New Yorkers braving the winter’s sub-zero temps can at least daydream of sunbathing on a beach property like a celeb. The life of yacht parties and beachside bonfires also known as resort season peaks in January. Notable deep-pocketers, such as Simon Cowell, Adam Levine and Leo DiCaprio, are now off drawing lines in the sand at the hottest island resorts the world has to offer. Should you schedule your next vacation in time to get in on the fun, here are the sunny spots that A-listers are flocking to in order to hide from Old Man Winter.
Barbados
Recent Celebrity Sightings: Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Simon Cowell, Marc Anthony
Top Resort: Sandy Lane Resort in St. James, Barbados / $2,380 per day
Barbados is an under the radar option for A-list celebrities looking to temporarily trade flashbulbs for seclusion. The Sandy Lane resort in St. James on the island’s west coast — or as natives call it the “Platinum Coast” — is a top of the line vacation spot that boasts five-star status. The resort spans 800 grand acres with a 7,000-square-foot pool, a lavish spa and just enough activities for celebrities to play in. Take the day to explore with catamaran sailing or go swimming with turtles.
Mexico
Recent Celebrity Sightings: Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Alba, Maria Menounos, Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo, Lea Michele, Leo Dicaprio, Toni Garrn
Top Resort: Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico / $1,497 per day
On top of being one of the most popular dream wedding destinations, Mexico offers a mountain of opportunity for some serious downtime. For a high class experience, travelers hit the Esperanza Resort in Cabos San Lucas. Along with breathtaking cliffside ocean views, each of the 57 guest rooms comes with private terraces, 925 square feet of space and is decorated in authentic Baja decor. For optimal relaxation, some rooms are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs, but there are infinity pools all around the resort.
Miami
Celebrity Sightings: Molly Sims, Padma Lakshmi, Katie Holmes, Beyoncé, Jay Z
Top Resort: Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach / $441 per night
For the celeb with no time to wait in a customs line, there is always South Beach. And Miami’s Fontainebleau resort puts you right in the center of art and decadence. The five-star pad with beach access is just a short walk from the Bass Museum of Art and a quick drive to the Miami Beach Golf Club. The top of the line accommodations include private butlers, iMac computers in guest rooms and a hotel spa.
Hawaii
Celebrity Sightings: Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, Sean Penn, Jane Seymour, Paulina Gretzky, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Joe Jonas, Emma Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Adam Sandler
Top Resort: St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, Hawaii / $500 per night
For the Hollywood’er in need of an exotic escape closer to Studio City take a look at Hawaii. A short five-hour flight from the West Coast can transport you into a habitat of gorgeous weather, earthy rain forests and water bluer than a robin’s egg. The luxurious St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai is a secret paradise where celebs migrate to hide out from the paparazzi. The 250-room property has an 18-hole golf course, a 24-hour fitness center and stunning views overlooking the famed Hanalei Bay.
Anguilla
Celebrity Sightings: Ryan Seacrest, Rachel Roy, Kristin Chenoweth, The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Top Celebrity Resort: The Viceroy / $685 a night
This eastern Caribbean island has long been a well-known hot spot where the rich — and mere commoners — mingle in harmony. Ryan Seacrest found time to visit the island during a quickie jaunt to Nikki Beach on nearby St. Barts — before heading back to work for his “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” hosting gig last week. The resort opened in 2009 and hired interior decorator Kelly Wearstler to craft a modern upscale space that doesn’t slack on the island appeal for its 166 rooms.