A Fresh Take on Membership Clubs for the Modern Traveler
Private members’ clubs have long been associated with tradition and exclusivity, often catering to a specific lifestyle centered around legacy country club values. However, there is a noticeable shift as more sophisticated, well-traveled individuals seek fresh alternatives that harmonize community vibes with upscale resort comforts. Pendry Hotels & Resorts captures this evolving spirit with its innovative concept: The Elwood Club in Newport Beach, Southern California.
Blending Community with Resort-Style Luxury
Designed to serve the discerning residents of Newport Beach and neighboring areas, The Elwood Club acts as a vibrant social hub where exceptional design meets a variety of amenities. It offers an environment tailored to members who appreciate more than just golf courses and tennis courts—they desire memorable spaces, unique programming, and easy access to high-end hotel offerings like Spa Pendry, a fitness center, and the resort’s pool.
Michael Fuerstman, Pendry’s co-founder, stresses that the club is a local treasure reflecting the tastes of members who have encountered the best private clubs and entertainment venues around the globe, but want that allure right in their own backyard. The inviting atmosphere encourages connections among members, achieving a sense of community rarely found at traditional country clubs.
The Design: Breaking Away from Seafoam Expectations
The club’s interior is anything but typical “coastal chic.” Studio Munge, the design firm behind the look, opted for a lush, garden-inspired theme featuring deep greens and blues, rich textures like velvet, and classic dark wood elements that evoke timeless glamour. Each room boasts a distinctive character which enriches the member’s experience as they move through the club’s richly curated spaces. Art plays a pivotal role, with contemporary pieces throughout the halls personally chosen by Fuerstman, blending sophistication with a layer of surprise.
Crafting the Member Experience
Keith Du Ross, the Membership Director, highlights that the role transcends just member selection—it’s about curating a day-to-day lifestyle. Understanding the gaps in local private offerings helped craft programming that pulls together resort perks, wellness options, and social spaces.
Example of a Perfect Day at The Elwood Club:
- Morning workout in the Pendry resort gym, followed by a cryotherapy session or steam at the spa
- Business meetings in the boardroom
- Casual breakfast or lunch in the pub, on the restaurant patio, or poolside
- Relaxing sunset with curated playlists, specialty cocktails, and seasonal treats by the pool
At night, members enjoy intimate dinners at the in-house Italian restaurant, while the children are entertained in a dedicated kids’ club. Afterward, adults can gather in a moody, jazz-inspired lounge featuring live music, play golf simulator games in the pub, or unwind by the fireplace with cocktails.
Wellness at the Heart of Membership
A key component of The Elwood Club’s appeal lies in its extensive wellness offerings. Members have full access to the spa, gym, pool, and a curated weekly schedule of fitness classes such as Pilates, yoga, and HIIT. Wellness here is holistic, extending beyond traditional exercise to experiences like sound baths, reiki, tarot readings, and specialty facials—all designed to be complementary for members.
The club partners with renowned wellness experts and celebrity trainers, adding variety and excitement to the mix. This approach redefines wellness as not just physical fitness but as a joyful, confident, and dynamic part of life.
Inclusive Membership and Future Expansion
The Elwood Club currently opens its doors primarily to Southern California local applicants, but Pendry also extends honorary memberships to guests staying in select executive suites. This blend of community focus and guest access establishes a welcoming bridge between residents and visitors.
Looking forward, Pendry intends to expand this family-friendly and design-led membership model to other locations, signaling a new era for private clubs that prioritize lifestyle, wellness, and communal connection over mere exclusivity.
How This Innovation Connects With Taxi and Transfer Services
As private members’ clubs like The Elwood Club continue to evolve, so too does the demand for reliable, personalized transportation options that match the luxury and convenience members expect. Platforms such as LocalsRide.com empower travelers visiting upscale clubs or resorts by offering the ability to select the exact vehicle and driver details in advance, ensuring seamless transfers to destinations like airports, city centers, or private clubs.
| Feature | Benefit for Club Members |
|---|---|
| Pre-Booking Specific Cars | Choose the perfect luxury or spacious vehicle to fit style and group size |
| Driver & Vehicle Info Transparency | Know the exact fare, car make/model, and driver rating before booking |
| Global Availability | Access to taxi and private transfer services worldwide, suitable for members and guests arriving from afar |
Key Takeaways on The Elwood Club Experience
The Elwood Club redefines what private membership means today by combining the best of luxury resorts with a curated social and wellness lifestyle. Its deliberate design choices abandon predictable aesthetics in favor of unique ambiance, making every visit special. Members benefit from versatile spaces for work, family, and leisure, paired with an impressive wellness calendar that extends beyond typical gym routines.
Personal Experience Over Reviews
While glowing reviews and detailed feedback offer insight into the club’s appeal, nothing quite matches the firsthand experience of being immersed in the community and enjoying all the amenities. Fortunately, for travelers and locals seeking reliable and affordable rides to places like Elwood Club or other luxury destinations, LocalsRide provides an unmatched service platform. Users can hire verified drivers with vehicles tailored to their preferences, all at transparent prices that prevent unexpected costs or disappointments.
This combination of convenience, variety, and competitive pricing is essential for today’s traveler who values both luxury and smart decision-making. Get the best offers on transfers and private rides with LocalsRide.com.
Looking Ahead: Impact on Travel and Transfers
Although the rise of such innovative private clubs may not instantly reshape the entire global tourism landscape, they signal a trend toward lifestyle-centered travel experiences that prioritize customization and quality. For service providers in taxi and transfer industries, adapting to these discerning demands means offering transparent, flexible, and tech-forward solutions. LocalsRide stays well attuned to these shifts, ensuring that users worldwide can travel effortlessly and confidently.
Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.
In Conclusion
Pendry’s Elwood Club introduces a fresh blueprint for the private members’ club by weaving together luxurious design, inclusive community, and comprehensive wellness offerings. With thoughtful attention to atmosphere and programming, it caters to sophisticated individuals seeking more than the traditional country club experience.
For travelers and members visiting such upscale spaces, having dependable, transparent, and customizable transportation options complements the overall luxury experience. LocalsRide.com fulfills this role by providing an extensive selection of vehicles and verified drivers, ensuring seamless rides to the airport, city venues, or exclusive clubs. Whether it’s the exact car type, clear fare, or trust in service quality, LocalsRide is the go-to platform for booking private transfers that keep pace with the evolving demands of today’s sophisticated traveler.