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Luxurious Vacation Spots Beloved by the Rich and Famous

Updated: Jul 14, 2023By Kate PrinceCelebrity News
This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.
Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece / Shutterstock | Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin ©SMXRF/Star Max/GC Images/Getty Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece / Shutterstock | Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin ©SMXRF/Star Max/GC Images/Getty

Whether you are the high-flying CEO of Facebook or a grammy-winning musician, you have to work hard to play hard. While these high-profile jobs demand a lot of work, they also come with the kind of paycheck that can transform an ordinary vacation into a one-of-a-kind getaway. It may seem like the richest elite in the world can jet-set to places we could never glimpse – but you might be surprised. 

Still, what most people think of as once in a lifetime trips are multi-year occurrences to the jet-setting elite. From the Bahamas to surprising meditation retreats with concrete floors and private homes nestled in Hidden Hills, the world is just an oyster waiting to be cracked to these guys. Just take a look at the most luxurious vacation spots beloved by the rich and famous, and who knows, maybe you’ll get to see them there one day soon.

Word-of-mouth is often important in celebrity circles, as A-listers will often tell their friends if they’ve had a brilliant stay. Famous is as famous does – and that includes vacation spots. That being said, some stars decided that run-of-the-mill paradise wasn’t enough. They had to create their own!

1. Richard Branson

Favorite Getaway: Necker Island
Average Cost of Stay: $27,000 a week for a villa stay*

Virgin founder and CEO Richard Branson has been living the life of luxury ever since he made it big in business. Over the years, he’s expanding the company to rival some of the biggest in the business. Most of the time, it’s worked out well for him!

Richard Branson @Richard Branson / YouTube.com | @Thomas Klock / Shutterstock.com Richard Branson @Richard Branson / YouTube.com | @Thomas Klock / Shutterstock.com

Thanks to all his hard work, Branson doesn’t have to worry about booking a place to stay to get a taste of paradise. He bought Necker Island back in the ‘70s, picking up his own haven in the British Virgin Islands for just over $300,000. Guests can rent out the entire island for $42,000 a night, or go for the budget of $27,000 a week for a villa stay. 

Necker Island is often talked about as the most exclusive place to stay on the planet. Stars like Jennifer Aniston of AT&T’s Friends have been known to visit. It’s so private celebrities can fully relax without the prying eye of paparazzi.

2. Kate Hudson

Favorite Getaway: Skiathos Princess, Greece
Average Cost of Stay: $540 per night*

Kate Hudson got her big break when she starred in Almost Famous back in 2000. Since then, the star has become one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood. She’s not afraid to splash the cash when it comes to her vacations. 

Kate Hudson @Moviezupp / Pinterest.com | @Skiathos Princess Holidays / Facebook.com Kate Hudson @Moviezupp / Pinterest.com | @Skiathos Princess Holidays / Facebook.com

The Sony actress has been spotted soaking up the sun at the Skiathos Princess Hotel in Greece with her family on several occasions. Her mom, Goldie Hawn, and her stepdad, Kurt Russell, are also fans of the hotel. One night in a junior suite will set you back $540, but the price can vary depending on what level of luxury you go for. 

That being said, even the “budget” options at the Skiathos offer top-notch luxury that the Average Joe would find incredible. There’s something for everyone at this location, which is probably why it remains so popular with celebrities and everyone else passing through.

3. Margot Robbie

Favorite Getaway: Taiwana Hotel, St. Barts
Average Cost of Stay: $7,000 per night*

Margot Robbie certainly made waves when she starred in the smash hit The Wolf of Wall Street. The success of the movie marked a major turning point for the actress. In 2016, she worked on a shoot for Vanity Fair in the luxury location of St. Barts. The magazine put her up in one of the best places possible: the Taiwana Hotel.  

Margot Robbie @Oyster Mag / Pinterest.com via Nessa Boo / Pinterest.com | @St. Barts / Facebook.com Margot Robbie @Oyster Mag / Pinterest.com via Nessa Boo / Pinterest.com | @St. Barts / Facebook.com

Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley made the best out of their free stay in the $7,000 per night property. They were spotted splashing in the sea, lazing around in swimwear, and generally living their best lives. 

Of course, since then Robbie has become all the more famous thanks to her starring role as Harley Quinn in AT&T’s Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey. With a net worth of $18 million, something tells us Robbie isn’t going to be staying at a Holiday Inn any time soon.

4. Shaquille O’Neal

Favorite Getaway: The Cove Atlantis, New Providence Island, The Bahamas 
Average Cost of Stay: $2,000 per night*

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t have to worry about a silly thing like money, or whether to go all-inclusive or not. With a net worth of $299 million, the sports star has made a ton of money through partnerships with companies like Nike as well as years of dominating pro basketball as an All-Star.

Shaquille O’Neal @Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas / Facebook.com | @Fave.co / Pinterest.com Shaquille O’Neal @Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas / Facebook.com | @Fave.co / Pinterest.com

Shaq likes to go all over the world to soak up the sun, but he has stayed at The Cove Atlantis on New Providence Island in the Bahamas before. At almost $2,000 per night for the best suite they have available, it’s not hard to see why Shaq would pick this place. 

After all, a legendary sports icon like himself can afford the best of the best. It’s no secret that Shaq likes the finer things in life – even if he did tell James Corden that his credit card was once embarrassingly declined at Walmart.

5. Mark Cuban

Favorite Getaway: Montage Laguna Beach, California
Average Cost of Stay: $2,500 per night*

Montage Laguna Beach is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in the entire state of California if you’re looking for sun, sea, sand, and plenty of fun. Star of the show Shark Tank Mark Cuban liked it so much he actually bought a property there for $19 million. 

Mark Cuban @Mark Cuban / Facebook.com | @Sheety33 / YouTube.com Mark Cuban @Mark Cuban / Facebook.com | @Sheety33 / YouTube.com

Disney ABC star Cuban and his family mainly live in the exclusive area of Preston Hollow in Dallas, but when they want to get away they shuffle over to their ocean-view property on the resort grounds in Laguna. Only 12 other private homes exist on the property, making Mark one of the lucky few. 

Even celebrities have a hard time finding spots this exclusive as they often get snapped up as soon as they’re put on the market. Clearly, Cuban knows a thing or two about striking while the iron is hot, in both business and real estate.

6. David & Victoria Beckham

Favorite Getaway: Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy
Average Cost of Stay: $3,800 per night*

Victoria Beckham has come a long way since she was part of the Spice Girls. She successfully transitioned into a respected fashion designer, making high-end pieces as well as a line with Target. As for David Beckham – you could say he’s done alright for himself, too. 

David & Victoria Beckham @Victoria Beckham / Instagram.com | @Mr & Mrs Smith / Pinterest.com David & Victoria Beckham @Victoria Beckham / Instagram.com | @Mr & Mrs Smith / Pinterest.com

When it comes to getting away with the family, the Beckhams love to visit the Borgo Egnazia hotel in Puglia, Italy. It has everything you might expect from a $3,800 per night location, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. Each 250-foot square villa comes with its very own butler, too. 

The Beckhams aren’t scared to share the odd snap on Instagram either, although they don’t show off quite as much as some other A-listers. After all, both David and Victoria came from humble beginnings, even if they are worth an estimated $1 billion.

7. Bruce Willis

Favorite Getaway: Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Average Cost of Stay: $6,700 per night*

Turks and Caicos is a popular destination for the global glitterati looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Action star Bruce Willis has been known to visit the privately-owned resort of Parrot Cay when he’s not shooting another Die Hard movie.

Bruce Willis @US Weekly / Pinterest.com | @Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty / YouTube.com Bruce Willis @US Weekly / Pinterest.com | @Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty / YouTube.com

While you can get a room for around $700 per night, it’s likely that Willis stayed in one of the more expensive suites coming in at about $6,700. Willis isn’t the only A-lister to have been drawn to the stunning resort situated in a no-fly zone. Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand have also visited. 

Considering just how much the Disney actor puts his body through for his action roles, it’s hardly surprising that he likes to blow off steam in a truly awe-inspiring spot. Not everyone can afford it, but let’s face it – Willis can afford the room service bill and then some!

8. Justin Bieber

Favorite Getaway: Jumby Bay Resort, Antigua, Bahamas
Average Cost of Stay: $5,250 per night*

Justin Bieber can go anywhere he wants and often does when he’s not locked into the studio recording his next album for Island Records. When he’s not taking romantic vacations in Utah with his wife Hailey, the pair can be seen at Jumby Bay Resort in Antigua. 

Justin Bieber @Sara / Pinterest.com | @Luxury Retreats / Pinterest.com Justin Bieber @Sara / Pinterest.com | @Luxury Retreats / Pinterest.com

The sprawling, flawlessly designed resort caters to a very exclusive market. An estate suite with a minibar, sea view, balcony, and a private pool will set you back $5,250 per night, but it’s worth every cent. Who doesn’t want to wake up in the lap of luxury with round-the-clock service? 

Justin and Hailey often share vacation snaps with their followers on Instagram, but considering how hard they both hustle it’s not surprising. Justin is constantly pumping out new music, while Hailey earns her living as a model. It might look easy, but those early call times are no joke.

9. Tim Cook

Favorite Getaway: New York City, New York 
Average Cost of Stay: $1,100 per night*

Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn’t exactly have a lot of time on his hands, even if he does wear an Apple watch. However, he does try and get away when he can, even if he doesn’t always take the time that he’s owed. 

Tim Cook @Bloomberg Technology / YouTube.com | @New York Minute Magazine / Pinterest.com Tim Cook @Bloomberg Technology / YouTube.com | @New York Minute Magazine / Pinterest.com

One of his known vacations was a trip to New York City with his nephew to tour the stock exchange and take in the sights. It’s not immediately clear where Tim stays when he’s in the big city, but he has been spotted having dinner with Robert De Niro at the 5-star Greenwich Hotel before. A Deluxe King Room goes for $1,100 per night. 

The Apple whizz probably has probably had the pleasure of staying in some of the world’s most exclusive hotels, but as he isn’t a bankable paparazzi’s dream, the wider public simply isn’t privy to it. Still, we can only imagine what vacations must look like for Cook!

10. Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick

Favorite Getaway: Grand Wailea Maui, Hawaii
Average Cost of Stay: $8,500 per night*

Hollywood power couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick don’t get a chance to vacation much, but when they do they like to make sure they do it in style. Bacon, who made a name for himself in the classic Footloose, has been spotted soaking up the rays at Hawaii’s famous Grand Wailea Maui resort. 

Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick @enews / Twitter.com | @Grand Wilea / Pinterest.com Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick @enews / Twitter.com | @Grand Wilea / Pinterest.com

The Waldorf-Astoria resort is the pinnacle of luxury. Although they have rooms starting from $800 a night, their most sought-after room is the Grand Suite. A stay in the Napua Club room will set lucky guests back $8,500 a night. On the plus side, the champagne and chocolates are free. 

For Bacon, it’s just another day in the life of a Paramount star. That being said, Kevin doesn’t appear in quite as many blockbuster hits as he used to in his heyday, so he’s not as loose with the purse strings as some of his other contemporaries.

11. Oprah Winfrey

Favorite Getaway: Namale Resort and Spa, Fiji
Average Cost of Stay: $3,000 per night*

Oprah Winfrey can take her pick of vacation spots thanks to her success with her hit TV shows and film appearances. One of her favorite spots of all time is the Namale Resort and Spa in Fiji. Nestled into the hilltop and overlooking gorgeous tranquil waters, the room prices can exceed $3,000 per night. 

Oprah Winfrey @Michele Wilson / Pinterest.com | @Namale Resort & Spa/Facebook.com Oprah Winfrey @Michele Wilson / Pinterest.com | @Namale Resort & Spa/Facebook.com

Winfrey has been visiting the resort for years. Winfrey spoke about how much she loved the resort in a 2012 holiday segment on her show titled “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” She gave out free vacations to a group of women, who were rightly thrilled with the announcement. 

After all, it’s not every day that one of the richest women in the world gives you exclusive access to her favorite resort on earth. Not only did they get the trip, but it was all expenses paid. There’s a reason why Oprah is still the Queen of Daytime TV, despite having wrapped her show several years ago. Sorry, Ellen.

12. Carrie Underwood

Favorite Getaway: The Cove Atlantis, The Bahamas
Average Cost of Stay: $2,000 per night*

Carrie Underwood’s rise to fame was something the whole world got to witness thanks to her win on American Idol back in 2005. Since then, the country starlet has been in high demand. Back in 2009, she was booked to perform at The Cove Atlantis in Nassau. 

Carrie Underwood @Travel Blah Blah / Pinterest.com | @Antoinetta Astorina / Pinterest.com Carrie Underwood @Travel Blah Blah / Pinterest.com | @Antoinetta Astorina / Pinterest.com

Of course, the resort made sure she was incredibly comfortable. Carrie made the most of her time there, swimming with dolphins and enjoying the local attractions – when she wasn’t busy being a superstar performer, that is. Carrie has visited the resort several times since.

The flawless service and fun atmosphere obviously made its mark on Carrie, just like it made its mark on countless other celebrities and non-famous visitors alike. The Cove Atlantis has a very good reputation, which is why it’s often in demand at peak times.

13. Jack Dorsey

Favorite Getaway: Dhamma Mahima, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar 
Average Cost of Stay: Free*

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is worth around $3 billion dollars, so he isn’t a stranger to fancy vacations. He’s been spotted on private yachts in St Barts and has even spent some downtime with Beyonce and Jay-Z. That being said, Jack’s favorite vacation is slightly surprising. 

Jack Dorsey @Myanmar Pilgrimage / Pinterest.com | @jack / Twitter.com Jack Dorsey @Myanmar Pilgrimage / Pinterest.com | @jack / Twitter.com

Back in 2018, Dorsey tweeted about his experience at a meditation retreat in Myanmar. It was his second time staying in a very basic charity-funded room with a concrete floor at the Dhamma Mahima. According to him, it was more than a week of zero technology, conversations, meat, or even eye contact with other people. 

Considering just how busy Dorsey usually is in his day-to-day life, it must have been a welcome release from the pressure and stress of billionaire living. It’s not the kind of vacation that most high-flyers would choose, but then again, Dorsey isn’t most people.

14. Brad Pitt

Favorite Getaway: Turks and Caicos
Average Cost of Stay: $2,000 per night*

Even the cheapest room at Brad Pitt’s favorite vacation spot will set you back $2,000 per night – though it’s likely that the actor spent much more than that on an exclusive top-of-the-line villa. Pitt vacationed at the luxurious resort several times with his family when he was still married to Angelina Jolie. 

Brad Pitt @E! News / Pinterest.com @Turks & Caicos Tourism / Facebook.com Brad Pitt @E! News / Pinterest.com @Turks & Caicos Tourism / Facebook.com

The pair spent Thanksgiving 2016 at the sprawling location with private beaches. Guests are tucked away in private villas equipped with their own pools and concierge service. The hotel isn’t just a vacation spot but a work of art that took over eight years to build. 

There are certainly worse places to spend the holidays, which is why Pitt isn’t the only celebrity to walk through the hallowed halls of the villa. A-listers often trade notes about what places are worth the money, which can be great advertising for owners and hoteliers.