By Mary Thurwachter
Despite a slumping economy, many private island clubs are sitting pretty this summer.
At the Delray Beach Club, a 40-year-old beauty designed by architect Samuel Ogren Jr., summer membership is up 20 percent over last year, said general manager Shane E. Peachey.
“This is a very family-orientated place and people aren’t taking the trips this year,” he said. The club recently completed a $5 million renovation, adding a casual dining room and wraparound terrace. Summer members, who pay about $1,800 per family to use the club from May 1 though Oct. 31, are entitled to use all the club’s facilities, including the beach, pool, tennis courts, fitness center, bridge luncheons, poolside barbecues, valet parking and restaurants. On Friday nights, families can come to mix and mingle with live entertainment, specialty drinks and complimentary hors d’oeurves.
“We have a limited number of memberships available to qualified individuals,” Peachey said.
Summer membership is up 15 percent at the Gulf Stream Bath & Tennis, according to general manage James Calhoun. “We’ve had a good year. People may be postponing overseas trips and a lot of them decided they wanted to be around home.”
At The Little Club near Gulf Stream, a 41-year-old private club that offers guests use of its 18-hole, par-3 golf course and dining, summer membership is up 20 percent, possibly because of a price reduction.
Hilary Roche, managing director of The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, reports a 3 percent decline in summer membership over last year, although the club anticipates a membership increase. Family owned and operated since 1951, the Cabana Club mixes old-Florida charm with a modern color palette, Roche says.
The club offers 250 feet of private beach with a heated saltwater pool and a pavilion architecturally reminiscent of Florida coastal houses of refuge. Beach cabanas, umbrellas, chairs, chaises, bath houses, organic cotton towels and parking are all complimentary for members. Oceanside cabanas rent quickly and this year some pool cabanas are available.
The club is pet-friendly and eco-friendly and, well, downright friendly. Lunch features grilled specialties, sandwiches and salads of locally sourced ingredients. Monthly full-moon parties with live music are popular with members and hotel guests.
The Seagate Club in Delray reopened in December after being closed to rebuild during the past two and a half years. While full-time memberships are being sought, only six summer memberships are being offered this year and four have been taken. Members have a reciprocal relationship with eight other clubs in the area. Summer fees include $2,500 to join plus a $2,500 redevelopment fee (refundable should members choose not to re-join next summer) and $2,500 in dues.
The Ocean Club in Ocean Ridge declined comment on its summer program, other than to say it does have one.
And last, but not least, La Coquille Club, with membership limited to Manalapan residents, offered no news of summer programs. Its clubhouse encompasses the 7 acres of the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, which just completed a $130 million transformation including the addition of a 42,000-square-foot spa.
Mary Thurwachter is a West Palm Beach freelance writer and founder/producer of INNsideFlorida.com (www.innsideflorida.com)
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