The Bay Club

The Bay Club in Carmel Valley, CA, a suburb of San Diego, is an interesting place.  Unlike early health clubs, the Bay Club is not a work out place but more of a lifestyle club. Yes, there is a huge exercise room, pools, and tennis courts, but there is also a cafe, bar, yoga studio, and spa. One can have business meetings there and work quietly in the computer room.There are social events, seminars, and lessons for everything. Kids go to camp there in the summer, and parents can leave their children in the club day care, while they work out.


There are Bay Clubs all round California, and a membership entitles one to go to any facility. Recently the Carmel Valley Club added a golf course to its holdings, and now Bay Club members can join the golf club for an additional fee, which is much less than a traditional country club package. There is also a course at the Marin County location, and greens fees are complimentary to Bay Club members from other locations.

The Bay Club is a new recreational model, and it is gradually replacing the old country club model. It attracts young athletic, active families, and focus more on life style than social class.