by Maria Bellotto @thecashmerediaries 

If there are two things that Gou Gous around the world appreciate, these are sans doute the bongusto and the sense of belonging to a community of like-minded souls.

And that is precisely why a self-respecting Gou Gou will have in his or her wallet-guarded like holy cards against the hustle and bustle of modern life-the membership cards of the various membership clubs of which he or she is a member. Sanctuaries of peace, elegance and exclusivity, for centuries membership clubs have been true private oases, tucked away in the heart of some of the world’s most fascinating cities, offering a haven to those in search of peace, camaraderie and a martini cocktail made properly.

Break out the membership, start our tour of the most beautiful, luxurious and chic clubs in Milan, Paris, London and New York.

Annabel’s – 46 Berkeley Square, London

Ladies-only, the AllBright is a club that celebrates female excellence and welcomes ambitious Gou Gous who wish to connect and relax in the heart of Mayfair. The club’s elegant interiors make every member feel at home, while the calendar of events is rich and curated, from CEO dinners and leadership talks to Yoga and Pilates.

The real insider treat? The rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view of the iconic London skyline, a truly unique vantage point!

AllBright – 24-26 Maddox Street, London

Close to London‘s chicest art galleries, Old Bond Street boutiques and Savile Row tailors, Little House Mayfair is part of one of the world’s most famous club networks, Soho House.

What do we love? The Drawing Room with fireplace, where you can show up strictly in a tartan skirt or Aran sweater (yes, even in summer), the restaurant with its signature Sunday Roasts (very British, indeed) and the art collection, for Gou Gous who know about it.

Little House – 2 Queen Street, London 

Let’s cross the Channel and brush up on our French, because we are finally in the Ville Lumière. And whether you regret the ancien regime or are more Gou Gous from the nouvelle vague, the Saint James will make your hearts overflow with good taste with its timeless elegance and French sophistication.

Whether members eat croissants in the jardins, feast on fois gras in the restaurant (starred, ça va sans dire), loiter in the art gallery or are busy attending exclusive events, this 19th-century chateau exudes old-world charm-the perfect place if you’ve ever wanted to have a little episode of Stendhal syndrome. Bring on the smelling salts, mon dieu!

Saint James – 5 Place du Chancelier Adenauer, Paris

Let’s stay in good old Europe, but let’s cross the Alps to Italy’s fashion capital: Milan. Here Aethos Club is a little gem tucked away in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, right on the Navigli.

Conceived as a true home away from home, Aethos Club welcomes a lively and vibrant community, which during the day works in the terrace and lounge, while in the evening makes a mandatory stop at the iconic Doping Bar, one of the most eclectic cocktail bars in the city.

The events calendar has something for everyone: whether you want to participate in a sound healing session, have a Sunday brunch al with jazz music in the background (too chic) or munch on popcorn sinking into a velvet couch during a movie soiree – you’ll find what’s right for you here!

Insider tip? One of the lounges houses a life-size ostrich, while the ZAÏA restaurant offers some of the best risotto alla Milanese in Milan. Gou Gou‘s word!

Aethos Club – Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio 8, Milan

Inspired by Harry’s Bar in Venice where international personalities gathered, Casa Cipriani today brings together in Milan a refined, eclectic and cosmopolitan community of those who love the simple pleasures of life.

Casa Cipriani recalls the elegant and comfortable environments of old English gentlemen’s clubs, with references to Italian classicism, giving life to a unique place where traditions meet style.

Highly recommended to all Gou Gous except Instagrammers – unless they need a detox – photography and video filming are in fact strictly prohibited in all areas of the Club.

Casa Cipriani – via Palestro 24, Milan

Soho House needs no introduction when it comes to clubs. And if we visited the London location earlier, the one in New York, located in the Meatpacking District, is also a must-see: an industrial-chic gem, with luxurious furnishings and a relaxed atmosphere. After all, you know, the Big Apple can be so stressful.

The House in New York is certainly no match for its British counterpart: from the rooftop pool with cocktail bar to theprivate cinema and spa, members are spoiled for choice.

What can’t you miss? The fried oysters in the restaurant, with tartar sauce. You’ll thank us later, for real.

Soho House – 29-35 9th Avenue, New York

Gou Gous, we end this review of the gourmode clubs with a true New York hidden gem: the Fotografiska. An extension of the renowned Fotografiska Museum, this club welcomes photography enthusiasts and art connoisseurs with a potpourri of art, culture and photography.

Already we can see you, prowling around in total-black looks with scarves like consummate vernissage regulars, nodding mysteriously and concentrating in front of the artworks, scattered literally everywhere in the Club, or joining the exhibitions, workshops and lectures by leading photographers and artists.

Fun fact? The Club is located in none other than the Church Missions House, made famous for being the mansion object of Anna Delvey‘s desire in the Netflix series, Inventing Anna.

Fotografiska – 281 Park Ave S, New York

Alors, Gou Gous, how are we doing on membership? Are you loyalists of just one Club, or are you members of all possible and imaginable communities? Are you more St. James’ or Fotografiska?

Whatever your style, these Clubs are little havens of buongusto, the epitome of the modern retreat, where you can bask in front of a fireplace, drink an Americano or talk about maximum systems and plan the Gou-Gous-conquest of the world-all you need is to whip out a membership card and feel part of an exclusive Club.

A bit like masonry, after all. Did we say it? Yes, we did.