A NIGHTCLUB that was once the largest in the world is set to be replaced by the world’s first “hyperclub”, which will open its doors next summer.
Privilege in Ibiza had a capacity of 10,000, a huge central arena with a swimming pool, 25-metre high ceilings and several open-air rooms among its many features.
But it has been closed since the summer of 2019.
It has been described as being unlike any other nightclub experience, hosting parties that lasted all night long, with clubbers staying up until dawn, welcoming the sun through its glass walls.
However, those days could be set to return by next year, with the launch of UNVRS, pronounced Universe.
It describes itself as the first ever “hyperclub” and will increase the capacity to 15,000, once again taking the world record.
Not much else is known about the soon-to-open nightclub, but an announcement, made this week, claims it will create “a never-before-seen concept in nightlife entertainment”.
It also promises to combine “the high-end service, luxury and attention to detail of a nightclub with the infrastructure, scale and ambition of arena events”.
The announcement said: “UNVRS will be elevated even further with mind-blowing production from High Scream founder, Romain Pissenem.
“This new venture follows in the footsteps of Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza—venues consistently ranked among the world’s best.”
The nightclub launched its name with a viral marketing campaign involving a video of a UFO.
Earlier this summer, the footage emerged online from the holiday island, with some tourists claiming to have seen a flying saucer.
It garnered more than 52 million views, leading to comments from people like: “Aliens are trying to party with us.”
However, the UFO turned out to be nothing more than an “ambitious” drone show, flown from the roof of the new venue.
Celebrities like David Guetta, Maya Jama and now Will Smith, who has appeared in a new promotional video for the club, have engaged with the footage as part of the campaign.
Now the club’s owner, Yann Pissenem, has revealed that it was part of the announcement of the new night venue.
Privilege nightclub was the biggest nightclub in the world five years ago, and is now being made even bigger in its new incarnation as 'UNVRS'
Before it closed its doors in 2019, Privilege was the largest nightclub in the world, with a capacity of 10,000 people.
According to the 2003 book of Guinness World Records, it was easily the world’s largest nightclub, covering an area of 69,968 sq ft.
Originally known as Club San Rafael, it was later renamed Privilege in 1995, after also being known as Ku Club for a few years.
It had a swimming pool in its main room, as well as 25-foot high glass walls that would let the morning sunlight in as people still danced the night away.
Ibiza Spotlight claim it “smashed down any existing boundaries you already had for the clubbing experience” with its retractable roof also providing open air parties for revellers.
Among the vast number of world-renowned DJs to have performed there, names like Tiesto, Eric Prydz and Benny Benassi stand out.
However, its long and rich history of live music extends well beyond disc jockeys, with the likes of Freddie Mercury, Kylie Minogue and Spandau Ballet among big names to have performed there in past.
He said: “This campaign has been truly out of this world.
“Revealing the name with a viral sensation is just the beginning. Seeing so many media outlets, celebrities, and influencers engage with the story has been incredible and having the possibility to reveal the brand with such an iconic actor like Will Smith was a dream come true.
“Now that the truth is out there, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new universe in 2025 as we launch the world’s first hyperclub.”
Excited clubbers responded to the news on Instagram, with one writing: “Can’t wait to see what this brings us next year. I already know it’s gonna be EPIC!”
Another said: “That’s how to launch a new club!”
A third added: “That’s what Ibiza was missing. Truly.”
Meanwhile, Ibiza also has the best nightclub in the world, according to music magazine DJ Mag.
And last year, Hï Ibiza was crowned the globe’s best nightclub for the second year in a row.
Reality TV star Arabella Chi has spent summers in Ibiza since she was a child, here are her top places to visit...
Best restaurant
“Every year I take my parents to a new restaurant.
“For the views, Casa Maca has a really good vibe and the food is phenomenal. You have to book a month in advance though.
Best club
“Every night is different so this is a tricky one. But I’d probably say DC10 is still my favourite.
“It has two good nights I love – Paradise and Circoloco – and the music there is amazing.”
Best beach bars
“Experimental Beach Ibiza is my favourite by far. It’s a place for the sunset with a really good vibe – a lot of hippies and everyone plays the bongos as sun goes down.”
Best beach
“There are a lot of coves that people don’t realise.
“There is Cala Salada where you have to go over rocks to get to it – it’s hard to get to but the water is Maldives-crystal clear.
“There is one beach restaurant on it but it’s not good so you take your own lunch.
“Another nice one is Cala Comte which again has really clear water, and there is a really nice restaurant on it called Cotton Beach Club. “
