Whether celebrities are looking to be in the spotlight or escape the paparazzi, there are some popular vacation destinations that always seem to be frequented by the stars. Celeb spotting is a favorite pastime of many travelers, and you might be able to snag a photo or even an autograph when you visit these top celebrity vacation spots around the world. Although the price tags may be a bit higher in these destinations than your average budget getaway, these are some of the best celebrity vacation spots that you can start saving up to visit and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Mallorca, Spain
One of the classiest celebrity vacation spots in Europe is Mallorca, Spain. It’s known as a spot to be posh more than a spot to party. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a house here, and it’s been a favorite getaway for Gwenyth Paltrow. Some of the local favorites that boast the most celebrity sightings include the Wellies Restaurant and Bar, Puerto Portals, and Es Trenc Beach.
Saint Tropez, France
One of the best places to visit in the South of France, Saint Tropez is known for its amazing beaches and blissful landscapes. Celebrity couples like Beyoncé and Jay Z and David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted vacationing along these famous beaches. The Cote d’Azur seaport is a big draw for celebs here, as well as top beach clubs like Le Club 55.
Mykonos, Greece
Greece has always been one of those hot spot destinations where celebrities go to get away from it all and escape the photographers and the gossip for a while. With a picturesque backdrop and delicious Mediterranean cuisine down every street, Mykonos has been a popular destination in Greece for peaceful celeb travel. It’s left such a lasting impression that some celebs, like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, have bought houses here.
Lake Como, Italy
Perhaps the most well-known celebrity that loves Lake Como is George Clooney. He has a villa with over a dozen rooms here so he can bring all his friends along to relax, get away, and party. Villa d’Este is another popular place celebrities choose to stay because of its attention to privacy. Just ask Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler, or Sylvester Stallone!
Sydney, Australia
Sure, there are plenty of celebrities that call Sydney home year-round, but there are lots of others who like to visit for a surfing and sailing getaway. Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been a top vacation pick for Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman, and some A-list accommodations are the InterContinental Hotel and the Park Hyatt in the Rocks.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is on many people’s dream vacation lists, and when you’re a celebrity, you can make many of those dreams come true! The legendary Elvis Presley was a big fan of Maui back in the day, and Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Ben Affleck, and Selena Gomez have picked up where he left off. This is a destination where you can choose to be as active or as lazy as you like, or even alternate between cocktails by the pool and scuba diving in the ocean.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos is one of the more accessible celeb picks that you can visit even if you’re traveling on a budget. However, despite its growing popularity with the spring break crowd, this is also still a great place to indulge in some pampering. One particular seaside hotel, The One&Only Palmilla, is a favorite choice of the rich and famous, as well as the Esperanza Resort with its private beach. Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Aniston, and Lauren Conrad have all visited Los Cabos to soak up the sun.
Aspen, Colorado
However, not all celeb picks have to revolve around beaches and tropical weather. Aspen, Colorado, is one of the hottest skiing and snowboarding spots in the world that celebs flock to each winter. The resorts here have been frequented by Demi Moore, Heidi Klum, and Mariah Carey and lots of famous people even own homes here. In addition to the top-notch skiing opportunities, there are also plenty of high-end spa treatments, fancy boutiques, and fine dining restaurants in Aspen.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the most popular celebrity hangouts in Rio de Janeiro is Ipanema Beach. There’s been a lot happening in Rio lately, like the World Cup, the Summer Olympics, and of course Carnival. Some of the celebs who enjoy a Rio getaway include Penelope Cruz, Madonna, Gerard Butler, and Javier Bardem. Make sure to sample a couple of caipirinhas at the beach and consider staying at the Hotel Fasano or the Belmond Copacabana Palace for the best chances of a celeb sighting.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is consistently one of the most popular celebrity vacation destinations in the world. The views here are far better than any postcard or travel review could recreate – with bright blue water, lush green mountains, and overwater bungalows positioned in the middle of a peaceful lagoon. The Four Seasons Bora Bora has been a popular pick for famous couples who like their privacy. Some of the celebs who have taken advantage of the natural beauty, spa treatments, water sports, and pure relaxation here include Orlando Bloom, Kristin Bell, and Vince Vaughn.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s South Beach has been one of the top vacation spots for the young, hot, and famous for many decades. “Entourage” actor, Adrien Grenier, and UFC ring girl, Arianny Celeste, have been spotted sunbathing along the Miami shores, and some of the most famous celebrity nightlife spots include Mansion and Skybar. The city of Miami is just downright sexy and lots of celebs have bought homes along the beach. There are actually guided tours that take visitors on booze-fueled boat rides to see the fabulous mansions of the rich and famous.
Anguilla, British West Indies
The average temperature in Anguilla is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for a celebrity destination pretty much any time of year. Some of the best beaches in the Caribbean are located here and it’s been frequented by Michael Jordan, Uma Thurman, and Liam Neeson.
St. Barts, French West Indies
St. Barts stretches just eight square miles across a Caribbean island, but it has become one of the hottest celebrity destinations in the world. There are lots of high-end shopping opportunities here, as well as yachting, glitzy nightlife, and of course plenty of white sandy beaches. Celebs who have vacationed here include Gwen Stefani, Derek Jeter, Usher, and Lindsay Lohan.