World's most expensive bottled waters: Why celebrities and the rich pay premium prices for them

Water is a basic necessity, something most of us never see as a luxury. We simply turn on the tap or grab a bottle to quench our thirst. However, in recent years, this essential resource has transformed into a symbol of luxury. Take Virat Kohli, for example, who made headlines few years ago for his preference for black water and exclusively drinks Evian Natural Springwater, costing him around Rs. 4.3 lakh annually as metioned by GQ. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! The world’s priciest bottled waters come from unique sources and offer some also claim extraordinary health benefits, making them luxury items among celebrities and the wealthy. Here are some of the world’s most expensive bottled waters.

Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive bottled water since 2010. This luxurious water is sourced from springs in Fiji and France, combined with glacial water from Iceland. What sets it apart is its stunning 24-carat gold bottle adorned with diamonds, designed by Fernando Altamirano. The bottle contains 750ml of water, unfortunately, you can’t taste this Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani because it was sold at an auction in 2010 for $60,000. The name pays homage to the famous artist Amedeo Modigliani and its extravagant designs. According to Money Inc, the water can be bought for $3,600, but this version does not come in the jeweled bottle.

Beverly Hills 90H20 Diamond Edition is another name in the list of the world's most expensive bottled water. While a regular 500ml bottle is not as expensive but the Diamond Edition is created by a famous jeweler on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, each beautiful bottle has a white gold cap decorated with more than 600 white diamonds and over 250 black diamonds, adding up to a total of 14 carats and cost you $100,000 per bottle as mentioned by Finance online. Each bottle is packaged in a custom secure case and comes with four engraved Baccarat crystal tumblers and a year's supply of Beverly Hills 90H20 Lifestyle Collection. This luxurious product was even featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where it was praised for its exceptional taste.

Bling H2O is renowned for its luxury bottled water sourced from Palomar Mountain in Southern California. The highlight of their collection is ‘The Ten Thousand’ bottle, which features over ten thousand hand-applied Swarovski crystals. Priced at approximately $2,700 per bottle, it stands out not just for its price but also for its fashion statement appeal. The brand emphasizes that while the water undergoes purification, the real allure lies in its extravagant packaging.

Kona Nigari Water is a premium bottled water sourced from deep-sea waters near Hawaii, about 2,000 feet below the surface. As per Marketing91, it costs around $402 for a 750ml bottle, and reportedly, the brand promotes its most expensive bottle of water as purified water that can help reduce stress, lose weight, and improve skin tone and quality. Its straightforward packaging shows that the brand values quality over fancy designs. Kona Nigari is particularly popular in Japan, where many bottles are shipped daily.

Fillico Jewelry Water hails from Kobe, Japan, and is packaged in exquisite bottles adorned with Swarovski crystals and gold accents. Each bottle is crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans and can cost between $200 to $240, according to Marketing91. The water is sourced from Kobe, Japan, and is said to undergo multiple filtration processes and known for its refreshing taste. Fillico offers various designs, including crown-shaped bottles that symbolize purity and elegance making them perfect gifts.

Svalbarði Polar Iceberg Water is sourced from the meltwater of ancient icebergs in Svalbard, Norway, and is considered one of the most expensive bottled waters, costing over $185 for a 750ml bottle mentioned it’s website. The water is collected sustainably from icebergs that are estimated to be over 4,000 years old, ensuring its purity and unique taste. Each bottle is filled in high-quality extra-flint glass and topped with a wooden cap resembling arctic driftwood. The packaging is designed to maintain the water’s exclusive quality. Svalbarði aims to raise awareness about climate change while providing a luxurious drinking experience. With its limited production of around 13,000 bottles per expedition, it offers a rare taste of the Arctic.