How billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson spend their vacations, from cruising on yachts to visiting private islands

Avery HartmansDec 21, 2022, 03:56 IST

Getty / Scott Olson

Vacations look a little different for the world's billionaire executives.
Some own entire islands in Hawaii or the Caribbean, while others visit lavish vacation homes.

Winter is upon us, which means it's prime vacation season. But for the wealthy and powerful, vacations look a little different.

Take Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, for instance: He spends time surfing near his nearly 1,500 acres in Hawaii and at his super-private retreat on Lake Tahoe. Or there's Tim Cook, Apple's billionaire CEO, who spends his time away from running the iPhone-maker exploring America's national parks.

Take a look at how some of the nation's most high-powered billionaire execs spend their vacations.

When he's not in the San Francisco Bay area running Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg frequently travels to his nearly 1,500-acre estate on the north shore of the Hawaiian island Kauai. He's often spotted surfing or foiling in the waves off Kauai, which he says helps take his mind off work.

KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / Contributor / Getty

When he's not in the San Francisco Bay area running Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg frequently travels to his nearly 1,500-acre estate on the north shore of the Hawaiian island Kauai. He's often spotted surfing or foiling in the waves off Kauai, which he says helps take his mind off work.

Zuckerberg first put down roots on the island in 2014, and his presence there has frustrated locals due to what they say is a failure to respect the island's history, Insider has reported. Zuckerberg's representatives say he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, work closely with the community on issues like sustainability and wildlife conservation.

Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images

Zuckerberg first put down roots on the island in 2014, and his presence there has frustrated locals due to what they say is a failure to respect the island's history, Insider has reported. Zuckerberg's representatives say he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, work closely with the community on issues like sustainability and wildlife conservation.

Zuckerberg has also spent tens of millions of dollars on a super-private estate on Lake Tahoe's west shore, just outside Tahoe City. Tahoe is a popular destination for Bay Area residents in both the summer and winter, because they can take advantage of boating and water sports in the warmer months and skiing and snowboarding in the colder months.

Two tourists paddle board on Lake Tahoe in 2019.AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File

Zuckerberg has also spent tens of millions of dollars on a super-private estate on Lake Tahoe's west shore, just outside Tahoe City. Tahoe is a popular destination for Bay Area residents in both the summer and winter, because they can take advantage of boating and water sports in the warmer months and skiing and snowboarding in the colder months.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been building an expensive real estate portfolio over the past few years, and his most recent addition makes for the perfect destination: a home in Maui, Hawaii.

Jeff Bezos at the opening of the Amazon Spheres in Seattle, Washington, in 2018.REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been building an expensive real estate portfolio over the past few years, and his most recent addition makes for the perfect destination: a home in Maui, Hawaii.

Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, purchased the home, located in an isolated area on the island's south shore near lava fields, in October 2021 for a reported $78 million.

A home in Maui, Hawaii, though not Bezos' property.ejs9/Getty Images

Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, purchased the home, located in an isolated area on the island's south shore near lava fields, in October 2021 for a reported $78 million.

But Bezos seems to spend a lot of time vacationing since stepping down as Amazon CEO, and will soon have a new way to travel: a 417-foot mega-yacht that's expected to be one of the most luxurious yachts ever made.

A mega-yacht, though not the one belonging to Bezos.3PhotoFilipposFilippou/Getty Images

But Bezos seems to spend a lot of time vacationing since stepping down as Amazon CEO, and will soon have a new way to travel: a 417-foot mega-yacht that's expected to be one of the most luxurious yachts ever made.

Michael Dell, who has a net worth of over $47 billion, has a lavish real estate empire that spans from Texas to New York City. But when it comes to vacation, Dell likely heads to Hawaii, where he owns a palatial estate called the "Raptor Residence."

Michael DellTony Avelar/AP Images for Dell Inc.

Michael Dell, who has a net worth of over $47 billion, has a lavish real estate empire that spans from Texas to New York City. But when it comes to vacation, Dell likely heads to Hawaii, where he owns a palatial estate called the "Raptor Residence."

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the retreat is said to be 18,500 square feet and has seven bedrooms, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Akaka Falls are on the Big Island of Hawaii.Ted Soqui / Corbis via Getty Images

Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of Virgin Group, doesn't just have a vacation home — he owns a whole island.

Paul Kane/Getty Images

Branson's Necker Island, part of the British Virgin Islands, spans 74 acres. Guests can book a room or rent out the whole island, and can partake in water sports, snorkeling, and sailing; play tennis; do yoga; or visit the spa. Branson said in 2013 that he has an office on the island and that "it's easy to attract people to come from all over the world, to plot and plan things."

A view of Necker island.Todd VanSickle/AP

Branson's Necker Island, part of the British Virgin Islands, spans 74 acres. Guests can book a room or rent out the whole island, and can partake in water sports, snorkeling, and sailing; play tennis; do yoga; or visit the spa. Branson said in 2013 that he has an office on the island and that "it's easy to attract people to come from all over the world, to plot and plan things."

Much like Branson, Oracle founder Larry Ellison also owns an entire island — or 98% of one anyway. But rather than one in the Caribbean, Ellison bought Lana'i, a small island that's part of Hawaii.

AP Photo/Eric Risberg

Much like Branson, Oracle founder Larry Ellison also owns an entire island — or 98% of one anyway. But rather than one in the Caribbean, Ellison bought Lana'i, a small island that's part of Hawaii.

Since purchasing Lana'i in 2012 for a reported $300 million, Ellison has worked to turn it into a wellness utopia for the ultra-wealthy: the island boasts a Four Seasons hotel and a Nobu, a high-end sushi restaurant. But residents of Lana'i have bristled at Ellison's ownership and many say they are now being priced out, according to Bloomberg.

The Hawaiian island of Lana'i, owned by Larry Ellison.Ted Soqui/Getty Images

Since purchasing Lana'i in 2012 for a reported $300 million, Ellison has worked to turn it into a wellness utopia for the ultra-wealthy: the island boasts a Four Seasons hotel and a Nobu, a high-end sushi restaurant. But residents of Lana'i have bristled at Ellison's ownership and many say they are now being priced out, according to Bloomberg.

Another billionaire who can't resist a Hawaii vacation is Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce.

Marc BenioffNICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Benioff, who's worth over $5.8 billion, spent $12.5 million on a 5-acre estate on the Big Island in 2000. The property seems to have multiple buildings and was assessed in 2020 at $22.2 million, according to Hawaii County tax records viewed by Pacific Business News.

Marco Garcia/AP

Benioff, who's worth over $5.8 billion, spent $12.5 million on a 5-acre estate on the Big Island in 2000. The property seems to have multiple buildings and was assessed in 2020 at $22.2 million, according to Hawaii County tax records viewed by Pacific Business News.

Eric Schmidt has several options for a trip: The former Alphabet chairman has spent big on his yacht and luxury properties over the years, including mansions in California and a penthouse in New York City.

Eric SchmidtGetty

Eric Schmidt has several options for a trip: The former Alphabet chairman has spent big on his yacht and luxury properties over the years, including mansions in California and a penthouse in New York City.

In 2009, Schmidt bought a 194-foot luxury yacht called Oasis. The yacht reportedly boasts a pool and a gym-turned-nightclub and cost Schmidt $72.3 million.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images, Y.CO

When he's not cruising on Oasis, Schmidt has several vacation homes to choose from, including his most recent purchase: a $22.6 million oceanfront retreat in Malibu, California, that he bought in April. The 3,500-square-foot home has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlook the beach and plenty of space for entertaining, according to real estate site Dirt.

A beach in Malibu, California.Mark J. Terrill/AP

When he's not cruising on Oasis, Schmidt has several vacation homes to choose from, including his most recent purchase: a $22.6 million oceanfront retreat in Malibu, California, that he bought in April. The 3,500-square-foot home has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlook the beach and plenty of space for entertaining, according to real estate site Dirt.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is known for being frugal: Despite his roughly $1.7 billion net worth, he doesn't seem to spend lavishly on yachts or vacation homes.

Apple CEO Tim Cook.Reuters

Instead, Cook's go-to vacation is a trip to one of the national parks, he said on an episode of the Outside podcast in 2020. "I religiously go to some every year," he said, though he noted that his planned trip to Glacier National Park in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic.

A kayaker on Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana.Matt Volz/AP

Instead, Cook's go-to vacation is a trip to one of the national parks, he said on an episode of the Outside podcast in 2020. "I religiously go to some every year," he said, though he noted that his planned trip to Glacier National Park in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic.

Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter CEO Elon Musk doesn't seem like he'd have a lot of free time, especially now that he's busy gutting Twitter's staff, fighting with journalists, and instituting strict new rules for both employees and users, all while Tesla is under pressure from shareholders ...

Carina Johansen/Getty Images

Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter CEO Elon Musk doesn't seem like he'd have a lot of free time, especially now that he's busy gutting Twitter's staff, fighting with journalists, and instituting strict new rules for both employees and users, all while Tesla is under pressure from shareholders ...

... and while doesn't spend his billions on yachts, vacation homes, or private islands — in fact, he famously sold off all his property — he does frequently criss-cross the globe in his private jet to vacation among friends.

SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.REUTERS/Mike Blake

... and while doesn't spend his billions on yachts, vacation homes, or private islands — in fact, he famously sold off all his property — he does frequently criss-cross the globe in his private jet to vacation among friends.

Over the summer, he was spotted on relaxing and swimming off a 24-meter luxury superyacht in Mykonos, Greece, along with a group of friends that included Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and his fashion-designer wife, Sarah Staudinger. He also attended their wedding in St. Tropez in May.

The superyacht Zeus, which Musk and friends chartered in July.Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images; SamBoat

Over the summer, he was spotted on relaxing and swimming off a 24-meter luxury superyacht in Mykonos, Greece, along with a group of friends that included Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and his fashion-designer wife, Sarah Staudinger. He also attended their wedding in St. Tropez in May.

This month, he was spotted at the World Cup final and photographed with several noteworthy people, including a sanctioned Russian TV presenter, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump.

Jared Kushner and Elon Musk look on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Dan Mullan/Getty Images

This month, he was spotted at the World Cup final and photographed with several noteworthy people, including a sanctioned Russian TV presenter, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump.

Google will soon help you understand your doctor’s handwriting using AI

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

How billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson spend their vacations, from cruising on yachts to visiting private islands

When he's not in the San Francisco Bay area running Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg frequently travels to his nearly 1,500-acre estate on the north shore of the Hawaiian island Kauai. He's often spotted surfing or foiling in the waves off Kauai, which he says helps take his mind off work.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been building an expensive real estate portfolio over the past few years, and his most recent addition makes for the perfect destination: a home in Maui, Hawaii.

Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, purchased the home, located in an isolated area on the island's south shore near lava fields, in October 2021 for a reported $78 million.

But Bezos seems to spend a lot of time vacationing since stepping down as Amazon CEO, and will soon have a new way to travel: a 417-foot mega-yacht that's expected to be one of the most luxurious yachts ever made.

Michael Dell, who has a net worth of over $47 billion, has a lavish real estate empire that spans from Texas to New York City. But when it comes to vacation, Dell likely heads to Hawaii, where he owns a palatial estate called the "Raptor Residence."

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the retreat is said to be 18,500 square feet and has seven bedrooms, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of Virgin Group, doesn't just have a vacation home — he owns a whole island.

Much like Branson, Oracle founder Larry Ellison also owns an entire island — or 98% of one anyway. But rather than one in the Caribbean, Ellison bought Lana'i, a small island that's part of Hawaii.

Another billionaire who can't resist a Hawaii vacation is Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce.

Benioff, who's worth over $5.8 billion, spent $12.5 million on a 5-acre estate on the Big Island in 2000. The property seems to have multiple buildings and was assessed in 2020 at $22.2 million, according to Hawaii County tax records viewed by Pacific Business News.

Eric Schmidt has several options for a trip: The former Alphabet chairman has spent big on his yacht and luxury properties over the years, including mansions in California and a penthouse in New York City.

In 2009, Schmidt bought a 194-foot luxury yacht called Oasis. The yacht reportedly boasts a pool and a gym-turned-nightclub and cost Schmidt $72.3 million.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is known for being frugal: Despite his roughly $1.7 billion net worth, he doesn't seem to spend lavishly on yachts or vacation homes.

Instead, Cook's go-to vacation is a trip to one of the national parks, he said on an episode of the Outside podcast in 2020. "I religiously go to some every year," he said, though he noted that his planned trip to Glacier National Park in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic.

Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter CEO Elon Musk doesn't seem like he'd have a lot of free time, especially now that he's busy gutting Twitter's staff, fighting with journalists, and instituting strict new rules for both employees and users, all while Tesla is under pressure from shareholders ...

... and while doesn't spend his billions on yachts, vacation homes, or private islands — in fact, he famously sold off all his property — he does frequently criss-cross the globe in his private jet to vacation among friends.

Over the summer, he was spotted on relaxing and swimming off a 24-meter luxury superyacht in Mykonos, Greece, along with a group of friends that included Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and his fashion-designer wife, Sarah Staudinger. He also attended their wedding in St. Tropez in May.

This month, he was spotted at the World Cup final and photographed with several noteworthy people, including a sanctioned Russian TV presenter, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump.