The dream of space travel has moved from science fiction into the portfolios of billionaires. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson are no longer competing solely on Earth—they’re taking their ambitions to the edge of space. Musk’s SpaceX has already flown private civilians into orbit, Bezos’s Blue Origin is marketing suborbital flights to high-net-worth thrill-seekers, and Branson’s Virgin Galactic is preparing to make regular luxury flights above the stratosphere.
For the world’s wealthiest travelers, this is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.” Space tourism is becoming the new Everest for those who have done it all—owning yachts, private islands, and penthouses with helipads. Now, the ultimate status symbol is leaving the planet itself. By 2030, analysts predict the space tourism market will surpass $8 billion, driven by exclusive experiences designed for ultra-wealthy adventurers.
Luxury in orbit is not a distant dream. Axiom Space is building what it calls the world’s first commercial space station, complete with habitable modules designed by Philippe Starck. The interiors will feature panoramic Earth views and tailored environments meant to evoke the comfort of a luxury suite at the Ritz-Carlton. Space Perspectives, another player in the market, plans to offer capsule-based “space lounges” that deliver a champagne experience as guests slowly ascend to 100,000 feet for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Earth’s curvature.
For affluent travelers, these experiences go beyond tourism—they are curated escapes that combine adventure with sophistication. Imagine booking an orbital suite where the sunrise over Earth happens every 90 minutes, and every window becomes a living masterpiece. Space hotels will not just provide accommodation; they will redefine what it means to vacation at the highest level.
The Lunar Hilton is a proposed hotel on the Moon, which would be operated by the Hilton Hotels company. Rumours of the concept began with a space-themed event held by the company in Chicago in 1958, and the idea was adopted by Barron Hilton in the 1960s. A proposal was made for a 100-room underground hotel on the Moon's surface as well as a 24-room space station. The concept was promoted with reservation cards and mock room keys. The concept was revived in the 1990s with plans drawn up for a 5,000-room hotel and a space station constructed from recycled Space Shuttle fuel tanks. Commentators have speculated that the concept might be more of a public relations campaign than a real plan, though in 2022 the company became involved with the Starlab Space Station project.
Food in space has evolved far beyond vacuum-sealed pouches. Chefs and scientists are working together to create gourmet dining experiences in zero gravity. Michelin-starred chefs are already experimenting with freeze-dried ingredients and rehydration techniques to preserve both flavor and texture in microgravity. SpaceX has even partnered with private culinary experts to explore what a multi-course dining experience might look like on future orbital journeys.
Wine is also making its way to the stars. In 2021, 12 bottles of Bordeaux were aged on the International Space Station for over a year, returning to Earth with unique flavor profiles due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. By 2030, we could see specialized “space wineries” producing bottles that are as much about their cosmic provenance as their vintage. Luxury travelers will pay a premium to sip rare wines while orbiting 250 miles above the planet, making dining in space the next frontier of indulgence.
If orbital hotels are step one, lunar villas are the next big leap. Companies like Orbital Assembly and Bigelow Aerospace are already discussing long-term habitats on the Moon. For billionaires who have already claimed beachfront estates, the idea of owning property with a view of Earth could be irresistible. Lunar resorts, complete with spa domes and starlit observation decks, may emerge as the ultimate vacation destination for the elite.
NASA’s Artemis program and private initiatives from SpaceX and Blue Origin will lay the groundwork for permanent lunar bases by the end of the decade. While these projects are currently focused on science and exploration, the infrastructure will pave the way for luxury operators to offer commercial stays. The concept of a “lunar resort” may sound audacious, but in luxury markets, audacity often precedes reality.
Space tourism represents the next great status symbol for the world’s ultra-wealthy. It combines rarity, exclusivity, and experience in a way few terrestrial luxuries can match. As I’ve covered in Resident articles on futuristic mobility—whether eVTOLs or AI-driven private travel—luxury consumers are increasingly seeking transformative experiences. The curvature of Earth viewed from orbit, the silence of space, and the chance to dine while floating weightlessly are experiences that no yacht or penthouse can replicate.
The journey to luxury space travel will require advancements in safety, comfort, and infrastructure, but by 2030, the billionaires leading this race will have created a new kind of playground.
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