Let’s be honest, celeb spotting is something most of us have done or wanted to do during at least one point during our lives. There’s something seemingly ethereal about these unique individuals.
But in truth, they’re not so different. Sure, they might stay at more luxurious hotels and resorts than your local caravan park, but they still have the same cravings we do: Dedicated service, pampering leisure facilities and some quality on-site dining. If spotting celebs is more important than budgeting, check into one of these hotels on your next holiday.
Nihi Sumba Island – Sumba, Indonesia
When you see Nihi Sumba’s seemingly endless ocean outlook, the sandy-floored Ombak restaurant and bar by the water and the naturally finished villas with private plunge pools, you’ll quickly realise why this hotel has attracted the likes of David and Victoria Beckham. We haven’t even mentioned the fresh-from-sea fish served at Nio Beach Club or the beachfront sushi bar.
The accommodation is an Instagrammer’s dream, such as the Mamole Tree House with an infinity pool and open-air living room. The four-bedroom Puncak villa has not one, but two plunge pools (because why not), along with organic gardens and ocean views. And then there are the activities, from yoga and surfing to a spa safari and spearfishing.
Halekulani – Oahu, USA
The name-dropping that goes on at Halekulani is quite ridiculous. Cameron Diaz, John Travolta, Ben Affleck and Arnold Schwarzenegger have all been spotted here enjoying the 5-star hotel’s private beach, boutique spa services and fine-dining restaurants. The latter include gastronomic delights, such as southern French flavours at La Mer and coastal Italian dishes at Orchids.
No doubt these A-listers are splurging on the Premium Suites. We can definitely picture Mr Travolta kicking back on the multiple balconies and in the spa-style bathroom of the Halekulani Suite or Cameron Diaz taking respite in the Orchid Suite with private lanais, a garden, Sub-Zero kitchen, cold therapy pool and home theatre.
Four Seasons Hotel George V – Paris, France
Oh the stories the walls could tell at Four Seasons Hotel George V, which is probably most famous for housing the Beatles in 1964. It was during this 19-day stay that the band wrote ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ on a piano hand-delivered to their room. The pinnacle of accommodation here is the Penthouse, which has a private conservatory, four-poster day bed and a terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
The hotel’s culinary scene is hard to match with three Michelin-star restaurants serving French and Mediterranean cuisine. Pampering takes centre stage in the day spa, which has an indoor pool and day beds, while the wine cellar stocks more than 50,000 bottles of wine.
Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
If it’s good enough for Ellen, it’s good enough for us. The world-famous TV host and comedian and her wife, Portia de Rossi, visited Nairobi and made Giraffe Manor their temporary home away from home. The boutique hotel is probably most famous for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes, who wander the 4.5-hectare ground occasionally sticking their heads through your window for a snack.
You’d poke your head in too if you saw these fabulous safari-style rooms, such as the Karen Blixen Suite with two bedrooms, king-size four-poster bed, fireplace and writing desk. You can even feed the giraffes from your private balcony. There’s no room for boredom here. Not when you can share breakfast with a giraffe, meet baby elephants and watch a sunset with afternoon tea.
Chateau Marmont – Los Angeles, USA
Celebrities haven’t always had sterling reputations at Chateau Marmont. Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears have both been banned from the hotel, which has seen the likes of Greta Garbo, Sofia Coppola and James Dean. The hotel is considered a discrete retreat for celebs who enjoy its reclusive setting and secluded hillside and poolside bungalows.
The Two Bed Penthouse is renowned for its fireplace and sprawling terrace, while the Garden Cottage is ideal for escaping with its full kitchen and landscaped courtyard. A heated outdoor pool, private gym trainers and massage therapists and the famed garden terrace restaurant round out this California oasis.
Hotel Hassler – Rome, Italy
The legendary Hotel Hassler is almost as world-famous as the celebrities that have stayed at this 5th-generation family dynasty. The Beckhams, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lopez have all been lured by the hotel’s premium Spanish Steps views, open-air 7th-floor terrace and the traditional massages at Amorvero Spa. They also probably didn’t pass up a chance to dine at the Michelin-star restaurant, Imàgo.
The suites are equally glamorous with French silk, private Jacuzzis, marble bathrooms and crystal chandeliers. The Hassler Penthouse is the pinnacle of accommodation, boasting a grand piano, fully-stocked cocktail bar, a private elevator, state-of-the-art music tech and two Travertine marble terraces overlooking the Eternal City.
Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel – London, England
A London institution, Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel has long been a retreat for some of the world’s most influential inventors, artists and royals. Staying here places you under the same roof once occupied by telephone inventor, Alexander Graham Bell and Napoleon III. Today it’s visited by the likes of NBA heavyweight, LeBron James and model-cum-actress, Cara Delevingne.
The historic hotel sparks that feeling of exclusivity with its sophisticated dining options, such as The Donovan Bar, known for serving top-shelf vintages of wine, and the award-winning Afternoon Tea at The English Tea Room. The Rocco Forte Wellness centre aims to completely enrich your mental, physical and emotional health, while the Kipling Suite sets a high standard of luxury with its antique furnishings and Italian marble bathroom.
Windsor Court Hotel – New Orleans, USA
While Bourbon Street has turned into a sorority girl’s dream of frozen daquiri bars, neon signs and novelty necklaces, Windsor Court Hotel has upheld its long-standing tradition of unparalleled service and sophisticated luxury. The old-world charm in the James J. Coleman, JR. Presidential Suite is truly enveloping, from the baby grand piano and butler’s pantry to the Mississippi River views and fireplace.
This suite is one reason the hotel has lured in some of Hollywood’s hottest couples, such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. The live jazz music and classic cocktails at Polo Club Lounge might’ve also helped. Or it could’ve been the heated rooftop pool with plush sun loungers and poolside drinks and snacks.
Amanjena Resort – Marrakesh, Morocco
The 5-star Amanjena Resort is a heavenly oasis on the outskirts of Marrakesh, where traditional pisé-de-terre walls, palm trees and fountains give way to private pools, two Turkish-style hammams and two tennis courts. Guests stay in Pavilions and Maisons, many of which have Berber carpets, zellij-tiled floors, garden courtyards and private heated pools.
So who exactly has been wooed by this unique Moroccan haven? Tom Cruise, Guy Ritchie and the Beckhams (again) have all been fortunate enough to stay here while embracing the resort’s revitalising spa treatments and one-of-a-kind culinary recipes covering Italian, Moroccan and Japanese specialties. Don’t forget about the various customisable adventures, such as motorbike and mountain biking tours.
Gstaad Palace – Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is known for attracting some of the world’s elite, especially during winter when this Swiss countryside is transformed into a snow-covered wonderland. It’s no surprise that the privately-owned Gstaad Palace has welcomed many of these guests through its doors. Michael Jackson tried to buy the hotel and Paris Hilton partied with the best of them at the iconic GreenGo Nightclub.
The suites exude A-lister opulence, from the wine cabinet and wet bar in the Deluxe Suite Mountain View to the fireplace and rooftop terrace Jacuzzi in the Penthouse Three Bedroom Suite. The mountain scenery is particularly resplendent from the heated indoor pool, while Palace Spa offers a unique hammam experience.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel – Dubai, UAE
One of the most recognisable hotels in the world, Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel stands out on the city’s coastline with its sail-shape architecture design. It’s smooth sailing at this opulent hotel, whether you’re satisfying your taste buds at one or more of the nine first-class bars and restaurants, swimming at the private beach or one of the five pools or being pampered at Talise Spa.
Don’t be surprised to bump into some of this generation’s hottest celebs, as the hotel has already attracted Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. Along with helicopter and Rolls-Royce transfer services, the hotel offers glamorous suites with antique furnishings and panoramic city views.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel – New York City, USA
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel has garnered fame over the years after appearing in popular TV series, including Gossip Girl, Sex and the City and Girls. Former U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, had an apartment here, while Diana, Princess of Wales, Liza Minnelli, Billy Joel and Mariah Carey have all called it home at one point.
You’ll realise why it’s so popular once you see the extravagant serviced apartments with Art Deco influences and the opulent suites with soaking baths, kitchens and Central Park vistas. The Carlyle Restaurant is renowned for its Dover Sole and Lobster Bisque, while Bemelmans Bar has a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling.
L’Albereta Relais & Chateaux Resort – Erbusco, Italy
L’Albereta Relais & Chateaux Resort provided the perfect setting for tennis champion Serena Williams and her family to relax. Tucked away amongst the undulating hills and vineyards of Franciacorta, this alluring retreat offers revitalising treatments based on the Chenot method at its tranquil day spa.
You can also indulge in typical Italian and regional dishes while admiring Lake Iseo from the terrace at Leonefelice Vista Lago or sip on detox tea at Greeneige Lounge while reading a book from the library. Don’t pass up a stay in one of the unforgettable suites, such as the romantic Cabriolet Suite, which has a remote-controlled ceiling that opens up to starry nights.
The Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills, USA
Beverly Hills might be one of the best areas in the world for celeb-spotting, but if you want to experience true Hollywood hospitality, book a room at The Beverly Hills Hotel. While most tourists only see it from the outside, starry-eyed folks like Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Warren Beatty once had long-term stays here.
Why did they stick around? Maybe it was those hot California days spent around the sun-drenched pool sipping cocktails, or it could be the fabled Polo Lounge with its gardened patio and iconic candy-striped ceiling. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the fireplace, marble bathroom, full kitchen, bath and top-floor L.A. views in the Presidential Suite.
Cape Grace – Cape Town, South Africa
Backed by the natural marvel, Table Mountain, Cape Grace is a harbourside masterpiece of leisure, luxury and exclusivity. These three key ingredients have set the holiday scene for some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and Matt Damon. The harbour views are truly effortless, but it might be the world-class whiskies that set this hotel apart.
We’d hazard a guess that Oprah didn’t settle for anything less than the Penthouse Suite. And why not? The opulent abode is stacked with daily refreshments, a private rooftop terrace, harbour vistas, Jacuzzi and expansive living room. In fact, the only reason to leave might be for a luxe Kalahari Signature Massage at the day spa.
The Cape – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Nestled on an idyllic cape near Cabo del Sol Golf, The Cape boasts stunning views of El Arco and the Bahia Cabo San Lucas from every single room, suite and villa. Of course, the celebrities that have flocked to The Cape, including Noel Gallagher, Jennifer Anniston and Kourtney Kardashian, would’ve likely opted for one of the villas.
The villas showcase a world of luxury, such as private plunge pool, wet bar and barbecue in the Surfer Villa or the private rooftop deck and state-of-the-art rain shower in the Penthouse Suite. Ocean views seem to pair exceptionally well with the beer garden pergola on The Rooftop and the outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi.
St. Regis Hotel – Bora Bora
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were treasured guests at the heavenly St. Regis Hotel, which has some of the world’s most alluring overwater bungalows. These unique accommodations feature private swimming pools, expansive terraces and separate living rooms suspended over the crystalline water of the lagoon.
Most guests book a meal at the signature restaurant, Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Gorges, which pairs French-Asian fusion cuisine with panoramic island and lagoon views. After indulging your stomach, you might want to enjoy total relaxation and rejuvenation with a Polynesian or Asian treatment at Miri Miri Spa by Clarins.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland – Iceland
Australian actress, Rebel Wilson, wasn’t shy about sharing her holiday to Iceland, offering a lot of praise to the service and comfort of The Retreat Hotel. We don’t blame her, especially when it comes to the Moss Suite’s volcanic vistas, private balcony, stylish living room and heavenly bed. It’s almost as luxurious as the Lagoon Suite, which has its own private mineral-rich lagoon.
Of course, the main reason for staying here is direct access to the world-famous spa pools at Blue Lagoon. So while you’re treating the outside of your body, give the inside some love too with gourmet Icelandic cuisine at Lava Restaurant or five or seven-course set menus at Moss Restaurant.
The Little Nell – Aspen, USA
Offering ski-in, ski-out access to Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell is a popular winter and summer retreat for A-list celebrities. It’s already welcomed the likes of Antonio Banderas, Kate Hudson, Heidi Klum and Kurt Russel, wooing these Hollywood elites with its outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, state-of-the-art body treatments and live music and DJs at Chair 9.
Luxury abounds in the upper echelon of the suites, such as Jacuzzi, two fireplaces, full kitchen and private balcony in the signature Little Nell Suite. However, you’ll be channelling true star power if you opt for one of the residences instead. These 5-star, 5-Diamond accommodations share a rooftop pool deck with a gym and yoga studio.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Antibes, France
You may stumble upon Hollywood royalty while staying at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, as former guests have included Colin Firth, Cate Blanchett and Johnny Depp. Celebs typically stay in the secluded villas, which offer one-of-a-kind luxury on the French Riviera. We’re talking private pools, manicured gardens, personal butlers and full kitchens.
Let yourself be taken on a gastronomic journey at Eden-Roc Restaurant and Eden-Roc Grill, which both showcase fresh Mediterranean ingredients with creative dishes. Spa Eden-Roc by La Prairie will also become your go-to spot for a relaxing sauna or steam room session before experiencing a signature Five-Star Treatment with caviar.
