When I first met Mahavir and his brother, Dev, they were preparing to develop their first new-build lifestyle hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee—a market better known for pancake houses, Dolly Parton, and rustic motels than cutting-edge hospitality. It wasn’t the typical setting for a bold hospitality venture, but that’s what made it interesting.

The private club scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shifting its traditional exclusivity to embrace a younger, more diverse membership base.

Mark Somen, a strategic advisor for hospitality consulting firm Craft House, says that, aside from club amenities, the personalities behind some of the most popular clubs can also be a draw.

From women-only clubs to those set on their own private ski resort, not just anyone can become a member at these exclusive clubs.

Ashley Wu was working as a fashion writer when she wanted to find a place to work outside of the home. She decided to create what she, herself, was craving: a female-focused club where you can go to work, attend an event, or simply have a haven to decompress.

It’s in this spirit of togetherness that we present our Neu Woman of the season, Ashley Wu.

Maison, a members-only club for women and mothers, opened on the Upper East Side in February.

The founder of Maison, a new kind of members club designed specifically for those who need a place to work, relax, learn, connect, even just a thoughtful place for to be their best self.

“I want to use Maison to help not only people who come and work, but people who need to tap into that part of themselves they may have neglected for a while because of all the other things they prioritize over their well-being.”

Founded by fashion blogger, photo producer, and mom of two, Ashley Wu, this Upper East Side aerie is aimed at NYC’s cool mom community.

Just when you think London has met its quota of private members’ clubs, along comes another. And yet The Conduit is not like any other.

The Coolest Place to Stay in SFO is this Private Club

Calling all New Yorkers: meet Maison, the new members-only club for women that will open in February 2019. Maison, which will be located on the Upper East Side, will serve as a place for women to work, connect, and relax. 

Elle Decor spoke with Maison founder Ashley Wu on why the club is so much more than just a co-working space.

If the Classic Car Club Manhattan subscribed to Hotel California rules — you can check out, but you can never leave — their members would probably be giddy. Because beyond the Porsche GT3s and Aston Martin Vantages, the club we like to call “horsepower heaven on the Hudson” just gave itself a radical $4m makeover.

CCC has moved from Tribeca to a sprawling, 40,000 square foot space overlooking the Hudson River. The clubhouse is replete with a massive terrace and bar/restaurant, meeting rooms and lounge spaces. Classic Car Club has transformed, thanks to a $4 million remodeling project, and Clubhouse Memberships are primed and ready.

They may seem like competitors on the outside, but Craft House clients The Wing and WeWork are both truly unique, creating very defined offers for their members. It's not a surprise that within a year after opening their flagship club in NYC, The Wing is looking to expand its women's only club both within NYC and elsewhere. It's also no wonder that this unique offer has caught the attention of WeWork, which recently invested.

Manila House is a private club that brings together a membership selected from communities drawn by shared interests in art, culture, food, business, and politics.