Always wanted to live like a celebrity? So do we and on vacation you can – especially now you know the top celebrity holiday locations around the globe! From the powdery slopes of the Rocky Mountains to the clear blue seas of the South Pacific, these are the top six luxury vacations of our favourite A-listers plus the best hotels according to the discerning TLE eye!
St Barths, Caribbean
Perhaps THE most well-known celebrity vacation spot, Saint Barthelemy in the Carribean ticks all the boxes for the perfect paradise getaway. Any A-lister worth their salt has been seen here. Despite the glitterati moving on somewhat and exploring new luxury climes, St Barths remains a fab vacationing option for those in the market for something extra special. The island itself is beyond beautiful with luscious green flora everywhere, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise oceans ready for all the sailing, diving and water sports you have time for. The shopping and culinary scene is out of this world too, and as expected of such a popular celeb haunt, the nightlife on the island is extravagant and lively!
Who has been spotted there: Jay-Z & Beyonce, Jessica Alba, Ellen DeGeneres, Leonardo DiCaprio
TLE recommended hotels: You will be spoilt for luxury choices on this island but we would recommend Hotel Christopher for its simplicity, contemporary elegance and its unrivalled sea views. For those who enjoy something a bit livelier the iconic Eden Rock hotel offers luxury beach life with an added sprinkling of fun.
Lake Como, Italy
If it’s good enough for George Clooney, it’s good enough for us. The actor is almost as synonymous with the place as the beautiful Italian architecture, gentle lapping waters, luxury speed boats, and surrounding green mountains. With its dramatic scenery, renaissance architecture and subtropical climate, it is now wonder many a tinsel-towner has been spotted relaxing outside the attractive villas surrounding the iconic lake. What more could you want in a vacation?
Who has been spotted there: George & Amal Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Donatello Versace
TLE recommended hotels: Villa Pliniana is technically not a hotel but a stunning 16th century villa, we urge you to try this incredible private estate and really experience living like a local on Lake Como (with your own private boat deck, helicopter landing pad, housekeeping staff, butler, spa and vast gardens of course). For those looking for authentic period décor and classic views of the lake, the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo harks back to the era of grand tours but with classic 5-star service.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Lake Como
Saint Tropez, France
The French Riviera is possibly the most classic of European luxury destinations and continues to attract the jet set during the summer months. Known for its beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife, cobblestoned streets, and yacht heavy harbour, St Tropez has been a holiday destination for the rich and famous since the 1960s. Although small in size, the town itself is packed with high end restaurants and designer boutiques. Beware, when holidaying here your fashion game has to be on point – the inhabitants of St Tropez are very well heeled.
Who has been spotted there: Rihanna, Tom Cruise, Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones, Penelope Cruz, The Beckhams.
TLE recommended hotels: If you want to go classic Saint Tropez, Hotel Byblos is the most famous establishment in town. This legendary 5-star hotel offers the magic and timelessness that the area is renowned for, plus it’s nightlife is unrivalled. For those looking for something a little subtler, Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez is contemporary and stylish but still offers the glamourous extras so synonymous with the town.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels on the French Riviera
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Just a short plane ride from LA, it’s no wonder this Mexican paradise is popular with celebs. Famous Holywood faces regularly take time out of their busy schedules to hop down to Cabo for some relaxation and rejuvenation. Located on the Baja peninsula the area is known for its exclusivity and offers plenty of natural beauty, exciting nightlife and cuisine, and enough seclusion to escape everyday life. It’s Jennifer Aniston’s personal favourite vacationing spot so you will be in good company.
Who has been spotted there: Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courtney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Bono.
TLE recommended hotels: The Esperanza Cabo San Lucas resort is located in a stunning location and is the only private beach resort in the area. The hotel offers everything you could need for a relaxing break including a luxury spa, a championship golf course, and a secluded beach just for guests. For complete luxury style try The Cape Hotel. This beachfront hotel was designed by Mexican architect Javier Sanchez. A fan of clean, contemporary lines, he created a slick but comfortable cross between Southern California and Baja.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Tahiti’s most famous island, Bora Bora is unrivalled in its beauty and romance. Not only is this popular with the honeymooners, but many a famous face has graced the island shores. The fact that you have to arrive by seaplane alone makes this tropical escape seem almost otherworldly. Undoubtedly one of the most attractive features of this South Pacific island is the beyond clear sea that made for swimming in! Perhaps the most unique aspect of this exclusive island is that most of the resorts here are built on their own tiny islands or motu, adding to the seclusion and sheer escapism of this place.
Who has been spotted there: The Kardashians, Nicole Kidman, Rod Stewart, Charlie Sheen, Meg Ryan.
TLE recommended hotels: If you aren’t into floating villas you will be stuck for choice in Bora Bora as nearly all the resorts are of this style. Our favourites are The St Regis Bora Bora and the Conrad by Hilton. Both offer stylish overwater villas with incredible sea and mountain views in addition to all the luxury seclusion and isolation deserved of you’re a-list self.
Aspen, Colorado
The winter resort of choice for the rich and famous is most definitely Aspen in the Rocky Mountains. Although the area is popular all year round you are most likely to see some familiar faces making their way down the slopes in the colder months. Surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, Aspen boasts lots of luxury hotels, apres-ski hangouts, and sweet luxury boutiques which become extra special during the festive season!
Who has been spotted there: Sofia Vegara, Kate Hudson, Ashton Kutcher, Mariah Carey, Bill Gates, Jack Nicholson.
TLE recommended hotels: Whilst often ski resort hotels put function and practicality ahead of style, The Little Nell has beautiful design at its heart. A popular haunt with the celebrities, it enjoys the best of town life and mountain life, plus plenty of luxury touches. For those looking for a bit of history the Hotel Jerome is a resort experience like no other. Its unique contemporary design mixes with an historic heritage creating one of the most elegant hotels in Aspen.
