Terms of service
Welcome to Makena House. These Terms of Service outline the guidelines and policies that ensure a safe, respectful, and inspiring experience for all members and guests across our spaces and events.
RSVP & Attendance Policy
Makena House members RSVP by day for access to the clubhouse. Each RSVP grants full access to all experiences, spaces, and programming for that day — from noon until midnight. Once the daily capacity of 150 members is reached, RSVPs for that day will close. Members are encouraged to secure their spots early to ensure entry on their preferred days.
There are no separate RSVPs for individual events or activations. Once confirmed, members are free to move throughout the house and enjoy the full day’s experiences — from long lunches and poolside sessions to dinners, performances, and late-night sets.
The goal is to keep the energy relaxed, social, and spontaneous — no schedules, no bookings, just good energy, great people, and the freedom to flow.
Perfect — here’s your updated Membership Structure & Admissions Policy with that new guarantee clearly built in.
It keeps the same elegant, aspirational tone but adds operational clarity about referrals and timing.
Membership Structure & Admissions Policy
Makena House memberships are limited to 150 five-day members and open on a rolling basis to ensure the community grows intentionally and organically.
Admissions are handled in small waves, allowing the team to curate a balanced mix of creatives, founders, and cultural leaders from across Africa and the diaspora. Members are selected for their craft, energy, and ability to contribute meaningfully to the collective experience.
Each accepted member may nominate up to two prospective members whose work, influence, or perspective aligns with the Makena ethos. Referred applicants receive priority consideration during the next admission round — and each member is guaranteed that at least one of their nominated members will be offered admission, provided that nominee confirms and RSVPs within one week of being notified of their acceptance.
This referral model allows the community to expand through trusted connections, ensuring that the energy and integrity of Makena House remain grounded in authenticity, creativity, and shared vision.
Once the 150-member cap is reached, admissions pause and new applicants will join the waitlist for future editions or partner events.
Makena House is not about scale — it’s about shared spirit. Membership is for those who move culture forward and create spaces where creativity, joy, and connection thrive.
Refund Policy
All Makena House memberships and passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Memberships are issued for a limited-capacity experience, and each confirmed spot directly contributes to event planning, programming, and hospitality costs. Once purchased, memberships cannot be canceled, refunded, or reassigned to another individual.
If a member is unable to attend, their membership remains valid for access to the private digital gallery, communications, and future priority invitations for upcoming Makena House experiences.
Makena House is an intentionally intimate gathering — every confirmed member helps shape the community. Thank you for understanding and honoring the commitment that keeps the experience possible.
Membership Transfer & Waitlist Policy
Makena House memberships and passes are non-transferable and may only be used by the member whose name appears on the registration. This policy helps maintain the integrity, safety, and intimacy of the Makena House community.
If a member is unable to attend, their membership cannot be transferred or sold to another person. Instead, they may choose to release their spot back to Makena House, which will be offered to the next eligible applicant on the waitlist.
The waitlist opens once the membership cap is reached. Applicants on the waitlist will be reviewed on a rolling basis and notified should a space become available. Members who release their spot remain in good standing and receive priority access for future Makena House editions and partner events.
This process ensures that every space is filled with intention — by people who are meant to be part of the moment.
No Photography Policy
Makena House is designed to be a space where members can be fully present — to connect, create, and experience freely without the distraction of cameras or phones.
To preserve this sense of privacy and immersion, personal photography and videography are not permitted inside the clubhouse or during any Makena House programming. Members and guests are asked to keep phones tucked away and to enjoy the moment without recording it.
Throughout the week, our team of official photographers will discreetly capture highlights, portraits, and candid moments that reflect the spirit of Makena House. Dedicated photo booths and creative sets will also be available for members who wish to take professional-quality photos with friends.
Following each day’s events, members will receive access to a private digital gallery featuring curated images from that day. Photos can be viewed, downloaded, and shared freely from the gallery — ensuring everyone can relive the experience without interrupting it.
This approach keeps the energy of Makena House intimate, authentic, and present — a place where connection comes first, and moments are remembered as they happened.
Photography & Media Use Policy
By attending Makena House, members acknowledge and consent to being photographed or filmed by our in-house media team. These images and videos may be used by Makena House for editorial, marketing, and promotional purposes across digital and print platforms.
Our photographers and videographers are carefully selected to capture the energy and aesthetic of the experience while maintaining discretion and respect for members’ privacy. We will never share or publish imagery in a way that feels exploitative or inconsistent with the values of the Makena community.
Members who prefer not to appear in any published photography may notify our membership or guest relations team upon check-in. We’ll make every reasonable effort to ensure they are not featured in promotional materials.
All official imagery captured remains the intellectual property of Makena House. Members will have access to a private image gallery where they can view and download photos for personal use.
Makena House’s goal is to celebrate, not expose — to document the spirit of community in a way that honors every person in the space.
Perfect — here’s your updated Food & Beverage Policy (with ticketed dinners removed) followed by a new Culinary & Bar Experience Overview written in your Makena House tone — warm, elevated, and rooted in culture and creativity.
Culinary & Bar Experience Overview
Food and drink are at the heart of the Makena House experience — an invitation to gather, share stories, and celebrate culture through taste.
Each day features a menu curated by local and visiting chefs, highlighting the flavors, techniques, and ingredients that define African and diasporic cuisine. From wood-fired braais and coastal seafood spreads to fresh juices and sundowner cocktails, the offerings evolve with each day’s theme.
Behind the bar, mixologists craft signature drinks using regional spirits, seasonal produce, and house-made infusions — creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts lounge, kitchen, and creative lab. Whether guests are lounging poolside, dining outdoors, or dancing into the night, every sip and bite reflects the rhythm of Cape Town and the soul of the continent.
Makena House is more than a members club — it’s a cultural table, where food and music move together.
Food & Beverage Policy
Makena House offers a rotating selection of food and beverage experiences curated by local and international chefs, mixologists, and culinary partners. Each menu is designed to reflect the creativity, culture, and energy of the day’s theme.
Food and beverages are not included in the membership fee. All meals, cocktails, and tastings are billed separately and may be purchased directly from the Makena House bar and kitchen.
Members are responsible for settling their food and beverage accounts daily. Tabs may be opened under each member’s name at the bar or café and must be closed before departure. No outside food or beverages are permitted within the clubhouse.
All purchases made on-site are non-refundable once confirmed or served. Service charges and applicable taxes will be added to all food and beverage bills.
Makena House reserves the right to refuse service to anyone whose behavior disrupts the atmosphere or violates the Member Code of Conduct.
Member Code of Conduct
Makena House exists as a sanctuary for creativity, culture, and connection. Membership is more than access — it’s an invitation to be part of a shared experience built on respect, intention, and joy.
To preserve this spirit, all members agree to uphold the following principles while in the clubhouse and during Makena House programming:
Respect the Space and Each Other
Every member contributes to the atmosphere of Makena House. Treat others with kindness, inclusivity, and respect for differing backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.Be Present
Phones away, energy open. The no-photo policy exists so everyone can experience the moment fully and freely.Honor Privacy
What happens at Makena House stays within the community. Conversations, collaborations, and connections are to be treated with discretion and trust.Engage Authentically
Makena House is a place to relax, create, and connect — not to network or promote. Bring your true self, not your pitch.Protect the Vibe
This is a space for enjoyment, not disruption. Members who disregard the atmosphere, policies, or team direction may have their access revoked without refund.Give Back to the Culture
Every member is part of something bigger — a movement celebrating Black creativity across continents. Share generously, support others, and help the energy grow beyond these walls.
Liability Waiver & Arbitration Policy
By purchasing a membership or entering any Makena House venue or affiliated event, all members and guests agree to participate at their own risk and to release Makena House, its founders, partners, affiliates, and staff from any and all liability related to personal injury, loss, or damage that may occur during any Makena House experience.
Makena House takes every reasonable step to provide a safe and enjoyable environment. However, members acknowledge that activities within the clubhouse and at any off-site experiences may involve inherent risks. Members assume full responsibility for their own actions and safety and agree that Makena House shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, property damage, or other loss arising from their own negligence, misconduct, or failure to follow venue guidelines or staff directions.
Makena House shall not be held liable for the acts, omissions, or negligence of any third-party vendors or partners, including but not limited to chefs, bartenders, caterers, performers, event staff, or transportation providers engaged to support Makena House programming.
In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from membership, attendance, or participation in any Makena House experience, all parties agree that such matters shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered in New York, New York, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Both parties waive the right to a trial by jury or participation in any class action. Each party will bear its own legal fees and arbitration costs.
By completing membership registration, RSVP confirmation, or attending a Makena House event, all participants digitally acknowledge and accept this policy as a condition of entry and participation.