World’s Top 10 Elite Clubs; A Roundup of the World’s Most Mysterious and Low-key Clubs;
Contents
Introduction
World-class elite clubs have always opened their doors exclusively to royalty, nobility, celebrities, distinguished gentlemen, and socialites. This not only symbolizes wealth but also represents status. This article compiles a list of the top ten world-renowned clubs, which include the Yellowstone Club, White’s Gentleman’s Club, M1NT Club, Bohemian Club, Monaco Yacht Club, Core Club, PrivatSea, among others. Let’s delve into these exclusive clubs for the global elite!
World’s Top 10 Elite Clubs
- Yellowstone Club
- White’s Gentleman’s Club
- M1NT Club
- Bohemian Club
- Monaco Yacht Club
- Core Club
- PrivatSea Club
- Skull and Bones
- Beijing Capital Club
- Carnegie Club
An Overview
Yellowstone Club
A wealthy American club located within the renowned Yellowstone National Park, this private club boasts 864 villas, all of which have been sold. Membership is exclusively available to ultra-wealthy individuals with a net worth of at least 3million,alongwitha250,000 initiation fee. Notable members include Bill Gates, the world’s richest man. Members can enjoy activities such as skiing and golfing. Here, one learns to embrace a slower pace of life—brewing a cup of coffee or steeping a pot of tea.
White’s Gentleman’s Club
The most distinctive gentlemen’s club in the UK, originally established by Francesco Bianco in 1693 to sell popular hot chocolate drinks. Today, it is famous for its unusual betting practices, such as wagering £3,000 on which of two raindrops on a windowpane will trail down first. The club admits only male members, with regular attendees including Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and former Prime Minister David Cameron. In its 300-year history, only one woman has been admitted as a member: Queen Elizabeth II.
M1NT Club
Situated in London’s most prestigious district, M1NT is an ultra-luxurious club that prioritizes privacy and extravagance. It combines a private members’ club, bar, rooftop terrace, and world-class restaurant, along with its famous massive aquarium. As one of the world’s top clubs, its membership includes billionaires, sports stars, royalty, and business figures such as Steve Coogan, Robin Saunders, and Sebastian Sainsbury. Rumor has it that Prince William is a member, while David Beckham was reportedly denied entry.
Bohemian Club
Established in 1872, the Bohemian Club admits only men and is a renowned elite club in the United States, often considered the world’s most secretive gentlemen’s club. It has 2,700 members, all influential figures—mostly from the Republican Party, including former U.S. presidents, along with a few Democratic former presidents, politicians, entrepreneurs, financiers, scientists, and artists. Notable members include Presidents Nixon, George H.W. Bush, and Ford, as well as Henry Kissinger, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Monaco Yacht Club
Founded by Prince Rainier in 1953, the Monaco Yacht Club now has 2,500 members from 73 different countries. Since 1984, under the leadership of Prince Albert II as chairman, it has attracted the world’s most prestigious private yachts and elite individuals. The club holds a unique position in the international yachting world, with Prince William, the British Crown Prince and Duke of Cambridge, serving as a lifetime royal member. Its luxury ranks it among the top five clubs globally.
Core Club
Tucked away in an alley in Manhattan, New York, the Core Club maintains an intentionally understated facade. In reality, it is a mysterious and exclusive club frequented by the city’s elite. Inside, members discover a world of opulence—where even a bottle of water costs $350. Prominent members include former Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang, Pink Floyd lead singer Roger Waters, and fashion designer Kenneth Cole.
PrivatSea Club
Founded by the Greek shipping magnate Latsis family, PrivatSea is an elite club known for its luxury yachts, prestigious polo matches, and country clubs. It has only 100 members worldwide, all of whom are royalty, politicians, entrepreneurs, rock stars, and other individuals of immense wealth and high social standing. The membership fee is as high as £800,000. Notable members include King Albert II of Monaco, Yves Piaget (owner of Piaget watches), and Monaco real estate tycoon Victor Pastor.
Skull and Bones
Located on the Yale University campus, this club’s emblem is a skull and bones with the number “322,” which serves as its organizational code—a reference to a centuries-old legend about the Goddess of Rhetoric. As one of America’s most secretive and low-key clubs, its history dates back to 1832. Each year, it admits 15 Yale juniors, while other members include influential figures in U.S. politics, business, and education, including three U.S. presidents, several Supreme Court justices, and university presidents.
Beijing Capital Club
China’s premier high-end business club, situated at 10 East Chang’an Avenue in Beijing, adjacent to Tiananmen Square. It is connected to over 250 clubs worldwide and aims to foster communication between international corporations and major domestic enterprises, emphasizing government, private, and international exchanges. Ranked among the top ten clubs globally, it was established in the mid-1990s and offers a range of services including business facilities, banquets, and wellness programs. Notable members include Li Ka-shing, Yang Liwei, Henry Fok, and Yang Yuanqing.
Carnegie Club
Located at the renowned Skibo Castle in Scotland, the Carnegie Club is an exclusive private estate spanning 8,000 acres. It seamlessly blends Scotland’s ancient heritage with unparalleled personalized service, offering an unparalleled secluded getaway experience. Membership is strictly limited worldwide and requires both a substantial financial commitment and a personal recommendation from existing members. Its roster includes heads of state and global billionaires. Members enjoy world-class outdoor activities such as golf, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, and fishing, along with accommodations in luxurious castle suites. The club embodies an inherited, old-world luxury far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life, making it a gem among Europe’s most elite traditional clubs.