The Cost of an Ultra-Luxury Vacation: Sample Budget for a Week of 5-Star Travel

Ultra-luxury travel is not about excess for its own sake. It is about control, comfort and time reclaimed. For travellers accustomed to the best, understanding where the money actually goes is more useful than headline prices.

Below is a realistic, transparent sample budget for one week of ultra-luxury travel, designed for a London-based jet-set traveller or couple. This is not aspirational fantasy. It reflects how five-star travel is actually priced when done properly.

Think of this as a blueprint rather than a rulebook.

The baseline assumption

This sample budget assumes:

  • One couple travelling together

  • A premium international destination

  • Five-star or ultra-luxury accommodation

  • Seamless logistics and curated experiences

  • Comfort first, not ostentation

Destinations could include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Middle East, safari regions or top global cities.

1. Flights

£12,000 – £35,000

Your flight choice sets the tone for the entire trip.

Typical options

  • First class commercial flights from London

  • Business class on shorter routes

  • Private jet only for regional legs, not long haul

A realistic breakdown:

  • Long-haul first class return: £15,000 – £25,000 per person

  • Regional private jet legs (if required): £5,000 – £10,000 total

Many seasoned travellers blend first class with targeted private aviation to balance comfort and efficiency.

2. Accommodation

£15,000 – £45,000

This is the emotional core of the trip.

Five-star hotel or resort

  • £2,000 – £5,000 per night for premium rooms or suites

  • Seven nights: £14,000 – £35,000

Private luxury villa (alternative)

  • £3,000 – £8,000 per night depending on destination

  • Staffed villas often include housekeeping and concierge

Ultra-luxury accommodation costs more not because of size, but because of privacy, location and service density.

3. Transfers and ground transport

£3,000 – £8,000

Luxury travel removes friction on the ground.

Typical inclusions:

  • Chauffeured airport transfers

  • Private drivers on standby

  • Helicopter or seaplane transfers where required

Once experienced, this level of ease is hard to give up.

4. Dining and beverages

£5,000 – £12,000

At this level, dining is experiential rather than routine.

Expect:

  • Fine dining restaurants

  • Private chef experiences or tasting menus

  • Premium wines and cocktails

  • In-villa or in-suite dining

A realistic allowance:

  • £700 – £1,500 per day for a couple

Luxury dining is less about volume and more about access and quality.

5. Experiences and activities

£4,000 – £15,000

This is where travel becomes personal.

Examples include:

  • Private yacht or boat charters

  • Guided cultural or wildlife experiences

  • Spa treatments and wellness programmes

  • Private after-hours tours or exclusive access

Ultra-luxury travellers typically prioritise fewer, better experiences rather than packed itineraries.

6. Service, staff and tipping

£1,500 – £4,000

Often overlooked, but essential.

This may include:

  • Villa staff gratuities

  • Drivers, guides and crew

  • Discretionary service recognition

Handled thoughtfully, this ensures warmth, discretion and exceptional care throughout the trip.

7. Insurance, planning and contingencies

£1,000 – £3,000

For trips of this value, specialist cover is non-negotiable.

This typically includes:

  • High-value travel insurance

  • Medical and evacuation cover

  • Cancellation protection aligned to real costs

Think of this as protecting peace of mind.

Total: A realistic one-week ultra-luxury budget

Conservative ultra-luxury week

£45,000 – £60,000

Classic ultra-luxury week

£65,000 – £90,000

High-touch, experience-heavy week

£100,000+

These figures are per couple and scale upward with private jets, superyachts, rare experiences or peak-season travel.

What this budget really buys you

An ultra-luxury vacation is not about ticking boxes. This level of spend buys:

  • No queues

  • No compromises

  • No time lost to logistics

  • Privacy on demand

  • Staff who anticipate rather than react

  • The ability to change plans without stress

In short, it buys ease.

The most important cost consideration

The most expensive mistake in luxury travel is not overspending.

It is spending well and still feeling tired.

A successful ultra-luxury trip leaves you restored, not impressed but depleted. Budgeting correctly ensures the experience works with you, not against you.

Final thought

Ultra-luxury travel is not about living larger for a week. It is about living lighter.

When planned intelligently, the cost reflects not extravagance, but intention. Every pound is there to remove friction, elevate experience and give you back the one thing no luxury can replace: time enjoyed exactly as you choose.


If you are interested in complimentary advice, you can contact James https://jamesnightingall.com/contact

NEHA RAWAT