5x exclusive members-only clubs

The following clubs prove once again that business and pleasure can go hand in hand. After approval by a special committee and a 'modest' annual contribution, you can proudly call yourself a member. MASTERS lists a number of exclusive members-only clubs in the world.

CORE Club, New York

CORE is a private membership club in New York City founded in 2005 by Jennie Enterprise. From 2005 to 2022, the club was located at 66 East 55th Street in Manhattan before moving to 2022 Fifth Avenue in September 711. Located in the heart of New York, you can bump into people like Howard Schultz – CEO of Starbucks – or Bill Clinton. CORE has no dress code and mobile phones are allowed. But for those looking to make business deals, the club epitomizes privacy and exclusivity. To become a member you pay a starting fee of approximately € 47.000, with a contribution of € 16.000 per year in subsequent years. This amount includes access to the rooftop bars, the five-star restaurants, the library, the private cinema, the game room and galas.

Capital Club, Dubai

Capital Club Dubai is located in the heart of the DIFC financial district. Whether on the terrace overlooking the Burj Khalifa or in one of the elegantly furnished meeting rooms; this club is an excellent place for closing multi-million dollar deals. After approval by the committee, you will reportedly receive access to various events for approximately € 14.000 registration fee and an annual membership fee. These include lectures from prominent speakers from business or politics. The Club opened in 2008 and now has more than 1500 members from leading companies in the region.

Battery, San Francisco

This club in a former candy factory is a little more accommodating and accepts members from different sectors and backgrounds. The annual amount of € 2.000 gives you access to exclusive events, such as wine tastings, signing sessions of writers, private lectures, but also concerts. Snoop Dogg, among others, has already appeared on stage at Battery. It is not known exactly who is a member of the exclusive club, but it reportedly attracts influential players from the tech industry. 

The Australian Club, Sydney

The Australian Club is a private club founded in 1838 and based in Sydney. The club was originally founded as a meeting place for business people from Melbourne and Victoria and membership is for men only. The Australian Club is the oldest gentlemen's club in the Southern Hemisphere. The fact that the club strongly adheres to various traditions is also reflected in the dress code. For example, denim is not permitted and members and men's guests must wear a jacket with long sleeves and a tie, and ladies are expected to wear a dress, skirt or trousers with a jacket.

Soho House

Soho House was founded in 1995 by entrepreneur Nick Jones as a private club for creative minds. At that time there were only clubs for artists, bankers and people from politics. Nick wanted a luxurious club, but without a dress code and with a relaxed atmosphere. There are now dozens of clubs spread all over the world. The first branch opened in London. This is reportedly where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first date. However, to become a member you have to go through a whole procedure. For example, your social status and the type of work you do determine whether you are allowed to join. Are you one of these happy few; then you have access to all facilities such as the swimming pool, the gym, the bar, the cinema and the spa. You must pay €1.500 per year to gain access to one branch of the club. Do you want to have access to all clubs worldwide? Then you will be € 1.800 lighter every year.