Operating theaters, bowling alleys and home cinemas: Not happy with safe rooms, the super-rich are building luxury fortresses

The ultra-rich are increasingly investing in high-tech, luxurious bunkers designed not just for security but also for comfort and entertainment. Companies like SAFE (Strategically Armored & Fortified Environments) cater to this niche, creating fortified homes with features such as blast-proof doors, unbreakable windows, and biometric entry systems. These modern fortresses often include extravagant elements like moats, bowling alleys, and underground escape tunnels that double as go-kart tracks. For some clients, such as a mogul with a penchant for watersports, even defensive moats are designed with dual recreational purposes. This trend reflects a growing need among the wealthy to safeguard against threats ranging from natural disasters to societal unrest.

This demand for personalized, luxurious safety extends beyond traditional bunkers. Some properties include entire secure living areas, such as fortified bedrooms or cinema rooms with filtered air and stocked supplies, designed to sustain families during crises. In London, for instance, a cinema room doubles as a secure bunker with advanced amenities, while another client converted a 3,000-square-foot art gallery into a safe room with a separate power supply. To maintain comfort, features like smart skylights simulate natural light, and secret passages offer both novelty and practicality, such as a fireplace concealing access to a shooting range or a slide leading to a secure complex with a flight simulator and shark tank.

Beyond physical safety, the ultra-wealthy are also preparing for medical emergencies with facilities rivaling top hospitals. These spaces often include decontamination chambers, emergency pharmacies, and protective equipment, a focus intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic. Al Corbi of SAFE notes a shift in clientele, with even millionaires seeking enhanced security. While modular steel bunkers suffice for some, billionaires increasingly seek comprehensive systems to buy time during emergencies. Corbi emphasizes that modern preparation prioritizes real-life threats over apocalyptic scenarios, blending security with cutting-edge medical and technological solutions.

For more information see Simon Usborne, “Operating theaters, bowling alleys and home cinemas: Not happy with safe rooms, the super-rich are building luxury fortresses,” CNN, August 7, 2024.