Roman Abramovich, a name that grabbed headlines almost three years ago, perhaps even more for his fleet of superyachts worth over $1 billion. At the time, he was the owner of Chelsea F.C., adjusting to a dramatic shift in his life after sanctions by the European Union and the British government. His reality changed from indulgent holidays on private islands, ski trips to Aspen, and living in his lavish mansion on “Billionaires’ Row” to seeking refuge in Turkey, which has essentially become his home as he works to navigate his circumstances.
One might picture the billionaire as glum and living in a deprived, lackluster way in a modest house, all things considered. But the fact remains that, while his life is no longer as opulent as before, it is still well above average, especially if you consider a $10,000 tip to be generous. Abramovich, a regular along the Bosphorus Strait, is welcomed with open arms and admiration, thanks to his consistent generosity (he spent $55,000 just to fly sushi from his favorite London restaurant in a private jet for himself and his friends in Azerbaijan in April 2022). The 58-year-old has also become a favorite of Ömer Atayişin, a celebrated Istanbul-based chef, according to The Telegraph.
“I love Abramovich so much,” Atayişin shared enthusiastically. The talented chef received a $10,000 bonus for a single night’s work during the summer of 2024 when he served a lavish barbecue for Abramovich and his friends at his waterfront villa in the upscale district of Vaniköy on the Bosphorus. “He loves eating lamb and kebabs,” Atayişin explained. He also shared a photo with Abramovich alongside footage of the first meal he prepared for him at a Marmaris restaurant on Turkey’s southwest coast. “He always orders cold appetizers and my special salad for his home. He especially loves lamb tenderloin and spicy kebabs. I visit his private boat every summer to cook.”
Speaking of boats, Abramovich’s fleet, comprising four luxury superyachts, once overshadowed other billionaires’ vessels in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. While they now rest in a modest, nondescript travel destination, signaling a quieter chapter in his life, the fact remains that the businessman successfully brought them all to safety in Turkey. His “floating palaces” include the $610 million Eclipse and the $590 million Solaris.
Supporting these luxury vessels is the 220-foot supply ship Garçon, a masterpiece by Damen Yachting, along with the support vessel Halo. These ships play a crucial role in transporting toys, tenders, and additional supplies. The Solaris, Eclipse’s slightly smaller sister, has been moored at Göcek’s Port Azure Marina, with its last pleasure cruise reported in May 2024.
For someone whose world was upended and constrained by sanctions, Abramovich seems to be faring far better than most. His lifestyle, though altered, still retains a level of luxury that few can match. And judging by the stories of his generosity, so do the lives of those around him.
