Destination Defender IBIZA

Land Rover Defender or recently just Defender defines an exclusive world. It has its roots grown deep in the idea of utility of the first Land Rover from 1948 but since the all-new version was presented in 2019, the concept has evolved into a real luxury off-roader with the power to inspire also drivers that spend their life in the city. The model has evolved into an entire collection being available as a short body version with two doors but also as a full 5 seater and even in a long wheelbase version. Therefore we can really talk about a brand on its own but the concept has to be presented and experienced in order to be totally and completely understood by people that can fall in love with the idea once they get to taste it properly.

So here I was traveling to Ibiza for a brand immersion and experiential experience named Destination Defender. First it was the exclusive Defender House where I was welcomed – a private luxury villa with a laidback atmosphere that is actually a private property seated in the greenest part of the island. The owner is one of the Defender fans so the brand found a way to convince him to share his house for the exclusive program. The immersion started immediately after checking-in with a cocktail and live music being mixed while the incredible sea view was opening in front of my eyes. The food came as a second step on the way to a complete relaxation. The organizers brought a talented team from Germany that mixed Spanish and international flavours using special cooking techniques while I got to see two special editions Defender available only during the event.

Ibiza though is well known for its night life, so after a magic sunset, Defenders of all sizes drove us to Lio Club, the most famous Club on the island when it comes to combining Cabaret and great food. The next day we had to drive ourselves in the forests and on the highways but only until we got to board a Wally yacht and enjoy the sea that made me feel like September is still summer. We got to stop at Blue Marin Ibiza for lunch as to get a glimpse of the island’s beach life. Going back to the Defender House, I arrived just in time for another session of cocktails, live DJ and eventually a memorable dinner. Close to midnight it was again time to party but this time we went straight into the electronic music scene at the legendary Pacha Ibiza, Home to the world’s most famous DJs. Already after two intense days and especially nights I felt that the island is the place to offer everything you might need for a complete iconic stay. Something like Defender can offer when it comes to automotive choices. The car followed me all the time but it meant so much more than technology. The team could have offered me technical specifications but no guest was there to go to much into details. Iconic models are to be enjoyed as a state of mind, as passion and statement.

Defender represents a myth of the automotive universe and therefore Land Rover is growing it as a brand on its own. They are right. Once you understand it has everything you need then for sure you will find the exact version to offer everything you want. If you think a Defender is not luxurious or powerful enough, then you should try to find out more about the Defender Octa, the top of the line version that Raynald Roger, Communication Director for the brand and my host in Ibiza, describes as “the toughest, most capable and luxurious Defender ever”.