12 secret luxuries only the rich and famous can access

Secret luxuries of the super-rich

While the fabulously wealthy can snap up items we can only dream of, there are some unique luxuries that no amount of money can buy. So how do the A-list elite get their hands on them?

Read on to discover the incredible perks only a small group of people enjoy.

Exclusive designer bags

Arguably luxury fashion house Hermès' most famous creation, the Birkin bag – seen on the arms of A-listers like Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian – is the ultimate status symbol. These ultra-exclusive items can sell for millions. Even if you have the money to splurge on the high-end handbag, you still need the right connections to score a rare Birkin. 

Exclusive designer bags

Each Birkin is made from scratch by just one designer, using the most expensive materials including cow, crocodile, lizard, and ostrich skin. And the most exclusive and expensive Birkins can take years to craft. The once notorious 15-year waiting list for the bag is now defunct, so how does one acquire this coveted accessory? Unless you have an Academy Award or a chart-topping song, your chances of wearing one on your arm are slim to none.

Access to members-only clubs

At some elite clubs, membership is something even money can’t buy. But with the right connections, notoriety, and bank balance, you can join these very exclusive groups. Let's take a look at some of the best...

Access to members-only clubs

London's Hurlingham Club is among the world's most prestigious venues. The club, once frequented by King Edward VII for shooting, is famous for its renowned sporting facilities. Membership is incredibly exclusive with a 15-year waiting list, though the Princess of Wales was allowed to skip the queue and regularly plays tennis at the venue. 

Access to members-only clubs

Snow buffs are eager to join this prestigious club. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, the private Yellowstone Club boasts 2,900 acres of world-class ski trails and an 18-hole mountain golf course. While membership fees are hush-hush, high-profile members include Bill Gates and Ben Affleck. 

Bespoke clothing

Love the cool threads Kim Kardashian decks her kids out in and want to buy some of that swag for your children? Never mind that you’d need to take out a second mortgage to finance such a wardrobe, many of the A-listers’ outfits are custom-made. Take this bespoke leather jacket designer Ralph Lauren crafted for Kim K’s son Saint; you won’t find that for sale in even the swankiest of boutiques. 

Private suites at events

Forget slumming it in the mosh pit or the nosebleed section; the wealthy do events in style, preferring to watch a baseball game or Taylor Swift concert from the comfort of a private suite. These are all about luxury, are decked out with leather seats and widescreen TVs, and provide unlimited gourmet catering. But they don’t come cheap...

Private suites at events

America has some of the most expensive suites. In New York, private suites at the Yankee Stadium range between $10,000 (£8.2k) and $20,000 (£16.4k) for a single game. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, luxury suites at the 49ers' stadium can cost up to $45,000 (£36.9k) per game.

At the world-famous Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks play, expect to pay between $4,000 (£3.2k) and $50,000 (£40.9k) on average, with the highest-end suite packages reportedly coming in at an eye-watering $400,000 (£327.6k). Given that price tag, it’s not surprising that even celebrities get excited when they score an invite to one of these suites. 

Courtside seats

When it comes to live sports, there’s nothing better than being right up in the action. But courtside seats are about as impossible to get as Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. According to a report in the New York Times, it doesn’t matter how deep your pockets are – you simply can’t buy courtside seats. The key? Be famous. For example, at Madison Square Garden, each game has 20 seats for celebrities picked by staff based on who they think fans will be excited to see. 

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The Amex Centurion Black Card

To get one of these titanium credit cards, you’ll need to be invited to apply for one. While American Express is secretive about what it takes to get an invitation, minimum spending estimates vary from $250,000 (£204.6k) to millions per year. Once approved, the initiation fee will set you back $10,000 (£8.2k), plus there's an added $5,000 (£4.1k) annual fee.

The Amex Centurion Black Card

What will this card get you besides a hefty bill? Amex won’t give much away, except to say benefits include "rare" travel, food, and entertainment experiences. Other reports say you receive an unlimited spending limit, a personal concierge service, flight upgrades, and complimentary hotel nights. Centurion cardholders have also been known to have entire stores shut down just to let them shop in peace.

Invites to legendary parties

The cashed-up like to stick together, so if you’re lucky enough to be friends with the mega-rich, chances are you’ll be invited to some pretty incredible soirées. For his 55th birthday, British retail tycoon Philip Green took 100 of his closest friends for a five-day party in the Maldives. Held in an Indian Ocean enclave, there were fireworks and 3,000 bottles of champagne popped.

Loads of free stuff

They’ve already got bank balances ending in six zeros, but A-listers are said to receive thousands of dollars worth of freebies every year. According to a report from New York magazine, even C-list celebrities bag some serious swag simply by walking the red carpet and showing their faces at events. Gifts include everything from iPads and holidays to jewellery and designer clothes. 

Private concerts

While many of us can buy a ticket to see our favourite band in concert, the mega-rich prefer a more intimate setting. In 2005, Russian banking magnate Andrey Melnichenko paid Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston to serenade him and his wife in France. And, according to Forbes, an unknown businessman reportedly paid the Eagles $6 million (£4.9m) to perform one song, Hotel California, at a New York City bash. That’s nearly $1 million (£818.6k) per minute! 

Private concerts

And it doesn’t stop there. In 2015, businessman Ralph Whitworth paid an estimated $2 million (£1.6m) for a private concert by the Rolling Stones at a small venue in California. In 2016, Neil Young performed his 1970 track Till The Morning Comes live for the first time at a private show in Paris for French billionaire Edouard Carmignac. Pretty special indeed! 

Access to limited edition cars

Like many things on this list, both money and power are the keys to receiving the best perks, and the same goes for luxury cars. When Ford unveiled the GT Supercar, car enthusiasts were lining up to get their hands on one. But with only 500 cars made, Ford handpicked which applicants – who had to apply online – were allowed the privilege of spending $400,000 (£327.7k) for the vehicle.

Access to exclusive dating apps

Ever wondered how celebrities find love? Rather than Tinder, the elite have their own exclusive dating site, Raya, with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum and A-list actress Drew Barrymore among the famous faces spotted on the app. But before you rush off to join, it’s worth noting that you need to request membership, and the tough application process requires a referral from an existing Raya member. So, unless you’ve got a rich or famous friend to hand, you’re unlikely to be swiping right on this app any time soon. 

Nando’s High Five card

The number one rule about the Nando’s High Five card? Never ever ask for one. According to the chicken chain, that’s an absolute no-no. Nando’s is notoriously secretive about the existence of the black card, but it’s thought to provide the owner and five friends with unlimited Nando’s for a year. The card can’t be applied for or requested but instead is gifted to a handful of elite people, which reportedly includes corporate big wigs and celebrities including Ed Sheeran, David Beckham, and Oprah Winfrey. 

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