World’s most expensive bottled waters: Why celebrities pay a fortune for luxury water

Some bottled waters cost more than a designer bag. Between rare sources, exclusive bottling, and luxury branding, here’s why elite consumers splash the cash on ultra-premium water. (Image: Pexels)

Water is a basic need, we need it to live. But for the ultra-rich, water too has become a status symbol—and not just because of its source. When you see stars sipping “designer” water, it’s partly about purity—but mostly about exclusivity, packaging, rarity, and branding.

From rare glacier meltwater or iceberg sources to limited-edition bottles adorned with precious metals or Swarovski crystals, the price tags of these waters are eye-watering. Some bottles are sold at five- or even six-figure sums. SOMMCADEMY, a water sommelier site, lists ten of the world’s most expensive waters—each with its own unique claim to luxury.

Top Luxe Waters & What Makes Them Special

1. Svalbardi – This ultra-premium water is collected from melting icebergs drifting in the fjords around Svalbard, near the North Pole. Each bottle is said to contain pure water that is 4,000 years old, harvested in limited quantities only a few times a year. Apart from the wonderful taste, the brand focuses on the story behind the the bottling of water from a dwindling natural resource, making every sip unique and priceless. For the regular 750ml bottle with a gift tube, it’s priced around €99.95 (approximately Rs 9,195) for one. There is also a Collector’s Jade Edition that has gone for €6,000 (approximately Rs 5,52,000)

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2. FILLICO Black King – This Japanese luxury water is more about the bottle than the drink. The satin-glass containers with gold inlay and necks adorned with Swarovski crystals are shaped like bottles of expensive perfume or fine liquor. This transforms the mundane mineral water into a decorative piece, commonly used for gifting or display. The Black King edition can cost up to USD 4,104 (approximately Rs 3,44,736) for one bottle

3. Bling H2O Clear Blue – Merely known for the celebrity-driven craze, Bling H2O bottles are “blinged” out with Swarovski crystals that are hand placed for the spell out of the word ‘bling’. “Clear Blue” and other limited editions tend to be the most desired, particularly among collectors and pop-culture lovers. Beyond simple hydration, Bling H2O refers to itself as ‘liquid fashion’ – something to show off at more exclusive occasions. This bottle is priced at about USD 2,700 (approximately Rs 2,26,800) for the 750ml custom edition.

Image: BlingH2O/ X

4. Evian Jean Paul Gaultier – Evian already had name recognition but - the collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier transformed the company into an internationally recognized accessory brand. Starting with water, these bottles show that even the most essential of items can be reimagined with a sophisticated design worthy of the fashion runway. These designer‐collab bottles vary; certain special editions of Evian designer bottles are priced at USD 400-500 around Rs 35,952 (or more, depending on the designer and packaging).

5. Nevas Water Aporro – Marketed as the “champagne of waters,” Nevas blends water from two German springs and bottles it in striking champagne-style glass. The Aporro collaboration takes it a step further with jewellery-inspired elements, appealing to buyers who love exclusivity. It’s often popped open at luxury events like wine, giving water the aura of fine dining.  Their Magnum Design Edition (1.5 litre) is listed around USD 1,600 (approximately Rs 1,34,400)

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6. APSU – This water comes from Patagonia, one of the world’s most untouched and remote landscapes. Marketed as “minimalistic luxury,” APSU offers extremely low mineral content, making the taste feel lighter and purer than most mineral waters. Limited production of these resources increases their rarity, inviting prospective buyers to assign greatly increased perceived value on their pristine nature. A 750ml bottle can cost around USD140 approximately Rs 11,760 for premium editions.

7. O’SUISSE – Extracted from the Alpine springs of Switzerland, the crisp springs of O’Suisse stem from the natural snowmelt which has been slowly filtering through the layers of limestone rocks for decades. The result is a clean, mineral-rich profile marketed as both refreshing and good for wellness, with the Swiss origin adding a sense of precision and quality.

8. Minus 181 – German water springs are of twin origin, with the latter issued to this water and named to Under minus 181, as is situated in elevation just 181 metres above the natural springs. The small-scale production highlights purity and care, making it stand apart from mass-market brands. With its minimalist branding, Minus 181 appeals to connoisseurs who value subtlety and authenticity rather than flashy packaging. Minus 181 shows about USD 50 per litre (approximately Rs 4,200) for a small batch artesian spring water edition

Image: Remi Bigot.com

9. ROI (Rogaška Slatina, Slovenia) – Of these the Slovenian water, for uncommonness, has gained extra fame for the fact that it contains magnesium in quantities which is not simply uncommon for waters, but exceeds the content of most natural mineral waters. Often marketed for its wellness benefits, ROI appeals to health-conscious luxury buyers who want something functional alongside exclusivity. The brand positions itself as both therapeutic and prestigious. For many of these, specific edition prices are less regularly published. Some listings put ROI (Slovenia) at around USD 59 per litre (approximately Rs 4,956) for their premium bottles.

10. Crystal Source – In the US, this water contains visible crystals of silica which in floating state, light up its liquid and gives it the appearance of polished gemstones. The aesthetic alone makes it stand out in a crowd, transforming water into something almost mystical. Beyond hydration, Crystal Source is marketed as an experience—drinking water that looks like liquid jewellery.

What Are You Really Paying For

When you buy ultra-premium water, you’re paying less for hydration and more for:

Rare source: glacier, iceberg, or remote Alpine springs

Limited supply: small batches or seasonal harvesting

Bottle design: Swarovski, gold, crystal, designer collabs

Brand cachet: celebrity endorsements and prestige packaging

Marketing promises: wellness benefits, mineral content, exclusivity

Many luxury buyers believe these bottles offer something beyond water—a lifestyle statement, a collector’s piece, or even health benefits. However, most scientific claims remain unproven, making the purchase more about luxury than necessity.