In conversation with Marc Costa, General Manager at Chinois
“The job of running a club from start to finish is as enjoyable as it is demanding.”
- Marc Costa
Marc Costa. Image credit Mario Pinta.
Born and raised on the island of Ibiza, Marc Costa has spent over 15 years building a career that bridges nightlife and real estate. Having been part of the Pacha group for a decade and a half, he was recognised with the Young Entrepreneur of the Balearic Islands award in 2015 by the Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, Marc joined Chinois as General Manager, bringing his extensive expertise to elevate the club to its full potential.
We sat down with Marc to talk about his journey, the unique identity of Chinois, and what it takes to create unforgettable experiences in Ibiza’s world-renowned nightlife scene.
What does a typical day look like for you as General Manager of Chinois?
My day can start at 1:00 p.m. with meetings at headquarters, financial oversight, a meeting with the PR team, and supervision of the logistics team, as well as checking in with the marketing team on all the week’s activities.
After a short break, we start at the club around 10:00 p.m. The entire night crew arrives, and we hold briefings for each department before opening the doors.
Once open, I dedicate myself to establishing and strengthening a good relationship with the DJs and their managers. I also greet the most important VIP clients, some of whom I’ve known for over 10 years. In addition to all this, I’m up to date on any important events that occur at the club during the night and how they’re resolved.
The job of running a club from start to finish is as enjoyable as it is demanding.
Chinois, Ibiza. Image credit Mario Pinta
As General Manager, you oversee many aspects of the club. How do you approach creating a seamless experience for guests?
The perfect experience doesn’t exist; there are unique, different, beautiful, magical, and many other types of experiences. We are experts in all of these, and we try to take care of every detail so our guests feel right at home.
Chinois has built a distinct personality over its four years. How do you decide on the programming and events that define the club’s vibe?
The club’s musical programming is the most important process, the one that involves the most people and the one that takes the longest. Chinois is a young club still establishing itself in Ibiza’s nightlife scene, and although this year we have an impressive lineup, I’m sure we’ll get better every year.
Francis Mercier and Marc Costa. Image credit Mario Pinta.
Are there particular nights or moments at Chinois that stand out as especially memorable for you?
There are so many, and I won’t be very fair if I miss some of them, but this year we had a very special night with Paco Osuna, the residency of Francis Mercier (Soley), Shimza, Bedouin (SAGA). And of course, the funniest Saturday nights ever with Claptone (The Masquerade).
For someone visiting Chinois for the first time, what should they expect when they walk through the doors?
The truth is, I envy the people who come to Chinois for the first time. I’d love to erase everything I know about Chinois and party at this very special club.
They’ll realise we’re something very special. We’re an intimate club where the DJ will be so close it will feel like a private concert, with one of the best sound systems in the world and unparalleled service on the island of Ibiza.
With the club growing every season, what kinds of experiences or innovations are you most excited to explore next year?
Luckily, in addition to being a very different club from everything else, after this incredible summer there will be many top-level DJs very interested in doing things with us, and I am equally interested in opening new doors to new events that make us vibrate.
Chinois, Ibiza. Image credit Mario Pinta
The [Quick] #FLODown
Describe Chinois Ibiza in three words?
Intimate, Magical, Comfortable.
The last song you listened to?
Saltwater (Claptone Remix)
The DJ or artist you’d most like to book next?
Black Coffee
Your perfect Ibiza day — start to finish?
Day at Beachouse, sunset at Café del Mar, dinner at Zuma, and party at Chinois.
Instagram: @marc.costah
Club: chinois.com / @chinoisibiza
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