From London’s most iconic venues to a castle in Scotland and chic beach house in Malibu, these are the world’s most exclusive members clubs.
Ten Trinity Square Private Club – LONDON
The second half of this year saw the launch of Ten Trinity Square Private Club, which sits alongside the recently opened Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square hotel. Set within what is one of London’s great historic landmarks, the new members’ club combines its grand interiors with the gastronomy of three-Michelin-star chef Anne-Sophie Pic and the fine wine of Château Latour; the club houses the first Château Latour Discovery Room outside France, as well as an exclusive Château Latour dining room. A collection of palatial rooms provide ample space for relaxing, socializing, drinking and dining, with hand-carved walnut paneling, ornate ceilings, grand fireplaces and elaborate chandeliers throughout. As added incentive members have access to the luxury spa at the adjoining Four Seasons hotel too.
Annabel’s - LONDON
Founded in 1963 by Mark Birley, Annabel’s has long been considered one of the world’s most exclusive clubs having been frequented by Hollywood stars and Royalty. Now the club is set to enter a new era as it reopens in 2018 at its new address, 46 Berkeley Square. The new club will have a more expansive space and act as an all-day, all-night venue for members to work, dine and socialize in. Across its four floors, the new club will encompass restaurants, bars, private dining rooms and a cigar salon, along with a terrace for al fresco dining year-round. While the design of the new space is being kept under wraps, we do know the work has been overseen by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio with the restoration of original features such as its grand cantilevered staircase and fireplaces. Art and culture will continue to be integral to the spirit of Annabel’s through close collaboration with world leaders in art, design, fashion and music. Membership for the club is by invitation only, requiring a proposer, seconder and committee approval.
3 St James’s Square - LONDON
Currently in a soft opening period and preparing for the official launch to take place in January 2018, this new members club places the focus on fitness and wellbeing through the integration of a state-of-the-art gym and luxury spa. The two key factors here are the personalized service the club provides and the unrivaled fitness and health technology that’s featured throughout, including a 3D body scanner and DNA testing allowing each member to target their efforts more effectively. In the club’s Golf Suite members have access to a simulator replicating the world’s best golf courses, along with the latest data collection technology, as well as private golf coaching. The luxury spa then places the focus on iS Clinical treatments, which target specific skin concerns, and anti-aging treatments utilizing specialist Carita technology and products. In addition to these facilities, the club is home to a Truefitt & Hill barber service and a Members Lounge complete with champagne and juice bar and a library, with engaging artworks featured throughout the elegant interiors.
5 Hertford Street - LONDON
Renowned for giving very little away, 5 Hertford Street and its club Loulou’s are the ultimate in exclusivity. Tucked into the heart of Mayfair, this members club has famously attracted celebrities such as George and Amal Clooney and Royals such as Prince William, with interiors displaying eclectic design, lavish private dining and the low-lit nightclub Loulou’s, which emanates a Parisian vibe through its distinct decor and atmosphere. Membership is on application and the price is on request.
South Kensington Club - LONDON
Housed within what was originally the Georgian-era Queens Gate Music Hall, before becoming Pineapple Dance Studios and then Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood’s Harrington Club, with a bathhouse that was once the studio of artist Frances Bacon, this property has an extraordinary history that’s now integral to the club’s identity. The restored building’s social areas include the Mediterranean Club Restaurant, juice bar, terrace and the club sitting room as well as the Voyager Club Room where members can attend lectures on exploration and plan their future journeys. The fitness space then encompasses a gym and studios for classes such as yoga and pilates, while the bathhouse is home to a saltwater watsu pool and tea library with a serene aesthetic throughout.
Silencio - PARIS
Conceived by David Lynch this Parisian members’ club is dedicated to the creative community and designed to be a place for exchange, taking inspiration from Paris’ 17th-century salons, the clubs of 18th-century London and Dadaists of the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, along with cultural icons such as Studio 54 in New York. While combining a historic façade with contemporary interior design, the club features a photo gallery, art gallery, 24-seat cinema, library, two bars and a stage among other facilities. These spaces are then the setting for an exciting line-up of arts programs with cultural events held for members throughout the week, ranging from wine tasting and gastronomy to film screenings, stand-up comedy and literary conversations with top authors.
The Carnegie Club - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle has what are perhaps the most impressive surroundings of the world’s top members’ clubs combining sprawling grounds and the great natural beauty it lies within with the grandeur of this castle and its atmospheric interiors. For a joining fee of around $33,500 and an annual membership fee of $11,400, members have access to the castle’s luxury accommodation, which ranges from Castle Rooms to Estate Lodges, along with a wealth of outdoor pursuits such as golf—the estate has an 18-hole Championship course—clay shooting, archery, tennis, falconry, cycling and horse riding. Even the food and drink is included in the membership fee, with the culinary experience curated by executive chef Craig Rowland who is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
Little Beach House Malibu - MALIBU
A part of the Soho House collective, Little Beach House Malibu is designed with the creative community of Malibu and surrounding coastal areas in mind, providing an appealing light-filled space for eating, drinking, meeting and relaxing with views over the Pacific Ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable doors throughout ensure the ocean remains the club’s scenic backdrop. The bar, dining room, terrace and sitting room make up the club’s space, with an art gallery in the bar and an engaging event program, which includes talks, hiking, creative workshops and yoga. The restaurant here offers California-style dishes for which ingredients have been sourced from local farms. Membership can be bought for Little Beach Club Malibu alone or added onto a Soho House Every House membership.
Image © Dave Burk Photography
The Battery - SAN FRANCISCO
Housed within a five-story marble warehouse and former candy factory, this private club and boutique hotel span a generous 58,000 sq ft featuring a restaurant, several bars, a garden , library, spa and series of event spaces. Designed to engage members and bring together leaders from a diversity of fields, the club integrates music, the arts, literature and culture into the experience, with a program of events including live music, lectures, film screenings, comedy, sporting events, wine tastings and dinners. The restaurant 717B is split into casual and more formal dining areas with the executive chef Nicolai Lipscomb creating dishes that bring Californian ingredients together with international influence. The wine cellar then features 1,200 labels from around the world.
Capital Club - DUBAI
Considered Dubai’s leading private members club, Capital Club provides a place for networking, dining, socializing and hosting your own meetings, cocktail parties and dinners, with a fine dining restaurant and members’ bar featuring two adjoining terraces. The club then hosts a series of events showcasing speakers who between them cover a broad range of expertise from business to lifestyle trends. The club is also connected to a collection of members clubs around the world, making it particularly valuable to those with a global lifestyle. The D5 Executive Gymnasium and suites with 24-hour butler service complete the Capital Club experience. Membership is by invitation only.
CORE: Club - NEW YORK
New York’s Core Club aims to curate a members’ experience that’s modern, playful, inventive and welcoming, all brought together in an intimate setting. World-class dining, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and luxury a spa, along with a program of cultural events, are aimed at innovators across a broad range of industries. Members benefits include the organisation of private aviation, yacht charter, stays at Bulgari hotels and access to VIP sports, music and theater tickets.
thecoreclub.com