End Of An Era As Legendary Ibiza Beach Bar Tulp Closes.
One of Sant Antoni’s most loved beach bars, the Dutch-owned Tulp will close its doors for the final time next weekend, after 21 years in business. For decades, it was the unofficial Dutch embassy in Ibiza; its owner, Paul Hopman, first arrived on Ibiza’s shores in the mid-80s, inspired by the island’s hippie lifestyle.
Long before the Dutch invasion of Ibiza began in the second decade of the new millennium, Paul opened Tulp in 2005, creating an eccentric, colourful, hippie-inspired interior that stood out for its originality and quirkiness on the Sunset Boulevard. Its unpretentious, relaxed and personal atmosphere made it a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike. With quality drinks and food served with a personal, professional touch, and its unique character, Tulp stood apart from other bars on the strip. Paul’s curated soundtrack was also a highlight of a visit, with a full set of DJ decks on hand.
Tulp’s closure marks the end of an era in San Antonio, when The West End and the British package-tourist model drove the pretty fishing-village economy. One of the West End’s best-known British entrepreneurs, Nathan Seal, famous for Viva Workers Bar, also bid a sad farewell to the island after 27 years on the streets of Calle Santa Agnes. This generational shift reflects Ibiza’s rapidly changing business model, as corporatisation engulfs every corner of the island. Over 65% of investment in the red-hot Sant Antoni real estate market comes from international buyers.
Much of the Sant Antoni I grew up with in the 90s and noughties is gone, and Tulp’s closure is the death knell for that magical era of the town’s colourful history. The resort’s gentrification is nearly complete; only the Sant Antoni Bay area remains stuck in the twilight zone. However, it won’t be long before investors see the bay area’s potential and start to remodel its tired, worn family image, as it offers better value than other areas of the island.
End of a Golden Era.
Tulps’ closure will be a sad day for many locals in Sant Antonio and tourists who made it a home away from home. We will no longer experience the laid-back hospitality of its owner, who made it all look so easy. Running a bar in Ibiza is a Herculean task, and Paul’s ability to navigate the shark-infested waters of pirate Ibiza and live to tell the tale is a commendable feat worth celebrating.
If you are in Ibiza this weekend, don’t miss the chance to raise a final toast to one of Sant Antonio’s legendary figures, while marking the end of a golden era in the island’s history. The Tulp closing party will take place next Sunday, 18 October, and it will surely be emotional.
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