From Ibiza’s golden sunsets to London’s underground clubs – these places shaped the sound that still helps the world slow down, breathe, and feel.
Here are the most important pioneers:
1. Café del Mar (Ibiza, 1980)
The very first and most iconic chillout venue in the world.
Opened in 1980 on San Antonio’s sunset strip.
DJs like José Padilla began mixing ambient, downtempo, and Balearic sounds during sunsets, defining the chillout genre.
2. Café Mambo (Ibiza, early 1990s)
Continued the tradition of sunset chillout sessions.
Helped spread the Ibiza “sunset sound” globally.
3. The Sound Factory Bar (New York, early 1990s)
While mostly house-oriented, it had ambient and lounge rooms that inspired chillout DJs worldwide.
4. Heaven (late 1970s – 1980s)
One of London’s first major clubs to host ambient rooms, often curated by Brian Eno’s followers and experimental DJs.
Eno himself, who coined the term “ambient music,” lived in London — his influence spread through art and club scenes.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Musician Brian Eno poses for a portrait in London, on July 7, 1980. (Photo by Anton Corbijn/Contour by Getty Images)
5. The Chill Out Room at Heaven (by The KLF, late 1980s)
The KLF (Bill Drummond & Jimmy Cauty) created an actual “Chill Out Room” at Heaven in the late ’80s, where ambient soundscapes and visuals were used to relax dancers after the main floor.
This became one of the first official “chillout rooms” in the world.
6. The Ministry of Sound (early 1990s)
Famous for house, but had ambient and lounge rooms inspired by Ibiza’s Café del Mar vibe.
Resident DJs mixed chillout between peak-time sets.
7. Megadog / Whirl-Y-Gig / The Orb Events
The Orb, London-based pioneers of ambient house, often performed in clubs with immersive visuals and downtempo beats.
These events helped define the London chillout movement of the early ’90s.
THE CHILLOUT CULTURE STILL LIVES – AND ITS SPIRIT IS EVERYWHERE 🌴