An IMGlobalWealth.news Lifestyle Feature
For the ultra-wealthy, a holiday is increasingly about something even money struggles to guarantee: privacy. From Caribbean islands to Alpine enclaves, a relatively small collection of destinations continues to attract the world’s richest families.
There is no official global league table for where ultra-high-net-worth individuals holiday. But an IMGW review of 2025-26 luxury travel trends, private-aviation patterns and prime-property research reveals a remarkably consistent geography of wealth at leisure.
1. French Riviera, France
Saint-Tropez, Cap-Ferrat and Cannes remain the archetypal Mediterranean playgrounds of international wealth. Knight Frank continues to record major high-value transactions along the Côte d’Azur, while Nice remains a key gateway for private aviation.
“Privacy, security, private aviation, yacht access and scarce prime property increasingly define where extreme wealth chooses to switch off”
2. St Barts, Caribbean
Small, difficult to reach and exceptionally expensive, Saint Barthélemy has made scarcity part of its appeal. Knight Frank calls it one of the world’s most exclusive residential and lifestyle destinations, with privacy and security central to its attraction for wealthy buyers.
3. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Porto Cervo combines superyachts, secluded villas and prime Mediterranean real estate. Sardinia, served through Olbia, remains firmly on the private-jet summer circuit.
4. Mykonos, Greece
Greece ranks third among Virtuoso’s top global destinations for 2026, while Mykonos remains a major private-aviation destination. For UHNW travellers, the island increasingly means villas, yachts and privacy as much as nightlife.
5. Aspen, United States
Aspen remains one of North America’s defining wealth resorts, combining skiing, trophy homes, private aviation and a powerful social circuit, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
6. Courchevel, France
Courchevel 1850 remains among the Alps’ most expensive property markets. Knight Frank reports resilient demand across Alpine resorts, with ski homes rising by an average 23% over five years.
7. Maldives
Privacy is becoming an increasingly important component of ultraluxury travel. Virtuoso ranks it among the world’s leading honeymoon destinations, while the archipelago’s private-island model offers something UHNW travellers prize: controlled seclusion.
8. Ibiza, Spain
Beyond the clubs lies another Ibiza of gated villas, yachts and secluded retreats. It remains one of the Mediterranean destinations specifically highlighted by private-aviation operators for summer demand.
9. Gstaad and St Moritz, Switzerland
Gstaad remains the Alps’ most expensive prime-property destination, with St Moritz close behind. Their enduring appeal rests on discretion, security, limited supply and Switzerland’s safe-haven reputation.
10. Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy tops Virtuoso’s global destination ranking for 2026. Capri and the Amalfi Coast remain natural magnets for yachts, villa stays and the high-spending international summer circuit.
