There’s no denying that the super rich enjoy a life of luxury, but when money is no object, how do they choose to spend their time? For the world’s elite, leisure has become nothing short of an art form, with exclusivity and unique experiences at the top of the list and no stone left unturned in pursuit of the truly extraordinary.
From yachting and equestrian sports to high-end travel and Michelin-starred dining, it’s certainly an extravagant way to live, and is as much about status as it is personal fulfillment. It’s not all about lavish experiences though, with those seeking meaning in life going all out to turn their fortunes into something positive.
Here, we take a look at their favourite ways to indulge – and in some cases, make a real impact on the world we live in.
Yachting and sailing
Yachting is a pastime that has long been associated with wealth and increasingly, the ultra-rich are splashing out on their very own luxury vessels in order to enjoy it to its maximum potential. With all the trappings of an opulent home, the superyachts of today feature a host of sophisticated facilities, ranging from large entertainment suites with cinema rooms to private sundecks and even on-board fitness centres featuring state-of-the-art equipment and offering panoramic views of the surrounding water and landscapes beyond. What better way to enjoy a trip to the French Riviera or the Caribbean – and do so in the utmost of comfort and style?
Seen as the ultimate status symbol, owning such an impressive asset is also a symbol of freedom and offers the chance to enjoy life unfettered by the constraints often associated with commercial and boat travel. There are no fixed routes or rigid schedules; the world is your oyster. And serving as the perfect venue for VIP parties where your guests can fly in directly to your helipad, it’s a move that is certain to garner attention in high-net-worth social circles for all the right reasons.
Equestrian sports
The Royal Family are known for their love of equestrian sports, with polo, dressage and show-jumping being particular favourites – and the world’s wealthy, too, have had a long-held affinity for such pursuits. Owning a horse doesn’t come cheap – not least if it’s a thoroughbred – and the care and maintenance required to keep them in optimal health, plus the time and dedication required to train them, can be extensive, so many owners opt to invest in grooms and professional trainers to help set them up for success.
There’s a certain level of dedication required to hone your skills if you’re keen to master any of these sports, but when you have plenty of leisure time, why not? Combining the elegance of horse riding with the thrill of the competition, it’s easy to see what the wealthy love about equestrian pursuits – and for those who progress in their field it can mean competing at prestigious venues across the globe and gaining a real sense of achievement that can often be lacking when you already feel like you have it all.
Lavish casinos in iconic locations
Of course, the ultimate pastime for those with money to burn is a night at the casino – but for HNWIs, not just any casino will do. Chartering a private jet to fly into Las Vegas, Monaco or Macau is the norm for high-rollers seeking high-stakes gameplay against the very best opponents and in the most opulent settings and locations. Eye-watering wagers are often placed and huge amounts may be won or lost, but when you’re surrounded by extravagance in every form, it’s easy not to care which way things go.
While many modern casino enthusiasts are happy to seek out the best casino bonuses online and play the likes of roulette, blackjack and other favourites online via their smartphones, for others, there’s nothing like the buzz that comes from visiting one of the world’s most prestigious land-based venues. Playgrounds of the rich and famous, the likes of Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco and the Bellagio in Vegas are steeped in glitz, glamour and luxury and their appeal, it seems, is simply irresistible to the world’s elite.
Philanthropy
Of course, there’s only so much spending you can do in your life before the buzz starts to wear off, and for multi-millionaires and billionaires who have already done it all, the search for meaning often leads them to philanthropy. Providing a sense of fulfilment that material possessions simply cannot, giving something back through establishing charitable foundations or funding global initiatives is a way to attach wealth to a real purpose and ensure that it leaves a lasting impact on the world for generations.
