Jet Set Destinations: Places To See and Be Seen

We travel the world in the quest to find our ultimate, faraway escape from the ordinary. For the international jet set, it’s the iconic destinations—rarefied places with names like St. Barths, Aspen, Los Cabos—that remain a draw: locales steeped in legend and Hollywood lore, long revered as the pinnacle of resort living. In this Luxury Defined collection, we spotlight five homes in the world’s most coveted locations. From celebrity hot spots in the tropics to the glitterati’s favorite winter resorts, each of these exclusive estates offers a first-class ticket to a life of unsurpassed luxury, glamour, and prestige.

Ultra-Luxury Tropical Villa in Petite Saline, St. Barthélemy

Overlooking Lorient Bay, Villa RKK is a unique Caribbean compound of unsurpassed privacy spanning more than three acres. The expansive main house is built in stone with a roof of darkly stained woods that perfectly complements the terracotta floors. The open-plan living area is ideal for hosting large gatherings. The dining room and lounge open to the spectacular infinity pool facing Lorient Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Several smaller dwellings house additional guest accommodations and the master bedroom, which boasts a private plunge pool with ocean views. There’s also a gym and tennis court amid the grounds. The entire estate is enhanced by tropical gardens dotted with vibrant flowers and lovely paths that wind throughout lush vegetation.

Related: Escape to a Private Island for the Holidays

Contemporary Villa in Trancoso, Bahia, Brazil

This tropical idyll overlooks the fairways of the Terravista golf course in the resort town of Trancoso, on the Atlantic coast of Brazil. The creation of Brazilian architect David Bastos, the 6,770-square-foot main residence offers five bedroom suites; the master suite balcony has a hot tub with views of the adjacent golf course, which can also be seen from the home’s office and library. The private and social spaces are interconnected by beautiful Cumaru tree walkways. The landscaped gardens, designed by Alex Sá, include an infinity pool, Cumaru wood sundeck, and a pergola with barbecue and dining areas. Residents enjoy access to the amenities of the Terravista resort, with its championship golf course and private beach.

Casa Marfil in Los Cabos, Mexico

Casa Marfil is situated in the premier Los Cabos resort of Palmilla, on Mexico’s spectacular Baja Peninsula. The hacienda-style home was designed for the enjoyment of Cabo’s legendary resort lifestyle and is offered in turnkey condition, complete with interior decor, designer furnishings, and artisan finishes of granite, cantera, and exotic wood. The private quarters include three bedrooms and three luxurious bathrooms. An office/den serves as a fourth bedroom. The layout is ideal for entertaining. The heart of the home is the great room with an open-plan chef’s kitchen, equipped with high-end appliances. It opens onto a portico terrace with a resort-style pool. The villa is a short walk to the Sea of Cortez and the deluxe One&Only Palmilla Resort.

La Gorce Island Waterfront in Miami, Florida

This enchanting waterfront home on Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach’s La Gorce Island is the ultimate jet-set escape. The palatial main residence abounds with refined details including marble floors and volume ceilings throughout. The main floor features a gourmet kitchen, grandly scaled family room, formal living room and dining room. The private quarters comprise six bedrooms: two downstairs bedrooms with two full- and two half-bathrooms, and four upstairs, including a generous master suite with wraparound terrace, lavish master bathroom, enormous walk-in closet, and a sitting room/office. Further amenities include a gym, elevator, and four-car garage. The outdoor spaces include a covered outdoor living room, pool, spa, dock, barbecue area, and cabana bath.

Contemporary Red Mountain Estate in Aspen, Colorado

This contemporary estate has a breathtaking location at the base of Red Mountain in the famous winter playground of Aspen, Colorado. The property is a rare opportunity to buy one of the finest estates on the Aspen luxury real estate market: It’s been owned by the same family for 70 years and its private 12-acre setting is the largest, most secluded lot currently offered for sale on Red Mountain, providing unrivaled southerly vistas from Independence Pass to Mount Sopris. The 6,800-plus-square-foot residence is crafted from wood, stucco, metal, and glass, and perfectly positioned and designed to pull in the astounding panorama, combining the beauty of nature with 21st-century luxury living.