In the ultra-luxury travel industry, a resort is more than just a business; it is often a personal trophy or a grand vision brought to life by the world’s wealthiest individuals. From private Caribbean islands to sustainable paradises in the Pacific, these resorts reflect the tastes, ambitions, and sheer net worth of their owners.
As of 2026, here are the most prominent figures behind the world’s most expensive and exclusive getaways.
1. Larry Ellison – Lānaʻi, Hawaii
The co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison, owns approximately 98% of the island of Lānaʻi. This makes him the owner of an entire community, including two world-class Four Seasons resorts.
- The Vision: Ellison has transformed Lānaʻi into a laboratory for sustainable living, integrating solar power and organic farming with high-end hospitality.
- Key Property: Four Seasons Resort Lanai and the wellness-focused Sensei Lānaʻi.
2. Sir Richard Branson – Necker Island & Moskito Island
Perhaps the most famous private island owner, the Virgin Group founder purchased Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands in 1979 for a mere $180,000. Today, it is valued at over $100 million.
- The Expansion: Branson recently opened Moskito Island, a neighboring retreat where he sold individual estates to other billionaires while maintaining his own massive compound.
- The Vibe: Known for its “barefoot luxury” and legendary parties, Necker Island remains a favorite for royalty and A-list celebrities.
3. David Copperfield – Musha Cay, Bahamas
The world-famous illusionist doesn’t just perform magic on stage; he created it in the Bahamas. Copperfield spent roughly $50 million to acquire Musha Cay and 10 surrounding islands.
- The Experience: The resort is designed as an “Island of Adventure,” featuring hidden treasure hunts and a beachfront outdoor cinema.
- The Price Tag: Staying here costs upwards of $50,000 per night, and you must rent the entire island.
4. Jiří Šmejc – Velaa Private Island, Maldives
While many Maldivian resorts are owned by hospitality chains, Velaa Private Island was born from the personal passion of Czech billionaire Jiří Šmejc.
- The Vision: Unhappy with the service he experienced at other luxury resorts, Šmejc decided to build his own “perfect” island.
- Luxury Specs: It features a world-class golf academy, a high-tech “snow room” in the spa, and some of the most expensive wine cellars in the Indian Ocean.
For the ultra-wealthy, owning a resort serves several purposes beyond financial profit:
- Ultimate Privacy: It allows them to control exactly who enters their “territory,” ensuring total security for themselves and their high-profile friends.
- Legacy and Brand: A resort is a physical manifestation of an owner’s personal brand—whether it’s Branson’s adventurous spirit or Ellison’s focus on tech-sustainability.
- Experimental Living: Many use these resorts to test new green technologies, architectural styles, or revolutionary guest services that aren’t possible in traditional hotels.