Most mums would do anything to ensure the happiness of their children, but would you pay extraordinary amounts so your child could be part of an exculsive club?
Private members’ clubs have historically been a domain for the high paying elite to escape the hoi polloi – now with the opening of Purple Dragon in London, it seems your child can also experience this same luxury.
With a tagline “effortless family time, all the time”, Purple Dragon is a club for parents and children under 12. And it comes complete with a swimming pool, recording studio, soft-play area, cooking room, playroom where the toys are rotated on a three-weekly basis, and relaxation pods where parents can go to read, surf the web or enjoy some moments of silence.
There is also valet parking, a library for grown-ups and a pro golf simulator, which is apparently a hit with the dads. Oh, and if your child is a water baby, they can even take up scuba diving lessons.
For those interested in becoming a member you should be prepared to cough up a handsome fee. Premium memberships cost around $6100 a year for your first child.
And this allows you to turn up at any time, get priority treatment for all classes and after school clubs, as well as entitles you to bring in an unlimited number of guests.
But don’t think this is a fancy crèche or daycare (you pay extra for those services), this place is designed to be a haven where families spend time together.
Since opening in September 2011, the club is now so popular it has a waiting list.
Founder Sharai Meyers is a mother of two and says that Purple Dragon was born out of frustration. After having her first child she was shocked to realise there wasn’t a place parents could just come and hang out with their kids other than a dusty church hall.
“I wanted to create a space where you could drop in and there would always be something fun happening, which worked around your schedule,” she says.
“You can choose to do things with your children, whether that’s swimming, pottery, or playing golf, but you also know that your children are going to have fun if you want to relax.”
Purple Dragon, located in Chelsea, is the third of its kind to open in London; the other two are Cupcake Mum, in Parsons Green, and Maggie & Rose, in Kensington.
Who knows maybe this trend will hit Aussie shores before we know it. Would you pay to be a member at one of these clubs?
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