As an independent private members’ club dedicated to Bristol’s creative industries, The Square Club has partnered with over forty esteemed members’ clubs worldwide to offer our community exclusive reciprocal access during their travels. Each reciprocal club in our collection has been thoughtfully selected to ensure their values align with ours. So wherever your journey takes you, you can trust there’s a welcoming home away from home waiting for you.
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For this Jet Set feature, we are delighted to introduce you to the Aethos Club in Milan. Created to evoke the feeling of visiting the home of a good friend, Aethos Club is a private members’ club, boutique hotel and soulful culinary destination.
The club has been built around the spirit of their vibrant community of like-minded individuals, who share a passion for exploration, connection and the drive to make a difference. At Aethos, they value the concept that the best communities are the ones where people give just as much as they take.
You will soon discover that there is always something happening at Aethos Milan, who are passionate about hosting events that bring their community together. From cultural to culinary events, their programme is sure to offer experiences for everyone. Whilst visiting the club as a reciprocal guest, be sure to keep up to date with all the happenings to ensure you get the true insider experience!
WHERE TO STAY
Aethos Milan is home to a boutique hotel, which has 32 suites, each with their own spirit. All suites feature a handpicked collection of vintage Italian furniture and original décor, and most have a private balcony overlooking the city. The hotel is located in the popular Navigli district of Milan, which is one of the city’s most dynamic and historically rich areas. Navigli is a hub for art, nightlife, and dining, with charming canals and cobblestone streets lined with trendy bars, cafes and restaurants. The added bonus – as a member of The Square Club, you can get 15% off your booking.
WHERE TO DINE
ZAÏA is a modern, Mediterranean-style restaurant located at Aethos Milan. Their foundational philosophy is that the most memorable meals in Italy begin with the best ingredients. ZAÏA offers a vibrant scene, focused on community, where sharing and discovering new flavours is at the centre of their dining experience.
For a more relaxed dining experience, head to the club’s Doping Bar. On the menu you’ll find sharing platters of charcuterie and empanadas, mains such as the Milanese-style risotto and of course, the dessert menu features tiramisu. We can’t forget their speciality pizze gourmet made with dough that’s been left to rise up for 90 hours and tastes like no other. Whether it’s their signature pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, delicate olive oil and aromatic basil or more unusual combinations such as caramelized onion, buffalo mozzarella, and yellowfin tuna – the menu leaves nothing to be desired.
With Aethos Milan being right in the heart of the Navigli district of Milan, there are copious amounts of restaurants, ranging from traditional Milanese trattorias to contemporary fusion spots. Be sure to explore the smaller streets off the main canals, where you’re likely to stumble upon a wealth of family-run trattorias.
WHAT TO DO
Navigli offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary urban life, making it a popular spot for tourists and a beloved neighbourhood for locals. There is a thriving dining scene, with the foodie focus being as much about the ambience as it is the food. You’ll find restaurants tucked along the canal with picturesque views and plenty of outdoor seating, creating a lively, convivial atmosphere.
The district is also famous for aperitivo, which is the Italian take on happy hour! You’ll find that many bars and restaurants serve drinks accompanied by nibbles such as bruschetta, olives, cheeses, and charcuterie. This makes these bars the perfect spot to while away the hours on a lazy afternoon.
A popular time to visit Navigli is during the monthly Navigli Antique Market, where visitors can browse a vast selection of antiques and vintage items. The banks of Naviglio Grande – the oldest canal in Milan – are transformed into a huge outdoor market, you’ll find everything from antique furniture to books, paintings, jewellery, secondhand clothes and vintage vinyl and glassware. The area comes alive in the evenings, so find a spot to enjoy an aperitivo and people-watch as the sun goes down!
Members of The Square Club can book their reciprocal visit to the Aethos Club via the Sonato Alliance. Click here to explore the full global network.
