When it comes to ~rich people holidays~ as much as I would love to be a fly on the wall — or should I say sand? — of the Amalfi Coast, my bank balance has sadly killed that dream.
However, that doesn’t mean my curiosity is dead. And if I can’t join the elite on their trips, I at least want to know every single little detail about where they vacation. Luckily for me, Mamamia’s own Claire Murphy knows a thing or two about the topic.
“From sun-soaked beaches to snowy mountain retreats, celebrities and the ultra wealthy seek out exclusive destinations that offer privacy, opulence, and unforgettable experiences,” Claire said on Mamamia’s The Quicky podcast.
Watch: Modern Etiquette — Travel. Post continues after video.
There’s Saint Barts in the Caribbean, where Jennifer Lopez and Jeff Bezos unwind in complete privacy. Pop superstar Rihanna also frequently retreats to Barbados, her homeland, where the iconic Sandy Lane Resort hosts music moguls like Simon Cowell. Over in France, the French Riviera continues to captivate jetsetters, with big names like Beyoncé and Jay-Z frequenting the glamorous beaches and dining spots.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Lake Como is almost synonymous with George Clooney — who owns a villa there — and the surrounding landscapes draw stars like Julia Roberts. On the other end of the spectrum, Aspen, Colorado transforms into a winter haven, with celebrities like Margot Robbie and the Kardashians enjoying the ski slopes.
For those stars who crave complete seclusion, the Maldives are the place to be, with pristine overwater bungalows and unrivalled privacy. Richard Branson’s Necker Island is another exclusive spot for the elite who want to rent an entire private island. Then there’s the Hamptons — a favourite amongst New York’s affluent crowd.
So, what do all these luxurious retreats have in common? They’re not just about opulence, but about total exclusivity. These spots are where the rich can completely escape from prying eyes.
But that only scrapes the surface of the life of luxury. So, to learn more about how rich people travel, Claire spoke to Emma, Director of Portmanteau Travel, who revealed that many of the elite love to spend their time on water.
“Whether that is a super yacht in Greece, which is very popular, or Croatia is very popular for yachting,” Emma added. She even shared how this past summer, a client of hers hired a mini-ship for a big family holiday.
“[A mini-ship] is a cross between a super yacht and a ship. They have vessels between, let’s say, 12 to 18 cabins. So, with 18 cabins, you’ve got 38 passengers. You can go on this luxury mini-ship. Some of them have cinemas, spas — you’ve got all your water toys. It’s absolutely luxurious.”
While most of us wouldn’t typically be in the market (or tax bracket) to rent a mini-ship, Emma was quick to point out that sharing the experience with a large group could make it surprisingly affordable.
“If you divide it by 38, it’s extremely reasonable. So it would be in the range of 100,000 euros, which I think is about $163,000 Australian for a week. It’s a big sum, but if you’re going to divide 163,000 between 38, it’s not very much.” (For what it’s worth, it’s around $4,290 each.)
Emma also said that some rich people favour experiences that are unique, rather than costly.
“My clients want something to do most days that’s really special, really different. It doesn’t have to be super, super, super expensive all the time, but it’s things that are very different.”
Activities like private wine tastings with top sommeliers in France, after-hours access to museums in Italy, and even staying in castles make up some of their bucket-list getaways.
“I’ve just had a client this summer who stayed in a castle in Scotland all on his own,” said Emma. “In fact, he stayed in Sir Winston Churchill’s suite, but he had the whole thing to himself, with about twelve staff running after him.”
While we can’t all afford a private jet or castle getaway, Emma did share a few tips for experiencing luxurious holidays without the hefty price tag.
“I think if you could find a really beautiful luxury home and get 10 or even 12 people together and are willing to divide the cost, that is a really special way,” said the travel expert.
Emma also encouraged those on a smaller budget to get creative with where they vacation.
“Think about what there is where you’re going. Think about what you can see and do that is mind-blowing.”
She noted that wealthy travellers often enjoy experiences that don’t require an expensive price tag — like snorkelling with sea turtles in Indonesia, or walking along pristine white sands.
But for those determined to make it to the Amalfi coast with the Clooneys one day (guilty), Emma had one final tip.
“I set up a direct debit into an account called ‘holiday,’ just some amount that wouldn’t concern me, and I wouldn’t notice… and then in a year, two years, three years, you look at the account and go, ‘I can go there,’ so you could maybe afford your holiday of a lifetime if you do that.”
Listen to the full episode below.
Feature Image: Instagram/@kyliejenner/@victoriabeckham
