11 Places You Will Only Visit if You Are a Millionaire

While it is true to say that it is more expensive to visit some countries than others, there are always cheap ways to get around, and relatively inexpensive places to stay. But then there are places you will only visit if you are a millionaire, purely because of the cost. These include islands, private retreats, hotels in various parts of the world, and even the possibility of soaring to Mars.

#11 Soori Estate, Bali

The Soori Estate: Old Bali Endures by Sanjay Surana.

It’s not a private island, but for those staying at the Soori Estate’s 10-bedroomed mansion it might feel as if it is. Opened in 2013, the palatial 5,250 square meter house features amazing outdoor areas, including a 230-square meter infinity pool, a giant-sized wood and concrete deck, and a luxuriant landscaped garden. There is also a large gym and a gorgeous spa. The largest villa on the island, it offers all the privileges of the best hotels in the world, including 24-hour room service, a private butler, and constant access to a chauffer-driven car. It also has its own grass helipad, which visiting millionaires certainly appreciate since it offers additional privacy when they come and go.

#10 Cocoa Island, Maldives

Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives. 

A private island in the Maldives, Cocoa Island features just 33 overwater luxury suites that allow guests to step directly into the pristine, crystal clear lagoon that offers legendary snorkeling and swimming off the coral reef. There is also world class diving here, and when you feel like being pampered, there are holistic wellness treatments available at the Shambhala Retreat, as well as superb cuisine with a distinct South Indian influence. Prices are relative, depending on your income, but you’ll pay $5,000 a day for a two-bedroom villa in season.

#9 Sandy Lane Resort, Barbados

Photo: Sandy Lane

An ultra-luxurious retreat that caters for royalty, rich and famous celebrities and people with money who appreciate the really fine things in life, Sandy Lane in the West Indies was recently refurbished in a three-year project that cost the owners, The Leading Hotels of the World, a whopping $450 million. Since it reopened, the 112-room hotel has won numerous awards including Trip Advisor’s number one luxury hotel in the Caribbean, and Travel + Leisure’s number one hotel spa in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas. The smallest rooms measure 65 square meters, with two bedroom penthouses measuring 370 square meters.

#8 Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Travel inspiration – Soneva Fushi Resort in Maldives.

Having adopted the motto, “no news, no shoes,” Soneva Fushi on Kunfunadhoo in the western Maldives’ Baa Atoll is a palm-fringed, private-island getaway that is frequented by the rich and famous, including Paul McCartney, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. Located 30 minutes by seaplane from Soneva Fushi International Airport, which is a floating platform of just a few square meters, this award-winning retreat is idyllic. But you won’t afford to visit unless you are a millionaire

#7 Castle Leslie, Ireland

Castle Leslie, Ireland: Personal Effects.

Built in 1870, Castle Leslie in Monaghan County, Ireland is more of a mansion than a fortress. Currently owned by 98-year-old Sir Jack Leslie, the fourth baronet, it is located on a 1,000-acre (405 hectare) property, and has 20 fabulous bedrooms that match the owner’s eccentric personality. Purchased in 1665 by Bishop John Leslie, the castle suites feature original Victorian “Crapper” toilets, and none of them have television sets or telephones. Often millionaires will book the entire castle, as Sir Paul McCartney did when he married Heather Mills there in 2002. Sir Mick Jagger is also known to have stayed at the castle

#6 Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

Royal Villa. Photo: Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

The spectacular Royal Villa at the Greek Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens offers the epitome of luxury in the most beautiful setting. Apart from the incredible accommodation it has available, there is a gorgeous indoor heated pool with a steam bath and fully equipped gym – which comes with a personal trainer. The villa, which also has a dedicated butler, leads directly to the beach via a private pathway. Accommodation comes at a cost of $35,000 a night.

#5 Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez

Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France.

Cannes is a busy tourist destination in France that is well known for its luxury hotels and top class restaurants. And the five star Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, which boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant, is one of the most luxurious. All the rooms are stunning, but the Penthouse Suite on the seventh floor is the best. Guests can choose how many of the four bedrooms they need, and will also have use of a living room, a dining room and two luxurious marble bathrooms. An additional highlight is the bubbly hot water spa on the private terrace that overlooks the Bay of Cannes. All this comes at $37,500 a night.

#4 Hilltop Estate, Laucala Island Resort, Laucala Island, Fiji

Laucana Island Resort. 

One of a number of villas that comprise Laucala Island Resort, Hilltop is owned by the the man who owns the property, Red Bull billionaire Dietrick Mateschitz. On offer at a mere $40,000 per night, it isn’t open to just anyone. Those with sufficient money to pay this expensive nightly rate have to apply to Mateschitz for the privilege of staying there, and only if he agrees and invites you will this unusually lavish Fijian holiday become a reality. Of course swimming and snorkeling come with the territory, but there is also horseback riding on the beach, gourmet dining at the resort’s restaurant, and treatments at the spa.

#3 Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons Hotel, New York City

Ty Warner Penthouse.

Part of an American dream, this lavish 52nd floor penthouse suite took seven years to complete at an incredible cost of $50 million. It’s the highest hotel suite in the city, and the 360-degree views from four glass balconies (including the one above) are legendary. Only the finest-quality finishes have been used in the penthouse that costs $45,000 per night. It is 4,300 square foot (400 square meters) in size and can accommodate up to three adults, or two adults with one child. The penthouse has its own library too, with more than 100 books about culture and art.

#2 Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President, Geneva

Take a VIP tour of the world’s most expensive hotel suite which costs a staggering £52,000 A NIGHT.

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit, but this penthouse suite outdoes any other available accommodation when it comes to cost – an average of $67,000 per night. Believed to be the most expensive hotel suite in the world, it covers the whole of the Hotel President’s eighth floor. There are 12 bedrooms to choose from as well as a gym, hot water spa, and a terrace that overlooks Lake Geneva. Known guests have included Richard Branson, Rihanna, Michael Jackson and Bill Gates

#1 Mars

Space Tourism: Luxe Life on Mars? Photo: Virgin Galactic,

The government of the UK has stated it believes that space tourism might be worth as much as £50 million (more than $76 million) by 2030, and that the spacecraft industry could be worth as much as £20 billion (more than $30 billion). Meanwhile spaceports are being built all over the world. There are already eight in the USA, and Virgin Galactic is still pursuing its plans to launch commercial suborbital flights. But unless you’re a millionaire, chances are you won’t be able to afford to go.