30 Vacation Hot Spots For Celebrities [Gallery]
30 Vacation Hot Spots for Celebrities
Whether you want to vacation like a Kardashian or spot your favorite stars in real life, these are the hottest celebrity destinations to visit.
1. Anguilla
This Caribbean island is known for its world-class white-sand beaches and its authentic, laid-back island experience; Anguilla doesn't permit cruise ships, casinos or high-rise hotels. The island's beachside bars and acclaimed dining options have attracted stars such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Harrison Ford, Michael Jordan, Paul McCartney, Uma Thurman and Kevin Bacon.
2. Aspen, Colorado
This remote Rocky Mountain ski haven has attracted celebrities since the '70s, with many of them buying second homes in the area. Kevin Costner, Jack Nicholson, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell as well as Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas own homes here, while celebs such as Mariah Carey, Heidi Klum, Katie Couric and Lewis Hamilton have been spotted on the slopes.
3. Bora Bora
This island group in the Pacific is part of French Polynesia and lies just northwest of Tahiti. Experience the natural beauty of the islands' coast by staying in an overwater bungalow where you can receive room service via outrigger canoe. On top of all sorts of water activities, you can also feed sharks and manta rays. This island paradise has been visited by the Kardashian clan, Rob Lowe, Halle Berry and Eva Longoria. Celebrity couples Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban as well as Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux honeymooned here.
4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Known simply as Cabo, this top Mexican destination is at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and began attracting Hollywood stars such as John Wayne and Bing Crosby looking for an escape. Nowadays, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Sean Penn, George Clooney and Gwyneth Paltrow are regular visitors, while Scott Eastwood, Justin Timberlake, U2, Sandra Oh and Jessica Simpson have all been spotted vacationing there.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod as well as the large nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard have established themselves as summertime retreats for the Northeastern elite. Besides the famous Kennedy compound, other A-list homes in the area belong to Taylor Swift, John Waters, Steven Tyler, Mia Farrow, Meg Ryan and Harry Connick Jr. Plenty of other stars rent homes for their seaside holiday, including Kourtney Kardashian, Henry Winkler and Jake Gyllenhaal.
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has established a reputation as a place of excess, so it makes sense it would attract high-rolling celebs looking for world-class luxury. Justin Bieber, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andie MacDowell, Giuliana Rancic and Will Smith are among the stars who have taken in the opulent sights. The city is famous for its New Year's Eve festivities, and Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner rang in the new year there together a few years ago.
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Unlike the many tropical destinations on this list, Dubrovnik, which sits on the southern tip of Croatia, is famous for its historic walled medieval city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This under-the-radar Mediterranean hotspot, which stood in for King's Landing in "Game of Thrones," offers magical views, local food and wine and plenty of star-sighting opportunities. Celebrities who have vacationed there include Tom Cruise, Oprah, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Richard Gere, and former James Bonds Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery.
8. Fiji
An archipelago of 333 islands in the South Pacific, Fiji features white-sand beaches, waterfalls, rainforest hiking, coral reef scuba diving and plenty of remote, romantic locales. High-rolling celeb honeymooners choose to stay on the 500-acre Turtle Island, which only books 14 guests at a time and employs 100 staff to wait on them. Fans of Fiji include Britney Spears, Ludacris, Celine Dion, Jim Carrey, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Simpson and Bill Gates.
9. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is famous worldwide as a party mecca, attracting DJs and musicians from around the world to perform there. But stars like P. Diddy don't just come here for work. They also take the time to explore the Spanish island during the day, visiting museums, hidden coves and secret beaches, before partying hard once the sun goes down. Shakira, Michelle Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Kate Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Moss are among the famous faces who have visited.
10. Iceland
By offering cheap airfare and the ability to stop over en route to and from mainland Europe, Iceland has positioned itself as a top tourist destination. The country features metropolitan amenities as well as natural wonders, including glaciers and the Northern Lights. Plus, more and more movies are being shot there to take advantage of the landscape, including Tom Cruise's "Oblivion," Emma Watson and Russell Crowe's "Noah" and Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston's "Thor 2." Celebs you might spot while not on the clock have included Aaron Paul, Justin Bieber, David Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Karlie Kloss, Alexander Skarsgard and Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West.
11. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It might lack the glamor of Aspen or Lake Tahoe, but the Jackson Hole valley in Wyoming offers rustic charm, a slower pace and less commercialized, stunning natural surroundings. Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Tiger Woods and Dick Cheney all bought homes in the region, while stars such as Robert Redford, Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey and Ron Howard have passed through.
12. Lake Como, Italy
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Lake Cuomo offers breathtaking vistas, charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint cafes perfect for lazing the day way. George Clooney is the area's most famous part-time resident, but other A-listers such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Bryan Cranston and Stephen and Ayesha Curry have spent time there.
13. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, was the former retreat of choice for Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Nowadays, it's home to an annual celebrity golf tournament, and past participants have included Justin Timberlake, Steph Curry, Tony Romo and Ray Romano. Other than the actors, musicians and pro athletes who pop in to golf, there are stars who had or have homes in the area, including Cher, Liza Minnelli, Alanis Morissette, the Beach Boys' Mike Love and Metallica's James Hetfield.
14. Maldives
This independent island nation in the Indian Ocean began developing its tourism industry in the 1970s, and now it has become a bucket-list trip for those who crave island luxury mixed with local charm. For example, visitors can tag along on traditional fishing trips then enjoy the fruits of their labors. Kate Bosworth, David and Victoria Beckham, Kevin Hart, Jude Law and Penelope Cruz have all spent time at this laid-back seaside paradise.
15. Mallorca, Spain
Also spelled as Majorca, Mallorca is a Spanish island that offers Mediterranean beauty as well as plenty of outdoor adventure. Mountain-biking, cliff-jumping, canyoning, caving and more will keep adrenaline junkies satisfied, while picturesque beaches offer places to relax. The destination is a favorite of Spain's royal family and Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal as well as celebs such as Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones even own a house in Mallorca.
16. Maui, Hawaii
The second-largest Hawaiian island offers something for everyone: the world's largest dormant volcano, breathtaking views along the Road to Hana, five-star spas and beautiful beaches, including the unique black-sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. You might spot Oprah, Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson or Owen Wilson on your trip as they all own property on the island. Taylor Swift and her squad have also vacationed here, and Clint Eastwood and his son Scott are frequent visitors.
17. Mykonos, Greece
Among Greece's many islands, Mykonos has gained an international reputation for its bright blue waters, secluded white-sand beaches and delectable dining scene. Its St.-Tropez-meets-Ibiza style means lazy days give way to wild nights with plenty of beach parties, according to Lonely Planet. Tom Hanks, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Lindsay Lohan, and Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade are just some of the celebs who've spent time mingling with locals here.
18. Necker Island
It's no wonder this private Caribbean island has gained a reputation as a celebrity haven. It's entirely owned by billionaire businessman Richard Branson and only hosts up to 34 people at a time. Branson often sets the entire island aside for himself and his famous guests, who have included the Obamas, Oprah, Harry Styles, Kate Moss, Kate Winslet, Mick Jagger, Mariah Carey, David Hasselhoff, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg. Civilians can also book rooms at the resort at select times or rent out the entire island — for about $60,000 a night.
19. Park City, Utah
Since 1981, film stars have flocked to Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the country. But celebrities visit here year-round for play rather than work. The town is home to multiple ski resorts, the Utah Olympic Park, hot springs and more than 400 miles of gold-level mountain biking trails. Katherine Heigl, Bill Engvall, Will Smith, Montel Williams and Jeffrey Katzenberg are just some of the stars who were so enamoured with the area that they bought second homes here.
20. Phuket, Thailand
This string of Thai islands is home to the country's most popular beaches, year-round mild weather and activities for every type of traveler, from shopping to water sports. Regular VIP visitors include Kate Moss, Blake Lively, Bear Grylls, Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The Kardashians took a family vacation here, and Aaron Paul and Leonardo DiCaprio have been spotted at the local elephant sanctuary.
21. The Seychelles
Even if they can't point to it on a globe, avid followers of celebrity news will recognize the Seychelles from headlines. Prince William and Kate honeymooned here, as did Salma Hayek and Francois Henri Pinault. Ciara and Russell Wilson took a post-engagement trip here as well. The Seychelle islands are in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The crystal-clear waters and lush scenery of this paradise made early explorers believe they'd found the biblical Garden of Eden, so it's no wonder celebrities come here for a romantic escape.
22. South Africa
Whether they're photographing a lion pack at Kruger National Park, learning to surf or exploring the major metropolises of Cape Town or Johannesburg, more and more celebrities are flocking to South Africa. Shakira, Salma Hayek, Justin Bieber, Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler and Rihanna are just a few stars you might spot on the other side of a zebra herd while on your own safari vacation.
23. South Beach, Miami
South Beach is the Miami neighborhood known for its luxury shopping, nightlife and distinctive art deco hotels and clubs dotting Ocean Drive. The area has been attracting stars since the days of Elvis and the Rat Pack. Nowadays stars from every scene hit up Miami to play, including Drake, Miley Cyrus, Amber Rose, Floyd Mayweather, Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Bieber, Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello, the Kardashians and Kanye West.
24. St. Barts
The French Caribbean island of Saint Barthelemy, known simply as St. Barts to those in the know, is known as the playground of the rich and famous, but it's both accessible and financially possible for mere mortals to visit as well. If you choose the right white-sand beach to lounge on during your trip, you could spot Jessica Alba, Zac Efron, Michael Kors or John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. You could also sneak a peek at VIP honeymooners like Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish or Nick and Vanessa Lachey.
25. St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a posh resort town in the Swiss Alps where the who's-who of Europe and beyond escape to play in a winter wonderland. Brits Prince Charles, Hugh Grant, Elizabeth Hurley and Rupert Everett have all popped by to ski, as have George Clooney and Ivana Trump. Beyond attracting celebrities, the site is famous in its own right. It was the backdrop of the James Bond films "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "A View to a Kill," has hosted two Winter Olympics and is home to the annual White Turf horse race across a frozen lake.
26. St. Tropez, France
Located along the French Riviera, also known as the Cote D'Azur, St. Tropez has been a hot spot for VIP vacationers since French bombshell Brigitte Bardot drew attention to the coastal town. Nowadays, St. Tropez in the summertime boasts "the greatest number of famous faces per square meter," according to French newspaper Le Figaro. Frequent visitors include Kate Moss, Elton John, Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Rihanna and Cindy Crawford.
27. Sydney, Australia
Whether they're sailing on a yacht or soaking up the sun on Bondi Beach, the biggest celebrity haunt Down Under is Sydney, Australia. Models such as Chanel Iman and actors such as Michael Fassbender, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sofia Vergara have been spotted there, as have native Australian stars Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett and Hugh Jackman.
28. Turks and Caicos
Just southeast of the Bahamas lies Turks and Caicos, a British territory made up of 40 islands that has a reputation as a less commercialized, more exclusive alternative to other Caribbean tourist destinations. Perhaps this is why celebrities such as Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Nicki Minaj, Kylie Jenner and Cara Delevingne have flocked there. Christie Brinkley, Bruce Willis, Keith Richards and Gwyneth Paltrow own homes or land here, and they often lend out their space to fellow stars such as Justin Bieber or Ashton Kutcher.
29. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is a region in central Italy that includes the city Florence but is best known for the vineyards dotting its rolling hills. Not only can you see stars like George Clooney, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder and Colin Firth in the area, you can stay at Il Palagio, a 16th-century Tuscan villa and winery owned by Sting.
30. Whistler, British Columbia
Just north of Vancouver is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. This haven for alpine skiing and snowboarding 200 days of the year includes the Olympic park built for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. It also offers plenty of other outdoor pursuits like luge and bobsled in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the spring. Celebs who've visited looking to unwind include Reese Witherspoon, Queen Latifah, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chevy Chase.