When catching a flight, VIPs are promised queue- and paparazzi-free zones. At some major airports, they won't even have to set foot in the terminals. They'll be whisked across the tarmac to the aircraft in a chauffeur-driven car to their first-class cabin. One of the most exclusive offerings is Los Angeles Airport's The Private Suite, which launched last year to cater to its many A-list arrivals.
Heathrow VIP is available to any Business or First Class passengers for a fee of £2,750 for up to three people. The paparazzi-free zone has all of the comforts you would hope for. There's a private lounge to relax in while passports are taken to immigration. There are no worries about packing light here either: Heathrow VIP will process up to 10 items of luggage per person for the hold.
Once on board, VIPs continue to be cosseted. Double beds, designer PJs and Michelin-star cuisine, flying First Class is a world away from Business, let alone Economy. But Etihad's The Residence takes it up a level. The world's first private, multi-room cabin on a commercial passenger jet, passengers have a living room, double bedroom and en-suite shower room. Oh, and their own Savoy-trained butler to satisfy their every whim. Read about other outrageously luxury first-class offerings here.
Private concierges are often engaged by high-spending individuals to make their travel plans run flawlessly. Francesca Esses of Quintessentially Travel says a number of clients ask them to arrange airport fast track, VIP lounges, meet and greets, transfers and additional security. That's if they're flying commercial, of course.
If money truly is no object, private jet is the only way to travel. You only need to arrive 20 minutes before departure, you can smoke on board if you wish (although may be charged a hefty cleaning fee) and can pretty much do what you like. Private jet passengers are still subject to customs and security checks, although they are done on board. Fancy living the high life? Read our guide to affordable private jet charters.
Luxury hospitality brands are getting in on the private jet act. Aman Resorts offers high-spending clients lavish multi-stop holidays, flying between their exclusive resorts by private jet. Aman's new Pan-Asia Private Jet Expedition to China, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka departs in October and takes in several Aman properties, including Amanbagh in India (pictured). This year's expedition is fully booked so you have until October 2019 to save $78,888.
Safaris are a firm favourite of celebrities, world leaders and royalty who stay at small and exclusive safari camps like andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Tented Camp in Botswana (pictured). With speculation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will honeymoon in Africa, they're spoilt for choice: one option could be andBeyond's lavish Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania. Perhaps paired with a week of secluded luxury on hideaway Mnemba Island Lodge which counts Bill Gates as a regular.
andBeyond also offers a private jet expedition for clients looking to maximise their African adventure and bypass commercial flights. Flying on board a Bombardier Challenger 350 and a private PC 12 Charter, the 12-day itinerary takes in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa with an option to extend into Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda or Uganda. Private guides and special access to incredible experiences guaranteed. Yours for $70,000 per person, based on two sharing.
Elite travellers expect a priority service when arriving at hotels, making use of private VIP entrances and check-ins. "Most five-star hotels will have some sort of separate entrance whether that be via an underground car park, or a separate residence which is attached to the hotel," says Francesca of Quintessentially Travel. There'll often be an option for check-in on a private floor or VIP lounge and some suites even come with a butler to do the unpacking.
A long-standing favourite retreat for A-listers in London, Claridge's knows how to make its VIPs feel special. Guests in suites have complimentary use of Burberry trench coats, access to the Map Room (a bespoke business centre), full butler service, complimentary hampers of Claridge's treats, use of the hotel's fleet of cars and bespoke tours of Mayfair. For mini-VIPs, top planners are on hand to arrange special treats such as behind-the-scenes tours of museums.
With jaw-dropping views of Paris landmarks, lavish living rooms, antiques and Baccarat crystal glassware, the Penthouse at the Four Seasons George V is one of the world's most lusted after hotel suites. The elegant Art Deco hotel has long been a favourite haunt of the super-rich. It'll be hard to tear yourself away from the views – especially when you can enjoy in-room dining from the restaurants which have five Michelin stars between them.
Sin City remains a favoured playground of the super-rich and famous – and there are plenty of lavish suites to lure them. The Villa at The Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas, for $35,000 a night, is a fantastic place for a party with a 90-inch flat screen, billiard table, large terrace and vast dining area. Guests have access to all of Nobu's exclusive amenities, enjoy a VIP service and get priority seating at the Nobu restaurant.
Some of the world's top hotels even have yachts available for the disposal of guests (for a fee, of course). The Peninsula Shanghai's Azimut 47 yacht is available for private cruises along the Huangpu River. It also has a fleet of luxury cars for airport transfers and sightseeing tours including four Rolls-Royce Phantoms, six BMW 7 Series limousines, two MINI Cooper S Clubmans and an immaculately restored 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II.
Guests enjoy a complimentary Rolls-Royce drop-off service for local journeys at London's opulent boutique hotel The Wellesley too. But for those looking to up the ante, the hotel owns a private super-yacht. With stunning Art Deco interiors, MY The Wellesley can be chartered in the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter.
Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman is renowned for its decadent touches. Guests can enjoy a three-day voyage along the spectacular Musandam fjords aboard a beautifully restored 90-foot Omani dhow. Sleeping up to six guests, there are two sun decks, multiple dining areas and a large open galley. Guests can kayak, fish, dive, take a cooking class and have a sunset spa treatment. Oh, and there's a speedboat for further explorations.
From the French Riviera and Ibiza to St Barts, where celebrities holiday can fall in and out of fashion. Since Gwyneth Paltrow shared pictures of herself and a hen party on the sands of Mexican resort Los Cabos, which sits on tip of the southern Baja California peninsula, it has confirmed its cachet as a current A-list destination. The high-end hen party took place at the new ultra-luxe hotel, residences and beach club Four Seasons Costa Palmas, after the group flew in by private jet, naturally.
When it comes to privacy, serenity and exclusivity, celebrities and royalty love a private island retreat. Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island is one of the most famous hideaways, having entertained legions of famous faces including the Obamas. Usually booked exclusively, the party island sleeps up to 34, plus six children, with facilities including two tennis courts and a zipline from house to beach. Branson owns a collection of spectacular luxury hotels – see photos here.
Necker Island almost pales in comparison to Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz's uber-exclusive Laucala in Fiji. Arrival is by private jet and there are 25 butler-serviced villas dotted around the idyllic isle, an 18-hole golf course, and a fleet of boats for all manner of water sports. It even has its own mini submarine for underwater explorations. Check out more celebrity-owned hotels here.
Some exclusive islands like Velaa are preferred for their privacy – the exquisite retreat in celebrity holiday hotspot the Maldives is a drone-free zone so there's no need to worry about snooping snappers. Likewise, the Seychelles' getaway North Island where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin spent their honeymoons. After the royal visit, the government has made it an offence for a Seychellois citizen to assist paparazzi.
Eden Being's, the Oetker Collection's luxury lifestyle brand, fulfills the fantasties of big spenders with their new Spitfire experience. It costs from £9,000 and includes two 30-minute spitfire flights over the Needles and Beachy Head. Guests will spend the night at The Lanesborough and be taken by limousine to Goodwood where the flights take place.
In winter celebrities love nothing better than sloping off to the world's most exclusive ski resorts. Ultimate Luxury Chalets' portfolio of seriously swanky lodges attracts high-net worth individuals. It doesn't get more convenient to ski than at the eight-bedroom Chalet Edelweiss in glitzy French resort Courchevel. It has a ski room (complete with boot warmers) that opens directly onto the Bellecote piste.
After a busy day on the slopes, the fully-staffed chalet's dedicated spa floor comes into its own. It has a state-of-the-art gym, double massage room, swimming pool with jacuzzi, hamman and sauna. The perfect spot for soaking aching legs while private chefs prepare canapés and champagne.
Becoming a member of an exclusive private ski resort is the ultimate goal for skiers wishing to avoid rubbing shoulders with the hoi-polloi or queuing for ski lifts. Members-only ski club Yellowstone Club, which owns its own mountain in Montana, is perfect for secretive skiers with 2,200 acres of private powder and resort security handled by former US Secret Service agents.
Check into the world's largest cruise ship accommodation on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises' decadent Seven Seas Explorer. The lavish two-bedroom suite comes complete with personal butler, in-room spa (a cruise ship first), an outdoor sitting area with unobstructed 270-degree views over the ship's bow, Versace crockery and Murano glass ceilings. Not forgetting a Steinway piano for entertaining guests. A private car is at guests disposal in every port along with driver and guide.
Every luxury has been thought of for guests in Oceania's Owners Suites on board the Marina and Riviera. Elegantly furnished by the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, these roomy cabins span the full width of the ship with a large living and dining room, master bedroom, grand foyer with piano and two wrap-around verandas.
For residents of swish residential yacht The World, life is just one long adventure. The 644-foot-long vessel has 165 luxury apartments which are home to 142 families from 20 different countries. With a continuous worldwide itinerary (agreed between the captain and residents), the vessel spans the globe every two to three years. The exclusive community certainly aren't left wanting for luxuries in this incredible floating city that caters to multi-millionaires.