When money is no object, it doesn’t take long for run-of-the-mill experiences to lose their shine, and many soon find themselves seeking not just more luxurious experiences, but the most exclusive and opulent of them all.
As the affluent become more discerning – and demanding too – we’ve seen a plethora of extravagant new opportunities emerging over recent years in a bid to cater to their wants and needs, designed for those who crave the extraordinary.
Combining personalised service with unparalleled luxury in every form, experiences like these serve as the ultimate status symbol as well as being big ticks off the bucket list. From private island escapes to being treated like royalty at the most iconic of sporting events, these are the top VIP travel experiences money can buy in 2024.
An extravagant casino-themed break at The Bellagio, Las Vegas
Land-based casinos across the globe have long been attracting the world’s biggest high rollers thanks to their glamorous gambling halls, extensive array of gaming tables and exclusive VIP rooms and programmes. Nowadays, it’s entirely possible to enjoy playing the best live casino games anywhere, anytime via the latest smartphone apps, with online casinos seeking to emulate the allure of traditional bricks-and-mortar establishments through live dealer games and immersive experiences – but there’s still nothing quite like the real thing. The iconic Bellagio casino resort in Las Vegas is the perfect place to enjoy a thoroughly opulent high-stakes gambling-themed escape, and as well as its private VIP poker suites and personalised concierge service, you can enjoy Michelin-starred dining, a plethora of lavish amenities and a sprawling luxury suite to retire to at the end of an evening of blackjack, roulette and other favourite games.
A private island escape to Necker Island
Why settle for a lavish five star holiday to a luxury resort in the Caribbean or the Maldives when you could enjoy exclusive access to a private island and have it all to yourself? Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is owned by Sir Richard Branson and offers next level seclusion, privacy and sheer decadence – and guests get to take advantage of their own private chefs, butlers and a raft of other professionals whose sole task is to ensure you are left wanting for nothing. The island spans 74 breath-taking acres of lush rainforest and beach, and can be rented exclusively for no more than 30 guests, which means no queuing or quibbling over the best Bali beds or restaurant tables, and sheer bliss guaranteed from start to finish.
The White Desert’s incredible Antarctica Experience
If you’re tired of white sand beaches and swaying palms then why not do something entirely different for your next getaway? For those with an adventurous spirit and who aren’t averse to challenging weather conditions, an exclusive expedition to Antarctica could be just the ticket. The White Desert’s Antarctica Experience promises to take you on a truly incredible journey to the world’s southernmost continent, with a five-hour private jet flight from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wolf’s Fang Runway in Antarctica. You’ll stay in a private heated sleeping pod at the plush Whichaway Camp and enjoy gourmet cuisine prepared especially for you by your own private chef, and spend your days ascending snow-capped mountains, navigating ice tunnels and spotting wildlife like penguins and polar bears, making for truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
A private yacht charter in the French Riviera
Sailing the high seas on a private yacht is the very epitome of luxury, allowing you to kick back, relax and enjoy impeccable service whilst sailing between some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. So why not charter an extravagant vessel this summer and head off to the sophisticated French Riviera for a summer you’ll never forget? There are a variety of different luxury yachts to choose from, often featuring their own swimming pools, gyms and entertainment rooms, amongst other luxury amenities. If relaxing on your private sundeck with a glass of champagne in hand, visiting hidden coves for a swim and enjoying fine dining cuisine prepared on board by a private chef whilst being waited on efficiently by your own team of staff sounds appealing, then look no further.
A VIP experience at the Monaco Grand Prix
For sports enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on luxury, there are a number of glamorous VIP experiences to be enjoyed, and for Formula One fans, attending the Monaco Grand Prix is up there with the very best of them. Arguably the most iconic race of the entire season, the edge-of-your-seat action is truly next level, and for the right price, you can enjoy privileged access to the exclusive Paddock Club, which comprises private high-end hospitality offerings and premium seating overlooking the race track. With champagne on tap and a feast of gourmet cuisine to keep you satiated throughout, you’ll even come face-to-face with some of the best-known Formula One drivers in a meet-and-greet experience. And of course, you’ll want to splurge on a private yacht or helicopter to get you there in style, pulling out all the stops in the pursuit of luxury.
