The joining fee will depend completely on the club, the level of membership and usually the location. These establishments, scattered across the globe, offer a sanctuary for the elite and a platform for the influential, providing unparalleled experiences that cater to the discerning tastes of their members. Recognising the importance of family, some clubs have introduced kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities. These sections of the club offer educational and recreational programs for children, allowing families to enjoy club benefits together. The new beach club in Greece is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s ambitious plans to open eight land based operations by 2028. “The Ultimate Santorini Day” has the beach club listed in a spot check of upcoming cruises on Explorer of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean reveals plans to open its first private beach club in Europe

  • Members can enjoy beautifully designed spaces, including an elegant lounge, private dining rooms, and a serene garden.
  • Most clubs do allow guests, but they usually must be accompanied by a member and may be subject to certain restrictions or guest fees.
  • As seen in decades gone by, many clubs have modernised and become more inclusive to remain relevant in a changing world.
  • Take in stunning views of the Thames from the club’s opulent rooftop bar, indulge in delicious cuisine by the Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic, or unwind in the exclusive spa and wellness centre.
  • It’s a gathering spot for yacht enthusiasts and offers facilities like a dedicated marina, clubhouse, and swimming pool.
  • While some may accept applications, entry into these selective private societies usually requires a recommendation from current members and can involve meticulous vetting processes due to the exclusivity of the club.

Home Grown is a private members club located in the heart of Mayfair, designed to cater to the needs of entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders. The club offers a unique blend of luxury and functionality, with state-of-the-art facilities, an exclusive members lounge, a private dining room and event spaces. Soho House at 40 Greek Street boasts a handsome outside dining space known as the Courtyard, fitted with a retractable roof to keep members dry. Dining and sitting rooms are beautifully equipped and provide the ideal Instagram-worthy backdrop for any meeting, whether for business or pleasure. Emphasis falls on eye-catching modern decor and fascinating objet d’art, contrasting to the darker, “classic” feel of many private members’ clubs. It requires more than just wealth; it takes social acumen, the right connections, and a commitment to upholding the club’s values.
Next year Celeste in Notting Hill will add to the Estelle stable, and it promises an Italian-American bar with public access for a closer glimpse behind the proverbial velvet rope. For those Private Club who love the great outdoors, the Aspen Mountain Club is as exclusive as it gets. Located at the top of Aspen Mountain, this private club offers stunning views of the Colorado Rockies and a luxurious retreat for ski enthusiasts. Membership here is extremely limited, and it comes with a hefty price tag, but the experience is unparalleled.

Impact of Private Members Clubs on Culture and Society

On the West Coast, The Battery in San Francisco has built a reputation as a private club for the modern elite. Located in the city’s Financial District, it was founded by tech entrepreneurs and is known for attracting Silicon Valley’s movers and shakers. Silencio in Paris is a club with an artistic edge, created by none other than renowned filmmaker David Lynch.

Hurlingham Club(London, England)

They offer amenities such as high-quality dining, comfortable lounges, business facilities, and sometimes, venue hire. These clubs balance the allure of exclusive membership with the provision of a range of practical and leisure services catering to their members’ social and professional needs. By the late 19th century, several private members’ clubs for women were established, marking a significant shift in the club culture. This change paved the way for many traditional gentlemen’s clubs to open their doors to women members, though a few, like the Garrick Club in London’s Covent Garden, continued to uphold the male-only tradition. This transformation reflected broader societal changes and increased demand for more inclusive and diverse social spaces​​.

Oswald’s – 25 Albemarle Street

Skibo’s serene location and unparalleled facilities make it one of the most desirable private clubs in the UK. With technology reshaping the way we work and socialise, clubs have also had to adapt. 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.

Cultural Programming

Events range from live performances to networking evenings, making The Club at The Ivy a coveted retreat in the heart of Manchester. Members enjoy access to high-end dining, luxurious spa facilities, and private event spaces. The club hosts a variety of cultural and social events, providing an upscale environment for networking and leisure activities. With its selective membership criteria and reputation for exclusivity, The Arts Club is a sought-after destination for those seeking a luxury lifestyle in Dubai.

  • Named for the architect who designed the building, Edwin “Ned” Lutyens, The Ned offers something for everyone.
  • Clubs blend work and play seamlessly as workers shift from their desks to sip cocktails and share nibbles overlooking Hyde Park from the Knightsbridge terrace or Fulham’s trendy lounge.
  • The club offers an array of dining experiences, from an Italian terrace to an Asian-inspired restaurant, each space uniquely decorated.
  • The Ned, Annabel’s, Harry’s Bar (pictured at the top) and 5 Hertford Street are other leading modern clubs that offer membership to a younger, more cosmopolitan crowd.
  • The club offers everything from a private garden terrace to exclusive dining rooms and a wellness spa.
  • With a selective membership process and an annual fee that reflects its elite status, Zero Bond attracts wealthy and influential individuals from various industries.

Dartmouth House Membership also contributes to the charitable work of the English-Speaking Union (ESU). Food and beverage offerings like intimate made in-house meals and afternoon tea are served in the House’s quintessential British dining room, or cocktails in its sophisticated lounge. Members have use of the Wedgwood Room (a dining room), the Revelstoke Room (a drawing room), the Marble Courtyard, and the Bar. Home House was designed by George III’s architect, James Wyatt, who was tasked with building a sophisticated palace purely for enjoyment and entertainment. Established at No 20 Portman Square in the 18th century, the club’s name comes from Elizabeth, Countess of Home, who once resided there. Spread across three Georgian townhouses, today the club is an inspiring space for people to connect.
Some members want to leave work at the door when they enter their club of choice, and focus on their own favoured leisure activities, including one best done away from prying eyes. Embarking on a bespoke travel journey involves a collaborative process to bring your vision to… It’s not just about dinner; it’s about being served gourmet cuisine in an iconic setting.