Why the Global Elite Are Moving:
Inside the Luxury Travel Boom in Dubai, Switzerland & Italy
In 2025, global wealth migration is accelerating at a historic pace. More than 128,000 millionaires are expected to relocate this year, reshaping the financial and cultural DNA of entire nations. The search for stability, tax efficiency, and lifestyle is drawing high-net-worth individuals to a handful of magnet cities. Dubai alone is forecasted to lead with 9,800 new millionaires and billionaires arriving in 2025/2026, while Switzerland and Italy also remain at the very top of Europe’s wealth migration map.
While financial implications are always top of mind, wealth migration is about more than dollars and cents. When global wealth moves, it transforms entire ecosystems, driving demand for elite schools, private healthcare, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury real estate. Cities that succeed in attracting the world’s mobile elite are reshaped into hubs of influence, where policy, infrastructure, and culture all converge to support long-term settlement.
For UHNWIs, migration is not a simple relocation but a strategic repositioning of life and legacy. Choosing a new base involves weighing tax regimes against lifestyle, political stability against cultural capital. In this context, luxury travel plays an unexpected role: five-star hotels and resorts act as first entry points into a city’s ecosystem, offering a preview of the standards, networks, and experiences awaiting those who choose to stay.
To make exploring the possibility of wealth migration as seamless as possible for our readers, you might find direct booking links throughout this article. Some may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps sustain the production of our independent luxury market intelligence.
This article explores the destinations leading this transformation, including the status of luxury travel in Dubai, Switzerland, and Italy, and highlights how their luxury hospitality sectors reflect the broader appeal that keeps attracting the world’s wealthiest residents.
Article Overview
Why Wealth Migration is Booming
Wealth migration today and in the years ahead is shaped by three non-negotiables: political stability, favorable tax structures, and personal security. Yet the decision-making process runs deeper. High-net-worth individuals also weigh access to elite international schools, advanced healthcare, and cultural prestige. This mix of hard and soft factors explains why some cities are rising as wealth magnets while others are losing ground.
The UK, once dominant, faces an exodus driven by high taxes and political uncertainty. The United States is also seeing net outflows, with affluent families citing safety concerns and a desire for a more predictable regulatory environment.
Dubai now leads global inflows, powered by business-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and a lifestyle tailored to global elites. Switzerland dominates Europe with its financial discretion, strong banking system, and reputation for safety. Italy has also recently surged through its flat tax regime, blending fiscal efficiency with the cultural appeal of Milan and beyond.
For ultra-wealthy families, migration is not only about moving capital but about building a framework of opportunity, lifestyle, and influence. Relocation unlocks ecosystems of private wealth management, elite education, world-class leisure, and global networks that accelerate both business and personal ambitions.
These same dynamics also fuel luxury travel, ensuring that the top hotels, resorts, and private clubs evolve in step with the expectations of the world’s most mobile residents.
How Dubai, Switzerland, and Italy Are Shaping New Luxury Lifestyles for Global Wealth
For the ultra-wealthy, relocation is not about packing boxes but about securing long-term freedom and legacy. Leading destinations have designed bespoke residency and taxation frameworks to attract global capital, entrepreneurs, and families seeking stability.
The UAE’s highly coveted Golden Visa grants 5- and 10-year residency permits linked to major property or business investments. Beyond convenience, it delivers certainty, allowing families to live, work, and study in a dynamic economy with zero income tax.
Switzerland offers exclusivity through its Lump Sum Taxation Scheme and Swiss Business Investor Program, enabling wealthy residents to anchor themselves in Zurich or Geneva while benefiting from discretion, world-class banking, and access to Europe’s strongest passport pathways.
Italy has surged in appeal through its €200,000 flat-tax regime, adopted by global icons from Cristiano Ronaldo to international financiers. The program shields foreign income from progressive taxation while offering a base in Milan, the nation’s commercial hub and gateway to the Mediterranean.
Each pathway represents more than a visa. It is an investment in permanence, a shield against uncertainty, and a passport to new cultural and business frontiers.
Luxury Travel & Previewing the World’s Top Migration Destinations
Residency may grant access, but lifestyle determines permanence. For the world’s most mobile families, luxury hotels serve as more than temporary stays, they are the first encounter with a city’s promise. In Dubai, Zurich, Geneva, and Milan, these properties embody exclusivity, cultural prestige, and the level of service expected by global elites. The following hotels are more than accommodations. They are statements of place and curated experiences that reveal how each destination welcomes and sustains new wealth.
#1: Dubai: The Global Capital of Luxury and New Wealth
Dubai stands out as the world’s hottest destination for new wealth and luxury living, welcoming over 7,100 new millionaires in 2025: more than any other city on the planet. The appeal is bigger than just tax perks and iconic skyscrapers; Dubai delivers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle with private islands, Michelin-star restaurants, bold architecture, and nonstop networking for global elites. These hotels aren’t just places to crash, they’re immersive experiences that show off why Dubai leads the pack in high-net-worth migration and world-class luxury travel.
Where to Stay: The Best Dubai Luxury Hotels in 2025
Atlantis The Royal is Palm Jumeirah’s new icon for ultra-luxury, soaring 43 stories with nearly 800 rooms, suites, and penthouses, many featuring private infinity pools and sweeping Arabian Gulf views. Home to the Cloud 22 sky pool, 17 restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs, private beaches, lively bars, and exclusive Aquaventure Waterpark access, this resort blends bold architecture with dedicated butler service and extensive wellness amenities. Atlantis The Royal redefines contemporary Dubai hospitality, making it a top choice for elite travelers.
The Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s signature luxury hotel, instantly recognizable by its sail-shaped design atop a private island. This all-suite property offers 202 duplex suites with panoramic Arabian Gulf views, Hermès amenities, and 24/7 butler service. Arrivals are by Rolls-Royce or helicopter, and exclusive experiences include Michelin-starred dining at Al Muntaha, the serene Burj Al Arab Terrace with infinity pools, and private beach access, making this landmark a global symbol of ultra-premium hospitality and elite travel in 2025
Side-By-Side: How do Dubai's Luxury Hotels Stack Up?
| Hotel Name | Key Highlights | Rooms / Villas | Dining (Stand-Outs) | Signature Experiences | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantis The Royal Dubai | Futuristic design, dramatic skybridge, Cloud 22 rooftop infinity pool, private beach | 795 rooms, suites, and penthouses (many with private pools) | 17+ restaurants including Heston Blumenthal, José Andrés, and Nobu | Aquaventure Waterpark, celebrity appeal, VIP cabanas | Travellers seeking bold design, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and culinary variety |
| Burj Al Arab Jumeirah | Iconic sail-shaped design, private island location, soaring 180m atrium | 202 duplex suites with dedicated butlers | Michelin-starred Al Muntaha, Skyview Bar | Helicopter arrivals, Rolls-Royce transfers, Burj Al Arab Terrace with infinity pools | Those seeking exclusivity, curated experiences, and Dubai’s most iconic luxury stay |
| Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach | Urban sophistication blended with beachfront living, views of Burj Khalifa and Arabian Gulf | 237 rooms and suites | Sea Fu, Suq, Mercury Lounge | Pearl Spa, rooftop nightlife, private cabanas | Families and business travellers wanting exclusivity with versatility |
| Bvlgari Resort Dubai | Private island setting, Italian elegance, private marina and Yacht Club | 101 rooms and suites, 20 villas | Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Yacht Club Restaurant | Bvlgari Spa, private beach club, celebrity-favored retreat | Travellers seeking privacy, glamour, and boutique-style intimacy |
| Jumeirah Al Naseem | Part of Madinat Jumeirah complex, contemporary luxury, landscaped gardens | 430 rooms and suites | Rockfish, Shimmers | Direct beach access, Madinat Jumeirah shopping/dining access | Families and couples who want modern edge with prime location |
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach blends city convenience with beachfront tranquility, offering 237 elegant rooms that feature panoramic views of either the Burj Khalifa or the Arabian Gulf. Guests enjoy direct access to a private white-sand beach, lush cabanas, and three pools. The resort’s dining is top-tier, from seafood at Sea Fu to skyline cocktails at the Mercury Lounge, while the Pearl Spa and attentive service make it a standout choice for families, business travelers, and luxury seekers looking for sophistication and privacy in Dubai.
Set on its own island off Jumeirah Bay, the Bvlgari Resort combines Italian elegance with Dubai glamour across 101 rooms and 20 villas, complete with a private marina and Yacht Club. Michelin-starred Il Ristorante by Niko Romito, a private beach club, and an award-winning spa attract celebrities and tastemakers, while the boutique scale ensures privacy and exclusivity within one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, part of the sprawling Madinat Jumeirah complex, is a contemporary luxury resort with 430 spacious rooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and views of lush gardens, private pools, or the iconic Burj Al Arab. Guests benefit from direct beach access, landscaped grounds, and lively venues like Rockfish and Shimmers. The property offers a blend of serenity and style, with full access to Madinat Jumeirah’s array of shopping, dining, and leisure attractions, a standout choice for upscale stays in Dubai.Jumeirah Al Naseem anchors the Madinat Jumeirah complex with 430 airy rooms and suites, each designed for contemporary comfort and panoramic views of gardens, pools, or Burj Al Arab. Guests enjoy private beach access, lush grounds, and standout dining at Rockfish and beachfront Shimmers. With full access to Madinat Jumeirah’s extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Al Naseem offers a seamless blend of style, relaxation, and upscale amenities in the heart of Dubai’s luxury scene.
#2. Switzerland: Luxury, Lifestyle + Private Banking in Europe’s Financial Capital
Switzerland continues to draw the world’s wealthiest with its blend of luxury, privacy, and stability. Zurich and Geneva are hotspots for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, while alpine escapes like St. Moritz combine wellness, adventure, and exclusivity year-round. The country’s five-star hotels go beyond accommodation, they connect guests to Swiss heritage, global networks, and legendary service. Explore these iconic properties for a taste of Switzerland’s unique mix of elegance, world-class hospitality, and understated prestige
The Best Luxury Hotels in Switzerland
Overlooking Lake Zurich, Baur au Lac blends 175 years of heritage with stylish modern elegance across 119 rooms and suites. Guests enjoy Michelin-star dining at Pavillon, peaceful landscaped gardens in the center of Zurich, and close proximity to the banking district. The hotel’s reputation for discretion and refined service has made it a favored address for both business and leisure travelers.
Perched above Zurich with panoramic views of the lake and Alps, The Dolder Grand seamlessly blends historic style with contemporary design across 175 rooms and suites. Guests enjoy a 43,000-square-foot spa, Michelin-starred dining, and an impressive private art collection, making this landmark hotel a nexus for wellness, culture, and exclusivity in Switzerland.
Set on Lake Geneva, Beau-Rivage balances historic grandeur and modern style across 90 rooms and suites, with private terraces offering views of Mont Blanc and the Jet d’Eau. Michelin-starred Le Chat Botté heads up its culinary program, and the hotel’s location in Geneva’s center makes it a trusted choice for diplomats, entrepreneurs, and well-traveled guests seeking refined service and privacy.
Side-By-Side: How do Switzerland's Luxury Hotels Stack Up?
| Hotel Name | Key Highlights | Rooms / Suites | Dining (Stand-Outs) | Signature Experiences | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baur au Lac Hotel (Zurich) | Family-owned landmark on Lake Zurich since 1844, discreet and prestigious | 119 rooms and suites | Pavillon (Michelin-starred), Rive Gauche | Private lakeside gardens, bespoke concierge, central Zurich | Discreet travellers, financiers, heritage luxury lovers |
| The Dolder Grand (Zurich) | Hilltop retreat with sweeping city and lake views, blending history with modern design | 175 rooms and suites | The Restaurant (2 Michelin stars), Saltz | 43,000 sq ft spa, contemporary art collection (Warhol, Hirst) | Wellness-focused travellers, art collectors, urban luxury with retreat feel |
| Beau-Rivage Genève (Geneva) | Historic lakeside icon with views of Mont Blanc and Jet d’Eau | 90 rooms and suites | Le Chat Botté (Michelin-starred), Patara Fine Thai | Private lakefront terraces, heritage suites, luxury boat access | Diplomats, cultural elites, discreet city stays |
| Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues (Geneva) | First Four Seasons in Europe, set in a neoclassical building on Lake Geneva | 115 rooms and suites | Il Lago (Michelin-starred Italian), Izumi rooftop | Rooftop spa with lake views, private Geneva tours | Business leaders, cosmopolitan families, brand-loyal travellers |
| Badrutt’s Palace Hotel (St. Moritz) | Alpine glamour since 1896, overlooking the Engadin Valley | 155 rooms and suites | IGNIV by Andreas Caminada (Michelin-starred), Le Restaurant | Renowned spa, private transfers, après-ski exclusivity | Ski enthusiasts, seasonal elite culture, heritage seekers |
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Geneva’s oldest hotel, dating to 1834, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues blends classic luxury with modern interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon across 115 spacious rooms. Guests enjoy rooftop dining at Izumi, Italian cuisine at Il Lago, a lavish spa, and sweeping views over Lake Geneva. Its historic charm and location near Geneva’s financial and diplomatic center make it a top pick for international travelers seeking refined service and timeless appeal.Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Geneva’s original luxury hotel since 1834, features 115 spacious rooms designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Guests enjoy rooftop dining at Izumi, fine Italian at Il Lago, and a luxury spa, all set beside Lake Geneva. Its heritage and unbeatable location at the nexus of finance and diplomacy make it a trusted retreat for global travelers seeking elegance and convenience.
Badrutt’s Palace has set the standard for alpine luxury in St. Moritz since 1896, offering 155 elegant rooms and suites overlooking the Engadin Valley. Michelin-star cuisine, a renowned spa, and iconic après-ski experiences define each season here. The hotel’s private transfers and discreet service ensure seamless arrivals, making it a favorite for winter glamour and a mainstay of Switzerland’s elite social scene.Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz has defined alpine luxury since 1896, with 155 refined rooms and suites offering views of the Engadin Valley. Guests enjoy Michelin-star dining, a world-class spa, and storied après-ski gatherings. Private transfers and discreet service make each stay seamless, cementing the hotel’s reputation as the benchmark for winter glamour and a hub for Switzerland’s elite calendar of events.
#3. Italy: Luxury Lifestyle, Real Estate, and Europe’s Magnet for Wealth in 2025
Milan is setting the pace for luxury living and global investment in Italy, fueled by its flat-tax incentives and status as a center for finance, fashion, and culture. The city offers tax-friendly deals, high-end shopping, Michelin-star restaurants, and easy access to Lake Como and Tuscany. Milan’s luxury hotels deliver the best of both worlds: privacy for business and stylish comfort for leisure, making them favorites among international buyers, investors, and travelers seeking the ultimate lifestyle hub
The Best Luxury Hotels in Milan
The Four Seasons Hotel Milan blends rich heritage and modern style, with frescoed suites, vaulted ceilings, and garden views just steps from Via Montenapoleone. Guests enjoy Michelin-star dining at Zelo, refined drinks at Stilla, and top-tier spa treatments, all in the heart of Milan’s fashion and business district.
Portrait Milano sits behind an 18th-century gateway on Corso Venezia, redefining discreet luxury in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. Set in a restored former seminary with a dramatic colonnaded courtyard, the 73-room hotel blends Ferragamo’s signature style with Milanese sophistication. Guests find boutiques, restaurants, and cultural spaces woven into the property, making it both a chic retreat and a vibrant hub connected to the pulse of the city.
Casa Cipriani Milano, tucked away in Porta Venezia, blends the intimacy of a member’s club with boutique hotel hospitality across just 15 stylish rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy signature Cipriani Bellinis, panoramic dining, and exclusive access to club lounges, all wrapped in refined Italian design. With its discreet ambiance and central address, Casa Cipriani offers privileged access and a private retreat for travelers seeking Milan’s elite lifestyle.
Side-By-Side: How do Milan's Luxury Hotels Stack Up?
| Hotel Name | Key Highlights | Rooms / Suites | Dining (Stand-Outs) | Signature Experiences | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait Milano — Lungarno Collection | Hidden sanctuary in the Golden Triangle, part of Ferragamo’s Lungarno Collection | 73 rooms and suites | On-site courtyard dining, luxury boutiques and cafes | Historic 16th-century colonnade, curated piazza lifestyle | Fashion insiders, design lovers, cultural travellers |
| Four Seasons Hotel Milano | Former 15th-century convent in Milan’s fashion district | 118 rooms and suites | Zelo (sophisticated Italian), Stilla Bar & Garden | Frescoes, vaulted cloisters, luxurious spa | Style-conscious travellers, art lovers, luxury shoppers |
| Casa Cipriani Milano | Exclusive member’s club blending private luxury with hospitality | 15 rooms and suites | Cipriani Restaurant & Bar | Jackets-at-dinner dress code, yacht-inspired design, spa | UHNWIs, private club culture, discreet business meetings |
| Hotel Principe di Savoia | Neoclassical Dorchester Collection icon with boutique atmosphere | 301 rooms and suites | Acanto Restaurant, Principe Bar | Rooftop spa, Il Salotto lounge, concierge excellence | Fashion royalty, private travellers, Milanese society |
| Bvlgari Hotel Milan | Flagship of Bvlgari hospitality, with rare private gardens | 58 rooms and suites | Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, buzzing Bvlgari Bar | 43,000 sq ft terraced garden, contemporary Italian design | Design enthusiasts, luxury shoppers, brand loyalists |
Principe di Savoia has been Milan’s Dorchester Collection icon since the 1920s, offering neoclassical interiors, a rooftop spa, and renowned concierge service. Its location combines privacy with easy access to the fashion quarter, and its vibrant restaurants and bar draw both international visitors and Milan’s style insiders for luxury stays at the heart of the city.Principe di Savoia has defined Milanese luxury since the 1920s, with elegant neoclassical interiors, a rooftop spa, and exceptional concierge service. Located near the fashion quarter, it offers both privacy and prime access to the city’s style scene, with lively restaurants and bars that attract global elites and local tastemakers.
Bvlgari Hotel Milan is a contemporary landmark blending sleek architecture by Citterio-Viel with a rare 43,000-square-foot private garden in the heart of the city. Refined rooms and suites overlook the lush grounds, while the buzzing bar and celebrated restaurant make it a favorite for international dealmakers and design lovers. Combining bold Italian style, craftsmanship, and understated luxury, Bvlgari offers a discreet retreat for guests seeking privacy close to Milan’s business and fashion districts.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wealth Migration, Golden Visas, and Luxury Travel
Global wealth is shifting dramatically in 2025, with cities like Dubai, Switzerland, and Milan drawing a record influx of high-net-worth individuals seeking stable economies, world-class education, cultural cachet, and favorable taxation. For ultra-high-net-worth families, the choice to relocate is about more than financial incentives, it’s about securing a lifestyle, building legacies, and forging connections in dynamic urban ecosystems.
Luxury hotels in these cities offer more than five-star service; they’re a gateway to insider networks, local culture, and business opportunities, helping newcomers find their place in elite communities. Whether it’s a penthouse in Dubai, lakeside retreat in Geneva, or a boutique suite in Milan, these properties turn a hotel stay into a “test drive” of what life and work could be in a new destination.
For those considering visiting, investing, or relocating, spending time in these luxury hotels provides a firsthand look at the city’s rhythm, ambition, and possibilities, making it the smartest first step for anyone exploring the future of global wealth migration in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Wealth Migration and Luxury Travel
What is wealth migration and why is it accelerating in 2025?
Wealth migration refers to the global movement of millionaires and ultra high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) seeking new homes for reasons such as tax efficiency, political stability, and lifestyle benefits. In 2025, more than 128,000 millionaires are projected to relocate, making it the largest shift on record.
Which countries attract the most millionaires today?
Dubai leads the world with nearly 10,000 new millionaire arrivals in 2025. Switzerland remains a top European destination thanks to its discretion and strong banking system. Italy has gained momentum with its flat tax regime, drawing global financiers and entrepreneurs.
Why are millionaires leaving the UK and the US?
Rising tax burdens, political uncertainty, and concerns over safety are driving affluent families away from the UK and US. Many now prefer countries that combine financial incentives with stability and lifestyle advantages.
How do golden visa and residency programs work?
Golden Visas and similar programs grant residency in exchange for property, business, or tax-based investments. The UAE offers 5- and 10-year permits, Switzerland has its Lump Sum Taxation system, and Italy provides a €200,000 flat-tax regime that exempts foreign income from progressive taxation.
What role does luxury travel play in wealth migration?
Luxury hotels and resorts often act as gateways for exploring new destinations before relocation. They provide cultural immersion, privacy, and networking opportunities—key factors in evaluating whether a city is suitable for long-term residence.
Which cities in Italy are most popular for wealthy expats?
Milan is the business hub, favored for its flat tax regime, proximity to international markets, and luxury lifestyle. Lake Como and Tuscany attract those seeking privacy, culture, and leisure alongside Italy’s financial advantages.
What are the best luxury hotels in Dubai, Switzerland, and Italy for exploring relocation?
Top recommendations include Atlantis The Royal and Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Baur au Lac in Zurich, Mandarin Oriental in Geneva, Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, Portrait Milano, and Four Seasons Hotel Milano. Each offers five-star service, privacy, and proximity to the cultural and financial heart of its city.
Is relocating through wealth migration only for billionaires?
No. While ultra-high-net-worth individuals are most visible, many countries set residency programs at millionaire or even sub-millionaire levels, making them accessible to a broader range of global investors.