How India’s Ultra-Rich Spend: Wellness, Luxury Homes and Exclusive Experiences Lead New Trends

India’s ultra-wealthy are redefining what luxury means, shifting decisively from material possessions toward wellness, exclusive experiences and legacy-oriented choices, according to new data from Kotak Private Banking. The report captures how the spending habits of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families have transformed between 2022 and 2025, offering a deeper look into what India’s richest value today.

A New Definition of Luxury

Luxury is no longer just about rare watches, couture, or supercars. The ultra-rich are gravitating toward curated lifestyles — wellness, mental well-being, experiential travel, branded residences and elite education for their children. With India’s luxury market projected to hit $85 billion by 2030, brands and investors see these insights as a roadmap for the next decade.

The Kotak Private Luxury Index (KPLI) shows luxury prices have risen 22% since 2022, an annual jump of 6.7%, supported by sustained demand across premium lifestyle and real estate categories.

Wellness Is the New Status Symbol

Wellness tourism has become a dominant choice for India’s richest families. Retreats such as Amanbagh and Ananda have gained immense popularity, pushing the wellness category to grow 14.3% annually. Longevity, restorative treatments, and personalised health programs have emerged as central to luxury living.

Experiences Trump Possessions

More ultra-rich Indians are spending on bespoke experiences — private polar expeditions, curated gastronomy tours, cultural immersions and rare adventure travel. This segment has risen 11.6% per year, signalling a clear shift toward memory-making and personalised travel over traditional luxury goods.

Luxury Real Estate, Designer Fashion Still Thrive

Smart, branded residences continue to be a prestige marker, growing at 10.8% annually. Designer handbags too have surged 10.2% annually, even as interest in luxury watches and fine wines dipped, reflecting changing cycles in elite tastes.

Education as a Legacy Investment

Elite global education has emerged as a long-term wealth strategy. Spending in this category grew 8.4% annually, with 84% of ultra-HNIs preferring to send their children abroad — especially to the US and UK — viewing education as both a status and security investment.

Overall, India’s ultra-rich are spending more intentionally, prioritising wellness, exclusivity and meaningful life experiences. Their evolving choices are shaping the future of India’s luxury industry in profound ways.