With a fortune exceeding $200 billion, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has indulged in numerous extravagant purchases throughout his life. His spending habits reflect not only his immense wealth but also his unique interests and passions.
Koru: The Superyacht
One of Bezos’ most notable acquisitions is the 127-meter superyacht Koru, valued at a staggering $500 million. Built in the Netherlands, this yacht drew significant media attention when Bezos proposed dismantling a historic bridge in Rotterdam to allow Koru to pass through. The yacht boasts a striking design and is recognized as the largest and tallest in the world, featuring three masts that soar 70 meters high. Bezos frequently hosts his famous friends aboard this floating palace.
A $42 Million Clock
In 2018, Bezos made headlines with his $42 million investment in a “10,000-year clock” designed to symbolize “long-term thinking.” This extraordinary timepiece is engineered to operate with minimal human intervention: the second hand moves once a year, the minute hand shifts every 100 years, and the clock’s bell rings once a century. Built on his land in Texas, the clock has a diameter of 150 meters and runs on a thermal cycle, showcasing Bezos’ commitment to innovative ideas.
A Massive Penthouse
Following his divorce from MacKenzie Scott, Bezos celebrated by purchasing three apartments overlooking Madison Square Park for $80 million, marking the largest apartment purchase in New York City at the time. Not content with this, he later acquired a fourth apartment for $16 million, merging them into a sprawling penthouse of over 2,136 square meters spread across three floors. The luxurious penthouse features a rooftop balcony nearly 465 square meters in size, complete with a swimming pool and at least six bedrooms.
The Fastest Commercial Aircraft
Billionaire Bezos also owns a Gulfstream G-650ER, one of the fastest jets in the world, purchased for $65 million. He invested significantly in outfitting the aircraft with luxury furnishings, allowing him to travel globally with unparalleled speed and comfort.
A Museum Home
In 2016, Bezos transformed a former Washington Textile Museum into his private residence after purchasing it for $23 million. The two four-story buildings, encompassing over 2,400 square meters, reflect his desire for unique living spaces.
Acquiring Whole Foods
In a strategic move to compete with grocery giants and enhance Amazon Fresh’s food delivery service, Bezos acquired the entire Whole Foods Market chain for $13.7 billion. This acquisition has solidified Amazon’s position in the grocery sector.
Investing in Space Travel
Beyond retail, Bezos has invested approximately $1 billion annually into Blue Origin, his private rocket company. Inspired by the potential of space travel, Bezos aims to build reusable spacecraft to reduce the cost of accessing space. The funding for Blue Origin primarily comes from liquidating Amazon shares. In 2019, Bezos expressed gratitude to Amazon customers, noting their purchases helped make his space dreams a reality: “Every time you buy a shoe, you help fund Blue Origin, so thank you.”
Purchasing The Washington Post
In 2013, Bezos made a significant investment in the future of journalism by purchasing the Washington Post for $250 million. His goal was to ensure the survival of one of the country’s most prestigious newspapers amidst a rapidly digitizing landscape.
Jeff Bezos’ lavish spending reflects his eclectic interests, from superyachts and luxurious homes to groundbreaking technology ventures and media investments. His ability to blend luxury with innovation continues to capture public attention, showcasing a lifestyle as expansive as his wealth.