Luxury Behind Bars: The Prisons That Treat Inmates Like VIPs
Published on March 19, 2025, by InmateAid
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Where Incarceration Meets Comfort: A Look at the World’s Most Luxurious Prisons
- The U.S. vs. The World: Do American Prisons Offer Anything Similar?
- Luxury vs. Justice: Are These Prisons Too Comfortable?
- Final Thoughts: Should More Countries Follow This Model?
Introduction
For most, the idea of prison evokes stark imagery—concrete walls, cramped cells, metal bars, and a strict daily routine designed for punishment rather than comfort. However, not all prisons conform to this harsh reality. In several countries, correctional facilities prioritize rehabilitation over retribution, providing amenities that more closely resemble upscale dormitories or wellness retreats rather than traditional incarceration.
From private rooms with flat-screen TVs to gourmet kitchens and recreational programs, these prisons raise a pressing ethical question: Should the purpose of incarceration be solely punishment, or should it focus on reformation and reintegration into society
Where Incarceration Meets Comfort: A Look at the World’s Most Luxurious Prisons
While the vast majority of the world's incarcerated population endures harsh conditions, a select few correctional institutions have made headlines for their seemingly lavish accommodations. These prisons operate under the belief that humane treatment and personal responsibility lead to lower recidivism rates and better societal outcomes.
Halden Prison – Norway
Located in southeastern Norway, Halden Prison is frequently called the “most humane prison in the world.” Rather than focusing on strict discipline, Halden emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration.
What Makes It Luxurious?
- Inmates reside in spacious private cells complete with en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, and ample natural lighting.
- The facility includes a music studio, a full-service gym, and a cooking school where inmates can develop valuable life skills.
- Walls are adorned with contemporary artwork, and the prison’s architecture fosters a calming, peaceful atmosphere.
- Correctional officers do not carry weapons and interact with inmates as mentors rather than enforcers.
The Philosophy Behind It
Halden’s approach to incarceration is rooted in the belief that a prisoner should leave the facility better than they entered. The prison system in Norway functions on the principle of restorative justice, which aims to prevent future crimes by addressing the underlying issues that led to incarceration in the first place.
Bastøy Prison – Norway
If Halden seems luxurious, Bastøy Prison takes it even further. Often referred to as “the world’s first eco-friendly prison,” Bastøy is located on a 2.6-square-mile island in the Oslofjord.
What Makes It Luxurious?
- Instead of cells, inmates live in small cottages, each housing 6-8 people.
- The prison operates a farm, where inmates tend to livestock, grow crops, and learn agricultural skills.
- Inmates have access to fishing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, making it one of the most unconventional prison environments in the world.
- There are no armed guards, barbed wire fences, or traditional security measures—yet the prison has an extremely low escape rate.
The Philosophy Behind It
Bastøy functions as a low-security prison for non-violent offenders, emphasizing responsibility, independence, and self-sufficiency. The Norwegian government argues that this model results in some of the lowest recidivism rates in the world—just 20%, compared to over 60% in the U.S.
HMP Five Wells – United Kingdom
Britain’s HMP Five Wells is a modern high-tech prison designed with an emphasis on education, mental health, and job training rather than punishment.
What Makes It Luxurious?
- The facility features digital tablets in cells, allowing inmates to study, communicate with staff, and schedule activities.
- Vocational training centers provide skills in construction, logistics, and engineering.
- The prison operates more like a job training facility, ensuring inmates have certifications upon release.
The Philosophy Behind It
The UK has embraced an evidence-based approach to rehabilitation, acknowledging that preparing inmates for life after prison is more effective than simply punishing them.
Champ-Dollon Prison – Switzerland
Switzerland’s Champ-Dollon Prison once had a reputation for extreme overcrowding. However, following a major renovation, it has transformed into one of Europe’s most modern and comfortable correctional facilities.
What Makes It Luxurious?
- Inmates live in modern, spacious rooms with large windows, personal storage, and ergonomic bedding.
- The facility boasts a library, fitness center, and recreational areas.
- The prison’s focus is on dignity, ensuring that inmates retain a sense of self-worth.
The Philosophy Behind It
Switzerland believes that providing humane living conditions leads to better rehabilitation outcomes. Unlike the punitive approach common in the U.S., Switzerland’s system treats inmates with respect and encourages personal responsibility.
Otago Corrections Facility – New Zealand
Known as the “Milton Hilton,” Otago Corrections Facility is designed to help inmates reintegrate into society with real-world skills.
What Makes It Luxurious?
- Cells feature heated floors and comfortable bedding.
- Inmates can participate in culinary programs, dairy farming, and construction training.
- The prison offers courses in hospitality, carpentry, and electrical work.
The Philosophy Behind It
New Zealand’s corrections model prioritizes education and employment readiness, ensuring that inmates re-enter society with valuable skills.
The U.S. vs. The World: Do American Prisons Offer Anything Similar?
While many European and Scandinavian countries prioritize rehabilitation, the United States takes a more punitive approach. However, certain minimum-security U.S. facilities offer relatively comfortable conditions.
Examples include:
- FPC Montgomery (Alabama): A federal prison camp where inmates reside in dormitory-style housing and have access to recreation and job training.
- FPC Pensacola (Florida): A non-secure facility with relaxed supervision, job opportunities, and outdoor recreational areas.
- San Pedro Prison (Bolivia): Although not in the U.S., this prison is infamous for its “pay-to-stay” model, where wealthier inmates can rent luxurious accommodations while poorer inmates remain in dire conditions.
Unlike European luxury prisons, these facilities are still far from the rehabilitation-focused models seen in Norway and Switzerland.
Luxury vs. Justice: Are These Prisons Too Comfortable?
The concept of luxury prisons is controversial. Critics argue that:
- Soft conditions undermine the concept of justice—prison should be a deterrent, not a retreat.
- Victims of crime may feel that offenders are not truly being punished.
- Taxpayer dollars should not be spent on comfortable prison accommodations.
However, supporters counter that:
- Rehabilitation-focused prisons reduce crime rates.
- Lower recidivism rates mean fewer repeat offenders, benefiting society.
- Human dignity should be preserved, even in incarceration.
Final Thoughts: Should More Countries Follow This Model?
While Norway, Switzerland, and New Zealand have seen success with rehabilitation-based incarceration, the debate over whether prisons should be comfortable remains unresolved.
A growing body of research suggests that harsh prison conditions do not necessarily deter crime, and countries with more humane prison models tend to have lower recidivism rates. For instance, according to a report by the Prison Policy Initiative (PrisonPolicy.org), the United States has one of the highest recidivism rates in the world, with roughly 68% of released prisoners being re-arrested within three years. In contrast, Norway’s rehabilitation-focused system results in a recidivism rate of just 20%.
In a world where mass incarceration is a growing issue, should other nations adopt the luxury prison model—or does justice demand harsher consequences?
The conversation isn’t over.