This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Every year, thousands of people flock to the Black Rock Desert for Burning Man, a week-long celebration of art, music, and self-expression. But for the ultra-wealthy, the experience is a far cry from the dusty, makeshift campsites of the average attendee.
According to a 2019 report, some of the event's most affluent participants arrive by private jet, bringing with them personal chefs, luxury amenities, and a level of opulence that's hard to imagine in the harsh desert environment.
As one article noted, 'With enough money, nine days in a remote part of the desert can be a glamorous undertaking.'
For these high-end burners, the rules of the event – which prohibit buying and selling anything other than ice and coffee – are more of a challenge than a hardship. They must go to extraordinary lengths to maintain the level of luxury they're accustomed to, whether that means hiring a personal chef or chartering a private plane.