Gorgeous Go-To Celebrity Vacation Spots
Cabo San Lucas - Mexico
For a south-of-the-border spring break, consider Cabo San Lucas, on the tip of the Baja California peninsula. Hit the beach, take a cruise to see El Arco (a natural archway in the sea), and indulge in the tequila-fueled nightlife in cantinas like Cabo Wabo.
Where to Stay: Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa, Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
French Riviera - France
This sun-drenched playground has always attracted the glitterati, especially during The Cannes Film Festival (expect anyone from Christoph Waltz to Nicole Kidman on any given year). While there are dreamy hotels, such as the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, many prefer to charter a yacht. Gwyneth Paltrow has vacationed on-board one in St. Tropez, while J. Lo and A-Rod (still going strong!) cruised around the posh resort town of Antibes.
The Hamptons - New York
This beach getaway on Long Island's South Fork attracts megawatt celebrities fleeing NYC's humid summers. Billy Joel, Scarlett Johansson, and Jerry Seinfeld own homes here, and Lady Gaga has been known to frequent the area. Top restaurants like Jean-Georges at the Topping Rose House attract bold-faced names, as does the East Hampton classic Nick & Toni's (Paul McCartney is a fan).
6) Saint Barthélemy - Caribbean
This glamorous playground, frequented by the rich and famous, is known for its gorgeous beaches like Grand Salines and Colombier, glitzy nightlife, designer boutiques, and a yacht-lined harbor. Pop open the Champagne and get the party started!
1) Aspen
One of Colorado's most glamorous ski resorts, Aspen attracts celebrities and the private plane crowd who come for the skiing on Aspen Mountain (simply known as Ajax), the après-ski at hotspots like J-Bar in the Hotel Jerome, and the fancy suites at hotels like the St. Regis, just steps from the ski lifts and The Little Nell, recently named one of the top resorts in the West by Travel & Leisure. The iconic Aspen resort overlooks Ajax mountain, and its Ajax Tavern is always a hub of activity.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The Little Nell
More: Thinking of Skiing in Europe? These Are the Top Ski Resorts
The Islands of Hawaii - Hawaii
Hawaii, with its black-sand beaches and scenic waterfalls, is a top celebrity vacation spot. Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, and Drew Barrymore own homes here (Julia Roberts recently sold her longtime Kauai estate). Other fans of this island paradise include Eva Longoria, who's been spotted on Oahu, and Britney Spears, who's a fan of Maui. Resort-wise, top spots include the Montage Kapalua Bay and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Martha's Vineyard - Massachusetts
Best American Island
City stresses seem far away on this charming little island off the coast of Cape Cod. Spend your days unwinding on the beach, taking long bike rides along the coast, and stopping for clam chowder and lobster rolls at historic spots like Newes From America, a colonial-era pub in the heart of Edgartown, one of the island's six towns.
BOOK NOW Kelley House
Costa Rica - Central America
Mega celebrities have fallen in love with the lush Central American country of Costa Rica. Frequent visitors Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen own a home here, and it's where the famed quarterback got over his recent Super Bowl loss. Other stars that have been include Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, tennis ace Rafael Nadal (who was seen swimming in the Papagayo Gulf), and British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who made tortillas with a local cook.
Tulum - Mexico
Another Mexican hotspot popular with vacationing celebrities is Tulum, the boho-chic retreat on the Riviera Maya with boutique hotels like Sanara Tulum and Be Tulum. New sports super couple Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick were recently spotted biking around town, and other fans include Drew Barrymore, Richard Gere, Sienna Miller, and Reese Witherspoon. Plus, some of last year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition was shot here.
New Orleans - Louisiana
Many celebrities fall in love with the Big Easy and end up buying homes here, such as Sandra Bullock, Nicolas Cage, and Brangelina (they sold theirs after the breakup), joining homegrown stars like Harry Connick Jr. Beyoncé's little sis Solange (who married here), as did Serena Williams (Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian West, and Ciara were among the guests). Speaking of Queen B, she and Jay-Z recently dined at Dooky Chase.
Marrakech - Morocco
This exotic city in Morocco has seen its fair share of celebrities, who come to luxuriate in swanky hotels like La Mamounia and the Mandarin Oriental, shop in the medina, and take day trips to see the Atlas Mountains. Sports stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham (along with wife Victoria) have visited, as have Katy Perry, Usher, Lily Allen, and Francis Ford Coppola.
Mykonos - Greece
Sun-drenched Mykonos, one of the stunningly beautiful Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, is a favorite getaway of celebrities. Gabrielle Union and hubby Dwyane Wade were spotted at the beach, while Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid partied at the exclusive Nammos Beach Club. Ariana Grande, Gerard Butler, and Leo (him again!) are also fans of the island.
Lake Como - Italy
When you think of Lake Como, George Clooney likely pops into your mind. The Hollywood hunk owns a lavish lakefront villa here and is often seen out and about with wife Amal at places like Il Gatto Nero for dinner and the posh Villa d'Este hotel for drinks. Emily Blunt and Jon Krasinski even got married here. Other stars that have visited include Madonna and Donatella Versace.
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
The Biebs is a fan. Justin Bieber is a frequent visitor to Dubai, known for its over-the-top hotels like Burj Al Arab, megamalls, and man-made islands (not to mention the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa). He was seen partying at Zero Gravity, and other celebrities who have made the trip include Zac Efron, Demi Lovato, Bear Grylls, Floyd Mayweather, and golfers Tigers Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Want to know where Leo and Beyoncé vacay? Read on ...