London’s uber-exclusive Hurlingham Club reportedly turned down the offer of £1 billion from Roman Abramovich. Photo: Edwardx
Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3207544/inside-worlds-most-exclusive-private-members-clubs-and-what-it-really-takes-join-londons-hurlingham Luxury
Inside the world’s most exclusive private members’ clubs, and what it really takes to join: from London’s Hurlingham Club to the global R360 network – which only accepts centimillionaires
- To join a private members’ club you have to bring connections, power and a mentality that screams success – as well as an unfathomable amount of money
- Montana’s Yellowstone Club asks new members for a US$400,000 down payment – no wonder Bill Gates, Google founder Eric Schmidt and former US vice-president Dan Quayle are all members
Private clubs around the world are often in historic settings, such as that enjoyed from the Brunelleschi residence, owned by Florence’s exclusive Palazzo Tornabuoni. Photo: Massimo Listri
Exclusivity can’t be bought, as the Hurlingham Club in London showed when it reportedly rejected a £1 billion (HK$9.5 billion) acquisition offer from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, former owner of Premier League football team Chelsea. As one of the world’s most exclusive private clubs, the Hurlingham – which counts the Princess of Wales and Rafael Nadal as members – has a 30-year waiting list which is now closed, unless you are the child of a current member.
Banquets, galas and networking with the one per cent await behind the closed doors of the world’s most private members’ clubs, but the barriers to entry are exceptionally high, based on a combination of wealth, social standing, drive to succeed and above all, patience.
Members of the global R360 Club also epitomise these characteristics. A wealth-building club for families and couples, applicants must be centimillionaires (with fortunes in excess of US$100 million) to join, on top of paying the US$180,000, three-year membership fee. Net worth doesn’t mean automatic acceptance however, with two billionaires having been rejected for not meeting the club’s non-monetary values. To gain access to unique investment opportunities, Necker Island retreats, your own security service and training from a former FBI agent, you’ll need to be referred by two existing members and pass a series of interviews based on a 25-page dossier about your motivations and financial objectives.
Polo at Hurlingham as painted by Henry Jamyn Brooks. Photo: Handout
Access to such clubs buys both world-class amenities and invaluable contacts. Take Montana’s Yellowstone Club, based at a private ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, with its own golf course designed by multiple PGA Tour champion Tom Weiskopf. Members – limited to just 864 in number – must own a home in the area, which range from US$5 million for a small condo to upwards of US$25 million for a 360-acre ranch. This is followed by a US$400,000 down payment and US$40,000 annual membership fee. For those wishing to brush shoulders with members such as Bill Gates, Google founder Eric Schmidt and former US vice-president Dan Quayle, the potential returns are incalculable.
The living/dining room and kitchen of a residence at the Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence. Photo: Massimo Listri
Such residence clubs can also provide an alternative route to joining up without having to invest in a second home. Belonging to the “individual owner” tier of membership of the venerated Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence means being the owner of a piece of 15th century history – private residences costing €790,000 (HK$6.5 million) freehold. But a standard membership allows use of one of the still rather fabulous club residences while you’re in Florence, as well as access to Italy’s oldest golf course, truffle hunting expeditions, and private art and wine collections.
Reciprocal access to an international network of friendly clubs is one of the most coveted benefits to tempt prospective members. Those who join the Tanglin Club, Singapore’s oldest members’ club, for instance, can enjoy their 27 suites, pool, gym and multiple on-site restaurants, plus get reciprocal access to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, The Hong Kong Club and The Harvard Club, among over 130 others worldwide – although after waiting 10 years and parting with a SG$100,000 (HK$575,000) joining fee, you’ll still need an invitation to get in, of course.