Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, worth $97 billion, is a picture of wealth today. It wasn’t always this way, though. A few decades ago, his father, Dhirubhai Ambani, worked as an attendant at a petrol station. Even when the family gained financial strength, Mukesh did not marry a billionaire heiress to an industrial empire, but rather a dancer and aspiring schoolteacher, Nita. Together, they turned everything they touched into gold, creating an empire that many now envy.
Along with their business success, they also built some wholesome abodes for their children and grandchildren. Representing their affluence to the fullest is their Mumbai residence, the ultra-posh Antilia, located on the prestigious Altamount Road. It’s often seen as the epitome of wealth and has sparked conversations worldwide, putting other billionaire homes to shame.
But Antilia is not their only treasured property. India’s leading mogul, it seems, isn’t bound by national borders. The Ambanis own properties across the globe, and we’ve taken a closer look at some of their impressive real estate holdings below.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
When mansions aren’t enough, billionaires start eyeing hotels, and Ambani was no different. In 2022, the ace businessman acquired a majority stake in the iconic five-star property for $98.15 million, according to a government filing.
He purchased a 73% stake in the luxury venue. The chairman of Reliance Industries also holds stakes in India’s premier hotel chain, Oberoi (The Ambani family’s home staff is trained by the Oberoi Hotel Chain).
The 248-room Mandarin Oriental Hotel, located at Columbus Circle and overlooking Central Park, was valued at $340 million in 2007. However, Ambani made the most of the pandemic and secured a stellar deal at a steep discount, as the property value had fallen to $134 million.
Stoke Park House, near London
In 2021, the Ambani family made history with the purchase of Stoke Park, a country estate in Buckinghamshire. Set on 300 acres of stunning parkland, lakes, and historic gardens, this property boasts a history of over 1,000 years. The palatial mansion, developed in 1760 by soldier and scholar John Penn, was transformed by Ambani with extensive renovations.
legendary golf duel with Auric Goldfinger, widely regarded as cinema’s most epic golf battle.
Interestingly, the lush $79 million property that was featured in two James Bond films, with 49 bedrooms, a golf course, and a mini-hospital was purchased over a Zoom call.
While the initial plan included revamping the golf course and building a seven-star hotel on-site, the estate currently serves as a comfortable home for the Ambani clan. If anything, it’s a testament to its grandness that Rolls-Royce did a photoshoot for its $5.6 million one-off Phantom at Stoke Park.
A 30,000 sq.ft beach villa in Dubai
When you live in a lavish $5 billion home, a $75 million beachside villa in Dubai doesn’t seem like much of a splurge. Nevertheless, this serene property was a wedding gift from Mukesh and Nita Ambani to their youngest son, Anant Ambani, and daughter-in-law, Radhika Merchant.
Located in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, this 30,000-square-foot villa was purchased in 2022. The home includes 10 bedrooms, a private spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a salon, a large dining area, and the stunning addition of a 70-meter private beach. It’s an oasis of tranquility for the Ambanis after a string of endless celebrations in India and the Mediterranean.
Family Estate in Chorwad (India)
Gujarat, the home state of the Ambani family, is where their roots run deep. The area of Jamnagar, where Anant’s pre-wedding festivities were held, has been transformed into a hub of growth and development by the Ambanis, who are regarded as the unchallenged kings of the region. In the small village of Chorwad in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, they live like royalty in a century-old ancestral house. The “Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial House” is a two-story mansion with a traditional central courtyard, several rooms, and a veranda, all spread across a 1.1-acre plot.
While the house has undergone renovations, its original features and architectural elements remain unchanged. Inside, antique furniture, chandeliers, and family artwork adorn the walls. A unique feature of this humble abode, which has been in the family for over three generations, is two olive trees imported from Spain, costing $122,000. The trees are rumored to bring good luck and are over 100 years old. One wonders what prompted Mukesh Ambani to believe he could use a little extra luck.
Antilia – The worlds most expensive private residence
The $5 billion Antilia, the crown jewel of the Ambani family’s real estate empire, is an architectural marvel like no other. Designed by Chicago-based architects Perkins and Will, this sprawling 400,000-square-foot residence towers 568 feet above Mumbai’s prestigious Altamount Road. With 27 stories of opulent living, it features nine high-speed elevators to seamlessly connect its expansive spaces and is engineered to withstand seismic activity up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. To top it off, the upper six floors have been exclusively reserved as the family’s private living quarters, offering unmatched luxury and privacy.
Within its opulent confines lies a 50-seat private theater, multiple swimming pools, a serene yoga studio, a snow-kissed ice room, a vibrant dance studio, and a world-class spa. At the service of the Ambani family are 600 live-in staff, trained by the award-winning Oberoi hotel group.
Adding to its grandeur is a six-floor garage, built to house an astounding 170 luxury cars. This impressive fleet includes custom Rolls-Royces, bulletproof Mercedes-Benz S-Guards, G-Wagens for security, Range Rovers, Bentleys, and, of course, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, underscoring the opulence that defines Antilia.
