5 Winter Destinations Billionaires Love — and Your Cost To Visit
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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There are a lot of perks to being a billionaire. Understatement of the millennium, we know — but the freedom to pack your bags (or, rather, have them packed for you) and jump onto a waiting private plane to be whisked away to the winter destination of your dreams ranks high among the desirables. Billionaires don’t vacation like the rest of us during the winter: They do their Netflix binges between skiing or sunbathing on elite beaches.
To see how the 1% truly lives, GOBankingRates decided to explore some of the prime vacation destinations for the billionaire class. And just in case you happen into a massive raise or a winning lottery ticket, we’ve included the average cost you might expect to pay if you wanted to join the wealthy.
1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Of course, a Swiss vacation was going to top the list of winter destinations billionaires love. And St. Moritz isn’t just known as a playground for the ultra-wealthy; it’s also a retreat the European aristocracy has flocked to for centuries.
The very old and the new rich alike are drawn by the glamour of five-star hotels, as well as private chalet rentals — complete with personal butlers and chefs. Visitors can play polo on a frozen lake — no, really, that’s not a Bond villain activity — while also skiing on some of the world’s most breathtaking slopes.
However, access to all these amenities, including Michelin-starred dining, doesn’t come cheap. According to Expedia, the average traveler can expect to spend about $800 or more per person to stay at more luxurious lodgings — and that doesn’t even factor in the cost of food or other amenities.
2. St. Barthelemy
If you want to party with everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Jeff Bezos during the winter, you’ll need to park your megayacht in the waters of St. Barts. The Caribbean getaway has become a who’s who of the ultra-wealthy and famous — to the point that it’s informally known as the “billionaire’s island.”
The immaculate beaches, all-inclusive resorts and crystal-clear waters — perfect for swimming and displaying megayachts — all appeal to the elite. But what really sets St. Barts apart as a winter, or frankly year-round, haven is the privacy and seclusion. The upscale amenities, VIP services, gourmet dining and sailing don’t hurt, either.
Getting the chance to hobnob with the rich and famous comes at a price. According to TripAdvisor, even a less expensive hotel stay will cost at least $1,000 per person — not including fine dining, boat rentals or other amenities.
3. The Maldives
The Maldives has become practically synonymous with elite travel, providing the wealthy with private island resorts such as Velaa, Joali and Soneva, where guests can enjoy bespoke services including personal butlers and private chefs. As if that weren’t impressive enough, travelers can also stay in iconic overwater villas — bungalows built securely above crystalline waters.
Booking a trip to the Maldives requires a hefty budget. According to Kayak, travelers can expect to pay at least $1,000 on average for lodging — again, not including food, transportation or other amenities.
4. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Imagine being wealthy enough to own a 74-acre island. If you are, you might be Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, who owns Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. The island is so private and exclusive that it served as a winter vacation destination for former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama in February 2017.
The island accommodates up to 40 people and rents for $102,500 per day. That price includes access to two beaches, private pools, a personal chef and a staff of about 100. Guests might also spot non-native exotic animals, including lemurs and kangaroos, that Branson introduced to the island.
5. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, attracts billionaires and everyday travelers alike. Tech moguls and movie stars flock to the slopes while enjoying world-class dining and luxury resorts.
In a Business Insider article on billionaire vacation hotspots, writer Madeline Berg cited Charlie Garcia, founder of the centimillionaire membership club R360, who said Aspen ranks among the most popular ski resorts for the ultra-wealthy.
Even without an R360 membership, travelers can enjoy an Aspen getaway — though it won’t come cheap. Expedia lists one of the least expensive stays at more than $1,000 per traveler for seven days. A seven-day stay at the St. Regis Residence Club, Aspen, costs a formidable $23,023.
Billionaires are just like the rest of us in their desire for fun, luxury and privacy during a winter retreat. The difference is they can afford to travel wherever their mood takes them — while everyone else stays home binge-watching favorite shows on the couch.
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