"They've taken over all of Palermo": How 0.1 % prefers to have fun

Gone are the days when all you had to do was rent a mega-villa or charter a plane, as shown by a Japanese tycoon who took over an Italian city. The world may go to hell, but billionsaires are still billionsaires. Kaoru Nakajima, the eccentric Japanese industrialist, celebrated his 70th birthday (three years postponed because of Covid) last month in Palermo among 1,400 of his closest friends. He is said to have rented the luxurious newly opened Villa Igiea Rocco Forte hotel and booked rooms at another five-star hotel, and rented several important monuments in the city for the party. For example, Italy's largest opera house, Teatro Massimo, which hosted the main event, a concert featuring singer Matteo Bocelli, son of tenor Andrea.

But that doesn't mean everyone let the pandemic put their plans on hold for a long time. As has been widely reported in the press, Kim Kardashian has rented the entire The Brando resort on Tetiaroa Island in French Polynesia for her 40th birthday in 2020. Turns out those who waited really went all out once the restrictions were completely lifted. "Since the pandemic, we've seen an increase in demand for fantastic experiences," says Stuart McNeill, founder of London-based concert service Knightsbridge Circle. "People approached us with a 'live only once' attitude. And now, as they reflect on the sad events in Ukraine and Israel, that demand is not diminishing. "

McNeill talks about a trip to Italy that Knightsbridge Circle recently organized for a large American family, where an intimate concert was held at Andrea's in his villa in Forte Dei Marmi and all funds raised were donated to the Bocelli Foundation. "A week ago I had a WhatsApp message from a member asking us to offer him the most unusual experiences in safe locations around the world." According to American event planner Colin Cowie, who organized the "Benjamin" wedding on Affleck's Georgia estate and is a favorite event planner for Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian, organizing events in unusual locations is one of the key areas of party planning.

"The desire to gather and celebrate has never been stronger," Cowie says.

"Traveling for memorable holidays and anniversaries has become very popular recently," adds Jules Morey, head of Scott Dunn Private, an "invitation-only" luxury tour operator. "I booked the best hotels on an exclusive basis as well as luxury lodges such as Logger's in Sweden, Octola in Finland or Singita Milele, which will open in northern Tanzania next year. I organize private parties with the chef, invite renowned Egyptologists and polar explorers to meet the guests, and bring in photographers and film crews to keep it all as a keepsake." All of the event organizers I spoke to after the weekend agree that people are now more eager for upscale experiences and the opportunity to take away something unique after the celebration. Quintessentially recently organized a wedding where the ceremony was held at Lake Palace in Udaipur.

"We are seeing a surge in demand for events that promise not just a party, but an unforgettable story - an experience that is not just great, but truly amazing," says James Wall, global marketing director of luxury personal lifestyle management service Quintessentially. "Each new event surpasses the previous one in luxury and personal touch. We recently organized a wedding where the ceremony was held at Lake Palace in Udaipur and the party was held at Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg, during which guests enjoyed performances by Craig David and the Bolshoi Theatre, and Elton John sang a song for the couple at their first dance. We recently transformed the cozy Place de Pasable on the Côte d'Azur into a Buddha Bar themed oasis for a sunny party for 120 people and organized a three-day birthday party for 150 people at Villa Efrussi de Rothschild with an exclusive performance by the legendary Lulu. "

With Kaoru Nakajima raising the bar, one can only wonder how and where the world's billionaires will party next time. If money wasn't an issue, what would your dream vacation be like? Please share your comments below.