It is one of the most famous nightclubs ever. Registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s biggest club, the venue first opened its doors in the early 1980s as part of the KU franchise – which former footballer José Antonio Santamaria started in his home town of San Sebastián.
Originally a small restaurant with a swimming pool attached called Club San Rafael, José was assisted by friends Brasilio and Gorri in turning the club into THE party nightspot on the Mediterranean, where rock stars, fashionistas and celebrities created scenes not seen since New York’s Studio 54 days. Later, it entered the 90s as Privilege, and witnessed the era of the superclub with the likes of Manumission, SuperMartxé and Radio 1 ensuring packed crowds of 10,000 delirious house music devotees.
The derelict nightclub, former glory and Yann Pissenem.
Today, it stands as one of the most iconic locations on the Ibiza horizon with its instantly recognisable glass dome towering above the landscape. But, for years, it has sat empty – unoccupied, untouched and unloved – until 2024 when building work finally began and the rumours started to fly.
The clever money is on the venue being transformed into the world’s finest nightclub by the Palladium Hotel Group led by Abel Matutes Prats and Yann Pissenem’s all-conquering Night League team. Now, this summer’s hottest topic of conversation is which DJs and parties will line up in 2025. It’s transfer time…
