How The Rich & Famous Escape The Pandemic

For most regular people, the pandemic has meant staring at the same four walls for months on end, dreaming of when we used to be allowed to travel. However, there are much more pleasant ways to while away the time during the coronavirus crisis for those with unlimited resources.

Although the travel industry has been decimated in general, there has been one area of strong growth. According to private jet supplier Air Charter Services, a key trend this year is the number of first-time customers, up 23% compared to last year. Bookings for private jets have increased by 35% in 2020, with an increase of 20% for leisure bookings year on year. Some of the most popular destinations included Nice, Dubai, and Faro. A return private jet that seats 6-8 passengers costs a staggering $120,100 (£90,000) return to charter.

Many countries have offered long-stay visas to encourage those able to work remotely in the sunshine or a destination with low rates of COVID-19. There are some exotic options available such as Dubai, Bermuda, and Barbados. Barbados has long been a favorite with celebrities and the world’s rich list. Although the island has strict protocols in effect for arrivals, this means that it has virtually no community transmission, ideal for the billionaire concerned about their health.

Another growth area for travel has been villa rentals rather than hotels for travelers concerned with being near other people. One of the most luxurious villas on the island of Barbados is Alaya. The stunning property on the island’s Platinum Coast has been host to Justin Bieber and Drake, and many other top secret VIP guests. Guests can range from well-known CEOs of global corporations or A list celebrities.

The villa boasts six bedrooms along with two apartments with another three bedrooms between them. The master bedroom suite is the villa’s star feature with its sweeping ocean views, extensive balcony with doors that open the room out completely for indoor/outdoor living, and even a cinema area. An impressive ensuite bathroom also opens out to the elements allowing a luxurious soak in the bath while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves on the beach below.

Every detail has been taken care of, with the house featuring its own gym, a 60ft swimming pool, and a beach that can only be accessed by other beach walkers at low tide for the ultimate privacy. There are plenty of millionaire’s toys to play with, such as a boat with a skipper and a snooker table. Prices may reach up to $61,067 (£45,720) a week to rent the house in high season, but this does include a fully stocked wine cellar and all your meals.

For the ultimate in fine dining, the villa has a personal chef trained by Michel Roux in his Michelin star restaurant. From whipping up some gourmet canapes and a full dinner to a light breakfast at 6 am, guests’ every need is met. There is even a fully stocked bar complete with a barman to conjure up any cocktail you desire as well as bespoke creations based on guests’ preferences. In total, there is a staff of 22 on hand to cater to residents’ requests.

For high profile guests, security is all-important, and the villa comes with two security staff at the estate 24/7. In case of a significant incident, the villa has incorporated panic rooms and a back-up generator. You can see more beautiful shots of Alaya in this video from Diamantem,

Sadly some public figures have felt the need to post on social media about their retreats from COVID-19. Boasting about escaping the pandemic has drawn criticism for some A-listers who appeared tone-deaf to the world’s mood. While in the Caribbean on his yacht, music and film mogul David Geffen, posted on Instagram that he was “Isolated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus. I’m hoping everybody is staying safe.” Estimated as being worth $7.7 billion according to Forbes, it’s a lot easier to “stay safe” for him on his boat than for most people! Kim Kardashian famously posted about spending her 40th birthday on a private island near Tahiti. The party was attended by a large group of her family and friends, which gained many negative comments on her Instagram feed.

A major trend worldwide has been escaping major cities such as London to the countryside, with many considering a permanent move. Only a short distance from London yet within the country lies St George’s Hill near Weybridge. This area is synonymous with wealthy residents and celebrities such as Sir Cliff Richard, Jensen Button, and John Lennon. For the affluent wishing to escape London, they can rent global property company Diamantem’s Bolsover mansion.

The house is set on one of the U.K.’s best golf courses and is a modern take on a classic British Georgian residence with 1.5 acres of land.

As you enter, the reception hall sets the scene with a breathtaking handmade chandelier cascading down towards the floor. Equipped with everything any millionaire could desire, the house includes an expansive wine cellar and a grand piano.

The master suite features a cozy fireplace and His & Hers ensuites and walk-in wardrobes to save any arguments. There are also a further four bedroom suites. If you were to spend time during lockdown in the house, there is no chance of being bored with a gym, treatment room, golf simulator, and a spa complex with a pool & sauna.

While the rest of us can only dream of staying in such magificant places, at least with a vaccine now rolling out, we can all look forward to the day when we can once again travel.