Matt Hobbs, CEO of Copper Beech, offers insights into HAUS Private Club Da Lat—a place where members seek connections through inspiring architecture, captivating art, and authentic human interactions
HAUS Private Club Da Lat distinguishes itself with a creative, individual-focused ethos. “For us, especially with founding and committee members, their workplace or career is not our primary concern,” says Matt Hobbs, founder and CEO of Copper Beech.
Known for helping to establish renowned ultra-private clubs such as Soho House and The Groucho Club, Hobbs is behind the development of HAUS Private Club Da Lat, Vietnam’s first ultra-private members’ club. According to Hobbs, HAUS Private Club Da Lat prides itself on being more than just a club—it’s a way of life.
When it comes to membership at HAUS Private Club Da Lat, what matters most are the brilliance, uniqueness, and contributions of its members, beyond what they stand to gain from the club. “We are more interested in how intriguing they are, and what they bring as individuals,” Hobbs explains.
Located within HAUS Da Lat, the property sits on a prestigious five-hectare estate in the heart of the city, overlooking the legendary Xuan Huong Lake—widely regarded as Vietnam’s most picturesque. While HAUS Private Club Da Lat’s membership is by invitation only, and ultra-high-net-worth status is considered, wealth is not the decisive criterion.
“We also welcome talented artists and other culturally significant figures. We value all forms of capital—financial, social, and creative—and evaluate each member holistically.” Feeling at home and connected in the club, and an appreciation for the perspectives of fellow members, are what truly count, says Hobbs.
How have Vietnam’s “quiet grace” and traditional codes of hospitality influenced the concept of HAUS Private Club?
Vietnam is a very elegant country, and its hospitality is equally remarkable. There is a natural warmth and welcoming spirit that we love about Vietnam. As for private clubs, I think that the best membership clubs place the member first. They provide bespoke, meticulous, and beautiful hospitality tailored to each individual and their guests, within environments that reflect not just the country but also the city itself. Clubs are founded on shared values—like-mindedness, connectivity, and community—but they should also feel like a natural extension of the place they occupy.
How did you balance emotional richness over ostentatious luxury, how is this featured in the member’s experience?
HAUS Private Club and Copper Beech are not about ostentation or showmanship. We are driven by quality; our focus is on providing exceptional experiences and access for our members rather than on displaying wealth or status. What truly excites us is creating moments of delight—things members didn’t expect, but resonate deeply with them. This might be recognising a special occasion in a meaningful way, hosting a beautiful event that brings together incredible people, or providing access to exclusive global events.
The club is curated with globally recognised design pieces and collaborations. How did you collaborate with design luminaries such as Kengo Kuma and 1508 London, and what role do they play in creating a “living museum”?
We consider ourselves very fortunate to be in the company of these brilliant operators, designers, and creative teams. Our brief is simple yet ambitious: deliver world-class hospitality combined with HAUS’ unwavering standards of quality. It’s about crafting the most beautiful, original furniture, architecture, and design across all spaces.
Located within an ESG estate and adopting design-forward sustainability, how does HAUS Private Club contribute to both the environment and local culture?
I toured the HAUS office, saw how it build its developments from the ground up, with a mindful approach to insects, trees, and the surrounding ecosystem. It’s inspiring to see a business that not only talks about ESG but also actively implements and builds with ESG principles as its foundation.
Culturally, we are committed to full engagement—environmentally, ESG is at the core of everything we do. We bring these insights into the club, ensuring our members benefit from our deep connections to the cultural scene—not just locally, but globally.
What lasting impact do you hope HAUS Private Club will have on the country’s social and cultural scene?
I hope members feel that it’s a really positive addition to their lifestyle. To be a member of a club that brings them something that they have not had before—some connectivity, community, fun, enjoyment, pleasure, great food, great drinks, and great programming.
Culturally, we should be supporting local communities, artists, creatives, and all the different parts that build up the fabric of the city and the country. We have hosted talks with young writers and actors, and we even put on shows in which the members perform. There are so many different ways you can properly exist in the cultural ecosystem.
Could you give me a bit of background on Copper Beech?
I founded the company seven years ago after spending over two decades owning and managing members’ clubs, including Soho House, Annabelle’s, and the Groucho Club. I believe that as membership clubs grow, community building becomes even more essential. I wanted to start from scratch, creating something bespoke—like a tailor-made suit designed exclusively for each client.
I don’t believe anyone in the world does exactly what we do. Our expertise spans architecture, concept development, financial modelling, project management, and business operations. We handle everything—from the initial idea to execution and ongoing management.
Copper Beech is the name of a tree that I feel a deep connection to. I watch the birds nesting there, and appreciate the ecosystem it supports in my garden in Warwickshire—a quiet countryside area in the UK. I love the vibrant colours of its leaves and see it as a symbol of a resilient, natural ecosystem—something I believe reflects the work we do.
