For multibillionaires and top celebrities, travel goes beyond seeing places. Many of them like owning the place or a slice of it perhaps, not to mention the jet that flies them to their favorite destination.
But who is the truly wealthy? Forbes defines the super-rich as having a net worth of more than $500 million. There seems to be about 5,625 families this rich worldwide. These people are likely to experience any or all of these luxury travel trappings by the super-rich.
1. Favorite hideout – Marina di Portofino, Italy
The once quaint fishing village is now an exclusive retreat for billionaires and celebrities. It’s so exclusive that it only has one road for entry and exit and parking spots, not for supercars, but luxury yachts. A-list guests include Steven Spielberg, Andrey Melnichenko, and Rihanna.
2. Leisure home in Europe – Cote d’Azur, France
The French Mediterranean town is a popular second home for the wealthy, notably multibillionaires from Russia and the Middle East. Average real estate is earmarked at $28.5 million for a five-bedroom property. It’s near Monaco and Nice and boasts of year-round sunshine and warm blue water, earning the town the top spot in the number of luxury property purchases last year, according to Prime Enclave Index by U.K-based Savills, a popular index on property purchases by the super-rich.
3. Leisure home in the Caribbean – St. Barthélemy
Outside of Europe, St. Barthélemy is the prime destination for a leisure home in the Caribbean, according to the same report. British buyers outnumber other nationalities in owning a piece of this volcanic island. If you own a property in St. Bart, some of your famous neighbors include Jay-Z and the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
4. Leisure home of Asians – Maldives
The new super-rich from Asia are pumping more money into luxury markets worldwide and Maldives is in their mind. The tiny island country is cited by Prime Enclave to be the preferred destination for a second home (or maybe third or fourth) by the ultra-wealthy from Asia. The island is remote enough from many commercial flights that you need to bring your own plane or yacht.
5. Favorite mode of travel – Jet & yacht
Here’s a typical transportation by the super-rich while on a leisure trip. They’ll fly on their 747 with the whole entourage and bring with them an army of supercars to travel on land. If there’s an island trip or a cross-oceanic agenda in the itinerary, they make sure the luxury yacht is ready at the port of call. They may bring along a helicopter or a private sub should there be nooks and corners that their jet or yacht can’t get into.
6. Favorite next top destination – Space
Even the super-rich have to fall in line and wait. Space travel is more than ever feasible as a few private startups led by Virgin Atlantic plan to offer the first commercially viable space tourism package—air included—in the next few years. To date, only the Russian Space Agency had provided space travel for private individuals, but the program is erratic and limited.
7. Favorite club – Ibiza, Spain
It’s truly the clubber’s heaven, a favorite party stopover for the truly wealthy. Ibiza boasts a number of the most luxurious nightclubs in the world, including Space (the world’s best club), Club Pacha (an industry institution), and Privilege (the world’s biggest club). But the place is equally stunning for its over a hundred miles of beautiful coastline and numerous private beach coves where the super-rich can spend curing their hangover.
8. Travel app for the truly rich – Concierge anywhere
Did you forget something on the other side of the planet while on vacation and you want it picked up? Or you want fresh lobsters from the Caribbean delivered to your room… in Australia? No whim is too silly to handle for The Quintessentially Lifestyle app, which offers a round-the-clock concierge service for wealthy members. Just access the app and submit your whim and someone somewhere will do the task.
9. Favorite ski town – Aspen, CO
The ski mountain town will always be a favorite winter destination for the super-rich and celebrities including, Mariah Carey, Goldie Hawn, and Elle Macpherson. But Aspen is not just a destination. It has a whole residential zone that boasts multibillionaires for residents with property prices ranging around $10 million.
10. Favorite business and pleasure – Davos, Switzerland
It’s the A-list gathering of world movers and shakers, mainly the super-rich who have the means to move and shake us all. Billionaires, heads-of-state, and the world’s most influential personalities meet every year at the World Economic Forum to discuss political, business, and social issues. But it’s not all serious talk in Davos. The Swiss town boasts of one of the finest panorama of the Swiss Alps and home to Switzerland’s biggest ski resorts.
If you find yourself in any of these places or situations, let us guess—you’re a billionaire. Then maybe not, but a regular Joe in the service of a billionaire.
What makes a destination ideal for the super-rich?
Destinations favored by the super-rich often share common characteristics that cater to their desires for exclusivity and luxury. Here are the key factors that make these places ideal:
- Exclusivity: Wealthy travelers seek destinations that tourists do not overrun. Private islands, hidden resorts, and secluded beaches provide a sense of privacy and tranquility, allowing them to escape the crowds.
- Luxury Accommodations: High-end hotels and resorts with top-tier amenities are essential. Personalized services, private villas, and premium facilities such as spas and gourmet restaurants are significant draws for affluent travelers.
- Unique Experiences: The super-rich seek extraordinary experiences they can’t find elsewhere. These include private yacht charters, exclusive event access, and tailored activities that create unforgettable memories.
- Cultural Richness: Destinations that offer rich cultural experiences, such as art, history, and local traditions, are particularly appealing. Wealthy travelers enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture with guided tours and private viewings of museums or galleries.
- Natural Beauty: Scenic landscapes and stunning vistas are vital for luxury travelers. Places with breathtaking views, pristine nature, and unique ecosystems attract those who appreciate beauty and serenity.
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Key Insights
- Exclusive Destinations: Super-rich individuals prefer exclusive and luxurious locations such as Marina di Portofino in Italy, Cote d’Azur in France, and St. Barthélemy in the Caribbean.
- High-value Real Estate: Popular leisure homes for the wealthy are in places like Cote d’Azur, with average property prices around $28.5 million, and Aspen, CO, known for its multimillion-dollar properties.
- Asian Influence: The new super-rich from Asia are significantly investing in luxury markets, with the Maldives being a top destination for second or third homes.
- Luxurious Travel: Preferred modes of travel include private jets, luxury yachts, and even personal helicopters or submarines for hard-to-reach locations.
- Future Trends: Space travel is emerging as the next top destination for the super-rich, with companies like Virgin Atlantic leading the charge.
- Nightlife and Leisure: Ibiza is a favored party destination, known for its luxurious nightclubs and beautiful coastline.
- Concierge Services: Apps like The Quintessentially Lifestyle offer 24/7 concierge services to cater to any whim of the wealthy, from global pickups to fresh lobster deliveries.
- Winter Getaways: Aspen remains a favorite ski destination with its high-profile celebrity visitors and luxurious properties.
- Business and Leisure: Davos is notable for hosting the World Economic Forum, attracting influential personalities and billionaires, combining business discussions with leisure in the Swiss Alps.
FAQ
- What is the significance of Marina di Portofino for the super-rich? Marina di Portofino, Italy, is an exclusive retreat known for its limited access, offering privacy and luxury. It attracts celebrities and billionaires who seek a secluded and luxurious environment.
- Why is Cote d’Azur a popular destination for second homes? Cote d’Azur in France is favored for its beautiful Mediterranean location, year-round sunshine, and proximity to Monaco and Nice. It also boasts some of the highest luxury property purchases, making it a prime location for second homes.
- What makes St. Barthélemy attractive to British buyers? St. Barthélemy is a volcanic island in the Caribbean known for its luxury and exclusivity. British buyers prefer it for its pristine environment and the presence of other wealthy individuals, including celebrities like Jay-Z.
- Why do Asians prefer the Maldives for their leisure homes? The Maldives offers a remote and luxurious getaway, ideal for the new super-rich from Asia looking for exclusivity and tranquility away from commercial flights and crowded places.
- How do the super-rich travel to their destinations? The super-rich typically travel via private jets and luxury yachts, often accompanied by an entourage and sometimes bringing additional vehicles like supercars, helicopters, or private submarines for comprehensive travel options.
- What is the future of luxury travel destinations? Space is emerging as the next frontier for luxury travel, with private companies like Virgin Atlantic planning to offer commercially viable space tourism packages.
- What makes Ibiza a preferred party destination? Ibiza is renowned for its luxurious nightclubs, stunning coastline, and numerous private beach coves, making it a favorite party destination for the super-rich.
- How does The Quintessentially Lifestyle app cater to the wealthy? The app provides round-the-clock concierge services, handling any request from global pickups to luxury food deliveries, ensuring that no whim is too extravagant for its wealthy users.
- What attracts the super-rich to Aspen, CO? Aspen is a top winter destination known for its luxurious ski resorts, celebrity visitors, and high-value properties, making it a prime location for both leisure and residential purposes.
- Why is Davos significant for the wealthy and influential? Davos hosts the World Economic Forum, attracting billionaires, heads of state, and influential personalities for discussions on global issues. The Swiss town also offers stunning alpine views and top-tier ski resorts, blending business with leisure.
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