In her evocative new memoir, The Motel: High Times in \u201890s Ibiza<\/em>, Claire Manumission offers an unfiltered look back at the island\u2019s most liberated decade. By revisiting the chaotic, vibrant energy of the era, the book captures a moment in time when the White Isle served as a global epicenter for unbridled hedonism. We\u2019ve curated a selection of excerpts and rare imagery from the book, showcasing the unique atmosphere of the legendary party that transformed a former brothel into a sanctuary for the avant-garde.<\/p>\n Long before the polished, VIP-heavy landscape of modern Ibiza, the island operated as a playground for pure, unadulterated escapism. It was a place where the boundaries between sunset and sunrise dissolved, fueled by a collective desire for total liberation. At the heart of this cultural shift was MANUMISSION, a visionary project birthed by brothers Andy and Mike McKay. Originally hailing from the Manchester club scene, the duo brought their high-octane, theatrical approach to the Mediterranean in 1994, forever altering the trajectory of electronic music culture.<\/p>\n The MANUMISSION phenomenon initially found its home at the colossal Ku Club. As the world\u2019s largest nightclub-later rebranded as Privilege and currently evolving into the cutting-edge [UNVRS]-the venue provided the perfect canvas for the brothers’ grand, ecstatic vision. These events were more than just parties; they were immersive spectacles that set the gold standard for what a “superclub” could achieve.<\/p>\n However, the true soul of the movement often thrived in the shadows of the mainstream. Seeking a space that felt more personal and subversive, Claire Davies (known to the world as Claire Manumission) and Mike McKay acquired a property on the outskirts of the island that had previously operated as a brothel. This unconventional venue allowed them to strip away the artifice of the mega-clubs, fostering a queer-friendly, intimate environment that prioritized raw expression over commercial spectacle. It was here that the true, visceral spirit of the Manumission ethos was most clearly defined.<\/p>\n\n
A New Dawn for Balearic Club Culture<\/h2>\n
From Massive Arenas to Intimate Subversion<\/h2>\n