Grace Belgravia, London, UK
Though we love the aesthetics, the idea of men-only clubs has never sat so well with us - but that's probably just because women, for generations, have had little or no equivalent. Times are changing and, although fraternities still very much exist, the past few years have seen a sprinkling of women-only organisations popping-up. Enter Grace Belgravia, a health club with a twist. The brainchild of businesswoman Kate Percival, the exclusive centre takes a holistic approach to women's health and recreation by integrating all elements of wellbeing. At once a spa, a bar, a health-centre, gym, café, library and retail spot, the leather-dotted interior is largely designed by Percival herself.
Geared round women of all ages, the club aims to offer respite from punishing work and care-giving schedules and offer support through key life stages; including fertility, pregnancy, child-rearing, empty nesting, menopause and old age. Every new member is given complimentary assessments from all the resident experts and suggestions are made as to how best they can use the club. Be your needs medicinal, nutritional, fertility-related, sleep-science, genomics or stress advice there's an in-house army of health professionals to help; Matt Roberts (Samantha Cameron's personal trainer) and his team for example are on hand to create a tailor-made exercise regime or the Queen's Apothecary and pioneer of women's health, Dr Tim Evans.
The in-house bar serves juices and, thankfully, alcoholic drinks, whilst the restaurant serves raw food, from cerviche to broths - opening up for men (as invited guests only) on Tuesday evenings. There are even lectures to attend, covering culture and art, current affairs and other relevant topics. A VIP membership with Net-A-Porter is also thrown into the £5,500 annual membership fee. All in all, Grace is something like a dash of Daylesford, a pinch of KX gyms, a dollop of the Hale Clinic and a soupcon of the Connaught bar shaken together to promote contented minds, bodies and souls - it's a unique cocktail.
11c West Halkin Street, London SW1X 8JL, T: 44. 207 235 89 00; www.gracebelgravia.com