When billionaires get into their private jets on Friday night, where do they go? Discover the fabulous destinations loved by the world’s wealthiest people.
Weekend Getaways of the World’s Wealthiest
When billionaires get into their private jets on Friday night, where do they go? Discover the fabulous destinations loved by the world’s wealthiest people.
Dinard, France
Known for: Golden beaches, striped beach huts, fresh lobster
Loved by: François Pinault: Majority shareholder of Kering and art collector
Nearest airport: Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo Airport
For Parisians, one answer to the question “Where are you going this weekend?” has more cachet than any other. The seaside town Dinard, 260 miles (420 km) away in Brittany, is known as a billionaire vacation spot, but has retained its relaxed, small-village atmosphere.
With its striped 19th century beach huts, belle epoque mansions and sweeping golden beaches, Dinard may be the most attractive resort on the north coast of France. The area is famous for its gastronomy, in particular cider, butter and the delicious fresh seafood – Dinard’s lobsters and langoustine are famous. For active vacationers, the area is known for golf courses, and contains a number of important battlefields from the second world war.
Among Dinard’s fans is French billionaire François Pinault, who owns the Gucci, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent brands, as well as Christie’s Auction House. Pinault is also known for his impressive collection of contemporary art, which includes works by Picasso, Mondrian and Koons. The business magnate owns a number of properties in Dinard, including the $10 million seaside villa Greystones, built in 1938 but completely renovated in 2005.
The Hamptons, USA
Known for: Mega-mansions, farmers’ markets, charity galas
Loved by: Ronald Perelman, sole owner of McAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, investor and philanthropist
Nearest Airport: Francis S Gabreski Airport
Exclusive, elegant and adored by generations of wealthy New Yorkers, the Hamptons holds a unique place in the American psyche. Since the 19th century, when families like the Fords and du Ponts moved in, the area has signalled elitism. With its combination of blueblood elegance, A-List cool and bohemian charm, there is nowhere more suited for a luxury getaway.
The Hamptons is formed by a quaint cluster of colonial villages on the South Fork of Long Island. The generations of wealthy families who holidayed here left the coast peppered with mansions and villas. With its historic inns, antiquated movie theatres, and roadside farmer’s stalls selling apricots and green beans, the Hamptons is full of old-world charm.
Among the Hamptons’ numerous billionaire homeowners is Ronald Perlman, whose sprawling 57-acre estate, "The Creeks," located close to Georgica Pond, is one of the largest in the area, worth an estimated $120 million. The Hampton’s is also popular with musicians and Hollywood royalty. Leonardo diCaprio, Sir Paul McCartney and Scarlett Johansson all own properties in the area.
Muskoka, Canada
Known for: Red fall leaves, long days boating, hideaway cottages.
Loved by: The Rogers family, owners of Rogers Communications, Rogers Bank and the Toronto Blue Jays
Nearest Airport: Muskoka Airport
With deep blue lakes, rustling woods and a wild bird in every tree, the Muskoka Lake Region is one of the most beautiful parts of Canada. Just over 120 miles (200 km) north of Toronto, Muskoka has been peppered with summer cottages for more than a century. But in the last few years the area has become increasingly sleek and stylish, attracting celebrities like Justin Bieber, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson and Tom Hanks, who all own properties here.
Muskoka is heavily wooded and contains more than 1,500 lakes, the largest among them including Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph lakes. Originally supported by its lumber industry and shipbuilding, the region is now known for tourism and second homes. The area is ideal for outdoor sports; all forms of boating are popular, as is trekking, and there is skiing in winter.
The Rogers family, Toronto-based owners of Rogers Communications, Rogers Bank and the Toronto Blue Jays, own a number of properties here, including a sprawling compound on the north side of Lake Joseph, where cottages fetch upwards of $25 million, and an island getaway on Lake Rosseau.
Lake Como, Italy
Known for: Luxury spas, negroni cocktails, Renaissance villas.
Loved by: Arkady Novikov, the “restaurant tsar”.
Nearest Airport: Lugano Airport.
Surrounded by rolling vineyards, forests and Roman ruins, UNESCO-protected Lake Como is sometimes nicknamed “Italian paradise”. Since Roman times, the rich and famous from Milan, Rome and abroad have flocked here each summer. Since 2001, when George Clooney bought a villa on Lake Como, the area has enjoyed new, feverish levels of interest.
Although the foremost appeal of Como is its natural beauty, there are plenty of activities on offer. The town of Como is a nexus for luxury shops and designer brands. Sailing and windsurfing on the lake remain popular. Many of the lake’s historic villas and gardens are open to the public and some offer historical tours. And if all that sounds like too much, you can unwind in one of the region’s many spas. The area is also feted for its bars, including Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Harry’s Bar (both popular with A Listers) and restaurants.
Arkady Novikov, the Russian restaurant owner nicknamed the “restaurant tsar”, has owned a mansion here, Villa Fontanelle, since 2008 when he bought the house for 33 million euros (approx. $37,671480). Villa Fontanelle, located close to Moltrasio, was constructed in the first half of the nineteenth century by Lord Charles Currie, an English aristocrat, and before Novikov purchased the villa was owned by Gianni Versace and his estate.
All the destinations in this article are an easy, relaxing flight away when you choose private jet rental. We will handle everything, allowing you to start relaxing that much sooner.