What were once rudimentary survivalist hideouts are now bespoke, high-comfort retreats mirroring the lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy, according to a detailed report from Robb Report.
Demand for Luxury Survival Bunkers Is Surging
Industry experts report an unprecedented boom in orders for high-end survival bunkers, driven by escalating geopolitical crises and global uncertainty.
As noted in Robb Report, “World events have shifted from political theater to geopolitical crisis… They’re acting accordingly,” says Naomi Corbi of SAFE (Strategic Armored & Fortified Environments).
Bill Rigdon, CEO of Panic Room Builders, highlights the increasing complexity and luxury demands of clients: “You go to your bedroom panic room, take an elevator down into a tunnel, and that leads to the bunker… it’s getting that complicated right now.” He adds, “For these people, there’s no expense.
They want that comfort level they’re used to in their residences, and we provide that” (source: Robb Report, “How the Wealthy Are Future-Proofing Their Homes With Luxury Survivalist Bunkers”).
Companies like Rising S Company, Atlas Survival Shelters, Vivos, and SAFE are seeing similar trends, building elaborate underground bunkers in remote locations or integrated beneath primary residences.
What a Modern Luxury Bunker Includes
According to Robb Report, today’s elite bunkers feature premium amenities far beyond basic survival needs, including:
- Immersive golf simulators and regulation-grade putting greens
- Climate-controlled art galleries (protected to NBC standards)
- Private theaters, hydroponic gardens, and high-end kitchens
- Indoor shooting ranges, bowling alleys, saunas, and gymnasiums
- Off-grid power systems, advanced air filtration, and private water reserves
- Blast-resistant architecture, drone-defense systems, and custom Swiss blast doors
- Additional extras like fabrication workshops or even in-shelter crematoriums in extreme cases
These facilities often cost tens to hundreds of millions, functioning as dual-purpose luxury retreats (source: Robb Report).
Which Billionaires Are Known to Be Building Bunkers
Robb Report highlights several high-profile figures rumored or confirmed to be investing in such projects:
- Mark Zuckerberg — a $300 million compound in Hawaii with a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker featuring independent energy, water, and food systems.
- Bill Gates — bunkers reportedly beneath multiple residences.
- Kim Kardashian and Tom Cruise — linked to fortified safe rooms and shelters.
- Peter Thiel — interest in remote, fortified properties.
Other clients include casino magnates and global investors seeking remote ranches with private airstrips (source: Robb Report).
Why the Ultra-Rich Are Prepping Now
The surge stems from heightened global risks, cultural apocalyptic narratives, and a desire for uninterrupted luxury. As Robb Report observes, these bunkers represent a shift toward “fully integrated, high-comfort retreats” rather than mere survival tools.
Critics argue the elite are prioritizing escape over solutions, yet the market continues to expand rapidly.
If you’re considering personal preparedness in today’s uncertain world, modern fortified solutions offer advanced options.