We all know about the most elite and exclusive clubs in the world and the celebrities who frequent them. They are featured in movies, in magazines, and in other forms of media, from the hottest Hollywood nightclubs to the top-of-the-line golf clubs. But, there is a whole other world of exclusive clubs and organizations you may not have heard of. These clubs have been around for centuries, and their exclusivity is even stricter than most. From historical clubs to secretive societies and charitable organizations, there are plenty of clubs you may have never heard of that offer all the luxuries – and exclusivity – you could ever want.
Many of these exclusive clubs are primarily based in the United Kingdom and United States. Of course, there are many more located in other parts of the world as well. Read on to explore the most exclusive clubs you may have never heard of.
The Most Exclusive Clubs
The Aero Club
The Aero Club is one of the oldest and most exclusive clubs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1783, it was the first ever flying club in the world. Today, the Aero Club is a club for the aviation international elite, offering exclusive memberships to business leaders, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts from all corners of the world. It is still one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, but has been opened to a select few non-aviation related individuals since it was founded.
The Bohemian Club
The Bohemian Club is one of the oldest, most famous, and most exclusive clubs in the United States. Founded in 1872, it is a private club for men of wealth and social standing, who represent the leading professions in the US. It has become a fashionable destination for some of the most prominent men in America, from former presidents and CEOs to writers, academics, and entrepreneurs. The Bohemian Club is known for its lavish annual retreats and its exclusive clubhouse in the middle of a private redwood park in San Francisco.
The Pacific-Union Club
The Pacific-Union Club is one of the most exclusive private clubs in San Francisco, California. It was established in 1918 by some of the city’s oldest and wealthiest families, including the Hearsts and the Sutros. Members of the Pacific-Union Club enjoy use of private rooms, collections of art and literature, and formal dining rooms. The club is also one of the most sought-after venues for private events and private parties.
The Travellers Club
The Travellers Club is one of the oldest and most exclusive social clubs in London. Founded in 1819, it was formed by a group of British aristocrats and serves as a meeting place for men and women engaged in international travel. The club has a long history and was involved in many major political events, as well as hosting many distinguished members, including prime ministers, scientists, and authors.
The Most Prestigious Social Clubs
The Knickerbocker Club
The Knickerbocker Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious social clubs in New York City. Founded in 1871, it is an all-male private club that was originally formed to provide social and cultural opportunities for affluent and wealthy men. Members of the Knickerbocker Club are known for their exclusivity, and their membership includes some of the most powerful and influential men in the world.
The Links Club
The Links Club is one of the most prestigious and exclusive private clubs in the United Kingdom. It was originally founded in 1865 by a small but influential group of wealthy golfers as a place to meet and play golf, but it has since evolved into one of the most exclusive social clubs in the world. The membership includes some of the most prominent figures in British society, including royalty and politicians.
The Algonquin Club
The Algonquin Club is one of the most prestigious and exclusive clubs in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1889, it was built with the intention to promote social and cultural opportunities for gentlemen of good standing, primarily of the scholarly and professional class. Members of the club are mostly men of wealth and social standing, and the club is one of the most exclusive and exclusive clubs in Boston.
The Most Exclusive Charitable Organizations
The International Order of St. Hubert
The International Order of St. Hubert is a charitable organization founded in 1655. The Order is dedicated to spreading the teachings of St. Hubert, the Patron Saint of Hunting and Foresters, and helping to promote conservation and the protection of wild animals and their habitats. The Order is comprised of some of the most powerful and wealthy individuals in the world, and membership is granted by invitation only.
The Golden Wheel of Gouda
The Golden Wheel of Gouda is a charitable organization founded in 1685. Its purpose is to promote and assist in the preservation of old Dutch customs and traditions and to provide financial assistance to needy Dutch citizens. Membership is by invitation only and is limited to only the most influential and wealthy members of the Dutch community, who are selected by a five-member jury.
The Most Secretive Societies
Skull & Bones
Skull & Bones is one of the most exclusive and secretive societies in America. Founded in 1832 at Yale University, it is one of the oldest and most controversial secret societies in the United States. It has become infamous in recent years due to its tight-knit membership and influence on American politics. Skull & Bones is also believed to be the main source of inspiration for many of the secret societies featured in books and movies.
The Most Mysterious Organizations
The Order of the Witch’s Harrow
The Order of the Witch’s Harrow is one of the most mysterious organizations in the world. Not much is known about it, and the Order’s membership is closely-guarded, but some people believe it to be a powerful secret society with mysterious origins. The Order is believed to have been founded in the 17th century, and its members have been known to wield immense power and influence, though the exact nature of their activities remains a mystery.
The world is full of exclusive clubs and organizations, but there are some that we may not have heard of. From historical clubs to secretive societies and charitable organizations, there are plenty of exclusive clubs you may have never heard of that offer all the luxuries – and exclusivity – you could ever want. From the Aero Club and the Bohemian Club to the Pacific-Union Club and the Travellers Club, as well as charities like the International Order of St. Hubert and the Golden Wheel of Gouda, these are just a few of the most exclusive clubs in the world you may have never heard of.