10 most exclusive private members’ clubs in the world: from Casa Cipriani where Taylor Swift was papped, and Kim Kardashian’s beloved Zero Bond, to Meghan and Harry’s hotspot San Vicente Bungalows

Aug 31 , 2023

The world’s most exclusive members’ clubs are notoriously difficult to get into. Photos: San Vicente Bungalows, Yellowstone Club, Annabel’s/Facebook

Private members’ clubs around the world often boast a clientele of celebrities and ultra-wealthy individuals. So it’s hardly surprising to know that they are notorious for having super-strict rules, from no photos allowed to stringent dress codes. But what happens if someone breaks a rule?

Well, when photos of Taylor Swift and Matty Healy hanging out at New York’s Casa Cipriani were leaked in May, the club reportedly revoked at least three memberships as a result as it has a strict no-photo policy, per British media.

Members might pay a US$4,000-a-year annual fee, but they are still expected to respect the club’s rules. And considering how many celebrities (Drew Barrymore and John Legend, to name a few) hold a spot there, guests of course assume the same level of respect. Despite Casa Cipriani’s move to rectify the situation though, it seemed that it was all too much for the “Anti-Hero” singer, who reportedly cancelled her membership following the photo leak, per Fortune.

This all prompts us to ask: which are the most exclusive private members’ clubs in the world right now?

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1. Zero Bond (New York)

Zero Bond is a stylish private members club in New York City. Photo: @zerobondnyc/Instagram

Spanning 20,000 sq ft over two floors, Zero Bond has been in the headlines lately after long-time friends Swift and Ed Sheeran reunited there last week, per British media. The Victorian gothic-style club in Manhattan boasts an Assouline library, a screening room, US$10 million worth of art, an omakase room, a bar and more, per media reports. Other A-listers who frequent this club include Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid and Blake Lively.

2. Casa Cipriani (New York)

Casa Cipriani in New York. is located in Lower Manhattan with views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Photo: Casa Cipriani

This private members’ club may have been in the news for the Swift incident, but it remains popular as ever, reportedly boasting a 4,000-person waiting list, according to Fortune.

Nestled in a historic Beaux-Arts-style building in Lower Manhattan, this social joint features a restaurant, jazz cafe, living room area and spacious rooftop with views of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Famous members include Alicia Keys, Ryan Reynolds and Chrissy Teigen.

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3. The Bird Streets Club (Los Angeles)

MMA fighter Conor McGregor spotted at The Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles. Photo: @thenotoriousmma/Instagram

There are hardly any pics online of this ultra-exclusive club, but curious netizens were granted a small glimpse of its interiors when former UFC fighter Conor McGregor posted a photo of him chilling there in April.

Located on Sunset Boulevard, this A-list LA haunt has attracted the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny, Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Hailey and Justin Bieber.

4. San Vicente Bungalows (Los Angeles)

San Vicente Bungalows in Los Angeles is a hotspot for celebs. Photo: San Vicente Bungalows

Rumoured to be a hotspot for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this LA members’ club has a reputation for maximally protecting its guests’ privacy, from implementing a ban on smartphones to requesting that its members and their guests don’t talk to the press about the club.

Serving as a home-away-from-home for many celebs and power brokers, including Zoë Kravitz, Sydney Sweeney, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Lee Curtis, members have access to a restaurant, pool, private event spaces and nine guest rooms on the property, per the New York Post.

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5. 5 Hertford Street (London)

There are no official public photos of 5 Hertford Street, a private members’ club in London. Photo: @allaturka/Instagram

Once described by Observer as “London’s most secretive club”, 5 Hertford Street aka Loulou’s is located in Mayfair, one of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Welcoming celebs like Colin Firth, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, footballer Neymar, Cara Delevingne, and even former British prime minister Boris Johnson, the hush-hush venue has few photos online but its interiors show its dim-lit, vintage, Victorian-style appeal.

6. Annabel’s (London)

Annabel’s in London features interiors and exteriors designed in Rococo style. Photo: Annabel’s/Facebook

Considered one of London’s most iconic private members’ clubs, Annabel’s sits at 46 Berkeley Square (two doors down from its original location) and celebrates its 60-year anniversary this year.

Selena Gomez attends Annabel’s for an exclusive performance and VIP dinner in September 2015, in London, England. Photo: GC Images

Designed in Rococo style, this venue celebrates the very best in art, culture and heritage with features like a grand cantilevered stone staircase, intricate plaster ceilings and fireplaces. A-listers who have been spotted here as guests or members include Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Rihanna and Drake. It’s even rumoured to be the only club the late Queen Elizabeth ever visited, per MyLondon.

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7. Silencio (Paris)

French designer Raphael Navot worked with film director David Lynch on private members’ club, Silencio, in Paris, France. Photo: raphaelnavot.com

Dubbed “Europe’s most elusive private members’ club” by Town and Country mag, Silencio in Paris was founded by American filmmaker David Lynch. A haven for artists and creatives, this hub’s entrance is located down six flights of stairs and offers a members-only access from 6pm, but after midnight, anyone can enter – just expect a long wait. Celebs like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lindsay Lohan and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have been spotted here.

8. Yacht Club de Monaco (Monaco)

Yacht Club de Monaco was founded by Prince Rainier, who married Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. Photo: Foster + Partners

Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by Prince Sovereign Albert II since 1984, this private yacht club boasts over 2,500 members and serves as a tribute to the dynamic international yachting scene. Perks include meeting and greeting fellow industry professionals, and anyone who wishes to apply needs to be introduced by two “sponsors” from YCM, according to Hello Monaco.

9. Yellowstone Club (Montana)

Yellowstone Club in Montana seems to be a playground for the rich and famous. Photo: Yellowstone Club

As the only private mountain ski resort in the world, according to its website, Yellowstone Club invites its members to Madison County, just west of Big Sky, Montana.

This adventurous oasis offers members the chance to try world-class skiing, golfing and fine dining with plenty of family-friendly activities. It also launched a “World Membership” programme that partners with other exclusive institutions like St. Andrew’s golf course in Scotland and provides access to yachts and Gulfstream jets, per Guest of a Guest. Rumoured members include Bill Gates, Tom Brady, Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake.

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10. 1930 (Milan)

1930 in Milan requires a password to enter. Photo: @1930cocktailbar/Instagram

This club is so secretive that it doesn’t even have a publicly listed website or phone number (but its bar does have an Instagram account). Accessed via a hidden door at the back of the bar and requiring a password to enter, this hidden spot can host a maximum of 34 members at a time, according to Country and Town House.

Apparently, the membership card is only visible under an ultraviolet light. It’s also been described by Vogue as Milan’s best-kept secret and the region’s “coolest private members’ club”.

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It’s no surprise that private members’ clubs, notorious for their strict policies, long waiting lists and no-photo rules, are the ideal option for celebrities and A-listers to enjoy some privacy
NYC’s Zero Bond has welcomed guests like Gigi Hadid and Blake Lively while Conor McGregor posted a pic at The Bird Streets Club, and it’s rumoured that the late Queen Elizabeth once visited Annabel’s