Most Expensive Resort in the World: Discover Luxury Like Never Before

If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s richest vacation, grab a drink and settle in. The planet’s priciest resort isn’t just for celebrities and billionaires—it’s a secret playground so exclusive, it makes most luxury getaways look downright basic. We’re talking about places where butlers cater to every whim, private islands are the norm, and even the water you swim in sparkles (not scientifically proven, but you get the idea). You won’t find discount packages or early bird deals here. The price tag alone is enough to make your jaw drop: travelers routinely hand over at least $100,000 a night, and that’s just for starters. Ready for a look behind the velvet rope? You’re about to see how the one-percenters travel.

The World’s Most Expensive Resort: North Island, Seychelles vs. Banwa Private Island

For years, the title of "most expensive resort in the world" has ping-ponged between a handful of ultra-luxe hideaways. There are repeat contenders like North Island in Seychelles, Laucala Island in Fiji, and the jaw-dropping Banwa Private Island in the Philippines. For 2025, Banwa Private Island takes the gold. This spot is a 15-acre oasis floating in the sparkling Sulu Sea, accessible only by private jet or helicopter. It offers the kind of privacy that even Hollywood A-listers crave.

Imagine stepping onto powdery white sand, greeted not by a receptionist but by your own staff of 100, all focused on just one group of guests—yours. Banwa can host up to 48 people at once, but the $100,000-a-night price (as of 2025) includes the exclusive use of the entire island, plus all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, and a personal team of chefs, butlers, and activity guides. Don’t expect to find a standard hotel room; Banwa hosts six beachfront villas, each with its own infinity pool, gardens, and kitchens. Most expensive resort on earth? Absolutely.most expensive resort

To compare, North Island used to set the bar at $80,000 per night, with equally mind-blowing eco-luxury setups and regular guests like royalty—literally, Prince William and Kate spent their honeymoon there. Laucala Island, backed by Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, comes close as well, offering private airstrip access and $150,000-a-stay experiences. But Banwa’s blend of privacy, service, and environmental stewardship has pushed it to the front of the pack this year.

What Does $100,000 a Night Actually Buy You?

If you’re thinking this must be more than just a comfy bed and a nice view, you’re right. Banwa Private Island isn’t about just staying somewhere—it’s about living out fantasy-level luxury. Each villa opens onto the beach, draped in floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek designer decor, and jaw-dropping infinity pools. The bathtubs? Big enough for swimming laps (well, almost). Don’t want to walk to breakfast? Dial up a buggy or have your chef bring it straight to your terrace.

What’s wild is the customized everything. The chef meets every guest before arrival to plan meals—whether that means wild truffle eggs, farm-to-table vegan feasts, or Filipino classics using organic produce grown right on the island. Fancy a moonlit barbecue under a thousand lanterns? Done. Helicopter tour over hidden marine reefs? Absolutely. The resort’s activities director will plan everything from sunset yoga to paddleboard safaris through protected mangroves—or ship in your favorite international band for an impromptu concert (for a hefty extra fee, of course).

Banwa also doubles as a sanctuary for wildlife and sustainability geeks. The island protects endangered turtles, hosts marine scientists, and has its own research station. You can join marine biologists to tag baby turtles before releasing them, or learn coral gardening from the experts. A holistic spa, full-size tennis courts, state-of-the-art gym, and luxury speedboats round out the picture.

Here’s a quick look at what’s included versus what’ll cost you extra:

Who Stays Here? Stories and Secrets

At $100,000 or more per night, this isn’t a spot for the average honeymoon—not unless you’re a tech billionaire, oil magnate, or superstar. Past guests are a mix of A-listers, Fortune 500 bosses, and Middle Eastern royalty. Don’t expect Banwa to drop names, though. Privacy is written into every guest’s contract. There are tales of celebrities requesting staffing with only ex-special-forces for their protection, and one story of a royal who had his personal gym and spa flown in by cargo plane.

Surprisingly, the biggest regulars aren’t just famous folks but those wanting total privacy for major life events. Think secret weddings, family reunions, and once-in-a-lifetime birthdays. One cryptocurrency billionaire recently rented out Banwa for his 30th, bringing in his own sushi chefs, circus troupe, and firework display that lit up the Sulu Sea (rumor has it the fireworks alone cost $250,000).

Staff say the wildest requests include everything from replica Michelin-star restaurants built for a single night to entire beaches dyed pink with flower petals. There’s no official dress code—guests often wander barefoot, in shorts or designer pajamas—and no pressure to do anything except savor paradise. Want your favorite artisanal ice cream flown in before bedtime? As long as the private jet has runway clearance, it’s yours.

Lifestyle Perks, Sustainability, and Luxury Travel Trends

This level of extravagance might sound outlandish, but here’s what’s interesting: even ultra-luxury travelers are all about bespoke, eco-conscious experiences now. Banwa is fully powered by solar and wind, recycles its rainwater, and relies on hydroponic farms for most produce. There’s a limit on fuel-driven watercraft, and staff are trained marshals for wildlife protection. For regular humans, these efforts have turned Banwa into a world leader in sustainable luxury travel—proof that even at the top end, ‘green’ matters.

Globally, the new currency in luxury travel is privacy and substance. High-end travelers are over cookie-cutter opulence. They want genuine flexibility, personalized adventures, and something to feel good about, like supporting turtle conservation or learning reef restoration while sipping a craft cocktail. The most expensive resort has to keep pushing boundaries, not just with gold-leaf desserts but by making every guest’s stay unique to their dreams.

If you’re dreaming of a taste of this lifestyle, know that some perks of luxury travel are filtering down to less pricey resorts: think more tailored experiences, better privacy, and a growing push for environmental responsibility. And who says you can’t embrace a little luxury at home? Sample a new cuisine, book a spa day, or unplug for the weekend—sometimes the world’s greatest retreats don’t need a passport or a billionaire’s bank account.

How to (Possibly) Experience the Most Expensive Resort

Not all hope is lost if $100K a night is out of reach. Banwa Private Island and its competitors occasionally offer charity auctions or raffle experiences to support conservation. Some travel contests have featured rare overnight stays for a fraction of the usual price, with past winners dining next to Hollywood stars or getting one-on-one chef masterclasses.

If you’re dead set on savoring a slice of this world—try going during shoulder season, coordinate with friends to split the cost, or watch out for pop-up events organized by luxury travel companies. Occasionally, ultra-high-end resorts allow short visits or local day experiences for yacht owners, but you’ll need connections (or a stellar travel agent).

Insider tip: Start building a relationship with specialized luxury travel agents who can flag unique opportunities, suggest alternatives like private estate rentals, or craft custom itineraries for special occasions. Some agents can even negotiate upgrades at top-tier islands if their clients have a string of stays at other luxury spots under their belt.

For dreamers, it helps to follow luxury resort newsletters and social media—they often announce last-minute slots or charity stays no one else hears about. You never know when a little luck (and relentless refreshing of your browser) might score you a bucket-list adventure. Until then, get inspired: pamper yourself, plan your own "no agenda" weekend, or pick up a few ideas for future celebrations. Even if the Sulu Sea feels worlds away, the spirit of travel adventure is for everyone.