The ultra-rich are investing more in travel as a way to show off their wealth, and that includes everything from sabbaticals to brief vacations.

A few classics like Great Britain made the list, but many billionaires are seeking adventure, from Rwanda to Bhutan.

Investing in travel is becoming an increasingly popular way for the ultra-rich to signify their status and they’re extending it far beyond the classic idea of a vacation.

Nowadays, the super-rich are taking months-long, multimillion-dollar trips to recharge or reconnect with family because they’re often burnt out. That can take shape in the form of extreme adventures, luxurious getaways, and educational excursions.

But just where are these billionaires headed?

To find out the hottest spots the elite are spending their money on in 2019, this ranking’s based on the number of bookings and performance; the latter was assessed by feedback, the expertise, and client inquiries.

Turns out, billionaires have a taste for adventure in 2019. While a few classics made the list, such as Britain and France, far-flung countries — from Rwanda to Myanmar — made an appearance on the list, too.

15. Montenegro

Lesser-known than neighbors Croatia and Greece, the tiny slice of Adriatic coastline that is Montenegro has previously lacked high-quality accommodation (other than the Aman network) to rival its fjord landscapes.

Montenegro is set for a luxury upgrade in 2019 with the Chedi Lustica Bay newly opened and One & Only opening its first resort in Europe next year with Portonovi in Boka Bay.

14. Oman

Oman is the next big destination for luxury travelers. Its peak travel season runs from October to April.

Luxury brands like Anantara Hotels, which has already opened two resorts there, are claiming the country’s culture and unique topography are a huge draw for travelers.

13. France

Champagne, in particular, is France’s hottest destination right now. Belmond’s new Pivoine Champagne barge launched in 2018, and the recent opening of The Royal Champagne Hotel, injected a much-needed shot of luxury and style to the hotel offerings of the region.

From barge or hotel, we recommend arranging a private vineyard tour and tastings including a backstage at Bollinger experience, along with a make-your-own Champagne lesson and treehouse Champagne bar experience for a comprehensive immersion in the region.

12. Great Britain

From the countryside to the city, there’s plenty on offer for a luxury holiday in Great Britain. Illusthrone tailor-made hospitality has tailor-made itineraries around the British Isles, beginning with London. The city is home to a number of luxury hotels including Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Dorchester.

11. India

India has always been one of the favorite destinations for an authentic travel experience and in 2019 time for honing in on the country’s spiritual specialism.

From January 15 to March 4, the ancient city of Haridwar in northern India played host to Ardh Kumbh Mela, the UNESCO-recognized largest spiritual festival in the world where Hindu devotees come to wash away their sins in the river’s holy water. With Kumbh Mela festivals happening on rotation between four cities over the course of 12 years, 2019 started off strong for luxury travel to India.

10. Chile

Chile is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. It’s also a perfect spot for luxury seekers.

9. Turkey

The gateway to the Turkish Riviera was recently reopened after British Airways resumed its direct route to Dalaman. Also Kusadasi is being added to cruise routes which is amazing for the ones who like to visit Ephesus and Virgin Mary House.

With the Turkish lira having dropped in value, new hotel openings, and things stabilizing a little politically, the Turquoise Coast of Turkey has never looked more appealing. With the Turkish Aegean back on the map, its turquoise seas, secret beaches, and exclusive bars and clubs are peaking the interests of glamorous beach-goers usually resigned to the same old European break.

The south-westerly beach town of Kaplankaya a place to watch, as well as the Bodrum peninsula, which has an array of new hotel offerings.

“If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” Napoleon Bonaparte

As the hidden capital of the world, Istanbul is a destination you can travel any time of the year. Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, gastronomically wonderful restaurants and street stops, one and only the Bosphorus, sensational night life is calling you.

And for a smooth holiday in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Dalaman, Fethiye, Izmir and so on, Illusthrone tailor-made hospitality offers to leave yourself to their professional hands. From safe airport transfers to luxury limousine services with English speaking male and female chauffeurs; from yacht charter service in Mediterranean, Aegean to boat tour at the Bosphorus, from private jet rental to helicopter tour over the Historical Peninsula, all tailor-made organizations are at your service. Private guide, security (bodyguard), meet & greet, personal shopper and even private organization/event services are one call or one message away.

8. The Seychelles

The dozens of islands across the Indian Ocean known as the Seychelles are one of the most requested spots.

Seychelles’ North Island, in particular, is a luxurious getaway. Set in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this ultra-exclusive hideaway attracts A-listers and royals.

7. Myanmar

Historic Myanmar offers plenty for a luxury holiday — several luxurious boat trips along the Irrawaddy between Yangon and Bagan as well as Ngapali Beach, an elite beach retreat.

Yangon’s highlight is the Schwedagon Pagoda, to take part in a robe-offering ceremony with the temple’s monks.

6. Rwanda

Rwanda was named a new African luxury destination to watch in 2018. The destination is all about nature and wildlife, home to three national parks: Akagera, Nyungwe, and the Volcanoes National Park.

The latter is the perfect spot — and one of the few remaining places — to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

5. Bhutan

Unspoiled Bhutan is ideal for the adventurous luxury traveler — the country is made for trekking. The travel companies are arranging for treks to many of Bhutan’s monasteries, mountain-biking along 12,000-foot mountain passes, and participation in archery tournaments.

4. Colombia

Experiencing a renaissance in luxury travel, Colombia’s breathtaking jungle landscapes and colonial cities deserve more recognition.

Opening this November is the brand new and exclusive Corocora Camp, located inside a remote private reserve on the vast plains of the Llanos Orientales region, a two-hour drive (or 30-minute helicopter ride) from Yopal. This is the first camp of its kind in Colombia with safari-style tents and a wildlife-focused camping experience.

3. Iceland

Original Travel’s 2019 Iceland bookings are set to double their 2018 rate. That’s not surprising, considering it was previously named one of the top places to travel in 2017 by Insider.

Many visitors travel to the island to see the Northern Lights. The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel in Iceland’s Golden Circle was specifically designed for optimal Aurora Borealis viewing. Beyond that, there are Crystal Caves, massive waterfalls, Icelandic horses, and black sand beaches to explore.

2. Japan

Japan’s main island, Honshu, offers several luxury travel highlights, from bathing hot spring snow monkeys to skiing in Nagano.

There are also plenty of ways to enjoy luxury travel in Japan by train — like The Twilight Express Mizukaze with a top room that costs $22,000 for a two-night, three-day trip or the Skiki-Shima train that boasts glass ceilings and suites.

1. Egypt

Egypt bookings are set to triple last year’s bookings and there are two primary attractions fueling this trend.

The first is Steam Ship Sudan, a cruise that glides down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at archaeological sites, temples, and tombs along the way.

The second is the Grand Egyptian Museum, relocated and newly built overlooking the pyramids of Giza. The museum will house over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which have never previously been shown in public and includes King Tutankhamun’s complete collection of over 50,000 artifacts. Once complete, the museum will be the largest in the world devoted to a single civilization.

Antalya, Turkey

Luxury Travel Diary’s choice for the Top 10 Best Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts In The World has been published.

1. Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

2. Four Seasons Lanai

3. Four Seasons Hualalai

4. Four Seasons Los Cabos At Costa Palmas

5. Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong

6. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

7. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (on the European bank) feels like a palace because it was originally a beautiful 19th-century Ottoman palace. This Four Seasons hotel is well located for exploring the famous Dolmabahçe Palace, a few buildings away, along with the Naval Museum and Yıldız Park, a steeply sloped park with pretty pavilions. Also Ciragan Palace is nearby which belongs to Kempinski Hotel.

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is badly located for public transport, but you can easily reserve your limousine service with Illusthrone for your safe and luxury airport transfer from/to new Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport including free Meet&Greet service for your daily chauffeured car service needs to explore beautiful Istanbul city or to join your business meetings. Beyond your ground transportation requests, Illusthrone provides other luxury transportation services, such as helicopter rental for a nice city tour over the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula (a helipad is available next to Four Seasons Bosphorus) and a yacht / boat rental for a tour at the Bosphorus with an expert guide about famous waterside houses of Istanbul or your transportation from/to the hotel without traffic jam.

This waterfront palace offers decadent dining venues providing views of the Asian shore, while the urban day spa boasts a Turkish hammam, famous for its purity and cleansing rituals. The highlight is the wide terrace decked in comfy seating, where you can sit out and enjoy watching the boats criss-cross the Bosphorus strait and look over to the hills on the other side, in Asia.

In the evening, you can dine alfresco on the terrace in the Italian restaurant Aqua and the bar area is lit by a large tikki torch. It is utterly atmospheric. Aqua is also where you have breakfast. It has an indoor section for the colder weather, but in the summer is a wonderful place to munch through the generous Four Seasons buffet breakfast.

145 guestrooms and 25 suites all have windows that open to the sea breezes, contemporary mahogany furnishings and handpainted ceilings. “Palace” rooms in the older buildings are the ones to choose and these have been stunningly preserved. Two more modern buildings house the remaining rooms and suites.

Standard rooms can be found in the two modern buildings and offer views through large windows onto the courtyard. We like the rooms in the Palace building. The ones to pick are those looking onto the Bosphorus with large floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings and marble bathrooms. Children are welcome in all Four Seasons hotels and free rollaway beds, high chairs and cots are provided free of charge.

There is a pretty waterside outdoor pool (pictured above), a whirlpool tub and decking plastered with deeply plush loungers, which are positioned to make the most of the views. It is a great and sophisticated place for families and couples to hang out together between May and October. An indoor pool is ideal for the rest of the year and offers attractive lighting and grand pillars for an atmospheric swim. A large fitness room will keep you fit.

8. Four Seasons Hotel At The Surf Club, Miami, USA

9. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

10. Four Seasons Boston, One Dalton Street

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus

After the big switch from Ataturk Airport to the new Istanbul Airport in the beginning of 2019, Illusthrone reorganized the operational system for the maximum comfort of the guests. New rules at the new airport, new routes to Istanbul city center, new meet & greet procedures shaped the new Illusthrone’s tailor-made hospitality and luxury ground transportation planning.

High summer season has come, and Illusthrone is more in action at the beautiful summer destinations. The number of foreigners visiting Turkey went up 9.35 percent year-on year to 4.022 million in May 2019. The number of tourists increased from Russia, the UK , Bulgaria and Ukraine.

Regarding the increasing demand, Illusthrone is expanding the capacity of safe limousine ride, VIP meet & greet service and luxury airport transfer at Bodrum, Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir airports in Turkey.

Beyond luxury ground transportation (latest model luxury vehicles and experienced, professional, English speaking, multilingual male and female chauffeurs for airport transfer and hourly/daily limousine service), Illusthrone has taken the service volume up for transfer by boat, boat tour, luxury and private yacht rental, yacht charter service, transfer by helicopter, city tour by helicopter, private jet rental, assistance, organization & event, reservation services in Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir, Antalya, Dalaman and Cappadocia with experienced professional staff.

Safe Airport Transfer & Luxury Limousine Service by Illusthrone

Get your checkbooks out. Bentley just released some wickedly expensive golf clubs.

As part of a celebration for Bentley’s 100th anniversary, the automotive company has created a limited set of clubs for just $15,999. Yes, that means more than $1,000 per club in this luxury set.

The clubs take inspiration from Bentley’s new, sleek Continental GT. The mostly black set has Centenary Gold accents throughout. Bentley is only creating 100 sets for purchase, and the bags that come with will mark “01/100,” just to remind everyone how limited these clubs are.

Announced earlier this year, it’s finally ship month! With the 100th anniversary celebrated on July 10, purchased clubs will now ship later this month. Check out the extravagant clubs below, and when they start to seem out of your price range, remember that Honma has sold sets for as much as $75,000 in the past.

Bentley Golf Centenary Set

Bentley Golf Centenary Set

Chanel is showing its commitment to diversity by hiring Fiona Pargeter as its first Head of Diversity and Inclusion.

According to the Business of Fashion, Pargeter previously held a similar role at Swiss bank UBS. The French fashion house’s new position comes on the heels of competitors investing in diversity initiatives.

In June, maisons at LVMH Group—which owns luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Givenchy—followed their European counterparts’ lead after signing the UN Standarts of Conduct for Businesss, which battles discrimination against LGBT people in their workplaces.

“All of our employees should be able to be themselves and be considered for their contribution, irrespective of other considerations such as their race, gender or sexual orientation,” Chantal Gaemperle, group executive vice president of human resources and synergies for the group, told WWD. And the conglomerate is also planning to unroll a series of anti-LGBT discrimination policies by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Business of Fashion also reports that Gucci and Burberry are recruiting for roles similar to Chanel’s new position.

Chanel’s Fiole Concept Car

The first hybrid V8 and also the first-ever regular production hybrid from Maranello, the SF90 Stradale is more than just a simple variation of an existing product as it’s a brand new car. You’re looking at the most powerful car ever built by Ferrari for the road, one that can work as an all-wheel-drive car or even in FWD when in pure electric mode.

The car’s intricate exterior design has lots of aero wizardry to make the coupe as sleek as possible while staying true to Ferrari’s latest design language. The supercar looks more dramatic in person compared to the official images, with a wide body and short front and rear overhangs. Those intakes right below the headlights feed cool air into the front brakes, while the massive side ones make sure the engine works at an optimal temperature at all times.

The integrated rear spoiler has an ace up its sleeve as it boasts a moveable panel carrying the “Ferrari” lettering that tilts to act as an air brake or to provide additional downforce to keep the SF90 Stradale glued to the road. Even the forged wheels have been designed with aero in mind as they have equally spaced radial elements between the spokes that serve as wing profiles to make the wheel work basically like a rotor blade for better airflow management.

As special as it is on the outside, the cabin is perhaps more interesting since it represents somewhat of a departure compared to other models. That gear selector with a metal plate might make you think of an older model with a lovely gated shifter, while the numerous touch-sensitive surfaces have eliminated many of the conventional controls we’re used to seeing in a Ferrari.

The SF90 Stradale climbs on top of the company’s range and there’s more to come in 2019 considering a hybrid V6 will debut before the year’s end, along with two unknown models.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Out of all the continents in the world, Europe has the credit of being culturally diverse and breathtakingly beautiful in every country. The place breathes heritage and history throughout with unique tales of adventure and courage for the travelers.

It is also geographically best for yacht adventures, and sailing can bring some memorable experiences for the traveler. Here Business Traveller prepared the list of exciting yacht destinations in Europe, and if you are lover water bodies, this would be a great aid!

Yacht chartering includes renting or chartering a yacht for leisure and entertainment purpose. Illusthrone is one of the players of the Europen yacht charter market, where you can get a tailor-made yacht service. The global yacht charter market is expected to earn $15 billion by the end of 2025.

  1. Greece: To discover hidden islands,  fishing villages, lonely bays, and remote islands, Greece is the best place for yachts.  One can either choose to sail in the midst of urbane coastal areas or the off-the-beaten-track destinations to get an enthralling experience. One of the top destination Illusthrone serves for yacht charter is Greece with Greek Islands, such as; Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Lefkada, Mykonos and so on.
  2. Croatia: The mild climate, fresh air, clear blue waters, and advanced infrastructure makes Croatia top the list of yacht destinations not just in Europe but in the world. A variety of sailing boats are available namely catamarans, motorboats, and gullets. For the lover of solitude, one can escape conveniently into the waters of North Adriatic, or South Adriatic or even the Dalmatian coast here. For the lover of adventure, activities like rafting, big game fishing, cycling and scuba diving are also present.
  3. The Italian Riviera: This country is not just a haven for history and food lover but also yacht enthusiast. The exotic wine, exquisite food, and incredible coastline have all the makings of a memorable sailing trip. Close to the birthplace of Pizza, Naples, the Amalfi coast stretches from picturesque seaside towns with lovely beaches with plenty of anchorages. This coast also boasts of excellent nightlife, prettiest villages which look like a poster card and busy yet cute little towns.
  4. The French Riviera, France ( Cote d’Azur): To get enthralled by old times magic, yacht through French Riviera, or cote d’Azur in style. The seductive landscapes which attracted greatest masters like Renoir, Chagall, Cezanne and Picasso will attract you into bright sunshine, crystal clear waters and glam cities such as Saint Raphael, Saint Tropez Cannes and Nice. The sail here is extremely leisure and one can also explore the national parks or go near the Hyeres Islands where time comes to a magical standstill.
  5. Sicily, Italy: The area between northern Sicily to Calabria is highly recommended for sailing charters while the main charters are Palermo, Cefalu, Santa Agata, Milazzo, and Porto Rosa. The Aeolian Islands lying near the northwest coast of Sicily is a must-visit yacht place. Interestingly, the volcano origin-destination boasts of black sandy beaches and a thrill of some still active volcanic spots!
  6. Turkey: If you are an old-school person at heart, Turkey can give you the best nostalgic experience for yachting. Try a Turkish gullet which is a traditional wooden boat with two or three masts and hail from the southwestern region of this country. The main charter bases in Turkey are Bodrum and Marmaris. Beyond Turkish gulet rental, luxury yachts and motoryachts are also available through Illusthrone’s yacht charter service in Turkey and Greece.
  7. Corsica, France: This is one of the best-kept secrets of the Western Mediterranean. Its semi-isolation has kept it free of frenzied tourist hordes and left it with a touch of timelessness. There are small fishing villages and unspoiled harbors interspersed along the dramatic western coastline.
  8. Monaco
  9. Balearics, Spain: The four main islands of Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca have long been popular tourist destinations with shore-side holidaymakers, but with many other islands and islets to explore, plus pristine anchorages and rich sailing grounds accessible year-round, it’s worth setting aside a few weeks to explore the lesser-trodden path on board.
  10. The Azores, Portugal
Luxury Gulet Charter Service by Illusthrone

Elvis Presley fans can take to the road in his personal stretch limousine, on his last motorcycle or in a pickup truck if they have the money, an auction house announced Wednesday.

Kruse GWS Auctions said the items will be part of its Artifacts of Hollywood auction on Aug. 31.

Presley drove the white-on-white 1973 Lincoln Continental stretch many times around Memphis, Tennessee, Kruse said. It features an old-school TV and other amenities. There are photos showing “the King” driving the car he was in when he stopped at a car accident in Memphis in 1976.

The auction house said a 1976 Harley Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide motorcycle was the last motorcycle Presley ever purchased.

He transported it from California to Memphis and sold it 90 days before he died in 1977 at age 42. The Harley has been on display at the Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota, since the late 1980s.

The third Presley vehicle is one of three GMC pickups that Presley purchased in 1967 for his Circle G Ranch in Mississippi.

Two years later, his father, Vernon, sold them back to the same dealership, the auction house said. It has undergone a total restoration.

Elvis Presley in limousine

Djokovic and Federer play the first men’s singles 12-12 deciding set tie-break at The Championships.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic captured his fifth crown at The Championships, Wimbledon, on Sunday with a thrilling 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3) victory over second seed Roger Federer, the eight-time former titlist from Switzerland, in four hours and 55 minutes on Centre Court. Federer had two championship points at 8-7, 40/15 on serve, in the fifth set that lasted two hours and two minutes.

It was the third major championship match that Djokovic saved two match points to beat Federer (also 2010 US Open semi-finals and 2011 US Open semi-finals). It was the first time since the 1948 Wimbledon final — American Robert Falkenburg beat John Bromwich of Australia 7-5, 0-6, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5, after being three match points down — that a player had been championship points down and won.

The world famous faces of Wimbledon 2019 are The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch, The Avengers’ Tom Hiddleston and Fight Club star Edward Norton.

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after Wimbledon 2019 Final
  • Bodrum, Turkey is a an increasingly popular luxury travel destination.
  • It’s been compared to European hotspots St.Tropez on the French Riviera and Mykonos in Greece.
  • Both Condé Nast Traveler and Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel in 2019.
  • It’s seen a recent influx of trendy five-star hotels, including Six Senses Kaplankaya and Ian Schrager’s Bodrum Edition.

Forget Bali, Mykonos and St.Tropez.

The hot new under-the-radar luxury travel destination is the seaside city of Bodrum, Turkey.

Europeans have been vacationing there for years, it’s been long overlooked by American travelers.

Both Condé Nast Traveler and Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel in 2019, with Bloomberg suggesting travelers skip “overdeveloped Bali in favor of Bodrum, where a five-star-resort renaissance is under way.” The publication pointed out the recent high-profile openings in Bodrum of trendy luxury resorts such as Six Senses and Edition Hotels.

“With slick infinity edge pools facing the Aegean, celebrity-approved beach clubs, spas with steamy hammams, and sunbathing nooks shrouded by olive groves, the see-and-be-seen destination is a revitalized alternative to St.Tropez and Mykonos.” Bloomberg wrote of Bodrum.

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