Rich people — they’re just like us! Well, not really — and certainly not when it comes to travel planning.
Not only are they unlikely to be booking the next and cheapest flight to the places the rest of the voyaging public like to go — they’re also very unlikely to be doing any of the booking at all.
Plotting these elite escapes falls to people like Leila Najafi — a globetrotting luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles.
A luxury travel advisor’s job is to know everything about the places jetsetters like to go, and then map out their trips for them, ensuring five-star comforts all the way.
But wealthy travelers are like anyone else in at least one aspect — sometimes, they like to break out of the usual routine and try something different.
Writing for Business Insider, Najafi reveals she’s been lately been recommending more off-the-beaten-path experiences.
“Many of them try to travel to upscale destinations with luxury hotels that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists,” Najafi revealed.
Here are six places that the expert expects will attract a bevy of boldfacers this winter.
Palm Beach, Florida
South Florida has lately been tapped as the new “political, business and cultural capital” of the United States — and Najafi says her clients are definitely taking a shine to the classic winter destination for its “beaches, shops and sunshine.”
Check into the historic Breakers resort, she said — then explore the “retail paradise” of Worth Avenue. A new restaurant from Per Se’s Thomas Keller is coming next year, Najafi revealed.
St. Barts
Beloved by the in-crowd — and passed over by many others — Najafi recommends the island for its family-friendly beaches and nightlife that’s great for “young couples who want to have fun.”
Check into the Eden Rock resort, she said — adjacent to lively beach clubs. Grab a boat to the remote Colombier Beach, known for its “stunning” white sands and natural reserve.
The Dolomites
Shake up your European ski routine and make fresh tracks for Italy’s favorite slopes — high in a mountain range so beautiful, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The underrated region is really heating up, Najafi said — with Mandarin Oriental set to open a hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a popular resort town.
St. Moritz
You’ve definitely heard of this Swiss hotspot “dotted with designer stores, cozy restaurants and high-end hotels.” It’s one of the places to be during the very long ski season, Najafi said.
“Billionaire St. Moritz — an experience combining fine dining and live entertainment — debuts at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski this season. I’ve also heard the exclusive, members-only club Dracula is worth a visit if you can manage to get an invite,” she revealed.
In February, elite car lovers gather for the International Concours of Elegance — “where you can watch rare cars zip across a frozen lake.”
Costa Palmas, Mexico
Well-heeled West Coasters are skipping over bustling Cabo and opting instead for the exclusive resort community on the eastern side of Baja Sur — “home to nearly 2 miles of swimmable beaches, a yacht marina, and a small village with special restaurants” from Los Angeles faves like Nancy Silverton and Ludo Lefebvre.
There’s a luxe Four Seasons already booking in top-end clients — and an Amanresort coming next year.
Virgin Gorda
If you’ve made it to the British Virgin Islands you’ve already made it, generally speaking, but Virgin Gorda’s Oil Nut Bay is a favorite among the who’s who for “beautiful turquoise beaches, rentable villas, and range of activities,” Najafi said.
She especially likes it for groups, as a lot of the rentals are quite large — and there are lots of activities, out on the water and on land, plus a spa, hiking trails and nature center all within the development.
