Copyright gqindia
The tradition of private luxury clubs in India is not a new concept. They are deeply rooted in the colonial era, with several institutions being established as retreats for British military personnel and their families. After India’s independence, the clubs continued to remain exclusive destinations that were symbols of prestige with decades-long waiting lists. Additionally, in recent years, a new wave of modern, members-only clubs has emerged to cater to the country’s growing need for creative spaces. Here are seven of the finest private clubs across India that are worth checking out! 7 best members-only luxury clubs in India 1. Soho House, Mumbai Soho House is the contemporary, creative and international entrant to Mumbai’s elite scene, situated right on Juhu Beach. Since opening in 2018, it has become a well-loved spot for the city’s creatives, including the film, media and art communities. The club distinctively blends Soho House’s signature aesthetic with locally sourced Indian fabrics and antiques. Its most arresting features include a rooftop pool with a stunning view of the Arabian Sea, 38 well-appointed bedrooms, a 32-seat screening room, and the wildly popular Northern Italian eatery, Cecconi's. 2. The Chambers at Taj Hotels Founded in 1975 at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, The Chambers is regarded as one of the country’s finest exclusive business clubs. Its membership, which is by invitation only, provides a coveted lifetime global membership transferable to the next of kin. The club offers a range of elevated privileges, such as 24/7 concierge service, exclusive events and access to select amenities across Taj hotels worldwide, with its Mumbai location offering awe-inspiring, unobstructed vistas of the Arabian Sea. 3. Tollygunge Club, Kolkata Commonly known as “Tolly”, the Tollygunge Club was established in 1895 by a Scottish banker and celebrates the city’s rich colonial heritage. With over 110 acres of verdant lawns, Tolly is a centre for diverse sports, especially excelling in equestrian activities and golf, with an 18-hole course, providing its members a mix of age-old sportsmanship and relaxation amidst the city. Ranked among the best country clubs globally, Tolly’s spectacular clubhouse dates back over 220 years. 4. Delhi Gymkhana Club The Delhi Gymkhana Club is an institution of great prestige, originally established in 1913 as the “Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club” and strategically situated in the area conceptualised by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the heart of New Delhi. It remains one of India’s most exclusive establishments, renowned for its decades-long waiting list. The club functions as a central social and recreational hub for the capital’s elite, and is well-known for its striking colonial architecture and strong emphasis on traditional sports. 5. Royal Bombay Yacht Club (RBYC) The Royal Bombay Yacht Club, founded in 1846, is a charming architectural gem situated on the waterfront of Colaba, with panoramic views of the Gateway of India. The club received its “Royal” title from Queen Victoria, and its design is an arresting mix of English Neo-Gothic and Tudor-style influences. As a club steeped in maritime history, it continues to boost boating and sailing activities, while its Residential Chambers received a prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award, consolidating its status as a sanctuary of colonial and nautical heritage. 6. The Quorum, Gurugram The Quorum in Gurugram is a chic, members-only lifestyle club designed as a “third space” that seamlessly transitions from work to play for the NCR’s business crowd. It is deliberately designed as a hub where culture, collaboration and community intersect, hosting a thoughtfully conceptualised calendar of events, art shows, speaker sessions and culinary experiences. Spread over 22,000 square feet, the Quorum offers members a stimulating, urban oasis featuring distinctive work zones, a library, fitness facilities and several multi-use studios. The Quorum Gurugram's events are particularly exceptional. 7. Belvedere Club, The Oberoi, New Delhi Located within The Oberoi, New Delhi, the Belvedere Club is an ultra-exclusive, invitation-only business and dining club. Historically, membership invitations were personally extended by the chairman of the Oberoi Group’s EIH Ltd, exhibiting its status as a private playground for the country’s most influential leaders. The club maintains an extremely high service standard and a formal dress code, boasting private meeting rooms, a sophisticated bar and an opulent dining experience, with its membership offering reciprocal access and privileges across other Oberoi properties as well.
