When it comes to the Oscars, they say it’s an honor just to be nominated. But when nomination comes with a goodie bag estimated to be worth around $125,000, perhaps it’s not just an honor but a win in and of itself. Last year, the Oscar gift bag included everything from a $40,000 three-night stay in a remote Canadian estate to a pack of Clif Thins, a 100-calorie snack bar that costs about nine dollars. It’s no surprise, then, that—while most Academy Award fans are watching to see who will take home a golden Oscar trophy—there’s a sect arguably more interested in just what the stars will be taking home in their lavish swag bags.
Though this year’s full list of goodies has not been announced, there is one item confirmed to be included in the illustrious offering: a stay in a luxury St. Bart’s villa. As shared by Robb Report, the exclusive amenities were curated by Cleo Anderson, host of LuxeTV’s Wanderluxe and the official Luxury Travel Curator for the gift bags. Each villa comes courtesy of luxury rental group Saint-Barth Paradise and can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $140,000 per week during peak season.
Each rental is unique, though there are common threads seen within the five properties which will be gifted during the ceremony: incredible views, extreme privacy, state-of-the-art kitchens, jacuzzis, a groundskeeper, and daily housekeeping, to name a few. Most also come with gyms, some form of pool (infinity or other), and screening rooms.
“Location is a big thing,” Anderson told Robb of her selection process. “The stars need to be willing to travel and spend time there. Uniqueness is another factor…and always privacy. It has to be a location or property where they won’t be photographed incessantly.”
However, not everyone who attends the ceremony, or is nominated, gets a swag bag. Traditionally, the Oscar gift bags go to the hosts as well as the nominees for the five most prestigious awards—best director, best actress, best actor, best supporting actor, and best supporting actress. The gifts, which are known as Everybody Wins Bags are also not sponsored by the Academy, but rather put together by Distinctive Assets, a niche marketing agency founded by Lash Fary.
“Obviously, [the nominees] can afford to go where they want,” Fary told Forbes about last year’s gift bag, which also included a three-night stay in a restored Italian lighthouse. “It’s not about the fact that this is free. It’s about the fact that we’ve found a unique place that has built-in privacy for a celebrity.”
According to CNBC, Distinctive Assets reaches out to eligible nominees and hosts prior to the awards, who can either decline or accept the gift bags. Even if they do choose to receive the offer, most don’t redeem everything that’s included within. “If they redeem one trip, that’s all they really have time to do with their film schedules, family, [and] all that kind of stuff,” Fary told the outlet. “In my experience, it’s very unlikely that they would take two trips.”
Though nominees have yet to be announced, take a look at the lavish properties that predicted honorees—such as Greta Gerwig, Martin Scorsese, Bradley Cooper, Natalie Portman, and Robert DeNiro—may be staying at next year.
Perched above Marigot Bay on the northeastern side of the island, Villa Mythique is a 3,600-square-foot, six-bedroom property. Included in the expansive home is a striking deck—with an infinity pool—a nine-seat theater, and a gym.
Currently undergoing renovations—which are set to be completed by mid-December—Villa Coeur de Pirate offers direct, private beach access. The four-bed dwelling looks out over Anse des Cayes and features a gym, spa, outdoor bar and dining area, and a large heated pool.
Defined by salmon pyramid hip roofs, Villa Elle is a four-bedroom home offering direct water access. The property also comes with a theater and a gym.
At over 12,000 square feet, Villa Epicure is the largest among the Oscar villas. Though its contemporary interiors and stunning outdoor dining space are noteworthy, its most indulgent feature might be the 59-foot heated infinity pool.
Currently undergoing a total remodel, Villa Secret Garden overlooks Gouverneur Bay. The four-bedroom dwelling, nestled among the verdant St. Bart hills, certainly lives up to its name.
