If you’re an avid reader of Hello and like to keep up with all the celebrity gossip, then you might just want to holiday like the rich and famous – doing a stint of star spotting along the way.
Itching to know in which exotic locations they hang out? Excellent, because we have it covered – and with the release of Skyfall, the 23rd franchise in the Bond collection, this week, we thought where better to start than with Goldeneye Resort in Jamaica?
1) Goldeneye Resort, Jamaica
The Goldeneye Resort is where author Ian Fleming penned his James Bond novels in the 60s and 70s and hung out with big screen names in the process. It was bought over and expanded by Chris Blackwell of Island Records and is now home to a number of smaller villas as well as the 007 creator’s original three-bedroom pad. Red carpet greats like Johnny Depp and Scarlett Johansson have been known to grace its grounds, not to mention artists including U2’s Bono and Sting. Located in Oracabessa Bay on the northern coast of the island, it’s been listed one of the top 100 resorts in the world by the Robb Report and is truly one of the chicest places to be seen in the Caribbean. Hell, it even has its own clothing line – ‘All Things Gold’ – after teaming up with top fashion line Haute Hippies earlier this year.
2) The Hamptons, USA
Made famous – or even more famous, we should say – by Carrie Bradshaw and co in Sex and the City, The Hamptons used to be an exclusive destination for the super rich. But now it’s inhabited by an eclectic mix of old versus new Manhattan money and is a regular holiday haunt of the LA elite. The southern tip of Long Island boasts some excruciatingly impressive estates – owned by the likes of US national treasures Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Martha Stewart and Billy Joel – which will have you star struck before you’ve even glimpsed the native celebs.
3) Marbella, Spain
It might not automatically strike you as a sun worshipping hot spot for celebs but Marbella’s popularity among famous faces is overwhelming – and we’re not just talking about the entire cast of TOWIE. Believe it or not, it’s a favourite among Victoria Beckham, Craig David, Paul McCartney and Bruce Willis – to name but a few. Situated on the southern coast, it overlooks one of the most beautiful bays in the world and is steeped in undeniable Mediterranean charm.
4) Sandy Lane, Barbados
In a quiet resort on the west coast of Barbados, you’ll find what is often a star-studded retreat. Michael Buble, Prince Harry, Coleen Rooney and Jeremy Clarkson have been known to frequent the private villas on the island which is Rhianna’s birthplace and Sir Cliff Richard’s secluded luxury home. The Sandy Lane Hotel is the most prestigious on the island and the preferred hideaway of some of the richest people in the world. It’s a bit of a fortress, however, and non-residents are regularly refused entry.
5) LA , USA
It’s almost impossible to visit Los Angeles without spotting a star so if you haven’t, then you’re definitely doing something wrong or looking in the wrong places. Uber-trendy places for celebs to hang out include The Mondrian, Thompson Beverly Hills, The London and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotels – the latter being a former haunt of Marilyn Monroe. Other ways to catch a glimpse of the LA A-list are taking a helicopter tour of their homes, getting along to an awards show or lining the red carpet for movie premieres. But if you’re really lucky, you might even spot the likes of Kobe Bryant, Rachel McCord or Serena Williams on the street.
6) Ibiza, Spain
The party island of Ibiza is not only trendy among DJs and young hedonism seekers, it has bags of appeal for people looking for a quiet retreat too. That’s why supermodels Elle Macpherson and Kate Moss, and international superstars such as Kylie, P Diddy and George Michael have been known to holiday there time and again. Of course, you’ll also find Pete Tong and Eric Morello banging one out on the decks of the super clubs, and even Noel Gallagher who’s been rumoured to have bought Mike Oldfield’s old pad.
7) Cannes, France
This gorgeous part of France is overrun with celebrities during the film festival but there are three main hotels where you’re guaranteed a sighting or two: Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Hotel Majestic and The Martinez. Watch out for the exclusive Martinez, however, since you can’t even get into the lobby without being on the guest list. You might also want to head to the Palais des Festivals, where most of the major premieres take place and where Diane Kruger, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jane Fonda have been known to walk the red carpet.
8) London, UK
Never underestimate London’s glamour because there are a number of regular celebrity hang-outs worth checking out if you’re up for a bit of Blighty-based star gazing. The Ivy restaurant in Covent Garden is a regular haunt of the Beckhams, Tom Cruise, Elton John and George Michael and you’re likely to see a few familiar faces at The Groucho Club in Soho where the likes of Kate Moss, Courtney Love and Lily Allen have been known to party until the early hours.
9) Paris, France
Sam Mendes, Daniel Craig and Kylie Minogue have all been known to escape to Paris for the weekend and the city’s Georges V Hotel is a well-known location for photo calls and media interviews. In fact, Daniel Craig was spotted there only the other day as he worked promoting the new Bond film, Skyfall. The British actor was joined by co-stars Berenice Marlohe and Javier Bardem as he posed for promotional shots.
10) New York, USA
There are endless celebrity frequented hotels in the Big Apple – some of which have played host to the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Lindsay Lohan, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio. One celebrity who’s been keeping a low profile, however, is actor Russell Crowe, who hit the headlines in 2005 for attacking a member of staff with a telephone at The Mercer hotel.
