9 Vacation Destinations Loved by Old Money Families
When it comes to vacationing, old money families don’t chase trends—they uphold traditions. Their getaways aren’t about flashy opulence but timeless elegance, quiet exclusivity, and generational legacy. These families favor destinations that exude heritage, refinement, and discretion. From European summer estates to East Coast coastal retreats, here are nine classic vacation spots where old money families have been escaping for decades.
1. Newport, Rhode Island – Gilded Age Glamour
Newport was once the summer playground of America’s wealthiest families like the Vanderbilts and Astors. Today, its understated charm continues to draw in old money clans.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Historical mansions like The Breakers and Marble House.
- Prestigious yacht clubs and private sailing events.
- Quiet beaches and elegant garden parties.
Newport’s allure isn’t in modern luxury but in its deep-rooted traditions and coastal elegance.
2. Lake Como, Italy – Refined European Elegance
Lake Como is synonymous with classic European leisure. Tucked in the foothills of the Alps, it’s a destination where time seems to slow down.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Centuries-old villas passed down through families.
- No paparazzi culture—perfect for privacy.
- Sailing, hiking, and lakeside aperitivos over material display.
It’s less about being seen and more about quietly enjoying beauty and history.
3. St. Moritz, Switzerland – The Winter Capital of Old World Sophistication
For those who ski not for sport but for heritage, St. Moritz is a winter essential. With two Winter Olympics in its history, this alpine town blends prestige and privacy.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Historic 5-star hotels like Badrutt’s Palace.
- Long-standing traditions like the Cresta Run and snow polo.
- Quiet, generational family chalets.
In St. Moritz, lineage is often more important than Instagram followers.
4. The Hamptons, New York – East Coast Legacy
While parts of The Hamptons have become a haven for flashy new wealth, old money still congregates in places like East Hampton and Southampton—where family compounds are passed down, not sold.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Private beach access and low-profile estates.
- Tennis clubs, sailing, and generational ties to the community.
- Minimal commercial tourism and a sense of continuity.
In the right circles, a tan line from summers spent in the same house since childhood is the ultimate status symbol.
5. The Cotswolds, England – Quiet Countryside Tradition
The Cotswolds is where British aristocracy and discreet old money vacation—or simply own second homes. Picture rolling hills, stone cottages, and private gardens.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Understated charm with deep historical roots.
- Fox hunts, polo matches, and country fêtes.
- Art collections and antique shopping in historic villages.
It’s not showy. It’s old-world refinement at its finest.
6. Nantucket, Massachusetts – A Heritage of Seafaring and Sophistication
A former whaling port, Nantucket retains a sense of preserved Americana. Old money families vacation here generation after generation in gray-shingled homes on quiet, cobblestone streets.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- No chain stores, no flashy nightlife—just tradition.
- Long-standing summer colonies and sailing culture.
- Preservation of history and architecture.
Nantucket doesn’t chase trends—it holds onto its legacy.
7. Biarritz, France – Coastal Chic with an Aristocratic Past
Once the summer capital of European royalty, Biarritz on the Basque coast remains a beloved hideaway for families with taste, tradition, and time-honored habits.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- An old-school, dignified take on surf and sea.
- Legacy hotels like Hôtel du Palais, built by Napoleon III.
- Golf, riding, and vintage seaside style.
It’s not the Riviera—it’s Biarritz, and that makes all the difference.
8. Mustique, The Grenadines – Discreet Island Ownership
Unlike the more tourist-heavy Caribbean destinations, Mustique is private, secluded, and invitation-only in vibe. It’s where legacy families, royalty, and their friends gather out of reach of the public eye.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Privately owned villas—no high-rise resorts.
- Tight-knit community with unwritten social codes.
- Horseback rides, beach picnics, and no paparazzi.
It’s not about being exclusive—it’s about being among your own.
9. Aix-en-Provence, France – Art, Culture, and Generational Retreat
Aix is a French town that feels as cultured as it is charming. It’s not a tourist trap—it’s where families with art in their DNA and French homes in the family trust go to recharge.
Why Old Money Loves It:
- Slow living in 18th-century townhouses.
- Classical music festivals, wine estates, and daily markets.
- A blend of intellectualism and elegance.
The rhythm here suits those who value legacy, literature, and long lunches under olive trees.
Final Thoughts
Old money vacation destinations aren’t defined by what’s trending—but by what has stood the test of time. These places are more than locations; they are traditions, passed down like heirlooms. They represent a lifestyle of restraint, grace, and enduring elegance.
Whether you’re curating your travel wish list or exploring the quiet charm of generational wealth, these destinations offer a glimpse into a world where vacation isn’t a break from reality—it’s a return to legacy.
