7 luxury holidays to tempt world’s richest people this summer
Exclusive trips include private islands in Belize and Montenegro, beach resorts in Ibiza and French Polynesia, a train ‘tour’ in Ireland or safari in South Africa
While many of us pack our beach essentials into suitcases and cars this summer, a small society of elite travellers will stock their private jets with Dom Pérignon for destinations that many people will only ever dream about.
For members of the millionaires-and-billionaires club, summer holidays mean sailing their yachts to Ibiza, in Spain, lounging alongside Richard Branson on Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, and partying until sunrise in St Tropez on the French Riviera.
However, these exclusive hubs make up a mere sampling of what is available to the top 1 per cent.
Jack Ezon of Ovation Vacations says these affluent holidaymakers look for exclusivity, sophistication, and authentic, memorable experiences – and his clients are willing to spend, on average, about US$30,000 per week for it.
“For some, it means privacy and digital detox to disconnect from the world and reconnect with the people they love, the places they go, and most of all, to themselves,” he says.
“For others, it is about celebrating – whether at the best table on the dance floor, the hottest nightclub, or with friends in a see-and-be-seen environment like Sardinia, Ibiza or St Tropez.”
Anne Scully of McCabe World Travel says that when it comes to choosing the right resort, both hospitality and the opportunity to experience a culture are key for wealthy people.
They want to mix Michelin-star dining with authentic local eateries.
“Wealthy people are different because they can afford more choices, but that does not mean they have better vacations,” she says.