Most Expensive

The 10 Most Expensive Spices in the World

Published

8 months ago

Apr 8, 2023

Shawna

The Most Expensive Essential Spices in the World

What are the most expensive spices in the world?

Imagine how boring dinnertime would be without spices to, well, spice things up!

However, while your spice cabinet may have a solid assortment of many spices, some can cost a lot of money and only the wealthiest can afford to buy them.

These definitely aren’t spices to throw around willy-nilly, but they are some of the most luxurious.

Table of Contents

The Most Expensive Spices in the World

The spices on this list may be delicious, but they’re also insanely expensive. While you can buy them for yourself, they are definitely going to cost a pretty penny for the privilege of being able to taste them.

Here’s our list of the 10 most expensive spices in the world:

10. Cloves – $133/Pound

Kicking off our list of the most expensive spices, we have a bold seasoning that people who love pumpkin spice are very familiar with.

Cloves have an incredibly unique flavor and they have been used in cuisine for centuries to flavor meat, fruits, and beverages.

This spice has medicinal purposes and has been used to help alleviate tooth pain, due to the numbing effect it can have as a natural anesthetic.

However, while cloves are often found blended with other spices, such as the popular pumpkin pie spice, on their own they can be extremely expensive.

The reason for this is that clove trees only produce 4 to 6 lbs each year, limiting the number of spices that can be harvested.

If that wasn’t tricky enough, cloves are also extremely sensitive to weather changes and have to be picked by hand.

All of these factors result in an expensive spice that can cost up to $133 for one pound.

The highest quality cloves are certainly different than what you’d find in your average pumpkin spice latte, and we’d definitely reserve them to mix with the most expensive coffees in the world.

9. Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves – $233/Pound

As one of the most expensive spices in the world native to South East Asia, this spice can be found in soups, stir-fries, curries, rice dishes, and other savory dishes where it provides an intense citrus fragrance.

Although this expensive spice can be found in specialty stores for purchase, it isn’t going to come cheap, often costing upwards of $233 per pound.

This is because the leaves need to be hand-picked, which is more labor-intensive than many other spices.

It also isn’t as widely cultivated in the US, only being grown in small quantities in Florida and California.

While you won’t need to have Rachel Ray’s net worth in order to afford this spice, it definitely isn’t something to run out and buy on a whim.

8. Black Cumin Seed – $250/Pound

Unlike the cumin you’re probably familiar with that has a brown appearance, black cumin has a smoky, more earthen taste that makes it popular in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Iran.

Sometimes called black caraway, despite being very different, black cumin gains its extreme price due to the limited quantity that can be harvested.

A single plant can only yield 11 to 17 lbs at a time, leading to this expensive spice often costing as much as $2 per 10 grams.

As one of the most expensive spices in the world, you definitely don’t want to purchase these seeds without knowing exactly how to use them, especially since this spice is even more costly than some of the most expensive foods in the world.

If you are determined to buy this spice for yourself, take care to ensure that you get Elwendia Persica, and now Nigella Sativa, which is often called black cumin despite being different.

7. Grains of Paradise – $250/Pound

Closely related to cardamom and sometimes called alligator pepper, grains of paradise have a black pepper flavor with a hint of citrus that makes them useful for adding extra depth to certain dishes.

Native to West Africa, which is sometimes called the Pepper Coast or Grain Coast because of this spice, these seeds have been used for many centuries on the continent for cuisine and folk medicine.

As a stimulant, similar to caffeine, grains of paradise can also provide an energy boost, which has made it popular as a workout supplement.

Oddly enough, there is even a 150-year-old statue in Florida that prohibits the growing or selling of alcohol with grains of paradise in it.

This outdated law was passed at a time when this spice was thought to be poisonous and capable of making people commit suicide.

Fortunately, we’ve learned a lot since then, and today, this expensive spice is often used as a replacement for peppercorns, but can also be found in some gins, craft beers, and the Norwegian spirit, Akavit.

However, if you want to get your hands on this spice for yourself, you’re going to need Guy Fieri’s net worth, because it definitely doesn’t come cheap.

6. Cardamom – $266/Pound

Originating in Sri Lanka and India, cardamom is commonly used in curries and garam masala, but in many countries, it has become popular to use in coffee.

In the past, cardamom enjoyed a lot of use as a flavoring, and there is even evidence of it among the archives in the House of Sphinxes in Mycenae, Greece, probably arriving there as part of a spice trade.

Today, the largest exporters of cardamom are India and Guatemala, though, like many other expensive spices on this list, only small quantities can be produced at a time.

Adding to that, the process has to be done entirely by hand in a very time-consuming and complicated process to ensure quality.

Needless to say, this labor-intensive harvest contributes to the steep price of this spice, as do the small quantities when compared to the demand.

You’re certainly much more likely to find this spice at one of the most expensive penthouses in the world, as opposed to your average Joe’s spice cabinet.

5. Long Pepper – $416/Pound

Often called Pippali, long pepper comes from a flowering plant and has a very distinct conical appearance that makes it look similar to a small, slim pinecone.

Popular in African, Indonesian, and Indian cuisine, this spice has a similar taste to black pepper but is hotter.

The oldest known record of this spice comes from ancient India, where it was used for cooking and medicinal purposes.

In the fifth or sixth century BCE, long pepper made its way to the ancient Greek world where Hippocrates spoke about it as a substance for medical treatments, touting its health benefits.

It wasn’t until the discovery of the chili pepper in the Americas that the use of the long pepper began to die out, and today it is extremely rare to find it in cuisines outside of Africa, India, and Indonesia.

That being said, this spice is delicious, even if you do need Gordon Ramsay’s net worth in order to buy a pound of it.

If you are looking to get your hands on this spice, an Indian grocery store or specialty market will be your best bet.

You’re certainly not going to find it at your local Wal-Mart!

4. Organic Fennel Pollen – $416/Pound

Although almost all of the most expensive spices are cultivated in small quantities, organic fennel pollen has an extremely low yield of only about one gram per plant and it needs to be collected by hand.

Technically, if you’re willing to grow your own fennel plants, you can harvest the pollen yourself by shaking the yellow flowers into a bag, though you’re not going to get a lot and you’ll need a lot of patience.

Commercially, most fennel pollen is cultivated in Tuscany, and it has a very unique taste that is somewhere between licorice, black pepper, saffron, and anise.

Aside from the pollen, fennel itself has long been used as far back as ancient Greece and Rome, where it was also made into insect repellants and medicine.

In the Middle East, it was, and still is, commonly used in cooking and baking.

If you want to add fennel pollen to your spice cabinet, your best bet is going to be growing the flowers yourself and taking the time to harvest them, provided you live in the appropriate climate.

Otherwise, you’re going to be looking at quite a steep price for one of the most expensive spices in the world.

3. Vanilla Bean – $566/Pound

Vanilla beans may seem common, but buying them by the pound definitely isn’t for those cooking on a budget.

The reason that this expensive spice has such a high price tag is due to the fact that a majority of the pods come from Madagascar.

While this usually wouldn’t be too much of a problem, the country is sometimes impacted by cyclones which affect crop production and make the beans harder to come by.

Vanilla vines can also take up to four years to mature and only bloom one day each year. If they are not pollinated on this day, they will not produce vanilla beans.

If that wasn’t enough, this spice also suffers from a lot of theft, which leads to farmers needing to pick the crop before it is ripe, lowering the quality.

Adding to the scarcity is the fact that a lot of consumers in the 1980s switched to using synthetic vanilla flavorings, which drove a lot of vanilla farmers to stop producing it due to a lessening in demand.

Real vanilla pods are packed with tiny seeds that add loads of rich flavor to desserts, but they aren’t nearly as affordable as many of us would like.

While artificial vanilla works in a pinch, once you’ve tasted the real deal, you’ll be driven to start saving up for your own stash.

2. Mahlab – $716/Pound

Taking our number two spot as one of the most expensive spices is Mahlab, an unusual spice made from the seeds of the St. Lucie cherry, which are typically ground before being used.

The flavor of this second most expensive spice is a mix between cherry and bitter almonds, similar to marzipan.

Often used to add a bit of sharpness to sweet confections and cakes, this spice has been used for many centuries in the Middle East and surrounding areas, especially in baking desserts.

As one of the most expensive spices, mahlab is harvested in a lengthy process that involves cracking open tough cherry pits to get at the soft seeds inside.

These seeds are then ground up for use in cooking.

However, if you buy the seeds and grind them yourself, they retain a lot more flavor and this is recommended if you want the best overall taste.

Although you’re likely to only encounter this second most expensive spice at some of the most expensive restaurants in the world, if you want to cook with it yourself, you’re going to need to fork over some serious dough.

1. Saffron – $2,336/Pound

Topping our list as the most expensive spice in the world by weight is saffron.

Derived from the saffron crocus flower, this vivid seasoning is the most expensive spice you can ever hope to cook with, and if you want to buy even an ounce, you’re going to be paying a good amount of money.

Saffron has a sweet aroma and it has been used for everything from medicine and cooking to perfume making and dyes.

The reason that saffron costs so much is due to the way that it is harvested.

Around 40 hours of labor are needed to pick 150,000 saffron crocus flowers, which equates to one kg or 70,000 flowers per pound.

A single flower will only yield 30mg of fresh saffron, which shrinks to 7mg when dried.

As you can see, a lot of labor-intensive work needs to go into even a couple of grams, let alone a single pound.

Making things more complicated is the fact that not all saffron is the same quality and the different types can vary between the countries they are grown in, which can make picking out the perfect spice all the more complicated if you’re unfamiliar with the varieties!

Basically, unless you’re one of the richest celebrity chefs in the world, you probably won’t be cooking with this most expensive spice any time soon.

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the most expensive spices in the world!

Although we love cooking flavorful foods, we definitely wouldn’t want to take the risk of paying for these expensive spices only to end up ruining them with our lackluster skill.

We think we’ll leave these spices up to the experts.

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive spices in the world:

Saffron – $2,336/Pound
Mahlab – $716/Pound
Vanilla Bean – $566/Pound
Organic Fennel Pollen – $416/Pound
Long Pepper – $416/Pound
Cardamom – $266/Pound
Grains of Paradise – $250/Pound
Black Cumin Seed – $250/Pound
Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves – $233/Pound
Cloves – $133/Pound

Which one of the most expensive spices is your favorite? Leave a comment below.

Most Expensive

The 10 Most Expensive Countries to Live in Worldwide

Published

3 months ago

Sep 15, 2023

Matt McIntyre

Which are the most expensive countries to live in worldwide? Hold tight, as you’re about to find out.

If you’ve dreamed about moving abroad and starting life afresh in a new country, then read through this list before you do, as you might be shocked to find out just how expensive some of these lesser-known countries are.

We’ve put together this list based on accommodation and living expenses for a single person living in the capital city of each country, and according to population.

Here’s a list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide…

Table of Contents

The 10 Most Expensive Countries to Live in Worldwide

The list of countries and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as World Population Review & Nomad List.

These are the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide:

10. Barbados – $2,061

Kicking off our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide, is Barbados.

Barbados is a sovereign island nation in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, which is the Caribbean region of North America.

It covers approximately 349km² and is 23 kilometres wide and 34 kilometres long, with a total population of 285,719 people.

Barbados is the fourth-most densely populated country in the Americas and, it’s capital city, Bridgetown, has approximately 110,000 people living in it.

To rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in Bridgetown, you’re looking at spending around $500 a month, or $100 a night in an Airbnb.

A basic meal out will cost you no less than $13. A beer is around $6.50 and coffee is approximately $5.00 depending on where you go.

9. Japan – $2,612

The ninth most expensive country to live in worldwide is Japan.

Japan is an archipelago island nation in South-East Asia, made up of 6,852 islands, with a current total population of 126.8 million people.

Of the 6,582 islands, the four largest islands account for the majority of inhabitants, as roughly 97% Japans population live on the four islands.

Japan has many major cities, like Osaka, Yokohoma, Nagoya and Sapporo, which are all populated by more than 2 million people.

However, Tokyo, Japans Capital City and the largest city in Japan, has an approximate population of 37 million people.

To rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in Tokyo, you’re looking at spending in the region of $1,370 a month, or $111 a night in an Airbnb.

Eating out varies in price, but as an average for one person, you should be looking at spending around $15.00 for a basic meal and around $6.00 for a beer.

Coffee is also pretty reasonable, considering how expensive Tokyo is, at $2.81 a cup.

8. Norway – $2,659

Located in Northern Europe, Norway is a Scandinavian country with a total population of 5.3 million people.

Norway shares its borders with Sweden, Russia and Finland, and has a total landmass of 385,203 km².

It’s only the 171st most densely populated country on earth, with roughly 14 people for every square kilometre.

Rent is expensive in Norway’s capital, so renting a one-bedroom studio apartment in Oslo, will set you back around $1,193 a month, or $85 a night in an Airbnb.

You won’t have much change left from $15 when buying a meal out, and a beer will set you back around $9.11.

7. The Bahamas – $2,704

The next most expensive country in the world to live in is The Bahamas.

Made up of over 700 islands, the Bahamas has an approximate population of 389,482 million people living across its 13,943km² landmass.

The largest city in the Bahamas is Nassau, with a total population of 255,000.

If you’re thinking about visiting the Bahamas, then you should budget approximately $950 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the city, or $149 a night for an Airbnb.

You’ll need to take at least $50-$100 with you when you go out for a meal and some drinks, as a basic meal costs around $15-$20 and a beer will cost you around $2.50.

Coffee is a little on the expensive side, at around $5 each.

6. Luxembourg – $2,751

One of the smallest countries on our list, Luxembourg, is also one of the smallest sovereign nations on the planet, and it won’t leave you with a lot of wiggle room when it comes to your monthly expenses.

Luxembourg is a landlocked country, located in western Europe, and has an estimated population of 620,319 people.

Its population is small compared to other countries on the list, however, it has roughly 207 people per square kilometre, making it the 67th most densely populated country on earth.

When you arrive in Luxembourg City, you can expect to pay around $1,322 per month for a one-bedroom studio apartment, or $80 a night in an Airbnb.

Luxembourg seems like it’s slightly more expensive than the Bahamas when it comes to luxuries like beer and coffee, as one beer will cost you around $9 and coffee will set you back $6.

Eating a basic meal out will cost between $17-$25 for one person depending on what you order.

5. Iceland – $2,802

Coming in at number five on our list of the most expensive countries in the world is Iceland.

Iceland is located between the North and Atlantic Oceans and has a total surface area of 103,001 square kilometres.

However, Iceland’s population of 339,949 people, remains relatively low in comparison to others on our list as its harsh geographical landscape proves difficult to live in for many, at times.

As a result, Iceland has the lowest population density of any European country, at just 3 people per kilometre.

Staying in Iceland will cost you approximately $1,236 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the capital city of Reykjavik, or $128 a night in an Airbnb.

Whilst you’re there, eating out will cost you around $12 for a basic meal, $8 for a beer and $2.15 for a cup of coffee.

4. Denmark – $3,312

The southernmost Nordic country in Northern Europe, Denmark, is the fourth most expensive country to live in worldwide.

Denmark, bordered by Germany, Sweden and Norway has a total current population of 5.7 million people.

The Scandinavian countries capital city is Copenhagen, which has an urban population of 1.2 million people, and a metropolitan population of 1.99 million.

Known as one of the happiest places to live on earth, Copenhagen is also a very expensive city to live in.

For a one-bedroom studio apartment, you’re looking at $1,917 a month, or $96 a night in an Airbnb.

Eating out will cost you approximately $18 per person and beers and coffee are anyway between $5.50-$6.50 a pop!

3. Switzerland – $3,162

Switzerland is the third most expensive country to live in worldwide.

With more than 8.6 million people living across, 41,285 square kilometres, Switzerland is the 95th most populated country in the world, and the 135th largest country in terms of the total landmass.

Switzerland has a number of beautiful cities to live in, like it’s capital, Bern, and it’s the largest city, Zurich.

Bern has approximately 133,000 people living there and accommodation for a month in Bern, for one person, will cost in the region of $1,366, or $86 a night in an Airbnb.

A meal out will cost you approximately $15-$20, with an additional beer costing around $6.00 and coffee costing around $5.00 a cup.

2. Cayman Islands – $3,387

The Cayman Islands is the second most populated British overseas territory in the world, just behind Bermuda.

It is located in the western end of the Caribbean sea and has a total current population of approximately 63,000 people.

It’s made up of a number of islands like Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

The Cayman Islands are well known for housing offshore companies, and it’s believed that there are over 100,000 companies registered in the Cayman Islands.

If you’re considering doing business in George Town, the capital city of the Cayman Islands, then a one-bedroom studio apartment will cost you around $1,924 a month or $83 a night in an Airbnb.

Food and drink on the island are where you might spend a lot of your money.

A basic meal out will cost you at least $20-$30, with beer costing around $8.00 and coffee costing around $7 a cup.

1. Bermuda – $5,011

At over $5,000 a month for accommodation and living expenses, Bermuda is the most expensive place to live in worldwide.

Similar to the Cayman Islands, Bermuda is another British territory located in the North Atlantic.

Bermuda has a total population of approximately 65,000 people living across a total landmass of 20.5 square miles.

Its capital city, Hamilton, is also Bermudas only incorporated city and has a current population of just over 1,000 people.

When looking for accommodation in the city, you’re going to need some deep pockets, as a one-bedroom studio apartment will cost you around $2,675 a month, or $212 a night in an Airbnb.

If you’re a drinker, then get prepared to spend some cash, as one glass of beer will cost you a minimum of $10, and dinner will be around $20-$30 per person.

Bermuda is the most expensive country to live in worldwide.

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide.

Well, there you have it, those were some super expensive countries to live in.

Living in those countries might make you think twice about drinking alcohol, on a regular occasion, and make you sharpen the purse strings a bit more.

However, it’s all relative and depends on your disposable income and expenses.

So, if you’re still planning on moving to, or even visiting one of these countries long term, then at least you know what to expect.

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide:

Bermuda – $5,011
Cayman Islands – $3,387
Switzerland – $3,162
Denmark – $3,312
Iceland – $2,802
Luxembourg – $2,751
The Bahamas – $2,704
Japan – $2,612
Norway – $2,291
Barbados – $2,061

What’s your favourite most expensive country? Leave a comment below.

Most Expensive

The 20 Most Expensive Engagement Rings In the World

Published

3 months ago

Sep 15, 2023

Matt McIntyre

The Most Expensive Engagement Rings in the World

Marriage is something to be celebrated and cherished, so what better way to symbolise your love for someone, than an expensive piece of jewellery!

Now, saying that, there’s expensive and then there’s EXPENSIVE!! You’re about to see the $10 MILLION end of expensive!

Here’s a list of the 20 most expensive Engagement Rings in the world…

The 20 Most Expensive Engagement Rings In the World

The list of engagement rings and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Elite Readers, Hello Magazine & Brides.

These are the 20 most expensive engagement rings in the world:

20. Cardi B – $500,000

The first most expensive engagement ring on the list is owned by American rapper, Cardi B.

The 8-carat pear-shaped engagement ring cost Cardi’s fiance a whopping $500,000!

If you think dropping $500,000 of an engagement ring is a big deal, then keep reading as you they continue to get even more expensive!

19. Kate Middleton – $500,000

The Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring consists of a 12-carat sapphire that’s surrounded by diamonds.

The ring actually has a lot more sentimental value than any normal engagement ring, as it was formerly worn by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Princess Diana was loved and adored by many, so to be fortunate enough to wear her ring is a massive privilege.

18. Lady Gaga – $500,000

Next up, we have the engagement ring of Lady Gaga.

If you know anything at all about the performer, you’ll know that she’s pretty flamboyant and likes to do things big!
So, it’s no surprise that her engagement ring cost so much money. The ring is a unique heart-shaped solitaire diamond of roughly 6 carats, made by Lorraine Schwartz.

And to give it a more personal touch, the ring also includes the couple’s initials engraved on the inside of the platinum band.

17. Iggy Azalea – $500,000

If you’re into your hip-hop, then you’ll know who Iggy Azalea is.

The rapper/singer-songwriter has a number of hits like “Fancy, Work & Black Widow.

All those hits gained her a lot of attention, and one particular NBA star, Nick Young, like her so much that he ended up proposing to her.

He chose a 10.43-carat diamond ring that features an 8.15 carat fancy yellow cushion-cut centre stone.

The stone is surrounded by white diamonds and the whole ring is set in 18-Karat white gold.

16. Gabrielle Union – $1 Million

In sixteenth place, we have the engagement ring given to Gabrielle Union.

NBA star Dwyane wade proposed to her with an 8.5-carat cushion-cut diamond in a platinum solitaire setting, made by Jason Arasheben.

It’s simple, minimal and elegant design allows the focus to be directly drawn to the main focal point – the cushion cut diamond!

Stunning!

15. Angelina Jolie – $1 Million

When Brad Pitt proposed to Angelina Jolie back in 2012, he did it with some style.

The ring features an emerald-cut centre diamond of approximately 6 carats and tapered baguette diamonds surrounding the entire ring.

It totally carat weight is approximately 16 carats which are all set in 18k yellow gold.

To make it even more sentimental, Brad designed the ring with the expertise of jeweller Robert Procop.

14. Jennifer Aniston – $1 Million

Jennifer Aniston‘s most recent engagement ring, from fiance Justin Theroux, is a classic solitaire cushion-shaped rose-cut diamond set in 18 Karat yellow gold.

It weighs in around 10 karats and was designed by Jennifer’s friend, Jennifer Meyer.

It’s probably one of the most eye-catching engagement rings you’ll ever see, as you can’t help but notice the massive solitaire diamond!

13. Kate Upton – $1.5 Million

The thirteenth most expensive engagement ring in the world is owned by model and actress, Kate Upton.

The $1.5 million engagement ring, is pretty gigantic, and it’s almost as big as her finances, Justin Verlander‘s, World Series ring!

It’s certainly a bit of a show stopper that’s for sure.

12. Blake Lively – $2.5 Million

Deadpool star, Ryan Reynolds, dazzled his bride to be with this $2.5 million engagement ring.

Its made by Lorraine Schwartz and features a 12-carat oval-cut solitaire diamond, set in 18 karat rose gold.

The ring is right on point when it comes to trend and also features small micro pavé diamonds in the band.

Phenomenal!

11. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – $2.6 Million

Greek billionaire, Aristotle Onassis proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy with this sensational $2.6 million engagement ring.

The ring was made by Harry Winston and features a 40.42-carat marquise-cut diamond.

It’s truly out of this world and well deserved of its place amongst the most expensive engagement rings in the world.

10. Melania Trump – Million

Breaking into the top ten is Melania Trump’s $3 million 25-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.

The Graff diamonds ring is very simplistic and oozes a sense of class.

After some initial speculation into the actual her husband paid for the ring, I’m sure by now she’s super happy with it!

9. Jennifer Lopez – $4.5 Million

When Marc Anthony proposed to Jennifer Lopez in 2004, he sure did it with some style!

The singer, songwriter and actress received a rare blue 8.5-carat diamond ring from Marc, which was valued at approximately $4.5 million!

Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, however, the engagement likely either held or increased its value, due to the association with the legendary performer.

8. Grace Kelly – $4.6 Million

Back in 1995, Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelley with a mahoosive 10.47 emerald-cut diamond ring, by Cartier.

The ring has received a lot of attention over the years, and rightly so, it’s an incredible piece of jewellery with a unique history.

If you’re in the market for an engagement ring and you have around $5 million to spend, then use this one as a reference point and you won’t go wrong!

7. Paris Hilton – $4.7 Million

Next up we have Paris Hilton‘s engagement ring giving to her by her ex-finance, Paris Latsis.

The $4.7 million 24-carat canary diamond ring ended up being auctioned off to help provide aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as the couple decided to call off the wedding.

At least some good came out of it. $4.7 million bucks can go a long way in times of need.

6. Beyonce – $5 Million

Jay-Z proposed to Beyonce with an 18-carat emerald-cut flawless centre diamond, which is set on a split shank band.

The platinum band contains micro-pavé diamonds and was designed by Lorraine Schwartz. Since it’s creation, it’s also inspired a number of other celebrity engagement rings, some of which are featured on our list!

Overall, the ring is subtle, classy and striking all at the same time.

5. Anna Kournikova – $5.4 Million

Former professional tennis player, Anna Kournikova received beautiful champagne and cognac 11-carat pear-shaped diamond, classicly mounted with diamond accents from her now-husband, Enrique Iglesias.

It’s certainly difficult to miss, and I’m sure it helps start a lot of conversations, as it’s striking, to say the least.

If you’re thinking of designing something for your partner, then perhaps using this one as your inspiration, might not be a bad idea, as it’s in the top five most expensive engagement rings in the world.

However, don’t forget the price, it’s $5.4 million!

4. Kim Kardashian – $8 Million

As always, only the best will do for Kim Kardashian.

Kanye proposed to Kim with a beautiful 15 carat D colour, flawless cushion cut diamond, made by Lorraine Schwartz.

The diamond itself is set as a solitaire on a thin platinum band with micro-pavé diamonds.

It really is a stunning example of bespoke jewellery and well worth its place amongst the most expensive engagement rings in the world.

3. Elizabeth Taylor – $8.8 Million

In third place, we have Elizabeth Taylor’s engagement ring.

Elizabeth’s ring held the title for the largest and most expensive celebrity engagement ring of all time for several decades.

It’s a 33-carat Asscher cut Krupp Diamond, set in platinum which was given to her by Richard Burton.

It’s one hell of a ring, that’s for sure!

2. Blue Diamond by Bvlgari – $9.5 Million

In second place, we have this stunning example of a truly unique engagement ring by Bvlgari.

The 5.4 blue carat diamond ring was purchased by Graff diamonds and once held the title of the worlds most expensive engagement ring.

Getting close to $10 million, this ring is certainly only attainable to the super-wealthy for the super-wealthy.

1. Mariah Carey – $10 Million

Topping them all is Mariah Carey‘s $10 million engagement ring, given to her by her ex-finance, Australian businessman, James Packer.

The emerald-cut diamond ring is a whopping 35-carats and has two delicate tapered baguette diamonds. The ring is set in solid platinum.

Its single focus design insures the diamond truly shows off its splendour and magnificence!

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 20 most expensive engagement rings in the world.

$10 million for one engagement ring! That’s insane, right? You’d better be sure they’re the one, otherwise, you’re $10 mill in the red!

Here’s a quick recap of the 20 most expensive engagement rings in the world:

Mariah Carey – $10 Million
Blue Diamond by Bvlgari – $9.5 Million
Elizabeth Taylor – $8.8 Million
Kim Kardashian – $8 Million
Anna Kournikova – $5.4 Million
Beyonce – $5 Million
Paris Hilton – $4.7 Million
Grace Kelly – $4.6 Million
Jennifer Lopez – $4.5 Million
Melania Trump – $3 Million
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – $2.6 Million
Blake Lively – $2.5 Million
Kate Upton – $1.5 Million
Jennifer Aniston – $1 Million
Angelina Jolie – $1 Million
Gabrielle Union – $1 Million
Iggy Azalea – $500,000
Lady Gaga – $500,000
Kate Middleton – $500,000
Cardi B – $500,000

Which ones are your favourite most expensive engagement rings in the world? Leave a comment below.

Most Expensive

The 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World

Published

3 months ago

Sep 14, 2023

Matt McIntyre

Have you ever wondered what the most expensive hotel in the world is?

Well, forget your typical $200 – $500 a night weekend getaways, as the ones on this list start at $28,000 a night!

From luxury penthouse suites, overlooking breathtaking city vistas, to lavish underwater hotels, the pricy pads on this list have it all.

So, if money is no object for you and you’re looking for your next premium getaway, then here’s a list of the 10 most expensive hotels in the world.

Table of Contents

The 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World

The list of hotels and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Travel Top List & Highsnobiety.

These are the 10 most expensive hotels in the world:

10. The Royal Suite – Burj Al-Arab – $28,000

Starting off the list of the most expensive hotels in the world is one of the most well-known hotels, the Burj Al-Arab.

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Burj was marketed as the worlds first ever seven-star hotel, and it goes without saying that it most definitely lives up to expectations.

It’s the seventh-tallest hotel in the world and was designed by architect, Tom Wright, to resemble the sail of a ship.

The hotel stands on a man-made artificial island, that’s only accessible to the mainland by a private curving bridge.

As well as all the lavish bells and whistles you’d expect to find inside a seven-star hotel, like an underwater restaurant that’s accessible by submarine; the Burj Al-Arab also has its very own private helipad, near the roof, approximately 210 metres above sea level.

One night in the royal suite will cost you a minimum of $28,000.

The 780 square-metre suite, set over two floors, is decorated in 22-karat gold and comes with a private dining area and butler, spa, private lounge and numerous staff to answer your every beck and call.

Not bad for $28,000 a night!

9. The Royal Suite – The Plaza – $40,000

Next up we have another “Royal Suite”, but this one’s in The Plaza, New York and will run you a cool $40,000 a night!

So, what do you get for that? Well, to start with you get to the suite using the buildings private lift, that only you can use.

Next, you enter the 400 square-foot suite and are greeted with an exquisitely designed living room; equipped with the latest top of the line amenities and luxuries.

The suite has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a lounge, a separate dining room, which seats up to 12 people, and a fitness room.

From the bedroom, you have a spectacular view of fifth avenue. So if you don’t feel like lounging around in bed all day, then you can make use of the 24-hour butler service the suite provides.

8. The Hilltop Villa – $45,000

The Hilltop Villa is tucked away in paradise, only accessible to the super-rich.

The hotel is located Laucala island in Fiji and costs an impressive $45,000 a night.

But, for that, you’ll get a four-acre villa, split into three separate villas; that each offers the most beautiful views of the island.

The first villa, “The Delana” comes with a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a library, a living room, your own large private pool with waterfall and hot tub and a solid wood soaking tub.

The second villa, “The Dua”, has similar specifications but sleeps two comfortably, with sliding doors separating all the rooms.

And lastly, “The Rua” has a separate living area and large private pool and is the second biggest villa out of the three.

If you’re looking to get away with friends or family, then The Hilltop Villa could be a perfect getaway as it sleeps up to eight people and has all the luxurious you need from a hotel.

7. The Muraka Suite – The Conrad – $50,000

Coming in at number seven on our list of the most expensive hotels in the world is The Muraka.

The suite is located in the Maldives at The Conrad and is marketed as the worlds first underwater hotel suite.

The Muraka is two stories tall, with the bottom story being roughly 16 feet below the Indian Ocean.

For $50,000 a night, you can expect to be automatically upgraded to Hilton Diamond Status upon arrival; enjoy a private chef, bar, gym, butler and infinity pool.

However, don’t get too ahead of yourself as there’s a four-night minimum stay requirement.

So, if you really want to stay there then you’re looking to spend more in the region of $200,000!

6. The Penthouse Suite – Hôtel Martinez – $53,000

The Penthouse Suite, in the Hôtel Martinez, will set you back $53,000 a night.

Hôtel Martinez is located in Cannes, France, which is one of the best-known resorts in the Côte D’Azur.

For your $53,000 you can expect to enjoy a 1000 square foot suite on the uppermost floor of the hotel; with stunning panoramic views across the ocean from your own private wood-panelled panorama terrace.

You’ll also have king-sized beds in each of the four bedrooms, a separate living and dining room, marble bathrooms, a Turkish bath and a private jacuzzi on the terrace.

If you’re into your art, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are several artefacts from Picasso and Matisse decorating the walls of the suite.

If art’s not really your thing, then you can sit back and enjoy the view from the terrace!

5. Ty Warner Penthouse – Four Seasons – $60,000

Kicking off the top five countdown is the Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel, New York.

The luxury hotel suite is named after the owner of the building, Ty Warner and will cost you around $60,000 a night.

Located on the very top floor of the building, the 52nd to be exact; the $400 square-metre suite cost approximately $50 million dollars to complete.

The suite comes with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and contains four glass balconies that provide views of uptown, midtown and downtown New York.

Now, you’ll only get one bedroom with this suite; but you’ll also get a spa, a rock crystal master bathroom, a panorama infinity tub, a private elevator and a dedicated guest relations manager and chauffeured rolls Royce at your disposal.

If that’s not enough, then you can take advantage of the unlimited massages that are thrown in for good measure.

4. The Mark Penthouse – The Mark Hotel – $75,000

The Mark hotels grand Penthouse is the largest hotel suite penthouse in the United States, covering a whopping 10,000 square feet.

For you $75,000 a night, you can expect a spacious penthouse that’s spread out over the top two floors of the hotel.

You’ll get 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 4 fireplaces, 2 wet bars, 2 powder rooms and a large open plan living room.

The living room also has its own party trick; as it can be transformed into a full-size ballroom with 26-foot ceilings.

Perhaps one of the nicest features of the penthouse suite is its 250-square-metre terrace, with panoramic views of Central Park.

So if you want to play the King/Queen of New York for a while, then book your self a few nights in this suite!

3. The Royal Penthouse – Hotel President Wilson – $80,000

If you’re in Geneva, Switzerland and have $80,000 to spend a night, then this is the hotel for you.

The Royal Penthouse in the Hotel President Wilson occupies the entire 8th floor of the hotel.

It offers a panoramic view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, as well as 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and a jacuzzi bath overlooking the lake.

Besides the luxurious furnishings and views, you’ll also benefit from a 24/7 personal assistant, private chef and butler.

If safety is a top concern for you when staying in a luxury hotel then rest assured that the Royal Penthouse is one of the safest places to be.

It has bulletproof glass, 24/7 security, a security camera system throughout the suite and a fortified safe to store your valuables.

You’ll also find a 1930 Brunswick billiard table, a Steinway grand piano and a Bang & Olufsen’s BeoVision 4-103 home cinema system.

And, all this can be reached by your own private elevator!

2. Empathy Suite – The Palms – $100,000

Breaking the $100,000 a night price tag; the Empathy Suite at The Palms, Las Vegas, is the second most expensive hotel in the world.

The Empathy Suite was the result of a full redesign, by Damian Hurst, and a complete overhaul of the old Sky Villa suite.

For $100,000 you’ll get two master bedrooms, massage tables, a cantilevered jacuzzi that overlooks the Las Vegas strip, a salt relaxation room and a private tour of the properties art collection and amenities.

This hotel suite is really for art lovers, as space includes six Damian Hurst originals and custom furniture that includes his motifs.

So, if you’re a Damian Hurst fan and you’ve got the spare cash, then treat yourself!

1. Lover’s Deep – Luxury Submarine Hotel – $150,000

At $150,000 a night, the Lover’s Deep Luxury Submarine Hotel is the most expensive hotel in the world.

Now, it’s not the same type of experience you’d expect from some of the other hotels on the list, as it requires you to go underwater in a submarine.

However, if you want to combine a night away with an experience, then perhaps this is the hotel for you.

The submarine/hotel is located in St Lucia and can be navigated around the Caribbean to suit its guests requirements.

You’ll get 5-star accommodation beneath the waves which includes, your own captain, private chef and butler, speed boat transfers to and from the submarine, and some additional optional add-ons, like helicopter transfers, beach landings and champagne-soaked breakfasts.

The Lover’s Deep Submarine is fully equipped with the ultimate in luxury, and everything you’d want from an experience like this.

Furthermore, you have the option to modify the voyage to suit your own preferences if you wish, so if you prefer a particular location to another, the captain will follow your commands.

This would truly be an experience of a lifetime and one you’d never forget – staying in the most expensive hotel in the world!

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 most expensive hotels in the world.

How about that! A submarine hotel that costs $150,000 a night. I bet you didn’t see that one coming. I didn’t, that’s for sure.

So, there you have it, the most expensive hotels in the world range from traditional brick and mortar buildings, in some of the most prestigious cities in the world, to underwater havens that cruise around the Caribbean at your beck and call.

What an awesome world we live in!

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive hotels in the world: