Wellness is more than a buzzword these days, and there are more ways than ever to practice self-care. Case in point… Private clubs used to be all about cocktails, networking and kicking back without worrying about any riff-raff. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, a growing number of us are looking to make the most of our precious downtime, whether that means squeezing in a workout, learning something new or enhancing our lives in some way or another. Hence the rise of a new breed of private club—one where wellness takes center stage in the form of classes, workshops and being surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals. From New York to Miami and further afield, here are a few private clubs that include mindfulness in their membership fees.
GAIAM Wellness Studio by Rodney Yee
Perched on the 11th floor of Lord & Taylor on 5th Avenue, rooftop courtyard and all, this educational, training and gathering center is all about creating a health-centric community with events, classes and workshops designed to help you live your best life. From Urban Zen yoga and aromatherapy to “Tarot 101,” “Herbalism 101” and “Creating a Spring Tablescape,” founder and world-renowned yogi Rodney Yee (who has worked with Oprah Winfrey, Christie Brinkley, Demi Moore, Donna Karanand Christy Turlington) has made sure all the wellness bases are covered.
97 Wellness Club
New York’s downtown self-care set gets their health, healing and wellness on at this SoHo retreat, which offers world-expanding workshops along with restorative treatments such as reiki, guided meditation, sound healing, Shamanic journeys, herbal facials and more. The Zen white-washed, women-only space offers a calm, nurturing environment and one-on-one coaching that promotes living a more centered, grounded life. P.S. The street-level boutique is a dream.
Premier57
From the ancient Romans and Greeks to modern-day Morocco and Turkey, just about every civilization has had some sort of “bath culture” for relaxation, rejuvenation and socialization. With hydrotherapy pools, a water lounge, wet and dry saunas, infrared therapy, a Korean-inspired café and a rooftop pool (with a bar), New York City’s Premier57 provides just that in a swanky, full-service setting. Although anyone can spend the day for a $75 flat fee, membership has its privileges in the form of a concierge, priority check-in and check-out, a private locker room and many other amenities that will soothe your body and soul.
Carillon Miami
Miami may be known for its decadent dining, nightlife and burgeoning art and design scene, but when the who’s-who needs to reset and recharge, they go straight to this spa and wellness resort. With spa and beauty services, therapeutic treatments like acupuncture, private fitness training, a bevy of clean dining options (including a juice bar), multiple pools and direct beach access, the resort now offers three membership levels so locals can take advantage of the amenities without booking a room.
3 St. James Square
Featuring therapeutic spa treatments, a medical suite, a multi-tiered sauna, state-of-the-art gym, Pilates/yoga studio, a golf simulator, a lounge and bar (with both juice and alcohol), this man-centric private club is all about health, fitness and wellness. All new members receive a 3D body scan to help communicate what they’d like to change about their physique so the nutrition and fitness teams can create a bespoke regimen—and provide day-to-day support that ensures their goals are met.
