WHERE THE ULTRA WEALTHY PEOPLE WENT ON VACATION?

WHERE THE ULTRA WEALTHY PEOPLE WENT ON VACATION?

The top 1%—often referred to as the ultra-wealthy—tend to favor exclusive, luxurious, and private vacation destinations that offer privacy, bespoke experiences, and premium amenities. Based on posts found on X from 2023 and 2024, which align with reports like the Henley & Partners survey, the following destinations are popular among the ultra-rich for their holidays:

1. Miami, USA - Known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury hotels, and private beachfront properties.
2. The Hamptons, New York, USA - A summer hotspot with exclusive estates, private beaches, and high-end social scenes.
3. West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - Offers luxury resorts, golf courses, and proximity to elite social circles.
4. Paris, France - A perennial favorite for its cultural richness, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury accommodations.
5. Santa Barbara & Montecito, California, USA - A discreet coastal retreat with upscale estates and natural beauty.
6. San Diego, California, USA - Popular for its year-round pleasant climate, luxury resorts, and yachting culture.
7. Nice, France - A glamorous French Riviera destination with private villas, yachts, and high-end dining.
8. Napa Valley, California, USA - A haven for wine enthusiasts with exclusive vineyard estates and gourmet experiences.
9. Golden Triangle, Portugal - An upscale region in the Algarve, known for private resorts and golf estates.
10. Aspen, Colorado, USA - A winter favorite for luxury ski chalets, private slopes, and elite social events.
11. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA - A charming, upscale coastal town with boutique hotels and art galleries.
12. Boca Raton, Florida, USA - Known for its luxury resorts, private clubs, and affluent community.
13. Lisbon, Portugal - A growing destination for its blend of historic charm, luxury accommodations, and coastal proximity.

Cover image: Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/grand-hotel-imperiale-resort-spa-over-como-lake-8431053/

Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como, Italy

St. Regis Residence Club - Aspen, Colorado, USA

Velaa Private Island Maldives

These destinations reflect the ultra-rich’s preference for locations that combine exclusivity, natural beauty, cultural prestige, and access to high-end services like private chefs, concierge teams, and secluded accommodations. Posts on X highlight these spots as consistent favorites, often chosen for their ability to offer both relaxation and status.

Keep in mind that trends among the ultra-wealthy can shift based on new developments, global events, or emerging destinations. For instance, some sources suggest growing interest in more remote or sustainable luxury destinations, like private islands in the Maldives or eco-lodges in places like Tasmania, though these didn’t make the X posts’ lists. If you’re looking for more specific insights or newer data, I can search for additional real-time information or analyze related content. Would you like me to do that?

One of the luxury resorts in the British Virgin Island: Rosewood Little Dix Bay

The most expensive vacation destinations for the ultra-wealthy in 2025 combine exclusivity, privacy, and unparalleled luxury, often requiring private transportation like jets or yachts to access. Based on available data, here are some of the priciest destinations favored by billionaires and centi-millionaires, with a focus on why they stand out:

1. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands - Owned by Richard Branson, this private island is the epitome of exclusivity, rentable as an all-inclusive resort for $80,000 per night (entire island) or rooms starting at $5,000 per night. Celebrities like Kate Moss and Larry Page have celebrated major events here, drawn to its secluded beaches, personalized service, and complete privacy. The high cost and limited access (only 28 guests at a time) make it a top-tier choice.
2. St. Barts, Caribbean - Known for its upscale villas, gourmet restaurants, and white-sand beaches, St. Barts is a magnet for the super-rich, with no direct U.S. flights, often requiring private planes or yachts. Luxury villas like Casa Fryzer cost around $10,000 per night, and the island’s exclusivity—lacking mass tourism—drives prices higher. Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez frequent it for its tranquil, high-end vibe.
3. Aspen, Colorado, USA - Ranked as the most expensive U.S. vacation destination in 2024 and likely 2025, Aspen’s ski-in, ski-out resorts like The Little Nell (suites starting at $2,719 per night during peak season) and luxury chalets attract billionaires like Jeff Bezos, who own properties on “Billionaire Mountain.” Costs are inflated by high-end dining, shopping (Gucci, Prada), and activities like private snowmobile tours or hot air balloon rides, with nightly rates often exceeding $5,000.
4. The Maldives - A favorite for Asian ultra-wealthy seeking second homes, the Maldives’ remote private islands, like Kudaadoo Maldives Private Island, offer overwater villas starting at $1,000 per night (off-season) to $10,000+ during peak times. The need for private jets or yachts, coupled with bespoke services (private chefs, diving excursions), makes it exorbitantly expensive. Its appeal lies in untouched beaches and ultimate seclusion.
5. Lake Como, Italy - A haven for celebrities like George Clooney, who owns Villa Oleandra, Lake Como’s neoclassical villas and stunning lake views command nightly rates of $1,000–$5,000+ for luxury accommodations. The area’s 1920s-inspired decadence, private boat tours, and cultural richness drive costs, with real estate averaging $28.5 million for premium properties.

Richard Brenson's Necker Island Resort | Images via virginlimitededition.com

Among these, Necker Island stands out as the most expensive due to its $80,000-per-night price tag for full exclusivity, catering to those seeking a private, tailored experience unmatched elsewhere. However, Aspen is notable for its consistent ranking as the costliest U.S. destination, blending accessibility with extreme luxury, while St. Barts and the Maldives dominate for their remote, yacht-dependent allure. Costs in these locations are driven by limited access, premium amenities (private staff, helipads), and the desire for crowd-free environments.

For 2025, emerging trends suggest the ultra-rich are also eyeing quieter, less “glitzy” destinations like Slovenia, Thailand’s Koh Samui, or Antarctica for private expeditions, reflecting a shift toward “quiet luxury” and unique experiences. If you want specifics on one destination or newer trends, I can dig deeper with a real-time search. Interested?