Ricardo Urgell
Ricardo Urgell Martí, owner of Grupo Pacha, founded the first Pacha in Sitges in 1967 and opened the iconic Pacha Ibiza disco in 1973. The club was based in a traditional Ibiza-style country house on the outskirts of the city and was the first of many other discos that have made the island\'s nightlife famous.
During his 46-year professional career he has managed more than 20 of his own venues and set up over 80 franchises across the world; he runs a company with 800 employees and works surrounded by his family. Ricardo, who describes his lifestyle as austere, lives in the countryside with chickens and rabbits and has only one hobby, sailing.
In 2004 he was awarded the Gold Medal for Tourism Merit for his professional career. He loves his work and is a perfectionist, and believes that hard work is the key to success.
How I found Ibiza...
I got to know Ibiza in 1968 when I came here on holiday. I thought it was a beautiful island;
I came back two years later and thought it would be a good place to have a Pacha. The relationship I have with Ibiza is everything, my family, my work. Ibiza is my home.
Some of its myriad facets...
Its beaches and coves, its pine forests, its impressive cliffs, its weather, its picturesque villages, its charming street markets; the peace and natural beauty that you can find anywhere on the island.
A luxury on the island...
Lots of things: being completely alone, taking a dip in the island's clear blue sea or enjoying the sunset with friends.
My favourite moment...
When I go out sailing and I can have fun in the idyllic spots around Ibiza that you can only reach by sea. It’s my chill-out time.
A memory when I'm far away...
My home, my family, cherries and the island.
The magic of Ibiza...
You only have to take a tour round the island to realise how many fantastic things Ibiza has to offer. You can feel the magic of Ibiza in many of the places in its five municipal areas. But if you want to experience a really magical moment, don\'t miss the Flower Power party; my brother Piti’s music, his people and the atmosphere they create transports you back to the 70s, for me a truly magical era.
What I tell my friends...
Ibiza has many sides: tranquillity, calm, peace, plus a wild side. You can explore them all or pick the one that suits you. At the moment I’m telling my friends to go to Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort, the new Grupo Pacha project. I also recommend Lío Cabaret Ibiza, where they can eat exquisite Mediterranean food while they watch an unforgettable show and enjoy spectacular views of Dalt Vila. To round off the night, I send them for a few drinks at Pacha Ibiza, which is 40 years old this year.