25 things the super-rich are looking forward to in 2018
Next year's ultimate objects of desire and most exclusive experiences
There's no shortage of extravagant things for the mega-wealthy of the world to spend their mountains of cash on next year. From impossibly luxurious new cars to the most hotly anticipated high-end hotel openings, we reveal 25 things the super-rich can't wait for in 2018.
Nobu Hotel Marbella
The Marbella jetset will have a glamorous new place to hang out and pose at this spring when the Nobu Hotel opens at the swanky Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa on the Spanish resort's 'Golden Mile'.
LG Signature Edition smartphone
LG is releasing its first ultra-premium smartphone next year. The Signature Edition will be a limited edition of just 60 and feature the latest tech as well as a zirconium ceramic shell. Only available in South Korea, the handset will be priced at $1,840 (£1.4k).
Samsung W2018
Believe it or not, the hottest handset of 2018 is a retro-styled flip smartphone. Samsung's W2018 will boast an unparalleled spec and ultra-premium build quality and, to make it even more exclusive, the smartphone will only be available to buy in China, where it's expected to cost from $3,500 (£2.6k).
Courtesy Vetements/Net-a-Porter
Vetements Granny Bag
Another contender for It bag of 2018 is cult Parisian label Vetement's take on the string granny bag. The purse/bag hybrid is coveted by wealthy fashionistas who aren't put off by its $3,850 (£2.9k) price tag.
2018 Hermès Birkin bag
A shrewd investment as well as a much-desired piece of arm candy, the classic Hermès Birkin bag gets a vibrant makeover for 2018, with a series of bright block colour versions, each of which will cost from at least $8,000 (£6k).
Crystal Skye private jet
This private charter jet service from Crystal Cruises has recently started to take reservations. Mega-rich clients will be able to hire an entire tricked-out Boeing 777, which boasts luxe leather seating, cashmere blankets and fine dining. The damage? The jet will cost from $57,000 (£42.7k) an hour to rent out.
Courtesy Bensley Collection
Shinta Mani Wild retreat
One of several high-end eco retreats launching next year, the Shinta Mani Wild glamping retreat in Cambodia opens in the summer. The billionaire-friendly rainforest hideaway will combine relaxation and nature conservation in a suitably luxurious setting.
2018 Ferrari 488 GTB
This revamped, souped-up version of the classic 458 is the Ferrari supercar to own in 2018. Marrying good looks and exceptional performance, the 488 GTB ticks all the boxes. As you might have guessed, it doesn't come cheap, with prices starting from around $300,000 (£225k).
Courtesy Bugatti/Palmer Johnson
Bugatti Ninette 66 superyacht
The runner-up prize for most coveted yacht of the year goes to another carmarker/yachtbuilder collaboration. Bugatti has worked with Palmer Johnson to create this futuristic sea vessel, which even features a fire pit. Out in March, the yacht is likely to cost around $4 million (£3m).
Aman round-the-world expedition
The most expensive holiday package of 2018, the Aman round-the-world expedition takes in nine countries. Guests travel in private jets and stay at luxury Aman hotels during the 22-day trip, which costs from a staggering $120,000 (£90k) per person.
Ski Verbier Ultimate Heli-Glacier Picnic
This season, Ski Verbier is offering the ultimate on-piste dining experience: a once-in-a-lifetime glacier picnic via helicopter. The excursion is only open to guests at the travel firm's Chalet Chouqui, who will have to cough up from $7,300 (£5.5k) per person for a week's stay at the property.
Quark voyage to the North Pole
More adventurous millionaires or billionaires who have their heart set on an adrenaline-fuelled trip can opt for Quark's 14-day voyage to the North Pole in June. The package, which is priced from $30,000 (£22.5k) per person, includes a hot air balloon flight and helicopter sightseeing.
The auction of the Peggy and David Rockefeller Collection
Christie's is hosting the sale of the Peggy and David Rockefeller Collection in New York this spring, which is shaping up to be the most significant philanthropic auction of all time. Highlights of the sale, which is likely to raise hundreds of millions of dollar for charity, include paintings by Picasso, Monet and Gauguin.
Courtesy Aston Martin/Triton
Aston Martin Project Neptune submarine
Yachts are all well and good, but they're so last season. The latest nautical plaything to top the wishlists of the world's billionaires is this personal submarine. Aston Martin has teamed up with Triton Submarines to launch the ultra-premium three-person submersible, which will cost around $4 million (£3m).
2018 Audi E-Tron Quattro SUV
High-end fully electric cars are few and far between, apart from Tesla's flagship model, but several carmakers are set to change that next year. Audi, for instance, is launching the E-tron Quattro SUV in early 2018. The swish eco vehicle is expected to be priced at around $80,000 (£60k).
2018 Jaguar I-Pace SUV
Jaguar is also muscling in on the luxury electric car market next year. The British-based, Indian-owned auto manufacturer is launching the fully electric I-Pace SUV in the second half of 2018. The sporty car goes from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds and will cost an estimated $73,000 (£55k).
Courtesy Restaurant St. Hubertus
Restaurant St. Hubertus
Moneyed gourmands will be making a beeline for Italy's latest three Michelin-starred restaurant in 2018. St. Hubertus is in the historic Dolomites mountain village of Rosa Alpin, which specialises in inventive locally-sourced cuisine, offers an extra-memorable gastronomic experience for a few hundred dollars a head.
Scenic Eclipse cruise
Billionaires who can't be bothered with the upkeep of a superyacht will be well catered for in 2018 and beyond. A number of high-end cruise yachts are set to launch, including the Scenic Eclipse, the world's first six-star luxury discovery yacht, which is designed to sail anywhere in the world. An 11-night cruise on the ship will cost from around $15,200 (£11.4k) per person.
Ritz-Carlton Cruise Collection
Even more exciting for the mega-rich of the world, Ritz-Carlton is launching three outrageously luxurious hotel on the waves. The opulent mega-yachts will feature everything from penthouses to spas and infinity pools. But while bookings will be taken from next year, the first cruise doesn't set sail until 2019.
2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster
The most wanted convertible of 2018, Lamborghini's roadster version of the new Aventador S is the summer cruising car to be seen in. A real beauty, the supercar offers an exhilarating driving experience, and comes with an equally heart-pumping price tag of around $450,000 (£338k).
2018 Lamborghini Urus SUV
Lamborghini fans who have something more practical in mind will be thrilled to learn the Italian carmaker is launching a luxury SUV next year. The Urus, which goes into production in February, will retail for $220,000 (£165k).
Courtesy Hurawalhi Maldives
Kudadoo Private Island by Hurawalhi
Opening early next year, Kudadoo Private Island in the Maldives is a super-exclusive private island with just 15 ocean villas catering to a particularly well-heeled clientele, who will pay up to $3,000 (£2.3k) a night per person to stay in this little corner of paradise.
2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited 115th Anniversary Edition
The ultimate touring motorcycle, Harley-Davidson's 2018 CVO Limited is the pinnacle of comfort, style and performance. The limited edition bike is highly collectable and Harley fans with bottomless pockets won't think twice about forking out at least $43,000 (£32k) to own one.
2018 Bugatti Chiron
The ultimate supercar, Bugatti's 2018 Chiron is the fastest and most expensive set of wheels on the market, with an eye-watering price-tag of just under $3 million (£2.3m) and a top speed of 288 mph.
Porsche Dynamiq GTT 115 Hybrid superyacht
Feast your eyes on next year's most coveted superyacht. This collaboration between Porsche and Monaco yachtbuilder Dynamiq features cutting-edge fuel-efficient yachting technology and slick Porsche-designed interiors. Just seven will be built and each will start from $16 million (£12m).