Whether they prefer to hide behind their oversized sunglasses or choose paparazzi-friendly outdoor cafes, one fact is undeniable: celebrities love to travel. And while the uber-trendy spots are constantly changing, some of the celeb-approved travel destinations have remained popular for years. Think glamorous beaches and luxury resorts – two of the biggest draws for stars with some downtime in between projects.
So if you’re trying to do some vacation celeb-spotting, here are our Top 10 places to catch your favorite celebs relaxing.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Not even celebrities can resist the allure of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The largest island in the Balearics, it’s famous for its rugged natural beauty, white-sand beaches, and mouth-watering Spanish cuisine. Celebs visiting luxurious Mallorca are here for the tranquil beach days and vibrant nightlife. The most well-known beach on Mallorca is Es Trenc, with a windswept beauty and turquoise waters.
Looking for the stars? Check out local hot spots such as Karma Bar, Wellies Restaurant and Bar, and five-star luxury hotel La Residencia.
Famous Tourists: Gwyneth Paltrow, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Brad Pitt
2. St. Tropez, France
This beach town is so famous that an entire line of self-tanners was named after it! And it’s no surprise. Located on the French Riviera, between Nice and Marseille, St. Tropez is the chic beach getaway for celebrities. Once a quaint fishing village, Brigitte Bardot made it famous with her bikini pics, and the rest is history. St. Tropez is home to relaxing beaches, museums, coastal hikes, and of course, French cuisine. Although St. Tropez has plenty of luxury hotels, many stars spend their nights on a nearby yacht.
One of the top celebrity hangouts in St. Tropez is Nikki Beach, where they can lounge on plush daybeds while listening to a world-class DJ. Club 55 is a favorite for fine dining.
Famous Tourists: Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss
3. Lake Como, Italy
Just outside of Milan sits the pretty town of Lake Como. This lakeside destination was a well-kept secret until George Clooney bought his $7.5 million lakeside estate. But Lake Como has actually been a favorite retreat for the well-to-do since the 19th century. With its breathtaking vistas and delicious Italian food, it’s easy to see the appeal of Lake Como. Castles, cathedrals, and museums all help make Lake Como the perfect Italian destination.
If you want to live like the stars, check out the timeless luxury hotel Villa d’Este hotel.
Famous Tourists: George Clooney, Matt Damon, David Beckham, Richard Branson, Brad Pitt
4. The Hamptons, New York
When New York City-based celebs need a quick summer getaway, the nearby Hamptons are the ideal location. Once a sleepy seaside village filled with hippies and artists, the Hamptons have become a magnet for celebrities in the summer. Luxurious oceanfront properties are the norm here, including one owned by Scarlett Johansson.
Celeb-favorites in the Hamptons include Babette’s for outdoor dining and the Surf Lodge for a waterfront escape.
Famous Tourists: Lady Gaga, Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Joel
5. Mykonos, Greece
There’s no denying that picturesque Mykonos is a hot spot for celebrities looking to relax and have fun. Known for its nonstop party atmosphere, Mykonos attracts the stars all summer long. The famous Mykonos windmills can be seen all over their social media. And both young celebs and minor European royals are all over the dance floor of the most popular clubs. During the day, Mykonos’ is a beach-goer’s paradise, surrounded by the warm, azure waters of the Med. The stars snorkel, sunbathe, and explore Little Venice before heading out for the evening.
The stars can’t resist Cavo Tagoo, where every suite has an infinity pool overlooking the sea.
Famous Tourists: Kendall Jenner, Gabrielle Union, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise
6. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Just a short 2-hour jaunt from Los Angeles, laid-back Cabo San Lucas is the perfect weekend getaway for Hollywood-based celebs who need a quick break from filming. Gorgeous beaches, sunny days, and margaritas are all part of Cabo’s Mexican charm. The famous Town Square is full of shops, restaurants, and bars. But Cabos’ real appeal is its golden-sand beaches and warm ocean breeze. Celebrities who vacation in Cabo can head back to work relaxed and refreshed.
Celebrities headed to this popular destination like the Esperanza Resort, the only resort in Cabo with a private beach.
Famous Tourists: Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, George Clooney
7. Aspen, Colorado
One of the perks of being a celebrity is that your vacations aren’t limited to the classic 2-week summer vacation. Celebs jetting off for a winter getaway often end up in glamorous Aspen. While the slopes are a big draw for winter athletes, the stars are just as often found enjoying Aspen’s lively dining, theatre, and arts scene. Another celeb option? Relaxing in one of Aspen’s many highly-rated spas.
Aspen makes for a charming winter vacation spot with its stunning mountains and cute downtown chalets. Check out The Little Nell, a five-star, five-diamond, ski-in and ski-out celeb favorite hotel.
Famous Tourists: Kate Hudson, Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Bella Hadid, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Demi Moore
8. Maui, Hawaii
Postcard-perfect Maui has been attracting celebrities for decades. Although harder to travel to from the east coast, there are daily direct flights out of LAX. The stunning beaches are a surfer’s paradise, with celebrities – and their kids – known to splurge on surf lessons from the locals. Add pineapples and ukulele music, how can a vacationing celeb resist Maui? Julia Roberts even bought a home here.
But Maui isn’t just about the beaches. This nature-lover’s island also offers scenic hiking trails and Jeep-rides up the side of a volcano, with a luau dinner at the luxurious Four Seasons Maui afterwards to cap off the day.
Famous Tourists: Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Will Smith, Oprah, Justin Bieber, Kate Hudson
9. St. Barts
Located in the warm waters of the Caribbean, St. Barts is a particular draw for celebs who want to enjoy the yacht life. When they do head off the boat and onto the island, the white-sand beaches and high-end shops compete for their attention. But where St. Barts truly shines is in its water activities: snorkeling, jet skiing, sailing, and scuba diving are all options on this lush island. After hours of sun and surf, celebrities typically end their day by heading out to enjoy St. Barts’ famously extravagant nightlife.
Celebrities looking to relax will often indulge in the luxury of the five-star Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa, then go out for an open-air dinner at Bonito.
Famous Tourists: Leonard DiCaprio, Martha Stewart, Beyonce and Jay-Z
10. Miami, Florida
There’s something about the 305 area code that celebrities just can’t resist. Miami – and especially South Beach – are a celebrity playground. Maybe it’s the delish Cuban cuisine served all over town. Maybe it’s the cool Art Deco architecture. Or maybe it’s the pulsating nightlife that spills out onto the street. It’s probably all three of those, plus turquoise waters and chic shops.
As a testament to the trendy city that it is, Miami’s hot spots are constantly changing and the stars are everywhere. One sure bet? The lively strip of Ocean Drive, where celebs hang out at the al fresco restaurants and cafes.
Famous Tourists: Shakira, Ariana Grande, Celine Dion, Sean Combs
