The Origins of the VIP Culture in Ibiza: When Did Bottle Service Begin?

Privilege Ibiza, situated near the tranquil village of Sant Rafel, is renowned as the largest nightclub in the world, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 party-goers. Yet, Privilege wasn’t always the massive clubbing icon we know today; its origins trace back to humble beginnings in the early 1970s as a modest community pool and restaurant known as Club San Rafael.

In 1979, three visionaries - former Real Sociedad footballer José Antonio Santamaría, along with Faruk Gandji and Brasilio de Oliveira - acquired the space, transforming it into a lively, open-air venue named Ku Club, after a Hawaiian deity symbolizing freedom and celebration. Ku swiftly gained popularity for its spectacular poolside parties, avant-garde performances, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracted a diverse, polysexual crowd reminiscent of New York’s Studio 54.

The 1980s marked a golden age for Ku Club, making Ibiza an essential destination for the jet-set elite. Fashion luminaries such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Valentino mingled with music legends Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones, and David Bowie. Freddie Mercury famously filmed the video for "Barcelona" with Montserrat Caballé at Ku in 1987, further elevating the club’s global prominence.

Ku’s extravagant parties were legendary, including the decadent Babylonia and White Full Moon events. These theatrical nights were masterminded by Gandji and Brasilio, establishing the club’s reputation for unparalleled creativity and decadence.

In the early 1990s, new noise regulations in Ibiza required open-air venues to enclose their dance spaces. Ku responded by constructing an enormous domed roof, drastically changing the club’s character but preserving its ability to host parties until dawn. In 1994, Ku was purchased by Basque businessman José María Etxaniz, who rebranded it as Privilege Ibiza in 1995. This transformation ushered in a new era, positioning Privilege firmly as a superclub, a term soon synonymous with Ibiza’s clubbing scene.

Under the Privilege banner, the venue expanded its spectacle-driven approach, earning a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest nightclub. Privilege’s sprawling dance floor, complete with elevated DJ booths, extensive VIP areas, and its iconic central pool, became the epitome of Ibiza’s extravagant nightlife.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Privilege reached its peak, hosting the infamous Manumission parties. These events were notorious for their boundary-pushing performances, attracting crowds by the thousands weekly. Manumission embodied Ibiza’s hedonistic spirit, blending music, live performances, and audacious stage shows that redefined nightlife.

Privilege also showcased groundbreaking residencies from the world’s top DJs and performers. Legendary figures such as 

 regularly headlined, further cementing Privilege’s reputation as an essential stop on the global electronic music circuit. The club’s extravagant SuperMartXé residency, launched in 2008, continued the tradition of elaborate, inclusive, and visually dazzling parties, celebrated for over a decade.

Privilege’s cultural impact extends far beyond its walls. The club’s commitment to artistic freedom, diversity, and spectacular entertainment significantly influenced global nightlife culture. By combining high fashion, performance art, and electronic music, Privilege set a template for the modern "superclub," influencing countless other venues worldwide.

However, Privilege faced challenges as Ibiza’s nightlife evolved. Increased competition from newer clubs and festivals, regulatory hurdles, and shifting clubbing trends saw the venue experiencing difficult periods. In 2018, the club’s license was temporarily suspended due to safety violations and unauthorized structural changes, leading to brief closures and operational interruptions.


In 2024, a promising new chapter began with the announcement that Privilege would undergo extensive renovations and relaunch in 2025 as 

, billed as the world’s first "hyperclub." Spearheaded by Yann Pissenem, the nightlife entrepreneur behind 

, this reinvention is a state-of-the-art clubbing experience, blending immersive art, advanced technology, and luxurious service within those iconic walls.

Privilege Ibiza

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