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Mr Pikes: The Story Behind The Ibiza Legend
Mr The Story Behind The Ibiza Legend presents a raw, unfiltered look at a success story unlike any other. Uncover the true story of Mr. Pikes, a hedonist at heart that went from a terrible upbringing to a dream life only a handful of people ever achieve. Dubbed the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza, Tony Pikes created a celebrity paradise, which was visited by the likes of Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Kylie Minogue, Julio Iglesias, and more. Tony binged a 24-7 lifestyle of sex, drugs, and excess. Now, this legend of the Ibiza party scene recounts the ups and downs of his years in paradise - The Independent Embodies Ibiza’s hedonistic excess, an enjoyable memoir - Shortlist The incredible story of Tony Pike - The Telegraph
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2017
120 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Tony Pike
1 book1 followerUncover the true story of Mr. Pikes, a hedonist at heart that went from a terrible upbringing to a dream life only a handful of people ever achieve.
Dubbed the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza, Tony Pikes created a celebrity paradise, which was visited by the likes of Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Kylie Minogue, Julio Iglesias, and more.
Tony binged a 24-7 lifestyle of sex, drugs, and excess. Now, this legend of the Ibiza party scene recounts the ups and downs of his years in paradise. Throw in the odd ship-wreck or two, and readers will agree: This is more than just another great read… its perhaps the greatest hedonistic stories every told.
Shortlist
“The incredible story of Tony Pike.”
The Independent
“Embodies Ibiza’s hedonistic excess an enjoyable memoir.”
The Times
“Much-married, hedonistic hotel owner who partied hard with many a pop star and was known as the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza; John Donne may have written that no man is an island, but Tony Pike came close. Known as Mr Ibiza, he was the embodiment of Balearic hedonism, a brash, hard-drinking, drug-taking philanderer whose way with women would have made even the love poet blush.”
The Telegraph
The most hedonistic hotel in Ibiza – and the man behind it
NME
A hub for some of the most decadent and lavish parties in the Balearic.
NY Times Post
“Ibiza legend who founded legendary celeb hangout Pikes Ibiza and helped turn island into party paradise”
The Sun
“HE was the sex-mad playboy who provided a tropical retreat for A-list celebrities to indulge their wildest fantasies.”
Telegraph
“Pikes Hotel in Ibiza attracted hedonistic celebrities and the demi-monde.”
Guardian
“Hotelier epitomised hedonism of the island where he held raucous parties for celebrities.”
The Mirror
“The legendary A-list celebrity hotel boss Tony Pike, dubbed the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza.”
Amazon Bestseller
Good Reads
Autobiography
Rich And Famous
Millionaire
Dubbed the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza, Tony Pikes created a celebrity paradise, which was visited by the likes of Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Kylie Minogue, Julio Iglesias, and more.
Tony binged a 24-7 lifestyle of sex, drugs, and excess. Now, this legend of the Ibiza party scene recounts the ups and downs of his years in paradise. Throw in the odd ship-wreck or two, and readers will agree: This is more than just another great read… its perhaps the greatest hedonistic stories every told.
Shortlist
“The incredible story of Tony Pike.”
The Independent
“Embodies Ibiza’s hedonistic excess an enjoyable memoir.”
The Times
“Much-married, hedonistic hotel owner who partied hard with many a pop star and was known as the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza; John Donne may have written that no man is an island, but Tony Pike came close. Known as Mr Ibiza, he was the embodiment of Balearic hedonism, a brash, hard-drinking, drug-taking philanderer whose way with women would have made even the love poet blush.”
The Telegraph
The most hedonistic hotel in Ibiza – and the man behind it
NME
A hub for some of the most decadent and lavish parties in the Balearic.
NY Times Post
“Ibiza legend who founded legendary celeb hangout Pikes Ibiza and helped turn island into party paradise”
The Sun
“HE was the sex-mad playboy who provided a tropical retreat for A-list celebrities to indulge their wildest fantasies.”
Telegraph
“Pikes Hotel in Ibiza attracted hedonistic celebrities and the demi-monde.”
Guardian
“Hotelier epitomised hedonism of the island where he held raucous parties for celebrities.”
The Mirror
“The legendary A-list celebrity hotel boss Tony Pike, dubbed the Hugh Hefner of Ibiza.”
Amazon Bestseller
Good Reads
Autobiography
Rich And Famous
Millionaire
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 5, 2024
TL;DR basically "I had a shit childhood. Moved to Australia. Lucked into a money making idea. Committed multiple insurance frauds within the boating world. Possibly a bit of tax dodging on the side. Shagged lots of hot women. Can't remember all their names. I have a massive c*ck. I am possibly a massive c*ck. I got married and treated my wives like they were disposable. I wonder why I'm never really happy. I am friends with lots and lots and lots of famous people. George Michael shagged me but I'm not gay. Did I mention my massive c*ck" (I'm halfway through. The writing is pretty bad but this is the story so far)
July 24, 2019
Poorly written, very choppy and without flow. Some boring stories were elaborated on (I couldn’t give two shits about boats!), and some juicy stories glossed over. I blame the author entirely - he had one job...
I had a love/hate opinion of Tony. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing impressive about shagging anything that moves. Not only did Tony screw a lot of people, but he screwed a lot of people over too.
But for all his faults, there was still something human and likeable about him, and there’s no disputing his ambition, drive and work ethic.
Overall this book didn’t work for me.
I had a love/hate opinion of Tony. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing impressive about shagging anything that moves. Not only did Tony screw a lot of people, but he screwed a lot of people over too.
But for all his faults, there was still something human and likeable about him, and there’s no disputing his ambition, drive and work ethic.
Overall this book didn’t work for me.
March 13, 2019
It's possible that Matt Trollope the ghost writer may have compromised this story for the sake of a target market,
it took a while for me to warm to Pike and when I did it wasn't fully,
while his humble beginig and work ethic were unquestioned at the end of the book I felt that maybe due to childhood abuse Pike had a problem with love and commitment which suggested to me a constant search and unrest,
I felt a sadness that long standing relationships were almost a disposable commodity for a promised land that didn't exist.
I don't recall anywhere in the book where he took any time out to reflect on the self and know true happiness from within and could possibly be a reason why he constantly enveloped himself in a social environment?
In the end due to his reputation and Ibiza legacy I thought there was a danger of him becoming a freak show and badge of honor to the sheep hurdling wannabes who've got the t shirt,
Overall easy reading but could have delivered so much more
it took a while for me to warm to Pike and when I did it wasn't fully,
while his humble beginig and work ethic were unquestioned at the end of the book I felt that maybe due to childhood abuse Pike had a problem with love and commitment which suggested to me a constant search and unrest,
I felt a sadness that long standing relationships were almost a disposable commodity for a promised land that didn't exist.
I don't recall anywhere in the book where he took any time out to reflect on the self and know true happiness from within and could possibly be a reason why he constantly enveloped himself in a social environment?
In the end due to his reputation and Ibiza legacy I thought there was a danger of him becoming a freak show and badge of honor to the sheep hurdling wannabes who've got the t shirt,
Overall easy reading but could have delivered so much more
November 8, 2024
I found it interesting all the experiences and his upbringing that he’s had (except the boastful sex) in his determined attitude towards all the businesses he’s accomplished and achieved, but as a person I thought he was obnoxious, self loving and treated women like shite and objects
The way the story is told it’s sounds like he thinks himself as a semi-god and it was his right to have his way with them.
I ended up frustrated and bored in the way he repeatedly and vulgarly spoke about his sex life all the time.
The way the story is told it’s sounds like he thinks himself as a semi-god and it was his right to have his way with them.
I ended up frustrated and bored in the way he repeatedly and vulgarly spoke about his sex life all the time.
February 21, 2025
Great as an audiobook, although sometimes a bit choppy. His life story is wild
December 21, 2024
Loved it. Amazing stories hilariously told!
October 17, 2025
I don’t care for boats or the military so the first half of this book was not the one for me. However I loved the second half about Ibiza. The way he spoke about his dick gave me the massive ick though
June 17, 2019
Tony Pike really was a legend. He has me booking a trip to his magical hotel in Ibiza to see what it’s all about...very entertaining!
December 17, 2025
I like a good tale of hedonism as much (actually more than) the next guy, but it gets redundant and lacks any emotional depth.
January 5, 2025
I would like this book if I was an impressionable 13-year-old. Unfortunately, I’m 41 and find stories of Tony shagging his way around the world and talking about his dick tiresome. One of the main problems is the fact that Tony isn’t a very likeable character. He treats women terribly – he’s been married 6 times and one of his children didn’t even want their name mentioned. He likes a bit of insurance fraud and has cheated on every wife and girlfriend he’s ever had. On the plus side, there were some important lessons about building businesses and networking and connecting with people when moving to new places.
September 24, 2024
Absolutely boring! I’ve been to Pikes in Ibiza and thought it was beautiful so was looking forward to learning the history of it. I appreciate what Tony Pike did and how he grew up and made sonething of himself and built Pikes , as a person though he sounds obnoxious and treated women like shit . The way the story is told sounds like he thinks himself as a god and they way it went in about his sex life all the time I found boring and sickening they way he bragged about all the women and stars he had slept with. What an ego he had!
August 29, 2018
What can i say fun fun fun !!!
Although ive heard that this book is a bit of "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story" its still a great read and if youve ever been to Pikes or know the history of the place its well worth a read . I actually read this book in a just a couple of day's as its a real page turner.
Although ive heard that this book is a bit of "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story" its still a great read and if youve ever been to Pikes or know the history of the place its well worth a read . I actually read this book in a just a couple of day's as its a real page turner.
April 25, 2019
The books enjoyable and not a taxing read - you get the sense that some things are glossed over with not enough detail for me and I think I was hoping for a more robust dissection of Tony Pikes character and what made him tick rather than a book of anecdotes but none the less, it was an entertaining read and I would recommend for anyone with an interest in celebrity culture and hedonism.
November 29, 2017
Brilliant
Having been a regular visitor to Ibiza and also stayed at Pikes, I knew of him and great to read his story. If my like is filled by a 10th of what he has done ill be chuffed. Shagged George Michael, lad!
Having been a regular visitor to Ibiza and also stayed at Pikes, I knew of him and great to read his story. If my like is filled by a 10th of what he has done ill be chuffed. Shagged George Michael, lad!
September 18, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I never knew Tony Pike had such a varied and interesting life pre Ibiza. It was a real page turner and I would recommend it to anyone including people that are not fans of Ibiza.
Do not read if you are easily offended though.
Do not read if you are easily offended though.
October 7, 2018
A perfect holiday read. I sat their and chuckled whilst I read. Such a colourful and adventurous life. Having been to Pikes and a lot of places mentioned, it was very vivid. People should expect a light read. There’s no plot. It just his life ; But what a life!!!
August 25, 2018
what an amazing life story!
August 17, 2023
The ultimate story of excess! Whether or not you approve of his womanising, drug taking, and wheeler-dealer lifestyle, there’s no denying Ibiza legend Tony Pike lived his 85 years to the full. Despite being written in a somewhat clunky, basic way, and being peppered with crude references told in Tony’s own words, this book is endlessly intriguing. Senor Pike’s childhood in the UK was brutal - characterised by bullying and abuse. Escaping to Australia and using his abundant charms to build connections, businesses and attract an endless stream of women, Tony’s hedonistic shenanigans eventually led him to Ibiza where he bought a 500 year old wreck of a finca which became the infamous Pikes hotel. Under Tony’s management it soon became a glamorous celebrity bolthole for the likes of Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones, Julio Iglesias and perhaps most famously, George Michael. After shooting Wham’s Club Tropicana video by Pikes’s pool George became one of many globally-recognisable regular faces. Anyone with an interest in the White Isle and its colourful characters will find this story fascinating. Personally I’d have preferred to sacrifice hearing about some of Tony’s pre-Ibiza escapades to have more of the book given over to additional wild tales from Pikes.
September 2, 2024
As with most autobiographies, this one isn't honest enough to earn four or five stars. You'd think that the author's admitting to insurance fraud, drug dealing, and unprotected sex while HIV positive might be the sort of honesty that I'm looking for, but I never got a feel for who Tony Pike really was. He was a playboy, yes, and so charismatic that he (by his own count) slept with 3,000 women and at least two men, but that charisma doesn't really come through in the words. His ample joie de vivre doesn't come through either. There's just something hollow in this account, and there are multiple moments where he doesn't appear to be a reliable narrator. This one could have been so much better. It's an entertaining read, but not a great one.
I read this book in advance of my trip next month to Pikes Ibiza. I wanted to understand the culture and history of the resort, and the book certainly helped me with that goal.
I read this book in advance of my trip next month to Pikes Ibiza. I wanted to understand the culture and history of the resort, and the book certainly helped me with that goal.
November 14, 2019
The structure of the book is not the greatest, def bounced around a lot. But I almost feel like that was somewhat the point considering the lifestyle of Mr.Pike. This guy lived life to the fullest, and if he was around today would be some kind of Instagram influencer which he personally would of hatted. I could not happen to think of Atlas Shugg a little bit when you think of Pike and the pride of his work he has in the hotel and the success which came from it.
This guy lived multiple lives with his time on this earth than anyone could ever imagine.
This guy lived multiple lives with his time on this earth than anyone could ever imagine.
May 25, 2025
From very humble beginnings, Tony Pike packed an amazing amount into his lifetime and on the surface, the book is a rip-roaring playboy tale of sex, drugs, boats, with some added insurance fraud, tax evasion, 5 wives and several children.
The fact his fifth wife and youngest child didn't permit being discussed in the book is telling. The misogyny littered thought book is depressing but represents a time and place attitude I suppose. It's entertaining enough but Tony didn't come across as likeable at all. Maybe you had to be there.
The fact his fifth wife and youngest child didn't permit being discussed in the book is telling. The misogyny littered thought book is depressing but represents a time and place attitude I suppose. It's entertaining enough but Tony didn't come across as likeable at all. Maybe you had to be there.
January 24, 2025
I almost didn’t finish this book as it just became a series of boring anecdotes and left me feeling there was not much to like about Tony Pike. Whilst I understand the hotel was unconventional and hedonistic, this could have been told in a less chaotic and gossipy style. It felt like someone had written down a series of random memories with a few famous names thrown in. Wouldn’t recommend
September 6, 2025
Honest, easy read. I’m glad Tony Pikes wasn’t my Dad!
Fascinating insights into a fascinating man. Although I didn’t warm to him, he is extremely honest and I would have liked to meet him for a beer.
The writing style is cool, it felt like his own words.
I actually found his early life more interesting than the Ibiza stuff. Would’ve liked more detail on it.
I’m glad Tony Pikes wasn’t my Dad!
Fascinating insights into a fascinating man. Although I didn’t warm to him, he is extremely honest and I would have liked to meet him for a beer.
The writing style is cool, it felt like his own words.
I actually found his early life more interesting than the Ibiza stuff. Would’ve liked more detail on it.
I’m glad Tony Pikes wasn’t my Dad!
July 3, 2021
Fascinating story about legendary hotel host Tony Pike - although when you read this book you'll discover there was a lot more to his life than Pikes. Inspirational for those who want to live life differently, a bit shocking in parts for those who don't!
October 17, 2024
Brilliant book. Bit slow to start but once it gets were he opened the hotel thats when it got more interesting. Never heard of him or the hotel. It just popped up for 99p on offer so gave it a go. Brilliant man and character. Would of loved to have met him :)
June 2, 2025
What an absolutely extraordinary life, lived to the absolute full. I danced the night away at Pikes three weeks ago, had never heard of it before going. What a night! It was INSANELY good! If you feel stuck in a rut READ THIS!
September 22, 2019
Good read. Super interesting life. A little bit repetitive in parts and not super well written but thoroughly interesting.
February 10, 2020
What a life one has lived! I love Ibiza and this book gives a perfect vibe of it!
August 20, 2020
Me esperaba otra cosa.
March 11, 2021
I’ve been to that insane island over 10 times now ! A great read and not for the easily shocked 🙈 My favourite chapter is the one about Kenny Everett !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews