Getty Images/Joe Sohm/Visions of America

A new wave of nightlife culture is sweeping major cities worldwide as private clubs are popping up everywhere and replacing traditional nightlife. Unsurprisingly, New York City is a major hub for these private members' clubs. Bustling streets and vibrant lights make NYC the perfect destination for socialites and celebrities to let loose and have fun. Embracing your inner Carrie Bradshaw has never been easier. Luxury social culture in NYC is booming, and it's not only nightclubs that are being velvet-roped. Member-only establishments seem to offer more and more for their clientele, and with the pricing and exclusivity of memberships, it seems only fair that they diversify their offerings beyond a simple social club and give you a real bang for your buck. 

From sunrise to long after sunset, you can find exclusive luxurious spaces to socialize and unwind. These kinds of establishments have been successful globally, but New York has typically fluctuated in its ability to draw success. What has changed, and what is making people flock to private social clubs? The “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” mentality of these clubs gives their members the peace of mind that privacy is valued above all, and in a digital age where privacy is nearly impossible to achieve, this security goes a long way.

Casa Cipriani

Photo by Simon Tchoukriel 

Inside the beautiful Battery Maritime Building, Casa Cirpiani offers members panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River waterfront. Casa Cipriani operates as a hotel as well, with guest rooms and suites that let the guest experience what it means to be a member of the Cipriani family. While staying at the hotel, you not only get the breathtaking views and top-of-the-line service, but you also become an honorary member for the duration of your stay, giving you access to the members-only locations and experiences that you would otherwise pay to enjoy. The members list seems to be capped at about 4500 people, making the hotel one of the easiest ways to reap the benefits if you’re new to the scene.

Members of Casa Cipriani can enjoy global or local benefits, choosing between an NYC-only or an NYC-and-Milan (and any future locations) membership. For prospective members under 30, there is a significant discount on both the initiation fee and annual fee. Membership gives you access to all the amenities they offer, including bars, restaurants, social spaces, a fitness center, a spa, and more, all under one roof.

Celebrities love it too. A-listers like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are all reportedly members, and it's no wonder that high-profile figures flock here. The strict privacy policies make it so celebs can wine and dine in peace without paparazzi on their tails. And yet another reason why Casa Cirpriani serves as a prime location for ultra-exclusive Met Gala after parties year after year. 

Courtesy of Casa Cipriani

Zero Bond

Paramount Group

The hottest celebrity spot in all of New York City is Zero Bond. If you thought Casa Cipriani’s member list of 4500 was exclusive, try Zero Bond’s 1000-member list with a 10,000-member waitlist for the NYC location. Recently, a second location was opened at the Wynn in Vegas, but even in New York, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. 

Zero Bond was opened in 2020 at 0 Bond Street in Manhattan, the corner of Bond and Broadway, and it’s been a hub for celebrity mingling ever since. It has quickly dominated the ranks of New York City clubs as the most exclusive and most private. Now with the addition of a second location in Vegas, that momentum is bound to continue there, too. Thriving in an era where people were desperate to get out but wary of crowds, these private clubs with familiar crowds were highly sought after. You knew who to expect, but the paparazzi didn’t. The allure of privacy and exclusivity is undeniable, especially among celebrities who spend every waking moment under flashing cameras and the public eye. 

The ultra-exclusivity of Zero Bond means that members and frequent visitors are worth noting. This is yet another venue that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce frequent, and other notable members include Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio, Shawn Mendes, Gigi Hadid and more. The opening celebration for the Vegas location was flooded with celebrities, and while they don’t disclose their membership status, they must have been invited for a reason, right?

Caprice Johnson