Money buys many things: fast cars, designer clothes, gourmet food, fine wines and even carnival cruises, to name but a few. Can money buy everything? Not always. It cannot buy class and exclusivity. Sometimes, you just need to be part of the club. At least, that is how those who run private members’ clubs throughout the world think. These clubs do not just let anyone join. You need to be a certain type of person, one who fits with the club’s ethos and values, to be able to cross the threshold.

Some clubs are more exclusive than others. The most exclusive keep going via word of mouth, operating without publicity. Others encourage prospective members to apply, but will vet applications against certain criteria. The cost of joining a private members club often acts as a filter in itself, but there are other requirements too. Being involved in a particular area of work, having certain contacts or simply just sharing the club’s own attitude. While they may vary greatly in their character and nature, all private clubs are intended to be comfortable spaces in which their members can relax and network, away from the madding crowd. Here is an eclectic choice of some of the world’s best.

The Groucho Club, London

The Groucho Club is one of many London clubs, although unlike most, has a short history. It was founded in 1985 as a club for London’s media and celebrity elite, and only accepts membership applications from anyone who has a proposer and seconder among its current members. As well as comfortable, contemporary space for its members to relax in, the club has a restaurant and bedrooms (the walls of which would no doubt tell a few tales, if they could talk).

The Ivy Club, London

London’s exclusive Ivy restaurant has an even more exclusive club attached to it. Of all London’s clubs, this may well be the most exclusive. It is housed over three floors on the same site as the Ivy, but the entrance is concealed. You can’t apply to join the Ivy ‒ you have to be invited. It has been in operation since 2008, and is a favorite of international celebrities. Among those who have been seen leaving the club are Kate Moss and Kevin Spacey.

The Core Club, New York

The Core Club was established in 2005 as a home-away-from-home for the élite of New York. Unlike some of the older and stuffier clubs, the Core has contemporary styling, and a relatively relaxed attitude. The initiation fee is $60,000 and the first year’s membership will set you back $72,000. New York has plenty of private clubs, but the Core Club is the club for those who are top of their game. Members include financiers, sports people and actors.

The Grand Havana Room, Beverly Hills

An invitation only club, with much more affordable fees than the Core, at $2000 a year. The club is dedicated to the art of cigar smoking, and is the only place in the US that you can legally smoke Cuba cigars. Entrance is by private elevator, into private humidors, where its celebrity members can smoke in peace. Members include Mel Gibson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Raffles Country Club, Singapore

Singapore has several clubs with their roots in the old colonial days, but Raffles is the most exclusive. The club charges $13,000 dollars per year for membership. For that, members get access the club’s extensive facilities away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. There are two golf courses, tennis courts, a spa, restaurants and banqueting facilities, and numerous social events. The club brings together the brightest and best of Singapore.

The Royal Bangkok Sports Club

Opened in 1901 by the King of Thailand as a horse breeding club, today this is Thailand’s most exclusive club, and offers a wide range of facilities. Membership costs $65,000. The club has its own horse racing circuit, golf course and much else besides. It has a huge waiting list, with even the wealthiest and most successful of Thailand’s residents having to wait up to ten years for a spot. However, once in, they are there for life, and their membership can be passed to their children, and then to their children’s children.

Author: Imogen Reed