If money were no object, what indulgences would people lavish on themselves?
What if a gigantic pile of money landed in your lap from an inheritance, a lottery win, the sale of an expensive collection or a surge in the stock market, and you had to spend it only on yourself? Price tag: the sky’s the limit. What indulgence would you lavish on You, You, You?
Would you travel the world in style on private jets, first-class tickets, luxury yachts and stays at five-star resorts in exotic locations? What about a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, such as safaris in Africa, Antarctic expeditions or immersive culinary tours through Europe with famous celeb chefs? How about designer clothes and other haute couture? Real estate and luxurious homes? Good art, antiques, fancy and famous French wines, a country home? Or wellness and self-improvements of mind and body, anti-aging treatments or research so you might live forever! The list could go on and on.
We asked 14 people (including ourselves) what, if unrestricted by cost, they would do with the money. Read what they had to say.
Barbara B: As I hate the cold more each year as I age, yet am not a “beach” person, I’d splurge on annual winter getaways but to some “interesting” destinations for a few months. Maybe, one year to Egypt to see the new museum and nearby Petra and Israel; another year to Southern Spain and its countryside and best tapas eateries; then to the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia; maybe Greece and a handful of islands I’ve not been to with, of course, a stop in Athens just because; and finally, if I’m around and can handle the long flights off to New Zealand and Australia. Because I am not a good flyer, I’d book first-class seats and pay extra for a flight attendant to hold my hand throughout each flight, so my partner doesn’t have to with each bout of turbulence.
Margaret C: I would buy season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and also take a luxurious opera trip to Europe. I’d combine VIP opera tickets with luxury first-class airline travel and stay in five-star hotels in some of the cities with the most stunning and renowned opera houses. I would also give a huge donation to any opera company or symphony orchestra that would allow me to sing in their chorus. That would be my dream if money were no object. (Sorry Timothee Chalamet.)
J David S: I would charter a jumbo jet fitted with 25 staterooms. Take 50 friends around the world, stop in exotic locations and have gourmet meals-- breakfast, lunch and dinner for three weeks.
XU: I would have a female masseuse on hand nightly to give me a full, deep massage before falling asleep. I’d contact them while getting ready for bed, and they’d appear instantly, set up their massage table right next to my side of the bed, so that I could fall asleep while being massaged and slide into bed without having to wake up. Of course they would know exactly what to do.
AS: I would buy a larger apartment so I can accommodate overnight guests and have a reading and crafts room, with multiple bathrooms. The dining room area would be large enough to host large dinner gatherings. It would be newly and beautifully renovated and furnished. It would be light and airy with views of the sunset and the river, but with a high enough elevation from the water. The kitchen would be a real cook’s kitchen with lots of storage space and closets not only there, but everywhere. The bathrooms would have a jacuzzi and soaking tub with double sinks and drawers galore. And there would be a doorman and concierge, included, storage room and a parking garage. The views would be spectacular, and it would be quiet. And, my friends and family would all live nearby!
CG: I would love to upgrade my workshop (now in my son’s garage). New vacuum system for all machines, a heater that would keep things warmer in the winter, a new radial saw and a high-quality band saw. All to create a wider range of items-cutting boards, charcuterie boards, bird houses, bird feeders, iPad/cookbook stands, tables, plus.
Ettalee SP: For an unreasonable indulgence, I’d have a car and driver at the ready. (She lives in NYC)
David G: I would buy another JAGUAR XKE convertible like I used to have in the past. I just loved that car, and it was admired by all friends and bystanders when I passed.
Laurie K.: A semi-private world cruise, keeping the number of participants small, with a custom itinerary, and a dedicated concierge always available. Every destination would have a private guide available, and there would be no rush in any one place (we could stay up to a week if we wanted to). Any transportation, either by air, train, or car would be in the first-class category.
QS: Music and playing music have always been an important part of my life. I would like to gather together 6-10 musician friends from various periods of my life and multiple geographical locations around the country. These would be musical friends I have enjoyed being with as people and with whom I have a special musical bond. Bandmates from high school up to the present day, jam session partners, musical project partners etc. We would block out a week or so of our time, rent a studio facility and meet there. During our time together we would initially jam and workshop ideas. Then gradually select 20 or so songs to work up arrangements to record. The end result would be a commemorative recording that we would have to honor our friendship and musical connections. Oh, I forgot to mention that as a culmination, we would play our setlist live at an appropriate venue.
Audrey R: If a zillion dollars landed in my lap, I would build a compound for my friends, family and me on a beautiful piece of property surrounded by woods. On that property, I would construct 2,200-square-foot single residences that I could use my interior decorating skills to help design. Friends and family could bring their belongings, or I would buy new items for them. There would be a community house equipped with a gym, a large dining room, a movie theater, a card room, a library and an arts and crafts room. I would hire an artist to come and teach us. I would also hire a cook and other support staff to handle laundry and cleaning. There would be indoor and outdoor pools and gardens with flowers, vegetables, sculptures, benches, and pathways for walking. I would also hire professionals to tend to the gardens, and every three days, all residents would have fresh-cut flowers. A travel agent would plan tours and trips anywhere in the world, all paid for by me. I would also provide access to private caregivers to assist with any health issues. Drivers would be available to take us wherever needed. Additionally, I would leave enough money to sustain the compound after I am gone as my legacy to those I love.
Eric V: I would buy a place in a tropical climate and have a bird room with all the exotic and beautiful and colorful species.
Cynthia J: Travel. Too many places to mention, but I would start with a huge East Asian trip
Debbie W: I would like to redo my condo!!! And spend it to cure multiple myeloma!
Susie F.: Studying with a Prima Ballerina.
Whitey H: I would do a fancy group bike trip visiting awesome places in France, Italy or Spain, biking between destinations.
What’s on your wish list? Which person above now do you want to become fast pals with to get in on their splurges? Feel free to share your wishes, and don’t forget the sky’s the limit or beyond.