In the heart of Miami’s prestigious social scene lies an enclave so exclusive that not even the likes of Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, and Ivanka Trump have reportedly secured entry. This storied institution? None other than one of Miami’s most revered old-money country clubs.
Nestled within the lavish confines of Indian Creek, a locale fondly dubbed ‘Billionaire Bunker’ for its high-profile and ultra-wealthy residents, the Indian Creek Country Club stands as a fortress of exclusivity among America’s elite establishments.
This Florida hideaway, home to luminaries such as NFL great Tom Brady, legendary musician Julio Iglesias, and renowned businessman Carl Icahn, commands a staggering $1 million initiation fee. Monthly dues soar to $44,000 per member—a price tag well within reach for families like the Bezoses and the Trumps.
Yet, gaining entrance is not merely a matter of wealth. For many newly-minted billionaires seeking refuge on this sunny Florida island, the gates of this country club remain tantalizingly out of reach.
Established in 1929, the Indian Creek Country Club boasts a majestic 18-hole golf course, an opulent Mediterranean villa-style clubhouse, and a stunning pool offering breathtaking views of the Miami skyline over Biscayne Bay, as detailed by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Information about the club is so tight lipped, it does not have a social media presence and its website homepage is just a login screen for members.
Members of the roughly 350-person club consist largely of the island locals who have lived there for generations including doctors, real-estate developers, entrepreneurs, attorneys and financiers.
In February, Bezos and Sanchez, who own three properties on the island, attended the annual dock party with the hopes of impressing the board members, people who attended the event told the WSJ.
Indian Creek Country Club is one of America’s most exclusive organizations. The club features a private 18-hole golf course, a Mediterranean villa style clubhouse and a swimming pool with views of the Miami skyline
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez reportedly attended a party in February hoping to gain admission to the club, but have not been invited to join
Although many of the club members lined up to shake the Amazon founder’s hand, six months later he has still not received an invitation to join the club.
Jared and Ivanka, who own a $30 million property on the island, have also reportedly struggled to get admission to the club.
Members told the newspaper that Mary Anne Shula, the widow of Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, sponsored the couple for membership.
She hosted a cocktail party to introduce the president’s daughter and son-in-law to the club’s board.
However, allegedly only half of the board showed up, and the couple still has not been offered admission to the club.
The Journal reported that the power couple are edging closer towards admission, thanks to community-minded Kushner’s heavy involvement in a project to build a new sewer for Indian Creek.
‘Most communities you buy a home, you become a member of the club, and this community doesn’t fall in line with that,’ Dina Goldentayer, a real-estate agent who has sold homes on the island, told the WSJ.
‘It’s the most exclusive single-family home community, it’s the most exclusive private members club.’
The process to join the club starts with a sponsorship from two current members, and letters of recommendation from five others.
Ivanka Trump, who owns a home on the island with her husband Jared Kushner, have also reportedly be denied
Indian Creek Country Club is located on the ultrawealthy enclave of Indian Creek (pictured), which is known as ‘Billionaire Bunker’ thanks to it’s mega rich residents
Then, after impressing other members, the club’s six membership committee members will determine if a person is up for nomination.
At that point, the board of directors, which is made up of 15 members and led by the country club’s president, former AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson, vote, a source told the newspaper.