Celebrities Invest in Luxury 'Doomsday Bunkers' Amid Rising Demand

The concept of preparing for doomsday, once associated with stockpiling basic supplies, has evolved into a luxury market for the ultra-rich, with celebrities reportedly investing in elaborate underground bunkers. These fortified structures are increasingly being equipped with amenities that rival high-end homes, reflecting a significant increase in demand.

Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Meta Platforms, has been the subject of rumors regarding the construction of a substantial underground shelter beneath his $270 million estate on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The property, known as 'Koolau Ranch,' reportedly includes a 5,000-square-foot bunker designed to be self-sufficient, complete with living quarters, a mechanical room, and an escape hatch. Plans indicate a blast-resistant main door and extensive security measures, including surveillance cameras and keypad-operated doors. Zuckerberg has publicly downplayed these reports, characterizing the structure as a 'little shelter' or a 'basement' and a hurricane-proof space.

Kylie Jenner, a prominent figure in the beauty industry, is also reported to have an underground bunker as part of her new mansion in an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood. Her expansive home, designed by architect Richard Landry, sits on a four-acre lot and includes a separate building for security personnel and an emergency bunker.

Kim Kardashian, Jenner's sister, explored the idea of survival bunkers in a 2021 episode of her family's reality show, driven by anxiety following a past robbery and concerns heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. While she considered a custom bunker with multiple bedrooms capable of withstanding various disasters, she and her sister Khloé ultimately found the experience of visiting a basic model unappealing due to its austere conditions.

Architectural firms have noted a surge in inquiries for such fortified structures. Janine Stone & Co. reported a twelvefold increase in demand for luxury bunkers in recent years, with possibilities for customization including gourmet kitchens, wine cellars, and wellness spas. Similarly, Vivos, another firm, has showcased amenities like swimming pools in its underground designs. The firm SAFE is developing a $300 million members-only bunker in Virginia named Aerie, intended to house 625 wealthy individuals, offering AI-driven healthcare, luxury suites, and recreational facilities for a reported $20 million per person.

Philip Pauley, an architect specializing in underground structures, stated that his clients, including governments and high-net-worth individuals, are seeking ways to survive potential global disasters. These projects, often described as 'closed-loop' systems, can be vast and include private rooms, communal areas, and leisure facilities, with a focus on opulent and homely designs comparable to a private jet experience. Construction and outfitting can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, undertaken with significant secrecy.

While many celebrities are opting for fortified luxury, some, like former S Club 7 singer Hannah Spearritt, have chosen an off-grid lifestyle. Spearritt relocated to Costa Rica in early 2025 with her family to live as a 'prepper and survivalist,' documenting their experience of living off the land and embracing a more primitive existence.