In Inventing Anna, Anna Delvey dreamed of opening a swank members-only club called the Anna Delvey Foundation, a place where the artistic elite could rub shoulders with the moneyed set. Well, no spoilers — since the miniseries opens with her in jail — but that dream doesn’t go exactly to plan. While the grand larceny and deception weren’t especially great life choices (to put it mildly), Delvey did get one thing right: Private clubs are an important part of the extremely upper class’ social experience. It’s at these well-appointed locations where the rich network, mingle, and live away from reporters, fans, and anyone else whom they might not want getting in on the action.
Looking to join their elite ranks? Or just looking to dream big? We’ve got you covered. Read on to peek inside some of the world’s most elite members-only clubs.
Soho House
Location: various cities
Like WeWork for the jet- set, Soho House has expanded from its humble beginnings in London’s Soho neighborhood to 27 Houses in ten10 different countries worldwide. Spend the day working in theirits lush living rooms, or book a studio to stage your own creative vision. (Don’t worry,; if you fall in love with any of their decor, you can even take it home.) Then spend the evening enjoying a dip in the pool, engaging in theirSoho’s exclusive programingprogramming, or just cleaning out the top shelf of theirits in-house bars. Tired? At select locations, you can even stay the night.
How to get in: Memberships range in price based on location orand if you’re planning on staying local or dipping into theirits global network. Discounts are given to the under -27 set. In either case, expect an annual fee north of $2,000.
Club Silencio
Location: Paris
Founded by David Lynch, and named after the reality -bending club in his film Mulholland Drive, Club Silencio is Paris’ premiere arts-based member’s -only club. Everything — from the gold-flaked curved walls, to the 1950s-vintage furniture, which is claimed to “induce and sustain a specific state of alertness and openness to the unknown” — was chosen by Lynch himself. However, to descend the six flights of stairs down into the director’s fever dream in the same location where French playwright Molière is rumored to be buried, you’ll have to be one of the chosen few. Just don'’t snap a selfie, as photography is strictly prohibited.
How to get in: Membership is reserved exclusively for “for people who can demonstrate an established experience in artistic and international creative circles.” Membership costs €780 per year, €1,500 for premium services, and €420 for foreign guests. Not interested in laying down the cash? The club runs a small line after midnight for non-members, with entrance dependent on capacity.
Ambassadors Club
Location: Dubai
Given Dubai’s reputation as a playground for the rich and powerful, it makes sense that the city would host one of the world’s most exclusive members-only clubs. Ambassadors Club aims to create a networking space while also giving members access to the city’s best restaurants and lounges. (Of course, the on-site concierge can also arrange access to sports, music, and cultural events per request.) And with its network of resorts, clubs, and spas, you can take the party, or business meeting, just about anywhere.
How to get in: In an attempt to diversify its network, the club gives preferred membership to women and those under 35. Fees range from $2,450.32 to $21,508.36 per year for a five-person corporate membership.
Club 33
Location: Disney properties
Named after its original address, 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square at Disneyland (or perhaps because 33 looks like mouse ears), Club 33 might just be the most exclusive club in the world. Originally, it was the only place in the park where you could order alcohol. Now patrons lucky enough to snag memberships that allow them to enjoy the swanky exclusive lounges also have access to a reported 50 single-day admission tickets per person, five yearly private VIP tours, FastPasses, and every Disney fan’s favorite: exclusive merch.
How to join: Since the mouse house likes to keep it formal, you’ll have to apply in writing. After that, be patient — some people wait for more than a decade for acceptance. And be prepared: There’s a reported $25,000 initiation fee, and $10,000 per year in dues.
Core Club
Location: New York, San Francisco, and Milan
This extremely elite club, which began in New York before opening chapters in San Francisco and Milan, caters to an exclusive crowd with a story to tell — which means that running into fellow Core members like Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and former president Bill Clinton is a regular occurrence. Details are deliberately kept scant on their minimal websites, but we do know that in addition to high-end food and companionship, at the New York club you can also snag preferential bookings at the Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa and the skin-care institute Dangene, and grab seats at special in-house lectures, which in the past have included everyone from Anna Wintour to Al Gore.
How to join: Sorry, only those who are handpicked can pony up the $50,000 initiation fee and a $15,000 annual membership fee.
P/S
Location: Los Angeles
Say goodbye to taking off your shoes and soggy airport sandwiches. Los Angeles International Airport has found a way to take the sting out of flying for its most elite travelers. P/S is a private terminal and concierge service aimed at taking you out of the air-bound rat race. Relax in its lounge to avoid the hustle of the terminal, or book a private room that comes with cocktails and chef-prepared food. Book ahead for spa services, or even schedule a ride directly from the plane to your front door. Bonus: No matter what level you book, everything comes with private TSA services and a shuttle directly from the lounge to your plane.
How to join: Finally, a club without a waiting list. Salon access starts at $695 per year, while private rooms clock in at $3,250 for a group of four. You don’t need to become a member; however, annual members do receive preferred rates and special benefits like valet, car detailing, and flexible cancellations.
Roppongi Hills Club
Location: Tokyo
Get the best views of Tokyo from the Roppongi Hills Club, located 51 stories above the city. The exclusive space is home to nine bars and restaurants, and hosts events where members can learn to make everything from hand-rolled sushi to pastries. Members can also interact with “global leaders in various fields in a cultural environment that stimulates both one’s intellect and one’s sensibilities.” And if you really, really love being there, you can even get married on the premises.
How to join: Request information to begin the rigorous screening process. If selected, be prepared to pay a ¥1,320,000 initiation fee, ¥500,000 deposit, and annual dues of ¥198,000. Membership is for life unless formally revoked or withdrawn.
39 Monte Carlo
Location: Monaco
Of course, in a European principality where people play hard, there’s an elite club where members are encouraged to work hard. Founded by former rugby player Ross Beattie, 39 Monte Carlo is a hybrid sports and leisure club where members are encouraged to sweat it out with an elite personal trainer, or reach their personal fitness goals on the club’s extravagantly appointed sports floor — all designed to feel more like a home workout than a sweaty gym. Which is also why it has Studio 39, a place where you can adjust hair or makeup with exclusive beauty products before grabbing a meal and relaxing in the salon, which is designed for high-end comfort because (as its marketing materials state) “life begins at 39.”
How to join: Yearly memberships vary based on age and usage, but expect to pay north of $5,000. Please note that members are expected to abide by a classy and “effortlessly chic” dress code while on the premises.
Laura Studarus is a Los Angeles-based travel writer with bylines at Fast Company, BBC Travel, and Thrillist. Sometimes she can go several hours without a cup of tea. Follow her adventures on Twitter.
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