The best way for the billionaires to increase their personal wealth, is to invest in diversified business segments. Here is a list of the ones who have taken the risk to invest in the hospitality and real estate segments and made a fortune:
Name of establishment: MGM Resorts
Investor: Kirk Kerkorian
Although the MGM Studios, which were part of MGM International, are now owned by the Sony Corporation, MGM Resorts still represent this brand. From this concern, the ARIA Resort & Casino is the most important establishment and it could be considered the land of gaming, luxury, entertainment and hospitality. The ARIA Resort & Casino keeps the American Gaming Association’s code of conduct for ethical gaming, which means that both the visitors and the state benefit from this. It’s a win-win situation. The projects for community development and diversity brought the company several philanthropic awards.
Name of establishment: Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort
Investor: Clive Palmer
This luxurious 324 room resort is situated on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Mr Clive Palmer, the owner, has spent $15 million to create this 5 star resort which features 9 pools, 5 dining joints with different themes, gym, tennis, creative arts centre and camp Hyatt. As local attractions we can mention the Underwater World, Noosa Shopping & Eumundi Markets and the Australian Zoo.
Name of establishment: Kauri Cliffs
Investor: Julian Robertson III
Both the Kauri Cliffs resort and Matakauri lodge were built in Queensland, New Zealand, alongside the bay region. Tattler Magazine rated this resort as one of the 101 best hotels in the world. The Kauri Cliffs offer a peaceful ambience, natural setting and rejuvenate the human soul and mind. The architect, David Harman, was the one who designed the clubhouse and the 11 luxury cottages, which spread on 2600 yards close to the cliffs. This area is also a world class zone for golfers, where both professional and amateur players enjoy the 15-hole course which covers 7100 yards.
Name of establishment: Carlyle Hotel
Investor: Cheng Yu-Tung
Chinese billionaire Cheng Yu-Tung bought the Carlyle Hotel, considered one of the benchmarks of the Upper East Side Manhattan, New York, for $570 million. The hotel is best known for the famous Bemelmans bar, where important political and showbiz personalities come to have a good time. The Carlyle Hotel has some specific features which offer it a peculiar touch: the luxury suites, the golden ceiling of the bar, but the most important is the privilege and honor to listen to one of the most amazing jazz singers, Woody Allen, on a weekly basis.
Name of establishment: Makepeace Island Resort
Investor: Sir Richard Branson
In 2003 Richard Branson, a British entrepreneur, became the owner of this natural heart-shaped island situated in the Noosa River near Queensland, Australia, previously bought by Sir Branson as a holiday place for the Virgin Australia airline employees. The island can accommodate 22 persons, who can enjoy the 500,000 liter lagoon pool, the beach area or have a great time at the bar, spa or on the tennis court.
Name of establishment: Grimsstadir Farm
Investor: Huang Nubo
Chinese investor Huang Nubo has the opportunity to buy the Grimsstadir Farm, situated in North-East Iceland, for $8.8 million. He will also invest more than $200 million to develop facilities on this 300 sq kilometers farm. The project is based on eco-tourism concepts and that is why Grimsstadir will have a golf course, a horse farm and a racing course. The guests will be accommodated in villas and cottages. The Icelandic president fully supports this challenging project.
Name of the establishment: Billionaire’s Square
Investor: Flavio Briatore
Billionaire’s Square, a prime area in Dubai’s Media City, is a project which we hope will become reality as soon as possible. Flavio Briatore has formed a partnership with Lebanese Pragma Group, to acquire and transform this piece of real estate. Billionaire’s Square will have fitness clubs, a boutique hotel, bar and grill and several other restaurants. It was bought for $150 million, but other $150 million will be spent for its development.
Name of the establishment: Skorpios Island
Investor: Georgio Armani
It seems that besides fashion, Georgio Armani has a passion for real estate investments too. He bought a $205 million island located near the western coast of Greece. The island is said to be the place where the former owner, Aristotle Onassis, married Jacqueline Kennedy. It is here where Onassis, his son and his daughter were buried. Maybe that is why Georgio Armani chose to keep the most part of the island in virgin condition.
Name of the establishment: Trump International Hotel and Tower
Investor: Donald Trump
This 423m building downtown Chicago, deserves its place as the 10th tallest building in the world. The hotel offers room amenities, personalized stacked up bar and stationary to impress its guests. Donald Trump really knows how to make his guests feel like royalty. Those who love to have an active life can choose from: a fitness center, a pre-heated 55 ft indoor pool or a 23.000 sq ft spa. The two famous restaurants, Jean Georges and the Nougatine, serve incredibly delicious courses for all tastes. The hotel is estimated at more than $70 million in legal rights alone.
Name of the establishment: Las Vegas Wynn Hotel
Investor: Steve Wynn
Las Vegas Wynn Hotel, owned by Steve Wynn, is one of the most luxurious and modern hotels in Las Vegas. The hotel has everything you want and more: a shopping gallery, swimming pools, spa, fitness, salon, poolside eateries and even a wedding venue. The Wynn and Encore deluxe rooms and towers will provide a perfect, high-quality accommodation. For dining the guests can choose from the several specialty restaurants. Many show artists perform here to entertain the guests.
Name of the establishment: Singita resort
Investor: Paul Tudor Jones
Based on eco-tourism principles, Singita resorts offer authentic African Safaris to tourists who come to visit South Afica, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Translated as “the place of miracles”, the resorts offer luxurious accommodation, recreation activities and dining. There are 6 kinds of lodges spread in South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe: Singita Sabi Sand, Singita Kruger National Park, 3 Singita Grumeti Reserves and Singita Pamushana Lodge.
Name of the establishment: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Investor: Sheldon Adelson
The Marina Bay Sands hotel is best known for two things: it has the world’s 2nd most expensive casino and the world’s largest infinity pool, which is situated on the 57th floor. It has a unique, striking design, resembling a boat supported by 3 tall towers. The guests are accommodated in 2560 suite rooms and they can choose from the following amenities: specialty restaurants, exhibition center, shopping and events plazas.
Name of the establishment: Port Ghalib Resorts
Investor: Nasser Mohammed Al Kharafi
Situated on the banks of Port Ghalib, in the South of the Red Sea, the resorts are managed by Millenium Resorts of the Al-Kharafi Group. The hotels are famous for their various themed establishments such as: the Tower Village, the International Marina Hotel, the Entertainment Island, the Conference Center, the Citadel Resort and Spa .
Name of the establishment: Ritz Carlton, Chicago
Investor: Neil Bluhm
Ritz Crlton, situated in Chicago and managed by the Four Seasons Group, is famous for its hospitality and ambiance. The hotel is known to have 434 guest rooms and suites and for recreations there are a fitness center, a golf club, the Deca bar and restaurant with different kinds of ambiance. But what makes this hotel really special, is the Carlton club, including the famous spa which offers relaxing exotic treatments.
Name of the establishment: Seychelles Resorts
Investor: Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Seychelles Resorts are under the aegis of the Kingdom Hotel Investments Group and are worth a total of $145 million. Facing the Indian Ocean and the Vallee de Mai, the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the resort has 30 hectares with 86 villas and 500 meters of sandy beach. The guests are accommodated in the Raffles residential apartments with 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms, starting from $ 3.5 million.
Name of the establishment: Glacier 3000 Resort
Investor: Bernie Ecclestone
Translated into ‘the little devils’, the Glacier 3000-Les Debleretes gathers around 120,000 visitors each year. This ski-resort allows skiing from October until July. Guests have various activities to choose from such as dog sledge rides, winter hikes or snow bus. To double the number of visitors, Mr Ecclestone wants to build some restaurants at 3000 meters and some at 10 meters above sea level.
