Kohanaiki, on the Kona Coast of Hawaii, is among private residential clubs going the extra mile to … [+]
Kohanaiki
Why do folks join private residential clubs? Beyond the prestige that comes with membership, there exists an array of other benefits, including the chance to rub elbows with fascinating and highly accomplished fellow members; the conviviality of sitting down with one or two friends and clinking cocktail glasses; and the robust networking riffs bookended by hearty handclasps.
Obviously, each of those last three benefits has gone out the window during the COVID-19 pandemic. And though at least six feet of physical separation is essential to flatten the curve, members still need the social interaction clubs deliver to promote mental, emotional and even physical well-being.
For that reason, private clubs across the land are becoming downright inventive in fostering community among members who can’t physically interact. From virtual yoga classes and online meditation sessions to Zoom golf lessons and chef-concocted recipes worthy of at-home experimentation, private clubs have gone the extra mile to ensure many membership benefits can still be savored.
Talisker Club, Utah
For example, at Talisker Club, a premier private residential club in Park City-Deer Valley, Utah, club members are enjoying online live fitness clases, daily curbside meals available from the clubhouse and video golf tips proffered by Thomas Barksdale, Talisker Club’s director of golf. Every Thursday at 5 p.m., Chef Clement Gelas delivers a live cooking class. Members can cook alongside the chef using ingredients from a kit obtained in advance, or simply interact with friends via the live streaming event.
Kohanaiki, Hawaii
Set on 1.5 miles of pristine shoreline on the Big Island of Hawaii’s Kona Coast, the 450-acre Kohanaiki is a private club community that was once the intimate retreat of island royals. The club is renowned for exquisite real estate, Ohana culture and imaginative amenities, from a four-lane bowling alley to a micro-brewery and “secret whiskey room.”
Among membership perks these days are virtual wine tastings; an onsite market obviating travel into town; access to a biodynamic organic community farm where members can pick fresh lilikoi, mango, eggplant and other farm produce; and socially-distanced walks, runs and bike rides along Kohanaiki’s coastal beach trails and paths. Members can also order takeout food form Konane, the club’s crowd-pleasing dining room.
Toscana Country Club, California
Italian-inflected architecture and design are among hallmarks of this upscale private equity residential country club in Indian Wells, Calif. More than 630 homes and estates encircle Toscana’s pair of championship 18-hote Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses.
Toscana has made sure the pandemic won’t leave members restlessly pacing with nothing to do. It has created yoga and pilates videos to help members keep in shape at home. The golf team, led by pro Bill Harmon, has produced training videos helping avid linksmen tweak their balance, control and command of their clubs while the greens are closed. As well, Toscana’s culinary program is permitting members to order high-end meals, including Allen Brothers Prime Steaks, to prepare on their own grills at home.
Whitetail Club, Idaho
Whitetail Club, a 1,300-acre private real estate club in McCall, Idaho, features a 7,200-yard Andy North-designed golf course, as well as fishing, swimming, tennis, boating and more. In other times, Easter brunch might have been served at the Clubhouse restaurant.
But these aren’t ordinary days, and Whitetail Club like any other private club must find ways to foster connectiveness in an era of social distancing. That’s why it made Easter brunch baskets available for curbside pickup. Each featured a country white loaf with pineapple butter and a spring salad, glazed ham or roasted prime rib, and sides like whipped potatoes, broccoli cheddar casserole and sauteed veggies. Carrot cupcakes delivered a taste-tempting crowning touch.