Inside UNVRS: I went clubbing at the world's first hyperclub - now open in Ibiza

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

Plus, the exact date huge new Wetherspoons pub set to open inside the old London Dungeon
RAVE NEW WORLD Inside UNVRS: I went clubbing at the world's first hyperclub that opened in Ibiza this week
UNVRS, pronounced Universe - described as the world's first hyper club, has opened in Ibiza with a big bang.
The new club promises to launch a new era of futuristic clubbing - so I headed down on the opening night to find out what that really meant.
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Ibiza-based journalist Katy Hastings went to the opening night of UNVRS
Credit: Katy Hastings
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UNVRS, pronounced Universe, is described as the world's first hyper club
Credit: PROWLY
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Everything is handmade in such detail that it's supposed to be as pitch perfect as an opera house
Credit: Katy Hastings
There has been a nightclub on the site - 20 minutes inland from Ibiza Old Town - since 1979, when it first opened as Ku.
It was then rebranded as Privilege in 1995 when it became known as the world's largest club with parties of up to 10,000 people at a time.
Now, after viral marketing campaigns featuring a UFO sighting, and Hollywood star Will Smith, plus a multi-million pound makeover, it has been redesigned as the 'world's first hyperclub.'
And what does that mean exactly? Apparently, it's the combination of high-end luxury and attention to detail, in an arena-sized event.
Everything is handmade in such detail that it's supposed to be as perfect acoustically as an opera house, with the walls made of a porous material and the bar tilted to avoid the cavernous echo that you get in so many massive nightclubs.
I joined thousands of revellers on opening night, which saw Carl Cox's return to Ibiza for a 14-week residency at UNVRS - his first on the island since Space closed in 2016.
And it is MASSIVE. The club is so huge that you can easily lose your bearings in the underground network of corridors and dance rooms - helpfully, there is free wifi in case you lose your mates in the maze.
But it is very, very slick. The main room is where all the magic happens, with a soundsystem that is crisper and clearer than any other on the island.
Aerial acrobats perform high above the VIP balconies and main dance floor, where the Privilege swimming pool has been consigned to history.
The immersive lighting was next level too, as the lights come towards you, instead of just vertically, making you feel almost connected to the stage and helps to overcome the feeling of so many people in one room together.
The best bit was at dawn, when the screens behind the DJ decks turned off to reveal 12-metre cathedral-like windows showing off the spectacular sunrise over the island - well worth hanging on for, given the club stays open to 6am each night.
And the famous Privilege glass dome? That's been kept intact, and now houses a huge sculpture called the Tree of Life.
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The main room is where all the magic happens, with a soundsystem that is crisper and clearer than any other on the island.
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The famous Privilege glass dome has been kept intact, and now houses a huge sculpture called the Tree of Life
Credit: Prowly
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An outlet of Spanish brand Vicio Burger serves burgers for €23 inside the club
Credit: Katy Hastings
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The club is so huge that you can easily lose your bearings in the underground network of corridors and dance rooms
Credit: Katy Hastings
There's some outside space on the garden terrace known as the Gravity Garden and Sky Deck too, which has been decorated with lots of greenery.
The new venue is the brain child of The Night League, who is also responsible for major island nightclubs Ushuaïa and Hï.
And they've introduced many of the much-loved elements they've already tested at Hï, including the mini nightclub in the loos.
Called The Wild Comet (it's The Wild Corner at Hï), there's a smaller dance room underground where unisex loo cubicles line the walls and a DJ plays in the centre of the room.
It's certainly the vibiest public toilet I've ever been to, although the unique queuing system takes some getting used it, and by that I mean there is no queue and you have to hover and look out for one of the loo doors opening.
There is also a karaoke room that could easily fit around 150 people and a fast food joint.
The outlet of Spanish brand Vicio Burger serves burgers for €23 (£19.40) and chips for €8 (£6.76), or a very fancy-sounding chicken strips topped with caviar for €80 (£67.50).
UNVRS things to know before you go
Location - San Rafael, Ibiza
Doors open 2300
Over 18s - don't forget your photo ID
The dress code - no flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, or swimsuits, sports team T-shirts, and clothing
with ideological or religious references. No shorts for men
The lineup:
Mondays - ERIC PRYDZ WITH HOLOSPHERE 2.0
Tuesdays - ANYMA
Wednesdays - JAMIE JONES WITH PARADISE
Thursdays - FISHER
Fridays - DAVID GUETTA WITH GALACTIC CIRCUS
Saturdays - ELROW
Sundays - CARL COX
While it quite quiet when we visited around 2am, I can see it being very popular with punters before they head home.
Prices for drinks at the bar weren't cheap, at €15 (£12.67) for a bottle of water and €26 (£21.96) for a glass of wine, but they are pretty much in line with Ibiza super club prices.
But the club also plays a part in keeping costs down too - laying on shuttle buses from San Antonio and Ibiza Old Town that are included in the price of the club ticket.
Without a doubt, UNVRS has elevated the nightclub experience and it's definitely the best super club in Ibiza now.
Other, more historic places might have more soul, but this is the most advance and forward-thinking club.
Plus, the music is what makes the night, and with an enviable DJ line up including Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, David Guetta, Jamie Jones and the unique Elrow party, it's become the must-visit of the island for clubbers both young and old.
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The new venue is the brain child of The Night League, who is also responsible for major island nightclubs Ushuaïa and Hï
Credit: Katy Hastings
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Other, more historic places might have more soul, but this is the most advance and forward-thinking club
Credit: Prowly
In the UK, there is a historic train station bar where you get a free drink every day at 5:05pm.
Plus, the exact date huge new Wetherspoons pub set to open inside the old London Dungeon.