At the end of the 19th century, a group of Spanish aristocrats, with the backing of King Alfonso XIII himself, set out to create something special in Madrid. The idea, inspired by exclusive British clubs, belonged to Carlos María Fitz-James Stuart, great-grandfather of the current Duke of Alba. They wanted to establish a private polo club, and succeeded brilliantly. After opening in 1895, the club quickly broadened its scope, and soon, on land ceded by the monarch near El Pardo, Spain’s oldest golf course appeared. This was the beginning of a legend—the Real Club Puerta de Hierro.
Today, Puerta de Hierro holds an unofficial title as the most elite and exclusive club in the country. Its membership list reads like a “Who’s Who” of Spain. Here, one might spot Isabel Preysler, prominent politicians such as Esperanza Aguirre and Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, or tennis legend Rafa Nadal. King Juan Carlos is honorary president, and his children—then-Prince Felipe and his sisters—spent much of their childhood here, though now their visits have become a rare occurrence.
Currently, around 15,000 lucky individuals have access to this oasis in Madrid’s Casa de Campo park. But here’s the paradox: since 1987, the club’s doors have been permanently closed to new applicants. There isn’t even a waiting list. This is a deliberate policy driven by an almost obsessive commitment to privacy. Journalists and paparazzi are persona non grata, and it is nearly impossible to find photos of the interiors or grounds on social media. Even the club’s official website is a fortress: any basic information requires a login and password known only to community members.
The surnames Villar Mir, Gómez-Acebo, Entrecanales are just a few that appear on the membership roster, representing the elite of Spanish aristocracy and big business. Confidentiality is absolute. Any public scandal involving a member can result in immediate expulsion. And although newcomers are barred, the right to membership is inherited: children and spouses of current members receive it. However, in the event of divorce, this right is revoked. Club members may bring guests, but guest access to facilities is limited, and a visit requires payment—46.5 euros on weekdays and 82 euros on weekends. The full set of privileges is reserved for those who once paid a hefty joining fee of 300,000 euros (50,000 for spouses), not counting the annual payments of about a thousand euros.
For this fee, club members have access to 235 hectares of pristine grounds just four kilometers from central Madrid. The infrastructure is impressive: two golf courses, two swimming pools (for adults and children), facilities for equestrian sports, polo, croquet, paddle tennis and tennis, as well as a modern gym and sauna. For social gatherings, there’s a restaurant with a strict dress code—jacket and tie are mandatory for men—and for spiritual needs, a private chapel.
Thanks to its atmosphere of complete privacy, Puerta de Hierro has become a favorite venue for high-society weddings. It was here in 2001 that Pedro de Borbón-Dos Sicilias and Sofía Landaluce were married in the presence of the royal family. In 2023, the Entrecanales clan celebrated the union of Nacho Domecq Carrion and Natalia Couret here. In the club chapel, a private wedding ceremony was held for the granddaughter of Adolfo Suárez, Alejandra Romero. Traditionally, after the ceremony, guests are treated to a cocktail and dinner in the club’s picturesque gardens.
Beyond weddings, the club regularly hosts prestigious sporting events. Its lawns have seen national and international polo championships, often attended by members of the royal family. In short, it’s a world securely hidden from outsiders, where the cream of Spanish society, the aristocracy and business elite, can feel completely at ease.
