Despite the current economic troubles, the Super-Rich continue to traverse the globe on private jets, experiencing the best the world has to offer in terms of hotel and resort accommodations, shopping, and living the private jet lifestyle.

The Chairman Suite at the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas is one of the priciest suites in the U.S., selling for $20,000/night.

Open for only a few months, this roughly 8,000 square foot four bedroom suite has proven to be one of Las Vegas’ best new hot addresses.
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Russians know how to lay on the hospitality. The night after her dinner (although me thinks there was more vodka swilling than actual eating going on) in honor of the opening of the Center for Contemporary Culture in Moscow, which boasted a private Amy Winehouse concert, Dasha Zhukova decided to host another little fëte for her jet-set crew at the Café des Artistes. All her usual suspects were there, along with one extra-special guest: Lenny Kravitz. After the four-course meal, the leather-clad musician discussed the following happenstance with legendary man-about-town/photographer Jean Pigozzi: "Remember that time at in New York when we were all at your apartment? It was just after I did that Madonna video, 'Justify Your Love'? It was snowing and I got this picture from that night, with Phil Spector? Wild night, man. Wild night." I wasn't the only one on the edge of my seat—which, by the way, was a position I maintained for the evening. After the Kravitz revelations, Zhukova marched us to a place called the Soho Room for yet another surprise: a Goldfrapp concert. After the pintsize, barefoot Alison Goldfrapp finished her set, guests retired to the VIP section on the roof to enjoy a synchronized swim show and the sunrise (no funny business, though: The sun rises at 3 a.m. in these parts).

When I visited East Africa on honeymoon a few years ago, I recall reading an article in the UK press about how the London jetset where heading there just for weekend safaris.  It seemed inconceivable to me that people would sneak out of the office a little early on Friday and return a late on Monday morning having just been watching lions, wildebeest and the like on the Serengeti plains that weekend, but apparently it was happening.  Now I read that travellers are even venturing all the way to Rio for just the weekend. Dehouche claim that’s what their clients are asking for and they’re fulfilling that demand with their Blow the Bonus itineraries that can cost around £25,000, not including flights.  I can’t imagine this kind of extravagance goes down too well with the environmentally-minded among us. If money was no object, would you go somewhere as far afield as Rio, just for the weekend?

American Express Travel Offers a One-of-a-Kind Around-The-World Private Jet Journey

Ultra-Luxe Five-Continent, 24-Day Adventure Available Exclusively for Cardmembers with a Price of $97,970 Per Person

“Around the World in 80 Days…” Who has that kind of time?  American Express Travel has a unique proposition exclusively for American Express Cardmembers: Five continents and eight unique cultures, from the volcanoes on Easter Island to the Great Pyramid of Giza…in one luxurious 24-day unforgettable adventure.

American Express Travel has partnered with luxury travel provider Abercrombie & Kent, to develop an itinerary filled with spectacular destinations and unique experiences resulting in an inspiring and magical journey unlike any other.  The aircraft, which is a specially reconfigured 200-passenger Boeing 757 transformed into a private jet for 52 passengers, will take off from Los Angeles and head west, circling the globe until landing in New York.  Along the way, travelers will experience five-star hotels, gourmet dining and privileged access to museums, events, local experts, and private tours.  On board, travelers will receive impeccable, high-touch service from a 13-member crew, including a chef and seven flight attendants. The price? $97,970 per person.

Throughout the trip, travelers will be treated like royalty and will be able to customize their experience with options such as a traditional feast at the home of a distinguished native on Easter Island, afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s most recognizable landmark or even a private flamenco performance in Seville. 

Itinerary highlights include:

The trip, scheduled for January 20 - February 13, 2009, is available exclusively to American Express Cardmembers and serves as an example of the enriching, unique vacation experiences that American Express makes available to its customers.

American Express Platinum and Centurion Cardmembers can book this once-in-a-lifetime experience by calling the number on the back of their card.  All other American Express Cardmembers can book by calling 877-297-6685.