- Tourism is booming again, resulting in crowds of travelers at Instagram-worthy vacation hotspots.
- But the uber-rich, willing to pay top dollar for the best service and amenities, prefer exclusivity.
- These are some places where millionaires and billionaires like to recharge.
During the summer months, if you're not on vacation yourself, it feels nearly impossible to avoid seeing pictures or videos of everyone else's trips to popular hotspots.
"ever since i turned 20, someone is always in japan or Italy," one envious-sounding X user posted. "is it like this forever."
The answer: maybe it is. Tourism is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024, the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported. As such, travelers of all tax brackets are looking for a getaway.
Searching Mykonos or Tulum on TikTok will yield thousands of travel videos that include 20-somethings on girls' or guys' trips and guides on how to avoid the large crowds. But while both destinations still attract several million tourists yearly, some ultra-rich vacationers seek more exclusive locations away from the hoi polloi.
Two big lures for the very wealthy are privacy and top-notch service, however "extra" the request. Travel writer Alexa West — who also spent time as a nanny for a rich family — said that "the ultimate indulgence is spending lavishly on vacations without a care for the cost."
"It's not just about luxury; it's about the experience of your every wish coming true," West said.
Here are four alternative vacation spots for the mega-wealthy.
Aman Resorts
Aman Resorts is a global hotel and resort chain focused on wellness and known for its steep prices. Its Utah-based site, Amangiri, has hosted A-list celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Justin Bieber who want a break from the public eye.
The desert oasis offers amenities such as hiking, an iconic pool, and wellness classes. For one night this summer, rates for its Amangiri Suite can reach more than $9,000. If Utah is too hot, however, Aman has sites worldwide.
Andermatt, Switzerland
Andermatt is home to the Chedi Hotel, considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the Alps. During the snowy months, it's a ski town for the uber-wealthy, but it also offers a championship golf course to visitors seeking some fresh Alpine air in the summer.
The Chedi has a sprawling spa, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant (as well as other restaurants, including one at 2,300 meters), and access to all the outdoor activities that the region is known for.
Monaco
Monaco hosts lavish events that attract billionaires from around the world. Its casinos, luxury shopping, and excess of yachts make it "a playground for the ultra-rich," according to West.
"It's where you can have a suite overlooking the Grand Prix circuit or dock your superyacht next to royalty," she told BI.
The Monaco Yacht Show, held in September, also attracts the wealthy who might want to buy a vessel.
Outside tourism, Monaco is reportedly the world's most expensive place to rent, a recent analysis by global real estate agency Knight Frank found. According to The Wall Street Journal, a 1,200-square-foot apartment would require a monthly budget of $30,000.
Yachts
Five-star hotels have attractive amenities, but luxury yachts unlock another level of privacy and mobility for those rich enough to own or charter one.
Instead of being bogged down by tourists in Mykonos, those aboard a yacht can simply dock at a Greek island of their choice and experience local culture. They can then sail to other Mediterranean summer hotspots like St. Tropez, Sardinia, and more.
"This level of autonomy was what drove a huge surge of in the superyacht market during and immediately following the pandemic," Heesen Yachts chief commercial officer Mark Cavendish said.
But such luxury comes at a very high price. Even chartering a superyacht requires a multimillion-dollar budget.
For example, the Carinthia VII, a 97-meter superyacht that sleeps 12 and is available for charter from Fraser Yachts, has a summer rate of over $1.5 million a week.