All gossip addicts dream to randomly bump into a top chart singer, an A-list actor or the latest up-and-coming comedian. But where do you start? Instead of being buried in the crowds of tourists, adoring fans and paparazzi making a beeline to Hollywood and worldwide film premieres, why not try to travel to the Caribbean islands’ ultimate locations for some celebrity-spotting?
- Sunset, BarbadosBen124. / Water Photos / CC BY
In the recent years, all of the following destinations have seen their fair share of international singers, Olympic athletes and world class actors. Whether it is for the food, the climate or the culture, the stars seem to adore this corner of the world. Whether they own a villa, castle, private beach or just head to the region for regular retreats, lots of Hollywood celeberites have fallen in love this region. And you might as well!
So, if this year you want your annual break to chill with sea, celebs’ and sun, keep on reading and find out how to plan your Caribbean holidays around your favourite stars.
Barbados
While being one of the Caribbean’s top tourist destinations and most developed islands, Barbados is also home to some of the world’s top celebrities, including the singer Rihanna. Staying in hotels and luxury resorts like the Sandy Lane or the Fairmont Royal Pavillon are a must to follow the trail of footballer Wayne Rooney or X Factor guru Simon Cowell. If you are looking for more affordable options, there are many other types of accommodation to stay at on the west coast. Since all the beaches in Barbados are considered public space, try to get as close as you can to the Saint James and the likes and keep your eyes open whilst taking in the sun.
St. Barth’s
Another Caribbean destination which appeals to upscale clientele is St Barth’s, a little French volcanic island situated at only 14 miles of Saint Martin. It is not uncommon to see hot celebrities such as Gwen Stefani or Beyonce and Jay-Z (who are yet to be seen over there this year with little Ivy Blue Carter) dock their yachts at St Barth’s port Gustavia. Often depicted as a place of perfection, it is with no surprise that many celebrities have bought properties on St Barth’s. Actor Steve Martin, television host David Letterman, French singer Johnny Hallyday and choreographer and dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov are all neighbours on the island, and can enjoy the incredible joys of the Caribbean whenever they please.
Antigua and Barbuda
Like most of the Caribbean islands, Antigua and Barbuda’s economy relies upon tourism and is marketed to travelers and jet-setters as a luxury and paradise escape. Its endless beaches of fine white sand and dramatic azure-blue waters do not go unnoticed by some of the most successful men and women on the planet: Richard Branson, Ken Follett, Giorgio Armani, Oprah Winfrey and Eric Clapton each own their own piece of remote heaven in this island of the West Indies for peaceful winter breaks.
The Bahamas
Forget about diving sessions and wildlife observations for this part of your trip! The Bahamas has an impressive number of celebrities who have legal residential status or own luxury houses in the country. From John Travolta (who often spends his Caribbean breaks at the Old Bahamas Bay Hotel) to Eddie Murphy, you are likely to see plenty of your favourite film stars over there. To be in with a good chance of spotting a star, head to Paradise Island where Nicolas Cage, Michael Jordan, Chuck Norris and even Oprah all have at least one property. Another hot spot is Eleuthera, an island 50 miles east of Nassau, where diva Mariah Carey, multi-billionaire Bill Gates, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill all possess their own island. Unfortunately, it might be trickier to spy on these ones, unless you are not afraid of being welcomed by their security miles before reaching the shore…
Of course, the Caribbean being such a luxurious hub and top destinations for celebs, you can never fully get prepared for who you might spot. Who knows, if you are lucky, you might even get to spot one of those famous faces brunching right at the next table.
