The Journal

As wealth has evolved, so too has luxury travel. In the 19th century, the height of indulgence was often a steam train sojourn across the Continent; by the 20th, it was Caribbean cruises, popularised by films like James Bond. Today, the priorities of high-net-worth travellers have shifted. The most expensive destinations are less about distance and bravado, and more about limited access, ecological awareness, and privacy. From private islands in the remote Pacific to historic ski chalets in the French Alps, here are five extraordinary destinations with provenance – and the price tag to match.