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Destination Grand Prix: 7 Formula 1 Races That Double as Luxury Getaways
A stunning sunset illuminates an empty racetrack with bleachers, highlighting the sky and track lines.

Formula 1: Where Speed Meets Sophistication

Formula 1 is no longer just about what happens on the track. For the ultra-wealthy, jet-set travelers, and experience collectors, F1 weekends have evolved into global luxury events that rival the Oscars in glamor and the Super Bowl in scale. With celebrity-filled paddocks, Michelin-starred cuisine, exclusive afterparties, and unparalleled access to the world's finest hotels and resorts, F1 races have become a cornerstone of high-end travel.

Whether you're a lifelong motorsport fanatic or a traveler who simply wants to combine adrenaline with indulgence, these seven Grand Prix weekends offer the ultimate fusion of speed and style.

1. Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo, Monaco)

Luxury Vibe: Imagine superyachts lined up in Port Hercules, champagne flowing freely, and Aston Martins pulling up to Monte Carlo's famed casino. The Monaco Grand Prix is the crown jewel of the F1 calendar and the epitome of luxury.

Where to Stay:

  • Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: With sea views, a wine cellar of 350,000 bottles, and direct access to the Casino.
  • Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo: Understated elegance with Belle Époque architecture.
  • Private Yachts: Many book a superyacht moored trackside for the ultimate viewing and partying experience.

Insider Tip: Want the best view? Book a private terrace suite at the Fairmont or rent a yacht berth for race day.

Must-Do: Dine at Le Louis XV (3 Michelin stars) and party at Jimmy'z after dark.

2. São Paulo Grand Prix (Brazil)

Luxury Vibe: While not as traditionally opulent as Monaco or Abu Dhabi, São Paulo's race week delivers a deeply curated experience for luxury lovers: think Michelin-starred dining, cutting-edge culture, vibrant nightlife, and ultra-personalized hospitality.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Unique: Iconic spaceship-like architecture, rooftop Skye Bar, and panoramic views.
  • Rosewood São Paulo: One of the most luxurious hotels in Latin America, blending Brazilian artistry with five-star service.
  • W São Paulo: Energetic and fashion-forward; a hotspot for nightlife lovers.
  • Palácio Tangará: Tucked into the Burle Marx Park, offering peace and privacy.
  • Fasano São Paulo: Discreet elegance in the heart of Jardins, with an award-winning Italian restaurant.

Insider Tip: Skip standard paddock experiences. Opt for curated luxury like private nightlife access, chef-hosted tasting menus, and armored transportation.

Must-Do: Book a tasting menu at Evvai (2 Michelin stars), and experience São Paulo's elite cocktail scene at SubAstor or Guilhotina.

3. Singapore Grand Prix

Luxury Vibe: The world’s first night race feels like a cyberpunk fever dream lit in neon. Singapore offers a perfect blend of modernity, exclusivity, and world-class entertainment.

Where to Stay:

  • Marina Bay Sands: Famous for its infinity pool and panoramic skyline views.
  • Raffles Singapore: An icon of colonial luxury.
  • Capella Singapore: Set on Sentosa Island for those who prefer a more tranquil, resort-style stay.

Insider Tip: Secure entry to The Podium Lounge or Amber Lounge—both are celebrity-studded afterparties known for fashion shows, DJs, and Dom Pérignon.

Must-Do: Pair your trip with reservations at Burnt Ends (1 Michelin star) or Odette (3 Michelin stars). And don’t miss the trackside concerts—past performers have included Rihanna and Calvin Harris.

4. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Island, UAE)

Luxury Vibe: As the F1 season finale, Abu Dhabi pulls out all the stops. Yas Marina is alive with light shows, VIP yacht parties, and luxury cars from every continent.

Where to Stay:

  • Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: A gold-gilded palace of Arabian luxury.
  • W Yas Island: Positioned directly on the track for the ultimate race-view suites.
  • Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara: For those who want post-race relaxation in opulent seclusion.

Insider Tip: Charter a superyacht for race viewing and onboard hospitality, or reserve a suite at the W Yas Island for panoramic views of the action.

Must-Do: Dine at Zuma or Hakkasan, and wrap the weekend with a helicopter tour over the Arabian desert.

5. Miami Grand Prix (USA)

Luxury Vibe: Where F1 meets South Beach swagger. Miami is flashy, loud, and unapologetically glamorous.

Where to Stay:

  • Faena Hotel Miami Beach: Lavish, artsy, and draped in red velvet.
  • The Setai: Zen minimalism meets oceanfront tranquility.
  • St. Regis Bal Harbour: For elevated calm away from the party scene.

Insider Tip: Book exclusive access to Hard Rock Beach Club or the Paddock Club for unbeatable entertainment and views.

Must-Do: Dine at Carbone or COTE Miami, then hit up LIV nightclub or private mansion parties hosted by celebrities and fashion houses.

6. Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka, Japan)

Luxury Vibe: Understated elegance. Japan's only F1 circuit is a pilgrimage for motorsport purists—but it’s also a gateway to refined luxury and culinary perfection.

Where to Stay:

  • Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: Traditional Japanese luxury with river views.
  • Aman Tokyo: Serene, architectural, and wellness-focused.

Insider Tip: Book a private helicopter transfer to Suzuka, and stay in Kyoto or Nagoya for a blend of tradition and modernity.

Must-Do: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at Kikunoi (3 Michelin stars), visit Kyoto’s temples, or spend a night in a luxury ryokan for the full cultural immersion.

7. Italian Grand Prix (Monza or Imola)

Luxury Vibe: Passionate tifosi, roaring engines, Italian wine, and the scent of leather and gasoline. Monza is legendary, while Imola is more intimate and nostalgic.

Where to Stay:

  • Villa d’Este (Lake Como): One of Europe’s most storied luxury hotels.
  • Bulgari Hotel Milan: Elegant, fashion-forward, and centrally located.
  • Castello di Casole: A countryside estate perfect for post-race decompression.

Insider Tip: Pair the race with a scenic drive through Tuscany or along Lake Como. Ferrari fans should visit the Maranello factory and Museo Ferrari.

Must-Do: Taste traditional dishes in a private countryside villa, sip Barolo at a vineyard, and make time for Milan Fashion Week if your dates align.

Final Lap: Luxury Beyond the Grandstand

Luxury Grand Prix travel isn’t just about the race—it’s about lifestyle, exclusivity, and creating experiences that are as memorable as the checkered flag. Whether you’re partying on a yacht in Monaco, sampling Michelin-starred Amazonian-Brazilian fusion in São Paulo, or meditating in a Kyoto onsen after the Japanese Grand Prix, these destinations prove that Formula 1 is the most luxurious sport on earth.

Want to experience a Grand Prix like an insider? Join me this November for a fully curated, all-inclusive luxury F1 week in São Paulo featuring private dining, VIP nightlife, chauffeured transport, and handpicked accommodations.