The glamorous founders of Ibiza's most legendary nightclub are now locked in a bitter £3.5 million legal war over their luxury hotel empire, exposing the dramatic collapse of their once-celebrated partnership.
Mike and Claire Davis, the husband-and-wife team behind the iconic Manumission club that defined Ibiza's hedonistic heyday, have seen their dream turn into an acrimonious courtroom battle that could determine the future of their business empire.
The Glory Days of Manumission
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Manumission was the undisputed king of Ibiza's club scene, attracting A-list celebrities including Kate Moss, George Michael, and countless supermodels to its extravagant weekly parties. The club's notorious 'sex shows' and wild performances became the stuff of island legend.
'We were flying high, living the dream,' Mike Davis recalled of their peak years, when Manumission regularly attracted 10,000 revellers each week to Privilege nightclub, making it the world's largest club night.
A New Chapter Turns Sour
After Manumission's closure in 2008, the couple pivoted to luxury hospitality, creating the successful Ibiza Rocks Hotels group. Their portfolio grew to include multiple properties, transforming them from nightclub impresarios to respected hoteliers.
However, their professional relationship has now completely broken down, with Claire filing for divorce and both parties accusing each other of financial misconduct in increasingly bitter legal exchanges.
The £3.5 Million Hotel at Stake
Central to the dispute is the couple's four-star hotel in San Antonio, valued at approximately £3.5 million. The property represents both the pinnacle of their success and the focal point of their current conflict.
Mike Davis claims the hotel business is 'on the brink of bankruptcy' due to the ongoing legal warfare, while court documents reveal allegations of financial mismanagement flying in both directions.
Celebrity Connections and Business Realities
Despite their current troubles, the Davises' venues remain iconic destinations, still trading on their legendary status and celebrity associations. Their hotels continue to attract visitors seeking a taste of Ibiza's golden era, though the reality behind the scenes is far from glamorous.
The case continues to unfold in Spanish courts, with both parties preparing for what could be a lengthy and expensive battle over the remains of their once-thriving business empire.
