See full version: The 25 Most Exclusive Clubs On The Planet
The name may be deceiving, but this German social club incorporates a number of Chinese influences when it comes to its menu and décor. The elegant social club was created for people of society, culture, politics, and business to feel like they have a home away from home thanks to private suites, a library, a bar, and restaurant. Members must be proposed by at least one club member or endorsed by the club admissions committee. here
For our next dive into London's most exclusive clubs, we'll be focusing in on this beautiful Georgian townhouse in Soho. "The Club," first founded in 1764, became the Blacks Club in 1992 after a makeover of the premises. Members of the club are expected to be "extraordinarily interesting and interested." While it is primarily a supper club, other activities—like poetry and private music nights—are offered. more
You aren't even able to spot this invite-only club from the street in Milan. Instead, you have to enter through a hidden door. It's rumored to be a place where many supermodels hangout after fashion shows during Milan Fashion Week. [links]
Unlike other European clubs who mainly cater to business moguls and royalty, this club only lets in younger, artsy types. Focused on curating a creative environment, the club hosts many exclusive parties, cultural discussions, and special screenings. It's a great place for artists—or, given that it's not far from the Tuileries, artistes—to stimulate the mind and support one another. And for more amazing travel destinations, check out the The 20 Greatest Hotel Bars in America Right Now. more
This club in the Bay Area focuses on building a community of people who can find and fund projects that will make a difference. Even though this philanthropic org is generous, it's incredibly difficult to join. Members have to be nominated by an existing member—and then formally approved—to be asked to join. [links]
Founded in 1997, this 15,200-acre residential community has 100-plus ski runs that make up the world's only private ski and golf community: It has a 2,700-foot slope, seven restaurants, a golf course, multiple fitness facilities, spas, 75-foot heated pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, yoga instructors, personal trainers, and various lodges, warming huts, and comfort stations. Each of the club's restaurants features its own unique cocktail program and the menus feature locally grown ingredients — notably pasta made with Montana-grown wheat. There's also a weekly outdoor barbecue that spares no expense in offering guests meals that highlight regional styles from around country. How to you get in? Easy: Just buy some property at the club. Prices start at $2 million, starting fees are in the six figures, and the annual fee is close to $40,000. Among your neighbors: Bill and Melinda Gates and Justin Timberlake. [links]
Yes, there's a happy hour and cocktail program, but you have to work for it. Focused on creatives and entrepreneurs, Neuehouse offers a receptionist, office amenities, mail services, conference rooms, private phone booths, a screening room, events, in-house production services, and perks such as Aesop bathroom products, custom noise-canceling headphones, device chargers, roasted coffee, and Linus bikes. Membership starts at $150 to $200 a month, but can jump to $4,000 to $4,500 a month for complete access and walled offices. Along with that, expect special meals such as an Impossible Burger barbecue or "Pastry In Progress" series of "one-of-a-kind pastry assortments that promise to splice emotions, sensations, and pleasures like scenes of a non-linear film." here
It doesn't look like a whole lot at street level, where its modest Green Room is located, but go upstairs to the Library Room and you're suddenly surrounded by 1,700 bottles of bourbon, Japanese and Scotch whisky, and whiskeys made in the Pacific Northwest. There's also brandy, gin, and cognac, along with light food offerings — but good luck securing a membership and keys to the coveted Multnomah liquor lockers. There's currently a waiting list for memberships that start at $600 a year. more
The most tech-heavy club in San Francisco, The Battery wants you to put the device away and stop talking about work for a bit. Much of the chatter surrounding it has dealt with who owns it and who it brings in as its more than 4,600 members. The 58,000-square-foot former marble factory was built for techies, though its bars, wine cellar, library, outdoor garden, wellness center (with gym and spa), restaurant (run by executive chef Nicolai Lipscomb, specializing in traditional methods of cooking from charcuterie to paella), 14 guest rooms, and penthouse with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge all seem fairly old-money for a group this innovative — as does the $2,400-a-year membership that requires nomination by a member.
If you share Groucho Marx's view that you "don't want to belong to any club that will accept people like me as a member," then you'll probably still want to join these clubs. In every major city in the country there are elite private clubs where the super rich meet to talk to other super rich people without having to suffer people who aren't super rich. The entertainments and diversions at these clubs differ. Some clubs cater to golfers, others to foodies, others to whiskey aficionados. All of them share one thing in common: You've got to have a lot of money to get through the door. Not only do many of these clubs require hefty initiation fees, but yearly dues can run into the thousands of dollars. [links]
Brenden Gallagher is a freelance writer and filmmaker in Los Angeles. He writes about television and whatever else seems interesting for Complex. here
Of course, not just anyone with money can get in. CEOs and senators often still need a sponsor to land a spot in these joints. It may seem ridiculous to spend the cost of a car or even a home to land a membership, but read through and the allure will become apparent. Many of the most powerful people in the country belong to these clubs. With membership comes power, and with power comes the chance to make even more money. From the secluded glades outside of San Francisco to the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, here are 25 Outrageously Expensive Social Clubs in America. more
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The price of entry to most of these health sanctuaries is steep, with the combination of initiation fees and monthly dues ranging from several thousand to $30,000 a year. This is a far cry from the median yearly cost of the ordinary fitness club, which runs about $775, including an initiation fee. In most cases, there is an initiation fee and a monthly charge. In one case, there is simply an all-inclusive annual fee. [links]
The country’s most luxurious and exclusive fitness clubs are more like health oases, where you might find Olympic-size pools, indoor tennis courts, private changing cabanas, steam rooms, celebrity trainers and even retinal identification scanners. here
With 30,000 health clubs across the country, Americans have their pick of where to work out. Some fitness clubs, however, are simply a cut above the rest. more
So, what are the most luxurious fitness clubs across America? Click ahead to find out!
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