There are an incredibly small number of billionaires in the world, only about 2,640 according to Forbes’s list of richest people in the world which makes up just a tiny fraction (0.00003%) of the global population.
Surprisingly, even though they are rare, you might bump into them at certain times of the year. Billionaires tend to gather in exclusive locations.
In January, they flock to Davos, Sun Valley in July, and St. Barts in December.
These are the places where billionaires socialize, conduct business, and unwind. If you’re interested in joining them, it’s possible, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of money.
January
Davos
Every January, the richest people in the world and powerful gather in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. This invitation-only event brings together billionaires, CEOs, and world leaders to discuss pressing global issues. It’s also a chance for the richest people in the world to not only exchange ideas but also to solidify their influence and forge new partnerships.
Scoring an official invitation to Davos comes with a hefty price tag, often exceeding tens of thousands of dollars per ticket. But even for those who aren’t formally invited, the allure of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bill Gates, Marc Benioff, and Mark Zuckerberg is strong.
The exclusivity extends beyond the official events because stuff like luxury hotels in Davos, like the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère and AlpenGold, become temporary fortresses for the wealthy during this period.
Would-be attendees not on the official guest list have to look towards private rentals, which can see their prices skyrocket tenfold compared to normal periods. This means, that for a chance to be near the heart of the action, one might end up shelling out nearly $27,500 for a simple apartment during the conference.
Also finding a decent meal can be just as challenging as finding accommodations with most restaurants booked for private events, attendees might have to settle for overpriced options for basic feeding.
February
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a magnet for the world’s wealthiest individuals. As the pinnacle of American football, it draws not only fans of the sport but also those who revel in the opulence and exclusivity that accompany being among the elite.
For the richest people in the world, owning an NFL team is not just a status symbol but also a testament to their immense wealth and influence. Figures like Walmart’s Rob Walton, hedge fund manager David Tepper, real estate tycoon Stanley Kroenke, and the iconic Jerry Jones are synonymous with their respective teams, further solidifying the intertwining of wealth and sports.
Attending the Super Bowl transcends mere spectatorship for these richest people in the world, It’s an opportunity to indulge in luxury experiences curated specifically for their discerning tastes.
From chartered jets to five-star accommodations, every aspect of the Super Bowl weekend is meticulously crafted to cater to their every whim.
Host committees and travel agencies spare no expense in ensuring that the wealthiest football aficionados are treated to nothing short of extravagance.
The allure of the Super Bowl extends beyond the game itself as private parties, reserved for the crème de la crème of society, are legendary for their star-studded guest lists and exclusive performances.
These gatherings serve as prime opportunities for the richest people in the world to network, socialize, and bask in the company of their peers.
March
Hong Kong’s Art Basel
The world of high-end art collecting is another playground for the richest people in the world. In March, Art Basel Hong Kong takes centre stage, attracting a swarm of wealthy collectors from across Asia and beyond.
The allure of Art Basel Hong Kong extends beyond the art itself because the event often coincides with other exclusive gatherings, creating a concentrated atmosphere of wealth and power.
In 2023, the art fair strategically aligned with the Wealth for Good summit, attracting billionaires like Jerry Yang (co-founder of Yahoo), Neil Shen (Sequoia Capital China), and Adam Kwok (a prominent Hong Kong real estate magnate). This strategic scheduling allows attendees to not only indulge their passion for art but also potentially connect with other high-net-worth individuals for future ventures.
The artistic spoils at Art Basel Hong Kong are substantial. Artsy reported over a dozen sales exceeding seven figures in the 2023 edition, including works by George Condo and Kazuo Shiraga. The fair also boasts a history of record-breaking sales, with the most notable being the $35 million sale of Willem de Kooning’s “Untitled XII, 1975” to a private collector in 2018. For the richest people in the world, Art Basel Hong Kong presents a unique opportunity to acquire prestigious pieces while rubbing shoulders with other titans of the art world.
April
The Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament, held annually at the illustrious Augusta National Golf Club, marks the beginning of the major professional golf championships and serves as a beacon for the richest people in the world.
Among its esteemed members are a cadre of the richest people in the world, further cementing its reputation as a haven for the rich and influential.
Notable figures such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Warren Stephens, David Ziff, and Stanley Druckenmiller grace the club’s membership roster, as reported by Bloomberg in 2015.
During the Masters Tournament, the airspace surrounding Augusta buzzes with the arrival of private aircraft, each ferrying affluent patrons eager to partake in the festivities.
For those fortunate enough to secure tickets, spectating at the Masters is a rare opportunity to rub elbows with some of the richest people in the world and the biggest names in business.
However, gaining entry is no small feat as tickets are allocated through a lottery system, with coveted passes fetching exorbitant prices of up to $10,000 on the secondary market.
May
The Cannes Film Festival
As summer approaches, the world’s richest people set their sights on the glamorous French Riviera. The Cannes Film Festival, held in late May, is a magnet for A-listers, industry insiders, and, of course, the world’s elite and richest people in the world.
While the official event prioritizes film professionals, the richest people in the world have found creative ways to participate. For them, the Cannes Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema; it’s an opportunity to hobnob with celebrities, catch award-winning films before anyone else, and be seen amongst the world’s glitterati.
The 2023 festival saw Jeff Bezos fresh off the launch of his $500 million superyacht, the Koru. He used Cannes as a stop on his grand debut tour, docking his vessel and attending the exclusive Vanity Fair party at the opulent Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a haven for the world’s wealthiest individuals.
The guest list boasted celebrities like Robert de Niro, Naomi Campbell, and Pedro Almodovar, solidifying the event’s status as a playground for both Hollywood and high society.
Cannes also presents an opportunity for the richest people in the world to host their soirees. François-Henri Pinault, for example, is known for his annual Kering Women in Motion Dinner, while the late Paul Allen was famous for themed yacht parties during the festival.
June
US Open Golf Tournament – Pennsylvania, United States
The US Open Golf Tournament stands as one of the premier events in the world of golf, drawing elite players and enthusiastic spectators alike to witness the pinnacle of competition on the green.
This esteemed tournament, held annually in June, showcases the finest talents in the sport graced by the richest people in the world against the backdrop of some of the most challenging courses in the United States.
For the richest people in the world, the US Open presents an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in their passion for golf while mingling with fellow aficionados of the game.
Pennsylvania, with its picturesque landscapes and renowned golf courses, serves as the perfect setting for this prestigious event.
As the tournament unfolds, Pennsylvania becomes a hub of activity, with luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences awaiting the affluent attendees.
Private jets descend upon nearby airports, ferrying billionaires and high-profile guests to witness the drama and excitement of championship golf firsthand.
Among the attendees are notable figures from the worlds of business, finance, and entertainment, drawn together by their shared love for the sport and the prestige associated with the US Open. From corporate titans to celebrity enthusiasts, the tournament attracts a diverse array of individuals who come together to celebrate golf at its finest.
July
Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference
Sun Valley, Idaho, transforms into a haven for the world’s richest people every July as this small town plays host to the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, often dubbed “billionaire summer camp.”
Since 1983, this exclusive gathering has served as a summer counterpart to Davos, attracting the biggest names in business, finance, media and a huge list of the richest people in the world
The guest list is a who’s who of the richest people in the world, regularly featuring billionaires like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, and Rupert Murdoch.
The week-long event offers a unique blend of relaxation and deal-making because attendees enjoy activities like golf, hiking, whitewater rafting, and tennis matches, all while fostering connections and potentially striking lucrative business deals.
The conference is legendary for the high-profile mergers and acquisitions that have been initiated within its confines. For instance, Jeff Bezos’ acquisition of The Washington Post for $250 million in 2013 and the initial discussions for Disney’s $19 billion purchase of ABC in 1995 both reportedly have roots in Sun Valley.
August
Burning Man – Nevada Desert, United States
The iconic anticapitalist art and music festival, Burning Man, held in the Nevada desert, may seem like an unlikely destination for Burning Man, at first glance. However, for the richest people in the world, the allure of Burning Man goes beyond conventional expectations, drawing them to its unique blend of creativity, community, and self-expression.
Since its inception in the 1990s, Burning Man has evolved into a symbol of status among the tech elite, with luminaries from Silicon Valley and beyond making the pilgrimage to the desert each year.
Visionaries like Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have long been fixtures at the festival, with Burning Man even inspiring the creation of the very first Google Doodle. Also, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is another stalwart Burner, embodying the festival’s ethos of radical self-expression.
The tech elite’s fascination with Burning Man extends beyond Google, encompassing figures like Facebook cofounders Dustin Moskovitz and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as Uber cofounder Garrett Camp.
Even billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, known for his astute investment strategies, couldn’t resist the allure of Burning Man, donning psychedelic attire and immersing himself in the festivities in 2019.
For many celebrities and the richest people in the world, the Burning Man experience diverges from the festival’s principles of “decommodification” and “leave no trace,” instead embracing the concept of “immediacy” and instant gratification.
Arriving in style, they charter private planes to Black Rock City’s temporary airport, where they traverse the playa in elaborately adorned art cars and eschew traditional camping for luxurious accommodations complete with air-conditioning and personal chefs commanding six-figure fees.
September
The Monaco Yacht Show
As summer winds down, the richest people in the world set their sights on Monte Carlo for the renowned Monaco Yacht Show. This extravagant event showcases the pinnacle of luxury vessels, and superyachts that dwarfs even the most opulent pleasure boats.
These floating palaces, often exceeding 165 feet in length, boast amenities that go beyond imagination. Features like elevators, bars, spas, pools, gyms, and even helipads (sometimes more than one) are commonplace. For the ultimate in aquatic recreation, jet skis and submersibles are popular add-ons.
The Monaco Yacht Show isn’t just about showcasing these marvels of engineering; it’s also a prime opportunity for billionaires to shop for their next toys. Past editions have seen superyachts owned by prominent figures like Paul Allen, Steve Wynn, and Pier Luigi Loro Piana on display, with some even available for purchase or charter.
The event was also a former favourite among Russian oligarchs, but sanctions have restricted their attendance in recent years.
For those who dream of venturing aboard these magnificent vessels, the Monaco Yacht Show offers a (somewhat pricey) opportunity.
For a cool €600 (or around $640) a day, even those who aren’t among the richest people in the world can browse the decks and get a taste of the superyacht lifestyle.
October
Contemporary Art Hunting at Frieze London
The world of high-end art collecting takes centre stage in October with Frieze London, a prestigious contemporary art fair held annually in the British capital.
This event attracts a global audience of wealthy collectors, art enthusiasts, and, of course, the richest people in the world. For those whose tastes lean towards pre-21st century works, Frieze Masters provides a complementary event.
Frieze London has become a popular hunting ground for the richest people in the world seeking to add iconic contemporary pieces to their collections. Art fairs are not just about acquisitions; they’re also social gatherings.
Past editions have seen prominent figures like hedge fund manager Steve Cohen, diamond magnate Laurence Graff, and Gabrielle Bacon (wife of hedge fund legend Louis Bacon) gracing the event with their presence. While the specific details of these high-dollar acquisitions are often kept private, there’s no doubt that millions exchange hands each year at Frieze London.
November
Le Bal des Débutantes
In November, the elite world of high society converges upon Paris for the highly anticipated Le Bal des Débutantes, a centuries-old tradition founded by Ophélie Renouard, that showcases wealth, privilege, and lineage.
Renowned for its grandeur, Le Bal des Débutantes is a meticulously orchestrated affair, where about 20 carefully selected young women embark on a weekend of extravagance.
From glamorous photoshoots to indulgent makeup and hair appointments, the debutantes are immersed in a world of luxury and refinement, culminating in the elegant backdrop of traditional waltzes.
Among the illustrious attendees are royalty, Hollywood scions, and the heirs and heiresses of billion-dollar fortunes, accompanied by their influential and affluent parents.
From Princess Hélène of Orléans to the offspring of Hollywood elite like Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon, the guest list reads like a who’s who of the global elite.
For these privileged debutantes, the weekend’s festivities come at no cost, thanks to the generosity of sponsors who foot the bill for everything from couture gowns to dance lessons and glam squads.
December
New Year in St. Barts
In December the richest people in the world seek out exclusive destinations to ring in the New Year in style. While Aspen and the Maldives remain popular choices for the wintering elite, one destination stands out above the rest: St. Barts.
The Caribbean island of St. Barts, with its pristine beaches and luxurious amenities, has long been a magnet for the global elite seeking sun-soaked extravagance.
Yachts belonging to moguls like David Geffen, Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg, and Bernard Arnault dot the azure waters, signaling the arrival of the world’s wealthiest individuals for year-end festivities.
St. Barts is a beacon of extravagance for the richest people in the world, offering an unparalleled backdrop for ushering in the New Year amidst the company of the global elite.
