No photographs allowed, please. Membership clubs thrive on an air of secrecy and mystique. Whereas newly launched eateries or bars often welcome photo-taking patrons, such establishments typically discourage this practice. This distinction exists due to their member base; think celebrities, affluent individuals, socialites, and power brokers who value their privacy.
Membership clubs may seem ubiquitous nowadays, yet they trace their roots back to 18th-century Britain, where they served as prestigious venues for aristocrats, politicians, and thinkers to exchange ideas, network, and do business. Clubs like White’s and Brook’s in London emerged strongly linked with social hierarchy and often revolved around common passions such as politics and literature. Even now, London remains a focal point for these private sanctuaries (you’ll want to check out spot number one on our roster). However, U.S. urban centers including New York City and Los Angeles have developed substantial arrays of members-only establishments too.
As these establishments continue to flourish in major urban centers across the globe, they maintain an aura that is both highly desirable and out of reach. Often boasting waitlists that extend for years and stringent admission procedures, memberships are typically limited to those who satisfy specific requirements and usually require introductions from current members. While this may seem daunting, gaining entry into many of these clubs isn’t completely beyond reach. Keep reading to discover some of the most elite membership clubs around, along with insights into why pursuing one might be worthwhile despite the challenging process involved. Perhaps our paths will cross at such venues someday?
11. San Vicente Bungalows
Los Angeles, CA
Nestled in West Hollywood, San Vicente Bungalows offers a private retreat for Hollywood’s top-tier celebrities. The establishment emphasizes discretion through a no-photography rule and rigorous non-disclosure policies, enabling members to relish their surroundings in complete secrecy—complete with a verdant garden adorned with palm trees and featuring an exclusive swimming pool. It has swiftly become a preferred spot for stars and those behind-the-scenes within the entertainment industry since opening in 2019. Its expanding influence includes plans for new venues slated for both Santa Monica and Manhattan’s West Village area.
Application & Pricing
The yearly membership costs around $4,200, accompanied by an initial joining fee of $1,800. Membership applications are not open to everyone; thus, having a personal referral is crucial.
learn more
10. Club Bardo
Savannah, GA
For both the locals in Savannah and frequent visitors to this delightful southern town, Club Bardo and the hotel where it resides serve as a sanctuary—a space painted in vibrant peach tones with sumptuous furniture and a lengthy swimming area lined with palms. As members of this chic and trendy club, you have exclusive rights to utilize a private clubhouse, along with full access to amenities such as the pool, poolside bar, and gym equipment. Additional benefits include personalized training sessions, special room discounts, free valet service, and Camp Bardo, which caters to children aged between five and twelve years old.
Application & Pricing
Anyone can submit an application to join Club Bardo, with selections made according to “their potential contributions to the community.” Upon approval, members must pay a single non-refundable joining fee of $4,800, along with regular monthly payments of $200 and a required minimum expenditure of $200 per month within the resort facilities.
learn more
9. The Elwood Club located at the Pendry Newport Beach
Newport, CA
Newport Beach in Orange County is already quite exclusive, but just how high-end could a members-only club housed within one of the area’s top-tier hotels possibly be? It turns out they’re incredibly upscale. This particular club takes up its own section within the luxurious Pendry Newport Beach hotel. Amenities include The Pub, which offers television screens broadcasting various sporting events along with cozy areas for board games near the fireplace; the state-of-the-art Topgolf Swing Suite for entertainment; Viamara, an elegant Italian eatery; and The Cabaret, a dimly lit lounge featuring live musical acts and performances.
Application & Pricing
Serving the upper crust of Southern California, this exclusive club prioritizes locals and notable individuals, offering memberships solely through invite. The annual dues hover around $5,000, accompanied by a varying initiation fee based on the candidate.
LEARN MORE
8. Soho House
Multiple Locations Worldwide
If there’s a membership club you’re likely familiar with, chances are it’s Soho House. Founded in 1995 by restaurant entrepreneur Nick Jones specifically for creatives in London, Soho House currently operates more than 40 venues worldwide. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that the organization has revolutionized contemporary private clubs. Moreover, they have gone public under the ticker symbol SHCO. Tailored towards individuals working in artistic fields, these establishments provide tastefully decorated lounges, special gatherings, and top-notch culinary experiences—all without photography permitted inside. Every site aims to mirror its regional character; take, for example, the industrially elegant vibe of Soho House Berlin contrasted with the grandiose sunshine-filled space found in their Mexico City branch.
Application & Pricing
Soho House only accepts individuals who work within creative fields and align with their philosophy (ties are not encouraged). Each venue limits memberships to preserve its exclusive atmosphere. Membership fees differ based on location, beginning roughly at $2,500 per year, plus extra charges for entry into every house. People admitted before turning 27 enjoy discounted rates, paying half-price until reaching the age of 30. The application process involves submitting an online form along with recommendations from present members.
learn more
7. Silencio
Paris, France
Created by David Lynch, Silencio drew inspiration from the ominous theater featured in the filmmaker’s 2001 movie.
Mulholland Drive.
Located in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, Silencio serves as both a cultural center and a haven for the city’s artistic community. It operates as a members-only club until about midnight, featuring a private theater, rotating art exhibitions, and a retro-style bar from the ’60s era. As the evening progresses, it morphs into a lively nightclub with long queues outside. The membership here is carefully selected to encompass leading figures in creativity, providing these individuals with a cozy setting where they can share thoughts and socialize. Members enjoy perks like a free birthday meal or reserved booth, along with workspace facilities. They gain entry not just to this venue but also to associated clubs including NeueHouse, Matador, Arts Club Dubai, and JNcQUOI Club. Recently, another iteration of Silencio styled after a vividly crimson-themed environment has been established close to New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen area.
Application & Pricing
Anyone is eligible to apply for the membership, and the process involves submitting a current photograph. Annual fees amount to roughly €1,200; however, individuals under 30 receive a fifty percent reduction. The applications should be sent via the club’s official website.
LEARN MORE
6. NeueHouse
Los Angeles, California & New York, New York
NeueHouse is an upscale blend of office space and social club tailored for innovators and trendsetters, famous for its vast industrial-style gathering areas. Situated in spots like Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Madison Square, this venue features contemporary decor, health-focused cuisine options, individual working zones and offices, recording studios for podcasts, carefully selected art displays, and plenty of engaging activities (think about having anywhere from seven to ten happenings every evening at the Madison Square branch). The members who frequent NeueHouse tend to be highly networked within their respective industries as well as among themselves due to the laid-back community atmosphere and popular scheduled events.
Application & Pricing
NeueHouse targets creative professionals, offering exclusive memberships to uphold a cooperative atmosphere. The annual membership costs vary between $3,000 and $6,000 based on different access tiers. Prospective members can apply online and should include referrals with their submissions.
Learn More
5. Core Club
New York, NY & Milan, Italy
This women-led club stands out for its powerful networking scene in New York City. With its cutting-edge architecture, top-tier cuisine from Michelin-star chefs, and premium health amenities, it attracts prominent figures across finance and various intellectual domains. Established in 2005 within Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the club expanded to Midtown in 2023, housed in an upscale 11-story building. This latest venue emphasizes wellness initiatives—currently trending among members—which include personalized anti-aging skin treatments and access to a modern juice bar. Additionally, Core Club operates a branch in Milan, and might soon open another one in San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid site.
legal dispute
may mean otherwise).
Application & Pricing
Membership opportunities are exclusive and sought after, targeting people who stand out in one of 13 major sectors including arts, biotechnology, finance, fashion, entertainment, and hospitality. The annual membership cost begins at $15,000, accompanied by an initiation fee that may vary between $15,000 up to $100,000. Those interested have to receive an invite from a present member to proceed further.
4. Yellowstone Club
Big Sky, MT
Unlike anything else featured here, Yellowstone Club stands out as the sole private ski and golf enclave globally. Known by their fitting slogan “Private Powder,” members revel in untouched slopes, opulent mountain retreats, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor exploration. This exclusive club complements its select nature with stunning natural landscapes, establishing itself as an idyllic spot for the elite. Access is granted exclusively to those residing within the gated community. Notable members include Bill Gates along with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and model Gisele Bündchen.
Application & Pricing
The initial obstacle is acquiring property within the Yellowstone community, followed by the limitation that the club may have no more than 864 members simultaneously. After these hurdles come the membership costs, which involve an entry fee of $300,000 plus yearly charges of approximately $36,000.
3. The Yacht Club of Monaco
Monaco
The membership club was established by royal lineage specifically Prince Rainier III, who stated at its opening ceremony in 1953 that “the future of Monaco depends on the sea.” The facility underwent expansion in 2014 when a new clubhouse area was introduced; this space resembles a massive yacht both aesthetically and functionally. Inside, members have access to amenities ranging from a library and opulent dance hall to fitness facilities and a rooftop swimming pool. Additionally, members gain exclusive rights to utilize the private harbor for their vessels, join sailing classes, engage in elite gatherings such as grand galas, and partake in an annual boat race.
Application & Pricing
The membership is restricted to individuals who have a strong affiliation with Monaco’s maritime scene and are passionate about yachting. The specific cost of membership has not been disclosed; however, it necessitates endorsement from two current members along with the approval of the club’s board.
LEARN MORE
2. The Knickerbocker Club
New York, NY
Established way back in 1871 as an elite men’s club, “The Knickerbocker” boasts illustrious former members such as the Rockefellers and Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, the primary hurdle for many potential new members lies in its policy: it remains one of just two private clubs in the city that continues to admit exclusively males. Known for keeping things under wraps, the club refrains from sharing details about joining processes online; indeed, they do not maintain a website at all. Similar to gaining admission into Hogwarts or finding access to Willy Wonka’s factory, prospective members receive invitations without seeking them out publicly. Online searches yield virtually no images revealing what goes on within these walls located at Fifth Avenue and Sixty-Second Street.
Application & Pricing
This club stays among Manhattan’s most exclusive, maintaining membership for a select group only. Invitations are required to join, and details about the costs involved are kept confidential.
1. Hurlingham Club
Fulham, London, UK
Finishing off our list is the prestigious Hurlingham Club, famously frequented by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who enjoys playing tennis there. Spread across 42 manicured acres along the banks of the River Thames, it’s not surprising that this esteemed club became a favored haunt of royalty shortly after opening in 1869. This historic venue actually set the standards for polo gameplay and has also played host to Olympic-level tennis tournaments, the Grand Prix Ball, and various upscale social gatherings. At the clubhouse, members have access to elegant Georgian-style accommodations, refreshing swims at an outdoor pool, personalized tennis coaching sessions (even Prince George supposedly participates), lush botanical gardens to explore, among many other amenities.
Application & Pricing
The membership here is extremely sought after, leading to a waiting list that allegedly extends up to 30 years for potential applicants. The annual dues are rumored to begin around £1,300, along with an unannounced initiation charge.
learn more
