Co-working spaces within clubs are now common, and some have embraced virtual memberships, allowing members to enjoy perks from wherever they are in the world. The once rigid boundaries of membership have softened, and private members’ clubs now appeal to a wider audience, while still maintaining their exclusive charm. As A Guide to Private Members’ Clubs 2024 makes clear, private clubs are not only reshaping social and professional networks but also transforming real estate markets around the globe. With the right mix of exclusivity, community, and innovative business models, the private members’ club sector is set to continue its rise as one of the most dynamic corners of hospitality and real estate. One of the most significant findings in the report is how private members’ clubs are reshaping the real estate market. For example, properties within 15 minutes of prestigious clubs like Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds saw buyer interest more than double in August 2024, with 2.3 buyers registering for every one buyer in adjacent areas.
Private members’ club
- You’ll often find spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology, private meeting rooms, and co-working areas designed to encourage productivity and creativity.
- “Biba Social club could become a spark for different ideas, with the right people in the room.”
- Our award-winning and industry-leading luxury lifestyle and corporate hospitality services (“concierge”) are included across all of our card products.
- Perhaps predictably, with more and more of modern life relying on the internet and social media outlets for socialising and information sharing, this new desire for face-to-face interactions with like-minded individuals is what we now crave.
- Are you the sort of person who will blend seamlessly into their sophisticated environment?
- “It’s all about creating connections between different groups,” Alexander said.
- The personal touch here is key, as many clubs strive to cater to their members’ every need.
Whether it’s challenging discussions with global thought leaders or fun, niche events like those hosted at The Century Club in Soho, modern clubs are diversifying their offerings to stay relevant. With over 40 locations worldwide, Soho House has redefined the private members’ club concept. Focused on fostering creativity, the club attracts artists, filmmakers, and innovators.
CORE stands as a testament to New York’s enduring spirit of innovation and exclusivity. Founded in the early 2000s near Trump Tower, this club has attracted a diverse array of luminaries, from former presidents to hedge fund billionaires. Overlooking the city of Tokyo, The Club occupies the entire 51st floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. It boasts some of the most sought-after event spaces and eateries in the city. Described as the world’s only private ski, golf and adventure community, the club – also known as Big Sky or the Yellowstone Ski Resort – spans 15,200 acres of spectacular countryside in Montana.
Imagine strolling into your club after a busy day Private Club and being greeted by a world-class spa offering the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Many private members’ clubs have raised the bar when it comes to wellness services, offering everything from tailored fitness programmes to bespoke spa treatments. Whether steeped in centuries of history or offering the latest in luxury experiences, private members’ clubs continue to be places where being a member truly means something special. The origins of private members’ clubs can be traced back to 18th-century London. Back then, these clubs were known as gentlemen’s clubs—strictly male-only, of course. Aristocrats and well-to-do men gathered in these spaces to discuss politics, business, and social affairs.
There’s also a calendar bursting with monthly events, from rowdy rooftop pool parties to cocktail masterclasses and talks, plus VIP treatment and benefits when using the ground floor restaurants and bedrooms. Ned’s Club membership also gives access to Ned’s Club globally, which includes the latest New York outpost. If you’re not ready to take the plunge fully, a Ned Friends membership gets you access to members-only spaces and events. Undoubtedly one of the coolest clubs in town, you can’t help but be wowed by The Ned hotel’s grand entrance and range of bars, restaurants, and facilities. Set within the Four Seasons Hotel – itself a reincarnation of the former headquarters of the Port of London Authority at Ten Trinity Square – this private members’ club is centred around culture, good food and fine wine. Established in 1903, the Colony Club was New York’s first women’s private social club.
Let’s break down the key membership requirements and discover what truly sets these clubs apart. Today, private members’ clubs have gone global, with major cities from New York to Hong Kong boasting their own exclusive clubs. While some, like Annabel’s in London, retain a sense of old-school glamour, many have adapted to the needs of modern members. These clubs offer more than just a meeting place; they provide lifestyle services, wellness programmes, high-end dining, and opportunities for global networking.
In a world where true exclusivity is increasingly rare, there are private members clubs around the world that continue to offer such elite offerings and discretion. Accessible only to a select few, private members clubs have long been aspired to. These clubs offer not just luxury, unparalleled comfort and exclusive amenities, but a ticket into a world where connections are forged, deals are struck and legacies built upon. Events at prestigious private clubs are normally only available to their own VIP members or their guests; non-members typically cannot access these luxurious spaces or the gatherings held within them. At The Aman Club in New York, for example, members enjoy access to a lavish wellness centre, complete with treatments that range from traditional massages to cutting-edge health therapies. Other clubs like Soho House have their own signature spas, offering facials, massages, and even holistic therapies to help members maintain their well-being.
Enjoy yourself with style and luxury
This 15th-century palazzo, hosted the world’s first documented opera performance in 1598 and is now managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Looking for a creative event partner to help turn your event into an unforgettable experience? Setting a new standard for glamorous Cape Town’s beach clubs, Sandy B at The Bay Hotel is an elegant and serene seaside retreat, blending sun-drenched days of relaxation with cocktail fueled evenings.
- Owned by aristocrat Robin Birley, it boasts lavish interiors and a high-powered clientele that reportedly includes royals, tycoons, and A-listers.
- According to Nick Hamilton, co-founder of The Conduit, engaging events are the biggest source of member conversion, and offering something unique is key.
- This nearly decade-old establishment is a rabbit warren of rooms in four adjoining townhouses with themed décor in the restaurants (try Venetian Ottoman or Russian), as well as food (everything from sushi to tapas).
- Established in 1903, the Colony Club was New York’s first women’s private social club.
- It’s this level of service that makes members feel like they are part of something truly special.
- Seated on antique armchairs with background music, you can relax while sipping exquisite and sophisticated cocktails.
FC: How have you seen the club landscape change since Luxx, which you opened nearly 20 years ago?
These clubs are not just about luxury; they are about a lifestyle of privilege, privacy, and unparalleled access to the elite. From London to New York and beyond, these hidden gems cater to those who demand the very best. And why are some willing to pay eye-watering membership fees just to be part of this exclusive world?
Private Club Marketing
The Core Club offers its members a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. It’s home to an art gallery, a private cinema, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and an impressive collection of fine dining experiences. It’s where the city’s top executives and creative minds go to relax, network, and close those all-important deals. Now, Soho House has taken the world by storm, but don’t let its international presence fool you into thinking it’s any less exclusive. What started in London in 1995 as a private club for those in the creative industries has now expanded to over 30 locations worldwide, from New York to Mumbai.
At the pinnacle of exclusivity stands the R360 Club, a networking organization that redefines the concept of elite membership. With an entry threshold of $100 million in net worth, R360 curates a community of ultra-high-net-worth individuals committed to legacy building and purposeful living. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to apply, don’t expect a simple form-filling exercise. Many clubs ask potential members to submit detailed applications, including references from current members and an interview process that can feel more like being grilled for a job at a Fortune 500 company. Your social circle plays a huge role in whether you’ll even get the chance to apply. Clubs like 5 Hertford Street in London or The Core Club in New York are notorious for keeping their membership tight-knit, allowing only the crème de la crème of society to enter their hallowed doors.
Former hedge fund manager Grant Ashton launched this haven for wine lovers in St James’s in December 2015 (yes, we’ve still included it in Mayfair’s selection of private members’ clubs – it’s that good). After 30 years in the City, he and his friends had amassed a hefty collection of vintages that were waiting to be drunk. So he started a place where they could be enjoyed with minimal mark-up and the concept was so successful that sister sites have now opened in Singapore, Verbier and Beaune.
FC: How did you approach updating such a known name on the nightlife scene?
Another Birley establishment, Oswald’s is a quieter, even more exclusive counterpart to 5HS. It’s favoured by international financiers and high society — known for its spectacular wine cellar and plush, old-world interiors. Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly. Whether it’s a billionaire unwinding after a hectic day or a Hollywood star enjoying a drink, privacy is of the utmost importance. Staff are trained to respect this, ensuring that what happens within the club, stays within the club. It’s a sanctuary for those who value their privacy, which in today’s world is a true luxury.