As India witnesses a surge in self-made millionaires, a new generation of private, members-only clubs is reshaping how the country’s elite socialize, network, and unwind—leaving behind the rigid traditions of colonial-era gymkhanas for something far more contemporary.

For decades, India’s upper crust—comprising business magnates, bureaucrats, royals, and military officers—found their social refuge in British-inspired clubs. These elite institutions, decked out with butlers, mahogany furniture, and strict dress codes, were bastions of old money and exclusivity. Golf courses and squash courts served as meeting grounds for brokering deals and nurturing influence.

Today, that image is quickly fading.

As India’s economy expands and wealth creation shifts toward startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs, new-age social spaces like Soho House are taking over. These modern clubs cater to a younger, more diverse elite that values openness, innovation, and global flair over inherited privilege.

A New Playground for the Modern Millionaire

One of the pioneers of this shift is Soho House, which began in London in the 1990s as a laid-back alternative to the stuffy gentlemen’s clubs of Pall Mall. Its Mumbai chapter, located on Juhu Beach and launched six years ago, is now a runaway success. The brand is planning expansions into Delhi and South Mumbai to meet soaring demand.

“The new wealthy need spaces that are flexible and inclusive,” says Kelly Wardingham, Soho House’s Asia director. “It’s about community, creativity, and opportunity—not legacy or lineage.”

Unlike the traditional clubs that once turned away Bollywood actors, Soho House embraces India’s vibrant creative class. Members can attend workshops, network with investors, or simply relax at the rooftop pool—all while brushing shoulders with cultural influencers, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Opening Doors, But Still Not for All

Young filmmaker Reema Maya credits her Soho House membership with giving her access to Mumbai’s film elite—an opportunity previously available only to those with “generational privilege.” The club’s ethos is rooted in achievement, not ancestry.

But that doesn’t mean it’s open to everyone. Membership at Soho House costs ₹320,000 annually ($3,700)—a steep price in a country where a majority still live on modest incomes. Entry is still invite-only or requires a referral, placing these spaces far out of reach for most middle-class Indians.

Demand Soars, Supply Expands

Old-school gymkhanas still have long waiting lists and limited capacity, unable to accommodate India’s swelling class of self-made millionaires. This demand has sparked a wave of new entrants into the elite club space.

Independent outfits like Quorum and BVLD, along with hospitality giants such as St. Regis and Four Seasons, are opening up more than two dozen new clubs across India. At least six more are expected in the near future.

According to a report by Axon Developers, the market for exclusive clubs is growing at nearly 10% per year, fueled in part by the pandemic, which pushed the wealthy to seek private, safe spaces over public venues.

A Mirror of India’s Inequality

These ultra-exclusive clubs reflect the duality of India’s economic growth. Since liberalization, the rich have grown wealthier at an exponential rate, widening the gap between them and the rest of the population. India’s luxury sector is booming, while everyday retail battles low demand.

Still, for those building the future of luxury networking, the outlook is strong. India’s population of 797,000 high-net-worth individuals is expected to double within just a few years—still a small fraction of 1.4 billion people, but enough to fuel a thriving industry centered on exclusivity and elite experiences.

In this new era, the elite may look different—more self-made, tech-savvy, and globally minded—but the gates to luxury still remain tightly guarded.