Luxury villas & exclusive retreats: inside the $1 million Oscars gift bag

Luxury villas, exclusive wellness retreats and more await nominees at The Oscars.

It’s awards season, and next on the list is the iconic Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars. And while it may seem the rich and famous who attend these events hardly need to be gifted luxury travel in order to take a holiday, in 2026 they sure will be. Yes, the contents of the unofficial Oscars gift bags given to all nominees at the 98th Academy Awards have been spilled, and we’re getting serious travel FOMO.

Curated by L.A.-based entertainment marketing company Distinctive Assets, the unofficial Oscars gift bags that get handed out each year are often worth six figures. And they always include some pretty outrageous offerings, including things like liposuction and a custom prenup. But it’s the luxury travel items that have us turning our heads.

Gifted travel experiences 

1. Hideout Villas

Make the most of the solar maximum. (Credit: Getty/ Lightpix)

Thanks to its 11-year solar cycle peaking in 2026 (known as solar maximum), aurora borealis sightings are particularly incredible right now. And those receiving Oscars gift bags will be able to make the most of it, right in the middle of Finnish Lapland.

They’ll receive a luxury Arctic villa stay, with northern lights viewing and their own private chef. Yes, we’re jealous.

2. Essence of Dreams Private Luxury Villa

Get a luxrious front row seat to Playa Hermosa. (Credit: Getty/ Olga Gorkun)

Costa Rica’s Playa Hermosa is a treat in its own right. Imagine spending your days relaxing on this tranquil beach with its unique grey sand and calm blue waters. And against a dramatic backdrop of striking cliff faces and equally stunning sunsets, it’s a yes for us.

But then, imagine being gifted a stay at an over 12-million dollar private villa, overlooking the water. And that stay is complete with a private concierge, chef and driver.

3. Golden Door

Zen out at the Golden Door. (Credit: Getty/ Sko Donnell)

I’m sure there’s nothing more needed after a gruelling glam routine than seven days at one of the top wellness retreats in the world. Which is exactly what is being gifted in these bags.

The Golden Door Southern California location is an Asian-inspired spa resort, with mountains, zen gardens, pools and a bamboo forest set across 600 acres. While there, guests are treated to in-room massages and complimentary perks like meditation, fitness classes, spa treatments and more.

4. Santani

Rejuvenate in one of Sri Lankas ex-tea plantations. (Credit: Getty/ The Essy)

The wellness and rejuvenation doesn’t end there. The Oscars gift bags will also include a 10-day wellness retreat at Sri Lanka’s Michelin-recognised resort, Santani.

This is the first and only purpose-built wellness resort in the country, designed with sustainability and the highest eco-standards in mind. Built on a 47-hectare former tea plantation within a peaceful forest, it’s where ‘nature meets intelligent, sustainable design’ and guests get the reset of a lifetime.