Travel Like a Billionaire: Six Luxurious Destinations
You might think the entries on your travel bucket lists are aspirational – a trip to see the Northern Lights doesn’t come cheap, after all, nor does a cruise to Antarctica – but we all wonder sometimes what these wish lists would look like if money were no object. What if you could not only visit must-see countries, but do so with first-class tickets, luxurious hotels with stunning views, and no thought about the tab at Michelin-starred restaurants? In other words, what would it be like if you could travel like a billionaire?
Welcome to the ultra-luxe world of gilded hotels, iceberg-dodging superyachts, and 24-hour butler service. If you’re indulging your imagination, follow along to a list of destinations where your every whim will be catered to, where adrenaline-rush adventures are followed by soothing spa treatments, and where private suites are fit for royalty. We’ve rounded up six dreamy places to blow those lottery winnings that are just one Powerball ticket away.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
For the ultra-rich who haven’t already bought their own private island, unspoiled Necker Island, owned by billionaire Sir Richard Branson, is available for exclusive hire from US$102,500 per night. This 74-hectare, flamingo-inhabited paradise can accommodate 40 guests across its casually luxurious accommodations, including the Great House, with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Free from the scourge of other holidaymakers, guests can bask on one of the powder-sand beaches, take wakeboarding lessons in crystal-clear waters, or work on their backhand with a pro tennis coach before sitting down to a meal prepared by a culinary team led by Michelin-starred chef Simon Dyer – if they’re not too full from snacking at the floating sushi bar. Moreover, Necker Island meets 80% of its daily energy needs with renewable sources, while Branson also has implemented conservation programs that benefit some of the island’s permanent residents, namely the flamingos that call Necker home.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel has been setting the “seven-star” standard for others to follow since it opened in 1999. Entirely comprising luxury suites, the 321m-high, sail-shaped building claims to be the world’s most luxurious hotel, adorned with 1790 sq meters of 24-carat gold leaf. It provides chauffeur-driven Rolls Royces for guest transport, along with duvets made from feathers hand-collected from abandoned eider-duck nests in Iceland. Naturally, only a Royal Suite will do: for a starting rate of US$1500 per night in low season, a private elevator glides you to 780 sq meters of opulence over two floors, including a library, cinema, chefs on hand to create a personalized menu, and, of course, world-class round-the-clock butler service.
The Chedi Luštica Bay Hotel, Montenegro
While nearby Croatia has long been associated with the billionaire set, it’s only more recently that the super-rich have turned their eyes and wallets toward Montenegro. The Chedi Luštica is just two years old, set amidst a larger resort complex that includes five-star vacation rental condominiums, two marinas, an assortment of private residences, and soon, Montenegro’s first 18-hole championship golf course. The real draw is its private beaches on Trašte Bay off the Adriatic and proximity to the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Kotor and Boka Bay, giving those with deep pockets unique access to this off-the-beaten-path corner of the Balkans.
The Chedi Luštica’s penthouse suite is a “cavernous,” sound-proofed 1765 square feet, with two bedrooms with ensuite baths, a powder room off the living area, a dressing room, and a private balcony with ocean views, which will run you a cool US$14,000 for a week at the tail end of peak season, or about US$2,021 a night.
Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, but art-loving guests at the Empathy Suite in the Palms Casino Resort won’t want to keep quiet. Reserved for US$1 million high rollers or those who can pay the US$200,000 rate for a minimum two-night stay, the 835 sq meter suite was designed entirely – from the bed linen to the cantilevered balcony pool overlooking the Las Vegas skyline – by British artist Damien Hirst. Marble and furnishings are offset by Hirst’s characteristic colorful dots, butterflies, and pill motifs, and the suite displays six specially commissioned works by the artist including Winner/Loser (2018), two sharks preserved in his infamous style. In addition, there’s a “healing salt room,” a gym, two massage rooms, and a 24-hour concierge.
Royal Malewane Safari Lodge, South Africa
Experiencing the Big Five on safari in Africa is atop many wish lists, but the Royal Malewane Safari Lodge, set within the 15,000-hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park area, ensures the most exclusive experience for the discerning holidaymaker. Private game drives conducted by “the most qualified guides in Africa” guarantee an intimate insight into life on the savannah. Back at the lodge, every need is catered for in sumptuous interiors accented by handcrafted Persian rugs and the finest antiques. The signature African Harmony massage treatment, carried out by two therapists in tandem at the award-winning spa, is essential for soothing weary muscles after a long day covering rough terrain. For the ultimate safari, exclusive use of the entire 46-bed lodge can be yours for US$77,000 per night.
Yachting in the Mediterranean
Spending a summer sashaying between French, Spanish, Italian, and Croatian ports is peak frivolity, and hiring a full-service vessel to meander around the Mediterranean starts at about US$50,000 per week, just don’t forget to factor in the marina fees. From around US$3,150 per night during peak season, Italy’s ultra-exclusive Portofino isn’t the priciest place to park your luxury liner, but with only 16 moorings and one oft-closed road in and out of the beautiful village, it’s reserved for the veriest of VIPs. The flashiest spot to splash cash is undoubtedly Monaco, commanding marina fees of around US$100,000 (depending on the size of your boat) to stay in the premier spots for the duration of the Grand Prix.
Heli-ski in Greenland from the MV Cloudbreak
Wealthy adrenaline junkies seeking thrills beyond the black runs of the French Alps might want to consider the ultimate winter sports adventure: chartering the ice-enduring super-yacht MV Cloudbreak for a week of heli-skiing in Greenland for up to 12 people. With no chairlift, taking off from the on-board helipad, guests and their expert mountain guides will be airlifted to some of the most remote terrain on the planet. For all its Arctic-enduring credentials, the 75m luxury liner is the epitome of splendor, featuring exquisite furnishings, a glass elevator to move effortlessly between decks, a spa, fitness suite, and cinema room. One high-octane week of yacht and helicopter experience will set you back around US$1 million.
