By Tara Imperatore
Jun. 12th, 2013
It seems like every time we open a magazine, there’s another celebrity frolicking on the beach somewhere. Stars just love to get away from the flashbulbs of the paparazzi and screaming fans for some peaceful relaxation before going back to their hectic lives of fame and fortune. It all sounds so rough, I know. But where exactly do A-listers escape to for some summer fun in the sun? Just because they don’t want us to know doesn’t mean we’re not going to find out.
Photo Courtesy of St. Regis Bora Bora
It’s not surprising that celebs choose Bora Bora for their much needed vacations. If you haven’t been, then you’ve seen the postcard worthy images of bright aqua water, jagged green mountains and thatched roof huts in the middle of the lagoon. Soothing scenery, promised privacy and five-star accommodations keep couples like Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom coming back to the Four Seasons Bora Bora. According to Business Insider, they brought their baby boy Flynn to the resort last summer for a family getaway of spa treatments and water sports. The St. Regis Bora Bora is another resort that sees many famous faces, including Vince Vaughn, Kristin Davis, Kristin Bell and Jason Bateman when they filmed Couples Retreat here back in 2009.
Photo Courtesy of One&Only Palmilla
Although this Mexican destination has become increasingly popular among spring breakers, it is still a place for stars to get pampered in style—and we guarantee those college party-goers aren’t staying at the same luxury resorts as the A-listers. Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer for The Quintess Collection, Ben Addoms told MSN that The One&Only Palmilla is one of the most popular seaside hotels and has hosted beauties like Jennifer Aniston and Christina Aguilera. Lauren Conrad and her boyfriend William Tell have been spotted by Business Insider soaking up the sun on Esperanza Resort’s private beach on the Sea of Cortez, about 15 miles south of One&Only.
Photo Courtesy of Villa d’Este
George Clooney loves to visit his villa on Lake Como and bring all his famous friends in tow; with 15 rooms, he’d be selfish not to. The 18th century home has hosted the Ocean’s Eleven cast back in 2004, including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, as well as Bono, Cindy Crawford and his current girlfriend Stacy Keibler, according to PopSugar.com. When they’re not crashing at Clooney’s place, many stars stay at Villa d’Este, where photographers are shunned and complete privacy is expected. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his family have vacationed here, as well as a long list of others including Bette Midler, Paul McCartney, Sylvester Stallone, Robin Williams, and Ralph Lauren.
Photo Credit: Travel Bug/Shutterstock
This eight-square-mile Caribbean island has welcomed dozens of hot Hollywood bodies over the years, with many loyal guests coming back season after season. Whether shopping, laying on the white sand beaches or taking their yachts out for a spin, there’s something for every singer, model, and athlete here. ABC News found Gwen Stefani and husband Gavin Rossdale taking it easy on a boat docked on the island; Minka Kelly and Yankee superstar Derek Jeter were there a couple years ago when they were still hot and heavy; and even Lindsay Lohan was seen hiding out here in 2010 on a yacht. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have also been known to frequent St. Barts along with Usher and Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen.
Photo Courtesy of Amankora
Not so tropical and beachy, but just as tranquil and scenic, is Bhutan in Southeast Asia. As the only surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom, it is one of the most remote and serene destinations for celebs to get some true quiet time. According to MSN, Aman Resorts' Amankora property is frequented by some of the biggest names in Tinseltown looking to relax in luxury among the nation’s pure, natural beauty. Since Bhutan only permits a certain number of travelers per year, celebs like Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Drew Barrymore have come to Zen-out here knowing they won’t be bothered by crowds of people ready to disturb their inner peace.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Maui
No need to worry about a passport to jet off for some R&R right here in the U.S. While any of the Hawaiian Islands are well-suited to host some star power, many have been known to choose Maui for their tropical vacation needs. People magazine has caught up with lots of stars over the years enjoying some Hawaiian hospitality in Maui, including Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Oprah, who actually owns a farm there. Us Weekly also saw the engaged duo, Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis, in their suits paddle boarding, snorkeling and just spending some quality time together on the beautiful Maui beaches last month.
Photo Courtesy of SLS South Beach
Celebs of all types love Miami so much, Huffington Post went ahead and dedicated a section of the site to it. Who could blame them, really? The city is just oozing with sex appeal and chock full of luxury hotels, high-end shopping and gourmet eateries. LeAnn Rimes, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, and Hayden Panettiere have all hit the beach recently in itty bitty bikinis. And just last week, David Beckham was spotted eating at Cheeseburger Baby twice in one day; once at 5 a.m. after partying at Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel, and again at midnight. We might not be seeing A-Rod in Miami Beach as much, considering he just sold his nearly 20,000-square-foot mansion for $30 million. But we’re sure someone just as fabulous has moved right in; and if not, Matt Damon has a house just down the street.
Tara Imperatore
Since graduating from Penn State University, Tara has dabbled in several different realms of the publishing world. From food writing to an opinion column to city guide editorials, her work can be seen in newspapers, luxury lifestyle magazines and various websites. As a Senior Editor for JustLuxe, she is busy sharpening her eye for all that is opulent around the world. She is also a freelance write...(Read More)