term. There will always be Ibiza nightlife, in my opinion. The island and the people on it are very innovative. We have to adapt slightly, but it will be ok in the long run. As they say, the party shall go on. It just might have to be on a yacht rather than in a club this summer! I’m already working on how to legally get more people on a boat and think I may have a solution...watch this space!
Being born and raised in Hale - what are your favourite things about coming home?
Well, of course, my family and friends who I miss dearly. But you can keep the weather (laughs). I also enjoy seeing what has changed when I come back; although not quite Ibiza for nightlife, there is usually somewhere new to go in the area. I love popping to Hale Country Club and Spa for a swim, and there are usually old friends floating around there. Back when events were on, I’d usually be hosting DJ’s playing at Warehouse Project, but we’d go for meals first at San Carlo’s or Yu & Yu in Alderley Edge, or Chibo in Hale. I can always be found at Manchester City on match day, cheering on my clients from The Tunnel Club!
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