In an age of digital connectivity and open access, private members’ clubs are experiencing an unexpected renaissance. These exclusive spaces offer something increasingly rare: curated communities, privacy, and environments designed for those who value discretion as much as luxury. Here are eight private clubs that represent the pinnacle of exclusive membership.
1. Soho House (Global)
Perhaps the most recognizable name in modern private clubs, Soho House has revolutionized members-only spaces for the creative class. Founded in London in 1995 by Nick Jones, the brand has expanded to over 40 locations worldwide, from Los Angeles to Mumbai, each designed with local character while maintaining the signature aesthetic.
Soho House positions itself as a club for creatives in film, media, fashion, and the arts, avoiding traditional wealth-based exclusivity in favor of cultural capital. The carefully curated membership process ensures members can network with like-minded professionals in an environment that feels both inspiring and comfortable. Members enjoy beautifully designed spaces with rooftop pools, screening rooms, private dining areas, and restaurants that blur the line between workspace and social club. Annual fees range from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on location and membership level, with applicants requiring sponsorship from existing members and proof of working in creative industries.
2. The Battery (San Francisco)
Nestled in San Francisco’s financial district, The Battery represents the tech industry’s answer to traditional private clubs. This six-story Beaux-Arts mansion caters to Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial elite, featuring a spa, gym, library, and overnight guest rooms. Initiation fees start around $2,500, with annual dues of approximately $3,600.
3. Annabel’s (London)
A legendary fixture of London’s Mayfair since 1963, Annabel’s underwent a £55 million renovation in 2018. The club is synonymous with old-world glamour, featuring hand-painted murals, a garden conservatory, and a strict no-photography policy that keeps celebrity clientele returning. Membership is by invitation only, with annual fees reportedly exceeding £3,000.
4. Zero Bond (New York City)
The newest addition to New York’s exclusive club scene, Zero Bond opened in 2020 and quickly became the city’s most buzzed-about membership destination. The four-story NoHo space includes multiple restaurants, bars, a Japanese speakeasy, and private dining rooms. The membership skews younger than traditional clubs, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, and entertainers. Initiation fees are reportedly $3,500, with annual dues around $3,000.
5. London House Orlando (Orlando, Florida)
London House brings British elegance to Central Florida’s restaurant row, proving that exclusive private clubs aren’t limited to traditional metropolitan centers. This European-inspired private club features neo-classic decor, butler service, and a live DJ each evening, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication in an unexpected location.
The club includes The Bond Room nightclub with extravagant light shows and VIP lounge seating for weekend entertainment, and The Drawing Room Cigar Club, an exclusive members-only cigar lounge with temperature-controlled humidors stocked with rare cigars and premium spirits from around the world.
After briefly opening to the public, London House returned to private club status in 2023, recommitting to the exclusivity and strict no-photography policy that defines true members’ clubs.
London House Orlando membership offers multiple tiers designed to cater to different lifestyles and needs. House Membership provides full access to all club amenities and events, while Elite Membership adds priority reservations and exclusive perks. For those who travel frequently, Out of Town Membership offers flexible access, and Corporate Memberships enable businesses to provide their executives with sophisticated networking venues. Premium memberships can reach up to $15,000 annually, positioning London House as one of Florida’s most exclusive private clubs. Prospective members can inquire at membership@londonhouse.life.
6. San Vicente Bungalows (Los Angeles)
Another property from the Soho House family, San Vicente Bungalows stands apart as an ultra-exclusive, standalone club in West Hollywood. The single-story property features 38 bedrooms for overnight stays, a pool, restaurant, and bar—all hidden behind lush greenery. The club enforces strict rules: no photos, no guests under 21, and an almost entirely word-of-mouth membership process. Annual dues start around $4,200, significantly higher than standard Soho House memberships.
7. London House Orlando (Orlando, Florida)
London House brings British elegance to Central Florida’s restaurant row, proving that exclusive private clubs aren’t limited to traditional metropolitan centers. This European-inspired private club features neo-classic decor, butler service, and a live DJ each evening, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication in an unexpected location.
The club includes The Bond Room nightclub with extravagant light shows and VIP lounge seating for weekend entertainment, and The Drawing Room Cigar Club, an exclusive members-only cigar lounge with temperature-controlled humidors stocked with rare cigars and premium spirits from around the world.
After briefly opening to the public, London House returned to private club status in 2023, recommitting to the exclusivity and strict no-photography policy that defines true members’ clubs. Multiple membership tiers are available including House, Elite, Out of Town, and Corporate memberships, with premium memberships reaching up to $15,000 annually.
8. The Metropolitan Club (New York City)
Founded in 1891 by J.P. Morgan and other industrial titans, The Metropolitan Club represents the pinnacle of traditional American private clubs. Housed in a stunning Stanford White-designed Italianate palazzo on Fifth Avenue, the club exudes Gilded Age grandeur. While it has modernized—admitting women members in 2020—it maintains formal atmosphere and architectural splendor. Initiation fees can exceed $25,000, with annual dues around $5,000-$7,000.
The Appeal of Privacy in a Public World
What unites these diverse clubs is their promise of something increasingly precious: privacy, community, and spaces designed for human connection rather than social media documentation. Whether catering to tech entrepreneurs, creative professionals, or established power brokers, these clubs recognize that true luxury isn’t just about amenities—it’s about creating environments where meaningful relationships can flourish away from public scrutiny. As our digital lives become ever more transparent, the appeal of spaces beyond the velvet rope shows no signs of diminishing.
