The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) soared last year according to the 2024 Knight Frank Wealth Report.
In addition to that, 265 new names have joined Forbes's latest list of the world's billionaires, taking the total to a record 2,781. Incredibly, the people featured on Forbes's list have seen their wealth surge by a collective $2 trillion (£1.6tn) during the last 12 months.
Needless to say, the 0.01% are spending big. From $400 (£314) designer pineapples to luxury doomsday bunkers, it's safe to say that the mega-rich have slightly different shopping lists to the rest of us.
With that in mind, read on to discover the most covetable items that the ultra-wealthy are treating themselves to in 2024.
All dollar amounts in US dollars, unless otherwise stated.
Ridiculously expensive high-end fruits are all the rage right now among the mega-wealthy. Harking back to the 18th century when pineapples were so dear people would rent them for special occasions, Del Monte has developed a prized cultivar, the Rubyglow, which sells in the US for just under $400 (£314) per fruit.
Only a few thousand of the rare ruby-hued pineapples are harvested each year and they fly off the shelves, despite the hefty cost. Other designer fruits the super-rich can't get enough of include Oishii strawberries and Sumo Citrus mandarins.
However, the cost of these fruits pale in insignificance compared to the record price paid for a single durian (a pungent yet delicious fruit that has been described by some as having a taste similar to cheesecake). Back in 2019, a single piece of the spiky fruit went under the hammer in Thailand for an incredible $47,990 (£38k).
The super-rich don't think twice about splurging on anti-ageing skincare and are often willing to pay a huge premium for exclusivity and cult ingredients. Enter this limited edition version of Dior's L'Or de Vie La Crème moisturiser. Retailing for a mind-blowing $7,500 (£5.8k), it makes notoriously pricey brands like Crème de la Mer seem cheap.
Limited to just 130 numbered pieces, the 1.7-ounce crystal jar is the handiwork of renowned glass artisan Xavier Le Normand, who created the swoon-worthy masterpiece in 2022.
Designed for use on the face and neck, the cream within each jar costs hundreds of dollar per dab. Its star ingredient is rejuvenating Yquem sap extracted from the precious vines growing in the Château d'Yquem vineyards in Sauternes, France, which produce some of the world's most expensive wines.
Wearing overtly wealth-flaunting fashion is firmly out these days for the mega-moneyed, and quiet luxury is in. No brand does this better than Italy's Loro Piana. The pinnacle of stealth wealth chic, it's the go-to for style-conscious billionaires – although even they probably baulk at the price tags.
A basic cotton T-shirt costs $550 (£431), while a cashmere sweater will set you back $1,500 (£1.2k). These are just fractions of the cost of Loro Piana's most expensive item, however. Its vicuña-made Harlan coat retails for a staggering $33,425 (£26k).
Softer and warmer than even the best cashmere, vicuña is the world's finest and rarest textile. The ultra-premium wool is shorn in very small quantities from the protected llama-like vicuñas that roam the Andes, meaning that supply is low and prices are sky-high.
The super-wealthy are planning to hit the Paris Olympics in style this summer.
Instead of battling it out for tickets online and scrambling for hotels along with the hoi polloi, the elite are bagging swish travel and hospitality packages from the official provider, On Location.
The most premium of the 200 packages starts from $36,000 (£28k) per person. It includes six nights at Paris's five-star Hôtel Bel Ami, a personal tour of the city and, best of all, tickets to top Olympic events, from the opening ceremony to the men's gymnastics final. It also gives ticket holders access to the exclusive Salon 24 VIP lounge.
The world's mega-rich have a new obsession: lifespan extension. In fact, the 0.01% are going to extraordinary lengths to "de-age". Among the more extreme examples is 46-year-old tech multimillionaire Bryan Johnson, who's spending $2 million (£1.6m) a year in a bid to turn back the clock.
Others are opting for fancy "longevity-boosting" gym memberships. Premium US fitness chain Equinox offers one of the most expensive, the Optimize package, which costs $40,000 (£31k) annually.
A comprehensive health plan with the aim of helping the super-wealthy live longer, Optimize blends medical testing with regular personal training sessions, expert nutritional advice, massage therapy, and sleep coaching.
Longevity vacations are also becoming de rigueur among the ultra-wealthy, according to the Wall Street Journal.
This particular type of money-no-object getaway incorporates cutting-edge medical testing with the latest anti-ageing treatments, with the aim of having guests look and feel younger by the time they check out.
One of the most sought-after packages comes courtesy of the Four Seasons Resort Maui. Its Longevity Protocol spa treatment consists of four vitality-enhancing sessions spread out over four days, and prices start from a whopping $44,000 (£35k).
The more hardcore members of the mega-rich anti-ageing brigade have been heading to La Prairie Clinic in Switzerland for a week-long private retreat. The plush package, priced from $91,015 (£71k) via Compare Retreats, includes the clinic's Revitalisation and Master Detox programmes, which are designed to slow the ageing process and activate the immune system.
Guests dine on exquisitely nutritious cuisine, stay in deluxe on-site suites, and are treated to longevity consultations, DNA tests, advanced medical checkups, vitamin injections, daily Swiss herbal infusions, rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory treatments, plus a whole lot more.
Swifties will move heaven and earth to get their hands on an Eras Tour ticket and the richer they are, the more they're prepared to fork out. In fact, resale tickets have been listed for as much as $94,950 (£74k) a pop on StubHub.
Moneyed fans are also plumping for VIP packages. The official concert packages cost several hundred dollars, although those offered by hotels are considerably more expensive.
For instance, Singapore's Marina Bay Sands resort promoted a $50,000 (£39k) Wildest Dreams package when Swift was in town earlier this year. It included a three-night stay in the Paiza Signature Suite, four VIP concert tickets, Eras Tour merch, a curated fine dining experience, and limo transfers.
The humble golf cart has been elevated to a billionaire-worthy status symbol thanks to manufacturers like Garia.
The Danish firm leads the luxury golf cart market and its vehicles even have the royal stamp of approval, having been favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Garia's most expensive model is this Mercedes-Benz-designed beauty customised by luxury vehicle modification firm Mansory. The buggy, with its distinctive forged carbon bodywork and turquoise upholstery, retails for $110,000 (£86k), which makes it the most expensive golf cart in the world.
Mega-rich rail enthusiasts have been booking the Around The World By Luxury Train package from Canadian travel brand Railbookers.
An 80-day extravaganza that covers 10 countries, the trip includes journeys on some of the world's most splendid trains: Rocky Mountaineer, Rovos Rail, Golden Eagle Danube Express, Eastern & Oriental Express, Al Andalus, Maharajahs' Express, and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Unsurprisingly, tickets are very expensive, starting from $113,559 (£89k) per person, based on two sharing.
Arguably the world's most fabulous private members club, America's Exclusive Resorts has more than its fair share of millionaire and billionaire sign-ups, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reportedly among them.
Members pay an initial fee of $195,000 (£153k), followed by a hefty renewal bill thereafter. In return, they get exclusive access to the club's enviable selection of luxury properties in more than 75 of the world's most coveted destinations.
Exclusive Resorts also offers extra-premium experiences, including high-end cruises in the Mediterranean, Patagonian expeditions, and gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
While Exclusive Resorts provides its mega-rich members with plenty of opportunities for adventure, the really intrepid are making a beeline for the London-based White Desert.
The luxury tour operator specialises in awe-inspiring trips to the Antarctic and also offers its sensational Around The World package. The 21-day trip takes in 10 destinations on all seven continents, with travellers enjoying the experience from the comfort of a private jet.
Among the many highlights are an orangutan safari deep in the Borneo jungle, a sojourn on Easter Island to marvel at the iconic Moai statues, and a mountain trek in Antarctica. The price for the 21-day trip is $188,000 (£147k), while an optional extended Antarctic adventure stretches it to $225,000 (£176k).
The mega-rich may be embracing quiet luxury, but there's still a buoyant market for blingy playthings that are anything but understated.
Swedish luxury brand Golden Concept, which reportedly counts the Kardashians, Cristiano Ronaldo, and DJ Khaled among its fans, specialises in creating ludicrously opulent Apple accessories crafted from precious metals and studded with gemstones.
Its Billionaire's Gadgets range is a collection of customised Apple products featuring over 7,500 brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing a total of 113 carats. Priced at $250,000 (£196k), only the richest tech fans can even consider getting hold of this glitzy bejewelled set.
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the super-rich seek out only the best players in the business – and they don't come cheap.
According to The Times, Beverly Hills legend Dr. Brian Novack is probably the most expensive facelift surgeon in the world, charging up to $500,000 (£392k) for the procedure.
Dr. Novack performs just one surgery a week and is renowned for his meticulous approach, which he claims leaves no visible scarring. As you might expect, the doctor's list of patients reads like a who's who of Tinseltown and reportedly includes Demi Moore, Courtney Cox, and Meg Ryan.
The billionaire boom is a boon for the world's poshest private members' clubs, which are doing a roaring trade catering to the unprecedented number of people with three-comma fortunes. The most expensive of them all is a relative newcomer.
Launched in 2022, Casa Cruz has been hailed as New York's "most glamorous" restaurant. Its club membership is limited to 99 and it charges a joining fee of up to $500,000 (£392k).
While the names of its famous members haven't been divulged, the establishment has hosted plenty of world-famous VIPs since opening, including Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, Gigi Hadid, Sir Mick Jagger, and Sienna Miller. Former president Bill Clinton is pictured here leaving Casa Cruz in May of this year.
As well as exploring the globe via luxury rail or private jet, the mega-moneyed also have the option of an around-the-world cruise.
By far the most high-end is Regent Seven Seas Cruises's 140-night World of Splendor global extravaganza. Departing from Miami in January 2027, the voyage has 71 ports of call across 40 countries on six continents.
The package includes first-class return flights, visits to 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (with 486 excursions in total), exquisite fine dining experiences, fabulous entertainment, and so much more.
Prices for the voyage max out at $840,000 (£658k) per person for the 1,300 square foot (120m²) Regent Suite, which wows with a stunning living space that features genuine Picassos and a custom Steinway grand piano, not to mention a wraparound deck and private spa retreat.
White Desert's most expensive package is its Ultimate Antarctic Adventure, which promises to be truly breathtaking. And those who have taken the plunge should expect nothing less given the eye-watering cost of the once-in-a-lifetime trip, which starts at $2 million (£1.6m).
The unique 16-day odyssey ticks all the boxes a thrill seeker might have, packing in an excursion to an emperor penguin colony, an Antarctic peninsular cruise, and an expedition to the geographic South Pole, as well as an array of adrenaline-pumping activities (think helicopter sightseeing, submersible dives, and ice climbing) thrown in too.
Launching this year, this $600 million (£470m) "floating palace" is the largest yacht in history, as well as the first yacht-liner.
Set to cruise the world's top yachting destinations, the 728-foot (222m) Somnio features 39 impossibly luxe private residences and a wealth of "six-star" amenities, including an enormous resort-style swimming pool, premium spa, opulent cinema, gourmet restaurants, 10,000-bottle wine cellar, library, and even a world-class medical clinic.
The 39 condos range from two to four-bedroom units, and can be fully customised to include a gym, personal kitchen, and library. They each cost up to $11 million (£8.6m) but money alone isn't enough to secure an apartment – the units are for sale by referral or invitation only.
Of course, thrill-seeking multimillionaires and billionaires aren't restricting their adventures just to Earth now that space tourism is an option, with a suborbital trip to the edge of the cosmos on many a super-wealthy person's bucket list.
The less well-off have to settle for Virgin Galactic's $450,000 (£352k) ride, which reaches 31 miles above sea level and offers a few minutes of weightlessness, while the mega-rich are partial to Blue Origin's 11-minute trip.
Considerably more expensive at a reported $28 million (£22m) per person, Blue Origin's rocket ascends 62 miles to pass the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
An expensive Swiss watch is a no-brainer must-have for the multimillionaires and billionaires of the world, with the rarest and most complicated timepiece models comfortably selling for tens of millions of dollars.
The holy grail is a one-off Grandmaster Chime by Patek Philippe. The most complex version, which took seven years to create, sold at auction in 2019 for a record-breaking $31 million (£24m).
This bespoke exclusive is also the holy grail of supercars. The mega-rich who really want to make an impact with their wheels won't hesitate to spend tens of millions of dollars on an ultra-customised one-off from a leading luxury marque.
Rolls-Royce is top of the game with its four Droptail bespoke cars. Retailing for up to a reported $38.3 million (£30m) apiece – equivalent to the cost of 115 Ferrari F8 Spiders – these automotive works of art belong more in a museum than they do on the road.
Perfectly tailored to their minted owners, they sport almost unimaginably premium features, including dashboard clocks by top Swiss watchmakers that are worth more than the average supercar.
Discovery Land Company operates the most exclusive communities in the world, including the billionaire-heavy Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana.
A guaranteed magnet for the mega-rich, Discovery Dunes is the firm's latest venture. A 600-acre verdant oasis minutes by car from central Dubai, the elite desert community is set to have 340 villas, mansions, and land plots, with the most expensive priced at $50 million (£39m).
Amenities will include a private championship golf course and an array of wellness and fine dining options. In addition to shelling out millions for a property, buyers will most probably have to cough up enormous initiation and yearly fees.
Yellowstone Club charges members $400,000 (£313k) to join and has annual membership costs of $41,500 (£33k).
Multimillionaires and billionaires who are keen to simply dip their proverbial toe into outer space opt for a brief trip courtesy of Virgin Galactic or Blue Origin. Super-wealthy aspiring astronauts after the full-on space experience, however, turn to Axiom Space or SpaceX.
Axiom Space offers a $55 million (£43m) 10-day trip to the International Space Station, which includes a seven-day stay in the facility.
For around the same price, SpaceX offers a three-day voyage orbiting Earth aboard the company's DragonX capsule.
The super-rich are installing doomsday bunkers in their droves. The prepping craze took off during the COVID-19 pandemic and has reached fever pitch amid the war in Ukraine and tensions between China and the West.
Multimillionaires and billionaires are going all-out: for example, US firm SAFE is currently building an island fortress bunker for an unnamed business tycoon that will come complete with a flammable moat and water cannons that can shoot down hostile aircraft.
But for real lovers of luxury, there's only one choice. The L'Heritage bunker from Switzerland's Oppidum spans 12,380 square feet (1,150m²) and is a sumptuous five-bedroom sanctuary that resembles a five-star hotel suite more than it does an end-of-days hideaway.
It starts from $60 million (£47m), though with optional extras such as a pool, inner garden, cinema, gym, and art gallery all available, the typical cost comes in at $100 million (£78m).
Likewise, mega-wealthy preppers are buying their own islands to see them through the apocalypse. Luckily, they have plenty to choose from at the current time, despite the increased demand.
Right now, Rangyai Island in Thailand is the most expensive option on the market. Listed with Private Island Inc for $160 million (£125m), the pristine 110-acre isle near Phuket is an absolute knockout, with lush tropical forests and beautiful white-sand beaches.
For the multimillionaire or billionaire looking for a self-sufficient turnkey property, the 800-acre Kaibu Island in Fiji is a great option. Powered by solar energy, the Polynesian paradise features a luxury private resort, landing strip, and desalination plant. Around half the price of Rangyai island, it's on sale via Vladi Private Resorts.
The super-rich, particularly those who fear flying or want to reduce their carbon footprint, are turning to luxury trains to get around and for the extremely wealthy, there's the super-private G Train.
The brainchild of Steve Jobs's superyacht designer Thierry Gaugin, the $350 million (£274m) "palace on rails" comprises 14 cars with space for 18 passengers.
A real showstopper, it features astonishing glass casing that switches from transparent to opaque, plus a series of unbelievable spaces, including a garden, an art gallery, and wings that fold down to create airy alfresco terraces.
Boeing is taking orders for the upcoming BBJ 777-9, which is poised to be the world's largest twin-engine private jet when it launches next year. The state-of-the-art plane offers 3,700 square feet (343m²) of cabin space decked out in opulent style by Lufthansa Technik. According to CNN, the slick Celestial Star cabin incorporates Middle Eastern design elements to appeal to the plane's target market: the royal families of the Gulf.
It seriously impresses with a "cocoon-like" private bedroom, as well as the largest rain and massage shower ever built on an aircraft.
Marketing the plane at exceedingly rich Middle Eastern royals makes total sense considering its price: the aircraft costs $450 million (£352m) and outfitting the cabin adds up to $160 million (£125m) to the final bill.
Austrian startup Migaloo has announced the "world’s one and only private submersible superyacht", much to the delight of billionaires bored with regular superyachts.
Dubbed M5, the default vessel will be 545 feet long (166m) and 75 feet (23m) across at its widest point. Planned features include a pool and spa, helipad, art gallery, cinema, and party area with DJ booth, along with living and sleeping areas. Clients will have their pick of dazzling add-ons, including a shark-feeding station and a built-in hot air balloon.
One for only the very richest of billionaires, prices for the M5 start from $2 billion (£1.6bn).
The ultimate dream for many billionaires is to own a major sports team. The NFL is the world's most expensive league and billionaire owners abound, from Stan Kroenke and Jerry Jones to Robert Kraft and Shahid Khan.
You'll certainly need a ton of money if you want to join them: at least $3.5 billion (£3bn) based on the value of the least valuable franchise, the Cincinnati Bengals. No entire team is up for sale right now, although the owners of the Buffalo Bills are reportedly considering selling a 25% share, which would likely cost in the region of $925 million (£724m).
Now meet the youngest billionaires in 24 countries around the world