Vanila Club

North / Nuevos Ministerios, Madrid –

Once patrons make it past the selective door staff at Vanila, a chic and sophisticated night club, they head downstairs to the main room where the DJ spins an energetic playlist of house music and recognizable remixes.

The crowded, L-shaped dance floor may not be the largest in Madrid, but what the venue lacks in size it more than makes up for in panache.

Fluffed velvet chairs arranged around coffee tables sit on a raised platform and provide a cozy refuge for those wanting to cool off and chat, while pink and blue lights give the place an elegant glow.

As the night wears on, a few flashing strobes bounce off the mirrored ceiling and pillars, but what really sparkles is the sophisticated clientele with the occasional mix of Madrid’s most prominent socialites and a sprinkling of models, actors, and even a few star players from the city’s football and basketball teams.

The dress code calls for stylish dresses, button-downs, and blazers, though some men manage to get past the bouncers with expensive jeans and more casual attire – though they probably "know someone who knows someone."

Dancing is definitely a part of the experience at Vanila, but there’s no denying that it takes a back seat to high society mingling, and most patrons are there to see and be seen.