10 of the Most Exclusive Private Members Only Clubs
Clubs are something that everyone is familiar with. When we were kids, there were afterschool clubs where you could play chess or paint pictures. Clubs were a place where you could meet people with similar interests and similar skills. But who says this kind of friendship has to end in childhood? There are many different clubs that adults can join, but it is often difficult to meet truly like-minded people in adult social circles. But there is another kid-like quality that doesn’t have to end in elementary school. Being in on a secret. There is nothing sweeter than knowing something that not just anyone else knows. The most exclusive members only clubs in the world offer both luxuries you would think would be left on the playground; exclusivity and shared hobbies.
Being a member of an exclusive club has so many perks, it is almost baffling. To a member, there can be exclusive restaurants, special talks with world leaders, business locations, and privacy galore. This kind of exclusivity comes at a price, in the form of membership dues. Whether this deters you or makes the allure all that stronger, private members clubs come in all forms around the world. In this comprehensive list, we will share 10 of the most private and exclusive membership clubs in the world. So the question is, are you in or out?
10 of the Most Exclusive Private Members Only Clubs
1.The Arts Club in Dubai, UAE
A variation of the original Arts Club in London, The Arts Club in Dubai is just what the name suggests. This member would be vastly interested in culture. Exhibitions of the latest pieces, podcasts, and discussions on literature are just some of the member events happening throughout the year.
The Arts Club originally opened in 2020, right in the heart of Dubai. Now, there is a rooftop bar and lounges where members can chat and drink privately, preferably about all things cultural. As far as the famous members, it is too early in their opening to sight celebrities. However, the prestige of The Arts Club is something not to doubt. The Arts Club has an international membership rate of 5,780 AED, which roughly converts to 1,573 USD.
3. Allbright Mayfair Club in London, England
For our women interested in business, Allbright Mayfair Club is perfect for you. In the heart of Mayfair is an all-women club where possibility is endless. Run by women and for women, there are so many different ways to both learn and relax. There are discussions and talks, as well as classes that women can take to better their business knowledge. The Allbright is not all work, but the restaurants and a hair salon are also available for members. Privacy is easy at Allbright, where there are lounges and office spaces to work or relax.
In this club, they are reaching for the working woman who wants to mingle with those similar to her and her goals in life. Famous members include Olivia Wilde, as well as some other well-known Hollywood actresses. For sure one of the most exclusive women’s clubs in the world. Annual dues are 1,650 pounds, which roughly converts to 2,023 USD.
4. Silencio in Paris, France
Silencio is about the most exclusive of all members clubs in Europe, making it key on the top in the world list, as they are off-the-grid. There is no website, only an Instagram with a few black and white photos, and the entrance is a descent into an underground club. This may not sound luxurious, but once you reach the inside, you understand what the hype is all about. Founded by American filmmaker David Lynch, Silencio is for the inner artist struggling to escape.
Silencio has guest performers, like the late Prince, on the regular. Underground artists showcase their work, or you can mingle with a number of famous designers or artists. Silencio is the peak of underground and the peak of exclusive. While it is true that anyone can get into the doors of Silencio past midnight, the chances of reaching this 1950's-inspired getaway are next to impossible. Dues are around 400 euros for the non-French, which converts to 422 USD.
5. Jncquoi Club in Lisbon, Portugal
Food club? Count us in! However, Jncquoi is no ordinary foodie’s dream. Privacy and exclusivity are just as savory as the dishes. For those who want a “gastronomical” experience, Jncquoi has weekly menus and special dinner events. While we all focus on food, Jncquoi also has deep panel discussions, local DJs and musicians, as well as other get-togethers hosted in the bar upstairs.
Of course, all lounges and bars located inside club walls are dripping with luxury in the form of gold. Those with impeccable taste in both food and venue must check out this club. Even though no celebrities from the United States have stated that they are members of the Jncquoi Club in Lisbon, it is common knowledge that this private club is the place to be. Dues for one of the most exclusive clubs and access to some of the best food and venues around the world, 2,750 euros, which converts to 2,793 USD.
6. The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands
You want privacy? How about 8,000 acres of seclusion? The Carnegie Club has everything to offer, literally everything. In addition to horseback riding, archery, mountain climbing, four-wheeling, and golfing, a spa is available for the less adventurous. Of course, the inside of the castle is completely decked out in a regal style. Every room is different, with unique touches of elegance, and some have libraries in towers.
While some private clubs might be only for the individual, The Carnegie Club is for the whole family. For instance, there are large lodges that can fit families. Full course meals and thousands of acres are not the only items on the menu at The Carnegie Club. The Carnegie Club was founded by Andrew Carnegie, and celebrities flock to the illustrious castle. For instance, Madonna and Guy Ritchie had their ceremony on Carnegie grounds. Dues for this private, exclusive members club include a joining fee of 33,000 USD and an annual 11,000 USD.
7. Annabel’s Club in London, England
The most exclusive members clubs in the world aren’t just about business deals. The entertainment is just as important. At Annabel’s Club in London, the party has been the main focus for quite some time. With all the restaurants and bars at the club, each room has its own theme. From jungle-themed to menus dedicated to distant lands, Annabel’s takes the cake in originality.
On top of the everyday luxury in the club, the events at Annabel’s are anything but ordinary. As a member, one can attend a discussion panel about the effects of social media. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, a pirate-themed dinner is scheduled for the next day.
Annabel’s claims that their main goal as a club is both comfort and luxury, and they deliver. Walls are completely covered in flowers, chandeliers in every single room, and every restaurant screams elegance. Celebrities also know just how special Annabel’s is. For instance, Liz Taylor was a frequent member of Annabel’s. Dues are 3,250 pounds per year, plus the joining fee of 1,250 pounds. This converts to 4,234 USD per year, plus 1,628 in joining fees.
8. The China Club in Berlin, Germany
A melting pot of culture and taste is definitely on the menu at The China Club in Berlin. Inside the center of the capital city, this oasis is marketed as a “home away from home” for members. For art junkies, food addicts, and collectors, the China Club is the place to be.
Inside, there are two different restaurants that members can choose from. Surprisingly, one of those restaurants is a Chinese restaurant. Unlike the takeout boxes that so many of us are used to, this restaurant is very upscale. On the other hand, the other restaurant is an Italian eatery. While one might think that these two are completely different, the contrast is quite welcoming and different to members.
However, many members come for the art collection upstairs. Known for the largest collection of Chinese contemporary art in Europe, this massive gallery of Chinese artifacts is quite impressive. Members can gaze at artwork and porcelain from the Ming and Han dynasty. With an elegant atmosphere, the China Club creates a true collector’s paradise, but it is not so easy to get in. To become a member, you have to be invited by an existing member. Dues are 2,000 euros a year, with a 10,000 euro joining fee. This converts to 2,360 USD yearly.
Soho House offers quite the chain of some of the most infamous exclusive clubs around the world. From 13 locations across the UK, 12 in Europe to 15 in N. America, as well as one in Mumbai and one in Hong Kong, Soho House has you covered if you are looking to join a travel friendly private members club.
Soho House offers regular panels and talks about various world issues. Art galleries are held inside, and they even put on movies occasionally. If the arts are not where your interests lie, Soho House also offers fabulous in-house bars and restaurants, libraries, and lounges.
Always decorated to a tee, with beautiful upholstery and luxurious materials. Soho House is fit with every elegance imaginable, which is probably why there are so many celebrity members. Celebrities such as Keira Knightly, Jude Law, and Bradley Cooper frequent Soho House. There is a registration fee of 480 USD and annual dues ranging from 983 to 1,977 USD.
10. Carlyle & Co in Hong Kong
Elegance and luxury galore! Carlyle and Co. created an oasis of privacy and delicacy in the bustling country of Hong Kong. It has just about everything the heart could desire in one singular location. If you want all the perks of a member’s club, Carlyle & Co. is the place to be. Inside is a barber, a library, a shoeshine, a theater, a fitness center, and a speakeasy. As if you could possibly want more, there is a full-service wellness spa and world-renowned chefs. With these kinds of perks, a member would never have to leave the comfort of the club.
They have created this entire community within the confines of the building, and it sure is luxurious. Velvet chairs and chandeliers are just the beginning, and it only gets better. Carlyle & Co. is jazzy and old but also new and inventive. It only opened in 2021, so the celebrity fingerprint is not yet detected. However, this kind of home-away-from-home vibe that they put out is sure to bring in the rich and famous. The joining fee is an astounding $118,00 for those over 33 and $60,000 for the younger crowd. Annual dues are between $1,225 to $2,400, depending on the same age difference.
Wrapping Up the Most Exclusive Private Members Clubs
So, that’s the comprehensive list that was promised at the beginning of this article. From exclusive food, private concerts, benefits, and luxurious items, each and every one of these clubs offers something amazing for the members. All over the world, adults can be a part of a community. A community of like-minded individuals who just enjoy the finer things in life. If you are dying to be a part of any of these private members clubs, you are definitely in good hands.
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Originally published at https://www.lovehappensmag.com on July 17, 2022.
