The grand opening of UNVRS next summer is set to revolutionised Ibiza’s nightlife. This world’s first ‘Hyperclub’ will be set on the historic grounds that once housed the legendary KU and Privilege nightclubs.
This transformation marks a new chapter in the storied history of a venue that has been at the heart of Ibiza’s club scene for decades.
The birth of KU: a 1970s oasis
The journey begins in the early 1970s when the venue started as a modest restaurant with a bar and a community swimming pool, known as Club San Rafael. In 1979, it was acquired by José Antonio Santamaría, a former footballer for Real Sociedad, who, alongside creative minds like Brasilio de Oliviera and Gorri, reimagined the space as KU Club. Named after the Hawaiian god Kū, KU quickly became a beacon of hedonism and freedom, embodying the spirit of Ibiza’s burgeoning nightlife.
Throughout the 1980s, KU earned a reputation as Europe’s premier polysexual nightspot, often likened to an open-air version of New York’s Studio 54. The club’s open-air design featured a central swimming pool and a towering statue of the god Ku, creating an atmosphere that was both grand and intimate. It was here that the iconic music video for ‘Barcelona’ by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé was filmed on 30 May 1987, cementing KU’s place in pop culture history.
Transition to Privilege: the 1990s transformation
The early 1990s brought significant changes to Ibiza’s clubbing landscape. New legislation mandated that open-air venues cover their dance floors, prompting KU to undergo a major transformation. In 1995, under new ownership by José María Etxaniz, the club was rebranded as Privilege. This evolution included the construction of a 25-metre-high roof, enclosing the vast main room and allowing for year-round events.
Privilege quickly gained recognition as the world’s largest nightclub, a title bestowed by the Guinness Book of Records, boasting a capacity of 10,000 people and encompassing 6,500 square metres. The club’s grandeur was unparalleled, featuring multiple rooms, a swimming pool beneath the DJ booth, and expansive gardens and terraces. It became synonymous with some of Ibiza’s most famous events, including the legendary Manumission parties, which began in 1994 and continued for over a decade, drawing international attention and a celebrity clientele.
Challenges and closure: the late 2010s
Despite its storied past, Privilege faced challenges in the late 2010s. The global COVID-19 pandemic led to the club’s closure at the end of the 2019 season, and it remained shuttered in the subsequent years.
The hiatus left a void in Ibiza’s nightlife, with many wondering about the future of the iconic venue.
The dawn of UNVRS: a new era
In August 2024, a new chapter was announced for the historic site. The Night League, the creative force behind Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza, unveiled plans for UNVRS, pronounced ‘Universe’, set to open in the summer of 2025. Billed as the world’s first Hyperclub, [UNVRS] aims to redefine nightlife by combining high-end service, luxury, and attention to detail with the scale and ambition of stadium events.
The announcement was accompanied by a viral marketing campaign, including a UFO-themed drone show over Es Vedrà, capturing global attention. Celebrities like Will Smith have been involved in promoting the venture, highlighting the anticipation surrounding UNVRS’s debut.
Looking ahead: UNVRS and the future of Ibiza’s nightlife
As UNVRS prepares to open its doors, it carries forward the legacy of KU and Privilege while introducing a new concept to Ibiza’s vibrant nightlife. The transformation from a modest restaurant to the world’s largest nightclub, and now to a pioneering Hyperclub, reflects the dynamic evolution of entertainment on the island.
UNVRS is poised to set a new standard, offering an unparalleled experience that blends the intimacy of a nightclub with the grandeur of an arena. As Ibiza continues to be a global epicentre for music and nightlife, UNVRS stands as a testament to innovation and the enduring allure of the island’s party scene.
In conclusion, the journey from KU to Privilege and now to UNVRS encapsulates the spirit of Ibiza’s ever-evolving nightlife. Each iteration has pushed boundaries, setting new benchmarks for entertainment. With UNVRS, the legacy continues, promising a future where the past’s grandeur meets the innovation of tomorrow.
