When you spend much of your life being chased by the paparazzi, rest and relaxation take on a whole new meaning. But where do you go when the whole world knows your name and your face?
Like most vacationers seeking a luxury getaway, celebrities look for a fabulous location, impeccable service and posh accommodations. Privacy, of course, is a must.
A-listers can also afford the best of the best, so they expect royal treatment -- and they get it.
When five-star hotels know they have celebrities in-house, they do everything they possibly can to accommodate them, including indulging any special requests, said Jacqueline Gifford, travel editor for Brides Magazine.
But the great service and hospitality at these places isn't limited to just bold-faced names.
"When you're paying that much money to stay at a fabulous place, they're going to go over the top to pamper you, whether you're a celebrity or not," Gifford said.
With that in mind, here are seven resorts used to catering to famous guests:
North Island, Seychelles
With its exotic location in the Indian Ocean, lush tropical beauty and a secluded beach, no wonder Britain's Prince William and his bride, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chose this resort for their honeymoon spot in the spring.
The island is home to 11 guest villas that "blend seamlessly" with their surroundings and are "designed to celebrate nature," the resort says, touting its eco-friendly philosophy.Guests share the retreat with tortoises and endangered species of birds, such as the Black Paradise Flycatcher and the Seychelles Magpie Robin. You might also get a peek at the coco-de-mer palm, which produces the largest seeds in the plant kingdom.
It's this combination of beauty and privacy that draws celebrities.
David and Victoria Beckham celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on the island in 2009. Actress Salma Hayek has honeymooned there.
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque corners of the planet, and it's here that you'll find the legendary Le Sirenuse in the village of Positano.
"It's a beautiful hotel," said Roberto Agostini of Precision Travel. "It's recognized all over the world as one of the top hotels in the area."
He also praised its location, which is near all of the village's shopping and dining.
"You walk out and you are there where the action is," Agostini said.
Almost all of the resort's 59 rooms and suites look out over the bay of Positano, and most have a private terrace or balcony.
You'll also find spectacular views at the hotel's La Sponda restaurant, where 400 candles are lit during dinner to create a romantic atmosphere for guests feasting on Neapolitan cuisine.
Actress Reese Witherspoon recently spent her second honeymoon at the hotel -- this time with her new husband, Jim Toth.
Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados
Set on the Caribbean island's upscale west coast -- often called the "Platinum Coast" -- the resort is known for its deluxe accommodations and signature pink beach chairs and umbrellas that contrast beautifully with the turquoise sea.
"It is a very, very, very high-end resort. It's legendary (for its) style and sophistication," said Becky Veith of Travel Experts. "The rooms are absolutely spectacular. They're state-of-the-art everything."
And how about this for privacy: The resort has underground hallways so that you don't have to see any housekeeping activities when you leave your room, Veith said.
There's also a spa that's "to die for" and world-class golf at the Green Monkey golf course, she added.
Celebrity guests have included Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, Chris Martin, television personality Simon Cowell and singer Rihanna.
Tiger Woods rented the whole resort in happier times: He got married there to Elin Nordegren in 2004.
Hotel Hassler, Rome
Located at the top of the world's most famous stairway and offering a sweeping view above the churches, domes and rooftops of Rome, this former palazzo boasts elegance, style and "discretion."
Stay at the classic hotel and you'll add your name to a register that has included Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who took over part of the Hassler before their wedding in 2006; Jennifer Lopez; Leonardo DiCaprio; and many other A-listers.
Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly even spent part of their honeymoon at the hotel.
"The Hassler is amazing because it's at the top of the Spanish Steps so you've got an awesome view of Rome. They have amazing service and some fantastic suites," Gifford said.
Agostini agreed, calling the view of the Eternal City "unbeatable."
"It's very romantic up there," he said.
Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Just a two-hour flight away from Los Angeles, sunny Cabo San Lucas is perfect for a quick, relaxing and romantic getaway for stressed-out Hollywood types.
This luxurious resort overlooks both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena -- or "Whale Point," past which humpbacks migrate in winter -- says Travel+Leisure, which has named Esperanza one of the world's top 50 hotels.
All the hotel's suites and villas offer ocean views. Some have private pools, a dedicated butler and private chefs for "in-villa dining."
This is where LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian honeymooned in May. Paltrow and Martin have stayed as well.
Le Meurice, Paris
With the Tuileries Garden, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre all just steps away, guests staying at the opulent Le Meurice are in the heart of the City of Light.
"It's one of the best hotels in the world," Agostini said. "I would recommend Le Meurice to anybody -- kings, queens, anybody." (It's the kind of place where there are attendants inside the elevators to punch your floor buttons for you.)
Beyoncé and Jay-Z rented the two-story penthouse suite for $20,000 a night in April, People.com reported.
Gifford spotted Harrison Ford in the lobby when she stayed there, "which was very exciting," she said.
Past guests have also included Orson Welles, Ginger Rogers, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
If Hawaii is paradise, then this is an especially lovely corner of it, surrounded by five mountains, a wildlife refuge, hiking trails, ancient sea caves and lagoons.
"Kauai is a little bit more secluded -- it's a little quieter than some of the isles and the resort is on the very sleepy but lush North Shore," Gifford said.
"Every (suite) has butler service, they've got an amazing infinity pool, gorgeous mountain views -- it's going to attract a very exclusive crowd."
Exclusive indeed: Alicia Keys, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck all have been to the hotel.
0 comments:
Post a Comment