Wherever Oprah Winfrey goes, luxury follows – and her current tour Down Under is no exception to the rule.
“It rivals a presidential visit in terms of details and requests,” reveals a source close to the star.
“It’s about as extra as you can get!”
The 71-year-old billionaire media mogul has a series of very specific requirements whenever she tours and her list of creature comforts grows along with the distance from home.
“She only flies in her private jet,” the well-placed insider tells Woman’s Day.
“She just got a new one, which was delivered last year – a $115 million Gulfstream G700. “But what many people don’t realise is that the client – in this tour’s case, TEG Dainty and Lilly – have to foot the fuel bill, so they’re not necessarily saving money on first-class fares.”
The price tag only gets higher
And if you thought getting her to New Zealand was pricey, things are only just getting started. Once she touches down, Oprah is chauffeured to her accommodation, which has to be five stars! While she was in Sydney last week, Oprah and her team were staying in the penthouse at the luxurious Crown Towers. The suite, which has hosted everyone from Drake to Taylor Swift, sits on the 88th and 89th floors, with harbour views, a fitness room, an infrared sauna and a private infinity pool. It set the promoters back a cool $46,000 a night!
When it comes to culinary experiences, Oprah only wants the best – and she’s got to have options!
“Oprah has a team who scour the top restaurants in each city she’s in, then make numerous reservations at all of them,” our source shares.
“She then decides what she feels like eating at the very last minute.”
Keeping restaurants guessing
This tactic is usually used to keep the overly excited owners on their toes, as they sometimes call the paparazzi to generate free publicity. When Oprah touched down in Sydney last week, she made a beeline for Bills in Bondi, where she tried the pancake stack, as recommended by her pal Hugh Jackman!
With her itinerary locked in, who does Oprah have to enjoy it with? Her entourage, of course!
Our insider says she “requires her full glam team around her at all times”.
This includes hair and makeup artists, masseuses and a personal assistant. Oprah also hires a stylist to dress her in local designers for all of her appearances and shows, while a full-time driver and at least two security guards are also enlisted to shadow her 24/7.
The bill for all this goes back to the promoter. Here’s hoping they make their money back…
Private jet
Oprah flew in on her $115 million plane, but promoters must foot the fuel bill!
Sizeable entourage
She must have two security guards at all times.
Penthouse apartment
Her Sydney hotel room cost $46K per night!
Glam team on call 24/7
She must be surrounded by groomers at all times.
Fancy lunches & dinners
She’ll only dine at the best restaurants!
Dressing room requirements
During her five shows in Aotearoa and Australia, Oprah requires a dressing room full to the brim with her favourite flowers, red roses, as well as bottles of Patrón tequila, local red and white wines, plus plenty of books – our insider explains she loves to be “surrounded by words” at all times.
