A’DAM&Co work A’DAM Tower Amsterdam

The club features fine dining options, a library, and a stunning rooftop bar. Members enjoy exclusive access to events and a serene environment away from the bustling city. Founded in 1917, Cercle de l’Union Interalliée is a prestigious private club located near the Champs-Élysées.

The Modern Renaissance of Private Members’ Clubs

It’s a haven for global executives and diplomats who value both privacy and impeccable service. Private members’ clubs have long been the epitome of exclusivity, offering a sanctuary for the elite to gather, network, and unwind. But how did they begin, and how have they evolved to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world? Let’s take a journey through time to understand the fascinating history and transformation of these luxurious enclaves.

Adventures of a lifetime

Its vibrant nightlife and historical significance make it a magnet for celebrities and royalty alike. As we conclude our journey through the world’s most exclusive private clubs, it’s clear that these enclaves are more than just physical spaces; they are bastions of luxury, prestige, and networking opportunities. From the most expensive private members club in Paris to the most elite club in New York, each institution leaves an indelible mark on the world of high society. So, whether you seek opulence, connections, or simply a taste of the world’s most refined experiences, these private clubs stand ready to welcome you into their exclusive fold. One of the main attractions of private members’ clubs is their dining experiences.

Shanghai Club, Shanghai

The most exclusive private clubs in the world are more than just luxurious retreats—they are symbols of status, heritage, and connection. Whether through elite golf courses, sophisticated social clubs, prestigious yacht gatherings, or world-class tennis courts, these institutions continue to define global exclusivity for the world’s most influential individuals. In recent years, the landscape of private members’ clubs has shifted away from old men sipping brandy in high-backed Chesterfields, making deals. Modern clubs are increasingly inclusive, welcoming women as well as those from different backgrounds. Soho House might be the prime example of this new world of private members’ clubs, as it shook up the scene Private Club when it was founded in 1995, offering more contemporary surroundings.

• It’s this level of service that makes members feel like they are part of something truly special.
• Like-minded individuals are invited to connect, work and enjoy talks and parties at the impressive six-floored Knightsbridge property, which has multiple private office spaces and an al fresco rooftop terrace overlooking the park.
• Sustainability, wellness, and technology will continue to play a huge role in shaping what these clubs offer, ensuring they remain relevant to new generations of members.
• Deals are done in opulent surroundings where the finer details can be discussed in peace rather than in a busy office or sterile boardroom.
• Membership comprises a diverse community of industry leaders, influencers and innovators.
• Venetian chandeliers, Fortuny fabrics and Murano glassware gives this Mayfair spot a feel of relaxed luxury, with an elegant menu of Italian classics to enjoy.
• Its vibrant nightlife and historical significance make it a magnet for celebrities and royalty alike.

Soho House

If you find yourself in Tokyo and want a taste of exclusivity, the Roppongi Hills Club is where you’ll want to be. Perched high above the city on the 51st floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, this private members’ club offers breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline. Of course, luxury plays a massive role in what defines an exclusive club.
British Polo was established here over 140 years ago, and The Hurlingham Polo Association remains the controlling body for the sport. Today, the club effortlessly blends timeless heritage and tradition with modern convenience and sensibilities. With a spacious courtyard and a raw inside space, Lofi is a creative oasis in the Sloterdijk area of Amsterdam. Its goal is to bring culture and music together, creating a scene that differs from polished clubs, making something more authentic and, well, lofi. Fans of London’s Printworks will recognise the vibe and aesthetics. Melkweg is a venue with multiple rooms, meaning it often hosts wildly different club nights on the same day – a far cry from the techno-first approach of many other Amsterdam venues.

• It was created as a space for like-minded people to gather to discuss climate action, alongside diversity and equity.
• The Knickerbocker’s impeccable standards, coupled with its breathtaking views of Central Park, make it a haven for those who demand nothing but the best.
• Inside there’s a beautiful bar serving bespoke cocktails, fine wines and champagnes alongside an indulgent Mediterranean-inspired menu curated by renowned chef Athinagoras Kostakos.
• From legendary golf courses and ultra-private city clubs to elite yacht and tennis clubs, these institutions serve as sanctuaries for high-net-worth individuals seeking community, networking, and world-class amenities.
• But for many, making an investment that easily runs into thousands of pounds is worth it to be part of the exclusive set.
• Striking design, Michelin-star level dining, live entertainment and state-of-the-art wellness facilities combine to bring a whole new world to private members’ clubs.
• The best part of a membership at South Kensington Club is exclusive access to arguably one of the sleekest London spas.

The club recently underwent a lavish refurbishment, transforming it into a stunning 21st-century private club without losing its classic charm. With its eclectic and opulent decor, Annabel’s offers an array of experiences, including world-class dining, a nightclub, a cigar salon, and a magical garden terrace. If you often travel for business or pleasure, you’ll be aware of the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Events at prestigious private clubs are normally only available to their own VIP members or their guests; non-members typically cannot access these luxurious spaces or the gatherings held within them. While relaxation and luxury are key, many members’ clubs are also focused on providing spaces for networking and business.

Today, it boasts a stylish Japanese restaurant, cigar bar, brasserie, nightclub, garden and terraces, as well as an exceptional programme of panel discussions, exhibitions and live music (Mark Ronson was previously music director of the club). There’s also a members’ gym with adjoining Lanserhof medical facility offering a range of cosmetic and healthcare treatments while the club is, naturally, also home to an unrivalled and exceptional collection of rotating art and installations. A 700 square meter space housing a photographic gallery, a private area, a fumoir, two bars, an intimate cinema, a library, and a stage.

It caters primarily to the creative industry, offering events like film screenings, art exhibits, and workshops. Soho House Berlin provides a stylish and inspiring environment for Berlin’s creative professionals. As seen in decades gone by, many clubs have modernised and become more inclusive to remain relevant in a changing world. In this article, we delve into the origins of private members’ clubs, their historical significance, and some of the most iconic clubs in the world today.
If you’re working or living anywhere with an East London postcode, showing your face here really is de rigueur, dahhling. Harking back to the era of the traditional club, at the Savile Club you’ll find leather banquette seating, a snooker room and a dark wood-panelled bar. Founded in 1868, the men-only club moved home in 1927 to an old Victorian house, which retains many of its original features thanks to a hefty renovation bill footed by the club. There are private ballrooms as well as bedrooms and food is provided by Michelin-starred chef, Michael James. Friendly conversation is encouraged (mobile phones are banned as is business talk in the communal spaces), so if you’re dining on your tod you’ll have to sit at the members’ table. In honour of its forbears, who were innovators in the fields of art and science, the club also runs a post-graduate scholarship programme for students at RADA, King’s College London and the University of East Anglia.