All of us have dreamt of becoming a millionaire at one point, if not every single day, of our lives. However, those of us who were lucky enough to win the grand prize of a lottery or worked really hard to become one, don’t have to dream about it anymore, but these super-rich have to get away from it all. So, here’s a list of billionaires and their favorite getaways.
1. Antigua
Long considered an also-ran in the Caribbean building boom, Antigua has developed its reputation as a chic island address. Antigua has attracted mansion buyers like Giorgio Armani, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey and Eric Clapton (who even has a private drug rehab clinic on his property). Other celebrity homeowners include the Virgin Atlantic mogul Richard Branson and the actor Timothy Dalton, who equally love the serenity created by the crystal-clear Caribbean water and the region’s perfect palm trees along the beautiful coastline.
2. Sardinia, Italy
For years Italy’s prime minister and media magnate billionaire butted heads with Sardinia’s president, Renato Soru, over development issues. The former sought to expand Villa Certosa, his 150-acre playground on the island’s northeast coast. The latter had ordered no more construction near the shoreline. Berlusconi moved forward anyway and built an artificial lagoon, two more pools and even a James Bond villain-style underwater entrance; he classified the construction as a “state secret.”
3. Wildcat Ridge, Colo.
Free-spending Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich loves the world’s best skiing and beautiful views for miles. Abramovich paid £18 million–at the time worth approximately $35 million–for a 200-acre ranch on Wildcat Ridge near Aspen. His neighbors include Jack Nicholson and Kevin Costner. It’s a shame they aren’t avid soccer fans: Abramovich also owns Chelsea Football Club, one of England’s top Premier League teams.
4. West Greenland
A remote skiing resort in West Greenland frequented by software czar Bill Gates for work dedicated to the nonprofit Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Bill gates is rumored to have skied here when he needs a break from the African heat and the foundation’s work.
5. St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is not only one of the best Swiss ski resorts but also a well-known resort in the world. St Moritz is called the “Champagne Climate” for its dry air and because the sun shines on average 322 days a year. This is the reason why St. Moritz is industrialist billionaire Lakshmi Mittal’s choice of residence.
6. Ibiza, Spain
Thanks to interests in fashion (Gucci), art (Christie’s) and even luggage (Samsonite), the Pinault family wields one of France’s largest fortunes. But when François-Henri Pinault–son of the empire’s founder, François Pinault–wanted to woo his then-girlfriend, movie star Salma Hayek, he set sail for Ibiza. Soon after, tabloids ran picture after picture of the couple frolicking with friends and family in this elite playground off the coast of Spain. Hayek didn’t seem to mind: She ultimately wed Pinault on Valentine’s Day last year.
7. Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons New York
Ty Warner earned his fortune as the founder and sole owner of Ty Inc., manufacturer of Beanie Babies. With this money, he purchased several of the world’s favorite resort playgrounds, including San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito and Las Ventanas al Paraiso Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. He also owns the Four Seasons New York, where a 4,300-square-foot namesake penthouse suite offers a 25-foot ceiling, a 360-degree view of Manhattan and virtually every amenity known to hoteliers.
8. Octopus
Annual operating costs for a mega-yacht are said to run 10 percent of the ship’s initial cost. For Paul Allen’s 416-foot yacht Octopus, that’s $20 million. At least the Microsoft cofounder gets his money’s worth. This floating five-star hotel features a pool, a basketball court, a movie theater, two helicopters, a 10-person submarine, a jet-ski dock and a 60-person crew.
9. Necker Island
Surrounded by the sparkling blue Caribbean sea of the British Virgin Islands, Necker Island exudes the elegance and lifestyle of the rich and famous. This 74-acre private getaway near St. Thomas is owned by the Virgin billionaire Richard Branson. Surrounded by turquoise waters, the island is home to 101 flamingos and houses both a watersports crew that teaches guests how to kitesurf, snorkel and kayak and a personal chef. Most visitors to this exclusive paradise rent out the entire island, which can accommodate parties of up to 28 guests, and famous patrons have included Jay-Z, Mariah Carey and Oprah.
Via: Forbes
