The best private members’ clubs in New York

Known for its lavish interiors, sporting amenities, and five-star dining, the RAC caters to the country’s motoring elite and beyond. The RAC’s exquisite facilities make it a beacon of high society, whether for social or professional gatherings. Nikita, located on Davies Street in Mayfair, is an alluring cocktail club designed with the elegance of a Parisian pied-à-terre.

A Private Members’ Club

Starting off with one of the most iconic names in private members’ clubs, Annabel’s in London is in a league of its own. Founded in 1963, it’s been the go-to spot for the rich and famous, from rock stars to royalty. After a £65 million revamp, the club now boasts some of the most opulent interiors you’ll find anywhere in the world, with every corner designed to impress. Whether steeped in centuries of history or offering the latest in luxury experiences, private members’ clubs continue to be places where being a member truly means something special.

• Klein transformed the former San Vicente Inn into an intimate clubhouse; AD100 interior designer Rita Konig masterfully combined a maximalist English cottage style with California-cool bungalow vibes.
• The Basement, known as The Jungle Bar, immerses members in a vibrant nightclub setting.
• The most exclusive private clubs in the world are more than just luxurious retreats—they are symbols of status, heritage, and connection.
• It’s famous for its unpretentious charm, art-covered walls, and celebrity members like Stephen Fry, Noel Gallagher, and Tracey Emin.
• Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, this club is known for its discretion and its impressive clientele, which reportedly includes politicians, royals, and A-list celebrities.
• Skibo’s serene location and unparalleled facilities make it one of the most desirable private clubs in the UK.

How to become a member of the Exclusive Private Members Clubs UK

Los Angeles’ exclusive San Vicente Bungalows was founded in 2019 by hotelier Jeffrey Klein, who’s known for his revitalization of the Sunset Tower Hotel. Klein transformed the former San Vicente Inn Private Club into an intimate clubhouse; AD100 interior designer Rita Konig masterfully combined a maximalist English cottage style with California-cool bungalow vibes. Reportedly, stars such as Taylor Swift have expressed interest in joining, while others like Eddie Redmayne are already members. But beyond this always-buzzing lobby, members here get access to every nook and cranny this fascinating former bank has hidden behind its 1920s façade.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews – Scotland

Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Casa Cipriani, situated within the iconic Battery Maritime Building, was founded in 2021 by the Cipriani family, known for their global hospitality empire. Merging Italian elegance with art deco elements, the design of the club pays homage to its maritime heritage.
But applications are only considered sporadically, and only a select few will be invited to join the ranks. The storied history of Home House dates back to 1773, when Elizabeth, Countess of Home, took ownership of the estate on 20 Portman Square. Two years later, she commissioned renowned neoclassical architect Robert Adam to design the house and transform it into one of the most extravagant private homes in London. It wasn’t a mission he took lightly – the house was adorned with hand-painted ceilings, an imperial staircase and a glass dome, all of which remain preserved today. The club’s exclusive clientele has been built on a foundation of 500 founding members, assembled by Birley with the help of Hugh Warrender, an Old Etonian. Downstairs at 5 Hertford Street is the perennially cool nightclub Loulou’s – named after Birley’s cousin, the YSL muse Loulou de la Falaise.

Featured in the Art Club

Backs Club members are provided with access to exclusive events and promotions, discounts at the Blacks Club restaurant, and a subscription to The Blacks Club Journal. The House of St Barnabas runs on a social enterprise model with a commitment to making a positive impact on society. The club offers training programs and work placements for people, specifically in hospitality and events management. It also involves its members in its various initiatives, from supporting local communities to investing in sustainable businesses. What sets The Arts Club apart is its rich history and cultural significance and a focus on the arts and creativity.
After all, the chance to casually meet and mingle with CEOs, artists, and influencers isn’t something you find just anywhere. These events foster a sense of community and also create an environment where members can connect with like-minded individuals who share their interests and passions. The cultural and social scene within these elite establishments is carefully curated to ensure that members have access to high-calibre entertainment and networking opportunities, making the experience truly exceptional. It’s designed to be a social hub for creative minds and business leaders, featuring a rooftop bar, a wellness centre, and luxury suites. Members can also participate in exclusive talks, art exhibitions, and social events that foster innovation and connection. It involves a $100,000 initiation fee and an annual fee of $15,000 to maintain membership privileges.
Home to the prestigious pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament, The Queen’s Club is one of the most revered sports clubs in the country. Membership here grants access to exceptional sporting facilities, including tennis, squash, and real tennis courts, as well as a stunning clubhouse. This private club is revered for its sporting excellence and strong links to aristocratic traditions. Housed in a former bank, The Ned is a lavish offering with multiple restaurants, a rooftop pool, and a late-night bar. The club spans business and pleasure seamlessly — a great option for city professionals.

Augusta National Golf Club – Georgia, USA

Back in the swinging ‘60s, Annabel’s was one of the first London clubs to retire their live band and swap it for a discotheque. Today, the nightclub has a jungle bar that features palm trees made of glass and brass, and a legacy bar with paintings by Modigliani and Picasso. On most days, Albert’s starts as a whisky and martini bar in the early evening, then turns into a restaurant before being transformed into a dance venue from 11.30 PM. Expect live performances from internationally renowned artists and world-famous DJs to get you in the party mood with club music.

• 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.
• The club hosts regular events, from art exhibitions to themed dinners, creating an engaging social calendar for its discerning clientele.
• Membership includes access to all club facilities, such as the restaurant, salon, rooftop terraces, and a range of exclusive events and networking opportunities.
• Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, this exclusive enclave offers members access to a world-class marina, state-of-the-art facilities, and a calendar of events that celebrate Monaco’s rich maritime heritage.
• Even before opening its doors, NYX London had already cultivated a buzz of anticipation among the city’s nightlife connoisseurs.

Exclusive private members’ clubs have a strict code of conduct, and if you’re seen to be breaking any of the club’s unwritten rules, you could quickly find yourself on the outside. Behavioural expectations are high — discretion is key, and members are expected to respect the privacy and status of their fellow members. Roppongi Hills Club blends Japanese tradition with international luxury, offering fine dining, exclusive events, and private meeting spaces for its members. It’s a haven for global executives and diplomats who value both privacy and impeccable service. The club offers everything from a private garden terrace to exclusive dining rooms and a wellness spa. And, of course, it’s all about the members—expect to rub shoulders with celebrities, business moguls, and creative elites.

The club has a long tradition of supporting emerging and established artists, writers, and musicians, with various programs and initiatives. Members can also get involved in the club’s various events and exhibitions, from art shows to live performances. 5 Hertford Street was founded in Mayfair in 2012 by Robin Birley, the son of Annabel’s founder, Mark Birley.
You can find her belting out show-tunes in karaoke, or in bookstores adding new tomes to her ever-growing collection. Catering to a clientele that appreciates the finer aspects of motoring and lifestyle, the club is rumored to attract many famous members, though specifics are kept secret to maintain members’ privacy. Since its inception in 2019, this enclave has been a beacon for the elite seeking to elevate the everyday. With no website, no women, and a rumored code of secrecy, very little has changed over the past centuries. Inspired by its Miami counterpart, ZZ’s Club in New York opened in 2023 and is a lavish sanctuary of unparalleled opulence and hospitality.
These clubs set the bar high when selecting members, seeking individuals who bring distinction and diversity to their elite gatherings. Their criteria go beyond financial means; we look for those with significant social standing, professional achievements, or contributions to their fields. A sky lounge with a wine cellar and cigar humidor offers breathtaking city views, making the Central Park Club a haven of sophistication and leisure in the heart of Manhattan.