Photo by Jeremy Beadle on Unsplash
Ever wondered what the celebrities and billionaires around us actually do with their free time? Beyond the grand houses, the expensive furniture and the beautiful home lift , how do they spend the hours when they are not working? In truth, they seek out pursuits that bring them enormous pleasure — and that quietly build on their success whenever the opportunity arises. Here are 10 lifestyle habits and favourite hobbies that keep them a step ahead of everyone else.
1. Private Jet Travel
Private jet travel
Travelling by Private Jet is arguably the ultimate symbol of privilege and comfort — an unrivalled freedom for anyone who gets to fly privately, whether they own the aircraft or charter it. Beyond signalling social status, it guarantees privacy, saves time and delivers comfort tailored to the individual: no crowds in the terminal, no security queues, no padding out the schedule to fit a commercial airline’s timetable the way everyone else must. Private aircraft can also reach more than 5,000 private airfields worldwide, which are often far closer to their destination than a major airport.
For some, private aviation is not just about owning an aircraft — it is a genuine passion for flying. Plenty of wealthy individuals go on to earn a pilot’s licence so they can fly their own aircraft, adding a thrill and a sense of being in control. The journey stops being a means of getting somewhere and becomes an experience they truly value.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Elon Musk owns a Gulfstream G650ER for business travel around the world
- Tom Cruise flies his own P-51 Mustang and is a licensed pilot
- Angelina Jolie is a licensed pilot with her own Cirrus SR22
- Bill Gates uses a Bombardier Global Express for philanthropy and business
- Jeff Bezos travels in a Gulfstream G650ER for both leisure and Amazon business
2. Yachting and Sailing
Yachting and sailing
Yachting is another pursuit that stands for both luxury and adventure. A superyacht is not merely a vessel — it is a floating palace fitted with every comfort imaginable, from infinity pools and jacuzzis to private cinemas and kitchens run by Michelin-level chefs.
The real appeal of yachting is exclusive privacy: the ability to relax completely undisturbed. Celebrities and billionaires often use yachts to slip away from the public eye, host private parties, or simply spend time with family. Beyoncé, for example, frequently charters large yachts such as Flying Fox to create a private paradise out on the water.
Yachts also unlock extraordinary destinations — the clear waters of the Maldives, secluded coves across the Mediterranean, or the untouched beauty of Antarctica. They can drop anchor in places commercial vessels simply cannot reach, which only adds to the sense of adventure.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Roman Abramovich owns Eclipse, one of the largest yachts in the world
- Beyoncé often charters large yachts such as Flying Fox
- Jeff Bezos owns Koru, a 500 million dollar superyacht
- David Geffen spends his summers aboard his yacht Rising Sun
- Leonardo DiCaprio frequently charters yachts for environmental summits and holidays
3. Collecting Art
Collecting art
Collecting art says a great deal about social standing, and it is also a way for billionaires to build financial assets — expressing taste, preserving cultural heritage and creating a legacy that endures. For many, a masterpiece carries deep personal meaning, reflecting who they are and what they value: Oprah Winfrey owns Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, while François Pinault concentrates on contemporary art. At the same time, art functions as a symbol of power, with billionaires attending invitation-only auctions at Sotheby’s or Christie’s and showing their collections at events such as Art Basel.
Art is also an asset class in its own right, typically appreciating over time without the volatility of other markets — as when Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi sold for as much as 450 million dollars.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Oprah Winfrey owns Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II”, valued at 150 million dollars
- Leonardo DiCaprio collects contemporary art and attends Art Basel
- François Pinault, founder of Kering, owns a vast art collection displayed in Venice
- Steve Cohen has invested more than 1 billion dollars in art, including a Giacometti sculpture worth 110 million dollars
- Elon Musk owns modern and futuristic works that mirror his interest in technology
4. Equestrian Sports
Equestrian sports
Riding is a long-standing tradition that speaks of elegance and a deep connection with nature, which is why it remains such a popular pastime among the elite. Disciplines such as polo, dressage and show jumping demand skill, discipline and complete trust in the grace and power of the horse.
Beyond competition, riding reflects a profound respect for animals and the natural world, and many billionaires back equine welfare and conservation programmes. The hobby blends sport, culture and a love of animals — and it has stood as a symbol of honour and social standing for generations, right up to the present day.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Jennifer Gates competes in show jumping and runs her own stables
- Jessica Springsteen, a professional equestrian and Olympic athlete
- Zara Tindall competes in eventing and is an Olympic silver medallist
- Michael Bloomberg owns a private equestrian estate in Florida
- Georgina Bloomberg, an accomplished equestrian and daughter of Michael Bloomberg
5. Fine Dining and Wine Tasting
Fine dining and wine tasting
Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is not only about exceptional food — it is a rare culinary experience crafted by world-renowned chefs. For billionaires such as David Beckham, fine dining usually comes paired with rare wines like Château Lafite or Dom Pérignon, part of their private cellars. The very wealthy also make pilgrimages to celebrated wine regions such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Tuscany, joining vineyard tours and private tastings.
Wine collecting is also treated as both an art form and an investment: rare bottles such as the 1945 Romanée-Conti have sold for millions of dollars at auction. This pursuit of excellence in food and wine reflects a way of living defined by refinement — one that celebrates the finest flavours and experiences the world has to offer.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- David Beckham curates a wine collection that includes Château Lafite
- Rihanna is a regular at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Nobu
- George Clooney co-founded the tequila brand Casamigos
- Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt co-own Château Miraval, a vineyard in France
6. Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Charitable work is a powerful way to give back to society while also expressing who a person is and what they believe in. Giving becomes a tool for tackling global problems across education, public health and poverty. Warren Buffett, for instance, has urged fellow billionaires to pledge the bulk of their fortunes to charity. Oprah Winfrey may not always donate directly, but she supports communities through education initiatives and scholarships, while Angelina Jolie focuses on human rights and the rights of refugees.
Philanthropy is also a stage for collaboration, with charity events and global summits connecting like-minded people to drive change. By funding projects, establishing foundations and backing grassroots movements, the socially prominent do more than transform individual lives — they use their standing as a catalyst for progress and positive change across society.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Bill Gates has donated billions of dollars to health and education programmes
- Oprah Winfrey focuses on education and the empowerment of women
- Warren Buffett has pledged to give away the majority of his fortune to charity
- Shakira supports education in Colombia through the Barefoot Foundation
- Jack Ma funds rural education in China through the Ma Foundation
7. Luxury Sports
Golf, the ultimate luxury sport | Photo by Soheb Zaidi on Unsplash
Sports such as golf, skiing and deep-sea diving are firm favourites among the wealthy, combining physical thrill with exclusivity and social prestige. Golf at a top-tier course, for instance, doubles as a networking venue for influential people; skiing takes place at the most luxurious resorts; and diving opens up an underwater world almost no one else reaches.
All three require expensive, high-safety equipment, private instructors and, often, exclusive membership of a particular club or association. You get the enjoyment of the hobby, luxury tailored specifically to you, and the chance to meet people who share the same lifestyle — connections that can grow your work or business in the future.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Tiger Woods designs golf courses through his firm TGR Design, including Bluejack National in Texas, Payne’s Valley in Missouri and El Cardonal at Diamante in Mexico.
- Richard Branson has dived The Great Blue Hole, one of the world’s great natural wonders
- Bill Gates is known for his ski trips to Aspen
- Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, built his own luxury golf course, The Grove XXIII, at Hobe Sound, Florida
- Gwyneth Paltrow enjoys luxury ski holidays in Courchevel and Aspen
8. Collecting Luxury Cars
Collecting luxury cars
The passion for owning rare, exclusive cars is a status marker among the wealthy, reflecting taste, personality and a love of the extraordinary — from limited-edition hypercars such as the Bugatti Centodieci to bespoke commissions. These cars are not built for everyday use; they become works of art. Brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley serve those seeking timeless elegance, while Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren appeal to enthusiasts chasing unmatched speed and performance. The rarest supercars become deeply personal works of art, which is why, for billionaires, a luxury car is a symbol of achievement and of living the ultimate lifestyle.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Cristiano Ronaldo owns a Bugatti Centodieci worth 9 million dollars
- Jay Leno owns more than 180 luxury and classic cars
- Kylie Jenner drives a Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster
- Floyd Mayweather has a garage filled with Rolls-Royces and Ferraris
- Jerry Seinfeld owns one of the largest Porsche collections in the world
9. Wellness and Spa Retreats
Wellness and spa retreats
Billionaires tend to take their physical and mental health seriously, visiting some of the most luxurious retreats in the world — Amanpuri in Thailand, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman and SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. These destinations offer bespoke wellness programmes tailored to each guest, blending science with ancient healing traditions: genetic testing, personalised nutrition plans and anti-ageing therapies for complete rejuvenation. Stars such as Madonna and Victoria Beckham are frequent visitors to Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland for advanced cell therapy, while Gwyneth Paltrow champions retreats built around detox and meditation.
Wellness resorts typically come fully equipped with private villas, infinity pools and outstanding organic cuisine, striking a balance between relaxation and health care. They serve as a sanctuary for managing stress and pursuing spiritual growth, allowing guests to find happiness, enjoyment and calm — a genuine escape from life on the outside.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Madonna visits Clinique La Prairie regularly for anti-ageing treatments
- Victoria Beckham invests in personalised wellness programmes at luxury spas
- Gwyneth Paltrow promotes wellness retreats through Goop
- Angelina Jolie spends time at exclusive wellness retreats in Southeast Asia
- Simon Cowell frequently visits health-focused retreats for detox programmes
10. Investing in One-of-a-Kind Experiences
Investing in one-of-a-kind experiences
Billionaires are constantly hunting for rare, unforgettable experiences — stories no ordinary person could tell, whether that is space travel, a safari in an African reserve or a deep-sea dive. They set out for extraordinary places such as the North Pole, reachable only by private aircraft, or private islands where nature remains untouched. Those who care most about art and culture might opt for a private concert by a world-class artist or an after-hours tour of the Louvre. For the ultra-wealthy, pleasure is about far more than entertainment: it is a statement of identity and taste that most people will never come close to.
Brands / Providers
Notable Names
- Jeff Bezos travelled to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard
- Richard Branson, a pioneer of space tourism with Virgin Galactic
- Leonardo DiCaprio owns an eco-resort on a private island in Belize
- Elon Musk has plans for interplanetary travel through SpaceX
- George Clooney hosts private events and holidays on Lake Como
A Life of Luxury and Passion
The hobbies and pursuits of the wealthy reflect a blend of luxury, exclusivity and personal fulfilment. Whether it is collecting art, taking on high-risk sports or chasing one-of-a-kind adventures, these activities all point to the same thing: a passion for living life to the fullest.
