Tim Gurner, an affluent Australian entrepreneur with a valuation of $929 million as per The Australian Financial Review’s 2022 Rich List, is set to launch an exclusive private social club, Saint Haven, in Melbourne’s Collingwood. The club places health, wellness, and anti-ageing at its heart. Aimed at offering an alternative to traditional members-only clubs, Saint Haven blends luxury with state-of-the-art health offerings, with a vision to expand to other locations in Australia and eventually go international.
Who is Tim Gurner?
41-year-old Tim Gurner is a figure who’s consistently made headlines, not just for his wealth but also for his visions and audacity in the real estate market. With $10 billion worth of apartments in development across Melbourne, including in Collingwood, Gurner has emerged as a significant figure in the real estate sector. He is recognized as a visionary by other billionaires, with Harry Triguboff even describing him as “the future”.
What Services Does Saint Haven Offer?
Saint Haven is not just any social club; it provides a holistic experience, merging health, wellness, and networking. Members can indulge in cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen pods, red light therapy, and more. Personalized health consultations are also part of the package, with Gurner himself undergoing a $250,000 biohacking, anti-ageing package that encompasses full-body MRIs, brain scans, and monthly blood testing. An in-house restaurant serves nutritious, house-crafted meals, while a concierge service offers the luxury of ironing clothes or polishing shoes as members shower in vitamin C-infused water.
Why is Saint Haven Compared to Soho House?
While both are exclusive member-only clubs, Gurner emphasizes that, unlike Soho House which he feels celebrates drinking, Saint Haven is about health and wellness. The intent behind Saint Haven is not just longevity, but a quality life filled with vitality, as Gurner himself claims to aspire to “live to 100 feeling amazing.”
Is There a Membership Criteria for Saint Haven?
Yes, Saint Haven is selective about its members. With a cap of about 500 members, all prospects undergo a personal vetting process. The club aims to maintain gender balance, with no more than 50% of its members being male. There are also strict rules regarding mobile phone use and alcohol consumption. Members get an Oura Ring to monitor their health and a distinctive gold medallion and black wristband for identity outside the club. The basic membership starts at $150 a week.
Who are the Potential Members of Saint Haven?
Gurner claims a diverse membership mix, from business elites to artists, musicians, and more. Jen Mancuso, a 36-year-old fashion stylist, exemplifies the kind of member drawn to Saint Haven. Mancuso, looking for an all-inclusive approach to wellness reminiscent of her mother’s health in her 80s, was intrigued by what Saint Haven promised.
Is Saint Haven a Cult?
With its exclusivity, distinctive identity markers, and the transformative vision it promotes, it’s easy to see how one might draw parallels to a cult. While Gurner admits the club might feel “cult-like,” the emphasis is on positive life changes rather than any dogmatic adherence.
Tim Gurner’s Saint Haven stands as a testament to modern luxury where health, wellness, and networking converge. As the club’s doors open, it promises to redefine the norms of social clubs, offering an experience that’s as transformative as it is exclusive.
