Vacation Like the A-List: Where Rihanna, The Clooneys, And The Kardashians Go

Taking inspiration from celebrity travel destinations this year, Quintessentially Travel brings you the A-list of hotels and villas from around the world. Feel like a total VIP and get a taste of celebrity life while you are waited on hand and foot in the highest of luxury.

Jennifer Aniston, Bora Bora (pictured above)

This romantic destination is so good even the celebs are trying to keep it secret! Follow in Jen and Justin’s footsteps and take a loved one to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. This is where you can ease into the relaxed beach lifestyle, never far from immaculate white beaches or a cheeky cocktail. Dive into the crystal clear water and explore the diverse underwater wildlife, or even take advantage of the Lagoon Spa to feel like a totally pampered celeb.

Anne Hathaway, Ibiza

Ibiza has become the hot spot for many celebs and even Anne Hathaway was spotted here enjoying the Spanish sea. Follow in celebrity footsteps and stay in the 4 bed Villa Muralla, located in Can Furnet near Ibiza town. The villa offers tranquility and privacy with a large infinity pool and panoramic views overlooking the town. However you are never far from the excitement of the Ibiza clubs just down the hill or you could even throw your own VIP party using your own DJ area and bar!

Rihanna, Barbados 

Discover why Rihanna is so in love with her home country of Barbados by staying at Sandy Lane, renowned for being one of the world’s more luxurious and elegant retreats. Like Rihanna, take advantage of the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle and visit the best beaches in the area, unwind with a round of golf or have a knock around of tennis in the sunshine. This is a place where you will feel completely welcome with warm Barbadian hospitality and never want to go home!

George and Amal Clooney, Lake Como, Italy 

Feel the love at Lake Como like George and Amal Clooney did earlier this summer and stay at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo where luxury is king. Located in the heart of Lake Como with unparalleled views of the stunning Grigne mountains you will really feel the love and romantic qualities that this hotel brings to your stay. This iconic hotel provides complete exclusivity and luxury that every celebrity expects, and now you have the chance to dive into this world of opulence and romance by the lake.

Alessandra Ambrosio, Mykonos

Follow Alessandra Ambrosio down the catwalk and all the way to Grace Mykonos where everyone is treated like a Greek goddess. Discover the beauty of Mykonos that Alessandra fell in love with this year and revel in the relaxed Grecian atmosphere while overlooking the emerald sea to completely unwind. However if you’re after some excitement after a long day in the sun and spa, you can head out to Mykonos Town and dip into its buzzing nightlife where everyone has the chance to let their hair down.

Sam Smith, Miami Beach

The Setai is the perfect place to enjoy Miami and its beaches in style. Discover why Sam Smith enjoyed his Miami stay while soaking up the sun in one of the 3 pools or your private day bed. The Setai is a haven in the buzzing city of Miami and South Beach while creating an oasis of relaxation and serenity; there is plenty to do to get the adrenaline pumping. You can discover the famous Miami nightlife or even try your hand at jet skis on the open ocean. Here, you can relax like a VIP and party like a celeb!

Mariah Carey, Sardinia

Go and see what Maria Carey loves so much about Sardinia. We love the complete exclusivity and privacy ofVilla Ada, yet is just a stones throw away from the chic resorts of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Get ready to be waited on hand and foot with the highly experienced concierge service, personal chef and butler to get a taste of life as a celebrity. There is even a private jetty and a yacht charter on offer for those who like the sound of popping champagne bottles as sun sets.. and who doesn’t?

Kylie Minogue, Portofino

Centrally located by the Piazzetta, Belmond Splendido Mare offers its guests a chance to explore local cuisine and culture that Kylie was spotted discovering for herself. With only 16 rooms and suites it also offers the privacy and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel, however also shares amenities with the larger Splendido so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Be spoilt in the spa, yoga classes and restaurants to totally unwind from the stresses of home and live the Italian dream.

The Kardashians, St Barths

Party like the rockstar you are at Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock, St Barths that comprises of 4 suites and 3 cabins. Whether you are celebrating an occasion or life itself, you will feel like a true VIP staying here. Villa Rockstar proves strong competition to the Kardashian’s luxurious holiday; being described as ‘a hundred million dollar yacht on land’ it’s sure to make any celeb jealous! With a recording studio, cinema, private spa, swimming pool and direct beach access you are never going to be short of things to do.

For more information please contact, quintessentiallytravel.com / info@quintessentiallytravel.com

From www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces 2016 Voyages

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 88-guest m/v Tere Moana, announces 2016 voyages that feature popular favorites along with a new 7-night Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus itinerary and an 11-night Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage on The Gauguin, as well as a new 7-night Roundtrip Athens, Greece, sailing and 7-night Roundtrip Philipsburg, St. Maarten, voyage on The Moana.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering savings of 50% off standard cruise fares on all 2016 voyages of both ships, plus included airfare from Los Angeles on m/s Paul Gauguin itineraries.

The Gauguin

New for 2016 on The Gauguin is a 7-night Tahiti, the Society Islands & Tuamotus voyage that adds the Tuamotus archipelago to the line's most popular Polynesian itinerary with visits to Papeete, Tahiti; Huahine, Society Islands; Fakarava, Tuamotus; Rangiroa, Tuamotus; Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands; Moorea, Society Islands; and Papeete, Tahiti. The sailing departs February 6, 2016, with cruise fares from $5,345 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles.

The Gauguin is also offering a new 11-night Society Islands & Tuamotus sailing featuring a second full day on the line's private island paradise of Motu Mahana. Ports include: Papeete, Tahiti; Huahine, Society Islands; Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Bora Bora, Society Islands (overnight); Rangiroa, Tuamotus; Fakarava, Tuamotus; Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands; Moorea, Society Islands (overnight); and Papeete, Tahiti (overnight). The December 3, 2016, voyage offers cruise fares from $5,845 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles.

The Gauguin will also be featuring its most sought-after itineraries in 2016: the 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands; and 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, which all feature complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises' two exclusive retreats—Motu Mahana and a private beach in Bora Bora. At Motu Mahana, guests enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast, and cocktails from full-service and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

The Moana

The Moana will again offer sailings in Europe during spring, summer, and fall, along with cruises in the Caribbean and Latin America during the fall and winter.

Two 14-night transatlantic crossings are available between Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Lisbon, Portugal, departing March 26 and November 12, 2016.

European voyages showcase the best of southern Europe, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sea of Marmara. New for 2016 is a 7-night Roundtrip Athens, Greece, voyage which visits: Santorini, Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, and Mykonos, Greece, along with Kusadasi, Turkey, departing June 4, 2016.

The Moana's 7-night Barcelona, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal, itinerary also features several new ports including Valencia, Cartagena, and Malaga, Spain. The ship also visits Cadiz, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; and Portimao and Lisbon, Portugal, departing November 5, 2016.

The Moana offers a new highlight on its 7-night Rome, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, itinerary—a port call at Livorno for excursions to Florence, Italy. The voyage, which departs August 27, 2016, also visits Monte Carlo, Monaco; Nice, France; Cannes, France; Cassis, France; Sete, France; and Barcelona, Spain.

The Moana's 7-night Athens, Greece, to Istanbul, Turkey, voyage features Athens (Piraeus), Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Patmos, Greece, as well as Canakkale and Istanbul, Turkey, departing June 11, 2016.

An August 13, 2016, Rome, Italy, to Venice, Italy, voyage visits Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Lipari, Italy; Taormina (Giardini Naxos), Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Hvar, Croatia; and Venice, Italy, with a reverse itinerary departing August 20, 2016.

A 7-night Roundtrip Rome, Italy, voyage features the Italian ports of Rome (Civitavecchia), Amalfi, Sorrento, Lipari, Capri, Ponza, and Golfo di Aranci along with Porto-Vecchio (Corsica), France, and departs October 15, 2016, with cruise fares from $4,295 per person.
A 7-night cruise departing October 22, 2016, on The Moana sails Rome, Italy, to Nice, France, visiting Elba, Porto Venere, Florence (Livorno), and Portofino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight); Villefranche, France, and overnights in Nice, France.

The 7-night Nice, France, to Barcelona, Spain, itinerary features Nice, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; St. Tropez, France; and Sete, France, along with Palamos, Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona, Spain, and departs October 29, 2016.

In the Caribbean, The Moana introduces a new, 7-night "Yachtsman's Paradise" voyage sailing Roundtrip Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The itinerary features overnights in each Caribbean port allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich island culture. Tortola, B.V.I. (2 days); Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. (overnight); Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. (overnight); Anguilla, U.K. (overnight); and St. Barts, F.W.I. (overnight). Departures include: March 19, 2016.

In Latin America, The Moana features an 8-night Colon, Panama, to Philipsburg, St. Maarten, voyage visiting Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Les Saintes, F.W.I.; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and departing March 11, 2016.

The 14-night Philipsburg, St. Maarten, to Puerto, Caldero, Costa Rica, voyage departs December 3, 2016, includes a Panama Canal evening transit and visits St. Barts, F.W.I.; St. John's, Antigua; Les Saintes, F.W.I.; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Columbia; Isla de Coiba, Panama; Golfito and Marenco, Costa Rica.

The Moana's 7-night Roundtrip Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, voyages visits Isla Parida, Panama, along with the Costa Rican ports of Granito de Oro, Isla de Coiba, Casa Orquideas, Casa Saladero, Drake Bay, Quepos, Curu, and Puerto Caldera, with holiday departures December 23 and 30, 2016.

The 6-night voyage departs December 17, 2016, and visits Isla Gamez, Panama, in lieu of Isla Parida, Panama, and Curu, Costa Rica.

Travelore Tips: The Top 10 Beach Activities And Where To Do Them.

Snorkeling –  El Nido in the province of Palawan, is a quiet little community which faces the sparkling sea and is cradled by a backdrop of dark, majestic limestone cliffs.  Because it is made up of 45 islands and islets, island hopping is very popular.  Members noted that many of the areas offer some of the best opportunities for snorkeling, walking off white sand beaches in to crystal-clear waters.  VT members also had a good tip: Rocks and corals can hurt your feet so don't forget to bring and wear your best aqua shoes to avoid going home with cuts. (Snorkeling, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member Michael_baldwin)

Fossil Hunting – Lyme Regis, Dorset Coast, United Kingdom When a member first recommended fossil hunting, we were a bit skeptical, too, but travelers seeking an unusual beach activity should consider visiting Lyme Regis on the Dorset Coast, home to the World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coastline.  Visitors to the beach have found a variety of amazing fossils, including giant marine reptiles, crinoids, ammonites and even dinosaur remains.  The quantity and quality of finds over the last 200 years have made Lyme Regis popular with explorers of every age. (Fossils found on Lyme Regis, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member leics)

Seaplaning – Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays Island, Queensland, Australia  Whitehaven Beach offers some of the most crystal clear aqua waters and white sand beaches you will ever see.  And to truly experience it, VirtualTourist members recommend a seaplane adventure.  By air, you will see some of the most amazing views of Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  Your plane lands in the water where you practically jump from your seat in to the ocean to enjoy the warm waters. It’s easy to understand why many VirtualTourist members consider this the most incredible adventure by air and sea.  (Seaplaning on Whitehaven Beach, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member aussirose)

Paddleboarding – Bora Bora, French Polynesia Known as a luxurious honeymoon destination, few locales offer the bright blues and calm disposition of Bora Bora’s lagoon. The flat conditions are ideal for a first-timer, and paddlers frequently spot manta rays in the lagoon, since it has visibility up to 150 feet! (Still waters of Bora Bora make it perfect for paddleboarding, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member usctin)

Scuba Diving– Sharm El Skeikh, Egypt The reefs of Sharm el Sheikh in the Red Sea are a divers’ paradise.  In addition to having relatively warm waters all year long, low rainfall and mild currents allow excellent visibility, in some places up to 150 feet.  As one of the saltiest seas in the world, a large variety of endemic species can be found here including the bright yellow Masked Butterfly fish, the Red Sea Flasher Wrasse and the Picasso Triggerfish, which lives up to its name by resembling a picture of the painter, among others. (A scuba diver in the Red Sea off of Sharm el Sheikh, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member heavens-mirror)

Swimming – Varadero Beach, Cuba Some VirtualTourist members called Varadero Beach the best beach in the Caribbean.  With its sugary-white sandy beach, turquoise clear water, and warm water temperatures year round, it’s easy to see why.  The calm waters make swimming here a favorite pastime for all levels. (Calm waters and white sandy beach of Varadero Beach, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member DonnieTravelExpert)

Sailing, British Virgin Islands If you’re looking to venture out in to the open waters by sailboat, then British Virgin Islands is for you.  With 25 jaw-dropping islands in reach, checking out new land by boat has never been more fun.  Whether you’re a first time sailor, or a seasoned captain, consistent trade winds, long, sunny days and beautiful views make BVI a sailor’s paradise.  (Sailing in BVI, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist.com member grandmaR)

Surfing, Inchydoney Island, County Cork, Ireland County Cork has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Ireland and the beach on Inchydoney Island is no exception.  It recently received Blue Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education, meaning it is acknowledged for its high environment and quality standards.  VirtualTourist members noted that the endless beach and reliable tides make this a perfect place to learn to surf. (Beautiful Inchydoney Island, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist member songlines)

Catch and Release Fishing, Glover’s Reef Atoll, Belize Glover’s Reef Atoll just off of Belize is considered to be the prototypic atoll in the Caribbean and is also the best developed biologically.  It contains the greatest range of reef type and is home to a variety of sea life including three species of sea turtles, eight species of sharks and rays, more than twenty species of aggregating reef fish, and numerous species of coral.  Fishing can be enjoyed year round, but because the area is now a Marine Preserve, it’s catch and release only.  Some fish you might encounter are Bonefish, Jacks, Mutton Snappers, Yellowtails, Bonitos, Cubera Snappers, Barracudas, King Mackerel, Wahoo and Groupers and Permit. (Catch and release fishing in Belize, photo courtesy of VirtualTourist member Jefie)

Canoeing – Pemba Island, Zanzibar Pemba is a genuine, remote tropical island just off the East Coast of Africa.  While there are amazing beaches, Pemba is most noted for its unique mangrove swamps.  For a great sense of adventure, VirtualTourist members recommend hopping aboard a canoe and exploring what nature has to offer.  While floating along the endless channels, you’ll watch rivers disappear deep into the bush and spot birds and fish endemic to the area.  You’ll soon see why some say no other place in Africa can provide the same sense of adventure. (Canoeing amongst the mangroves, photo courtesy of Flickr)

Whether you want to get in the water, or do an activity on top of or near it, VirtualTourist members have recommendations for it all.  For more information, visit www.virtualtourist.com.

World's Most Overpriced Travel Destinations And How To Do It For Less

Think of your vacation budget. Now add a few zeros. Excellent, now you're ready for the world's most overpriced travel destinations, places with tremendous appeal and intimidating price tags. But here's the good news: Great deals do exist in every one of these destinations. We've rounded up some of our favorite ways to save in each, so you can avoid overspending in these priciest of hot spots.

To determine which cities are most overpriced, we looked to recent reports including UBS CIO Wealth Management Research's Prices and Earnings report, Hotels.com's Hotel Price Index, and Expatistan's Cost of Living Index.

Oslo, Norway

Like the most opulent cities in the Middle East, Oslo's wealth is fueled by oil money. So it's not entirely surprising that Norway's capital is, according to the Prices and Earnings report, the most expensive city in the world. If you want to enjoy the best of cosmopolitan Oslo, expect to pay prices that are about 20 percent higher than you'd find elsewhere in Western Europe. And keep in mind that this is a city where goods and services are nearly 70 percent higher than the world average, a fact that burns a fast hole in travelers' wallets.

Do It for Less: VisitOslo.com has a guide for budget travelers that includes tips on finding affordable accommodations, cheap eats, and free things to do.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich offers visitors plenty: pure mountain air, gorgeous surroundings, and walkable neighborhoods. But you'll pay for the privilege of a visit. In fact, according to the Prices and Earnings report, it's actually the most expensive city in the world for a weekend getaway that includes the cost of accommodations in a nice hotel, dinner with wine, transportation, and extras. And Zurich also has among the highest public transportation and taxi costs in the world. Case in point: A three-mile cab ride in Zurich runs about $28.

Do It for Less: Cabs may be expensive in Zurich, but between May and October you can bike for free. The Zurich on Wheels program maintains 200 bikes that you can borrow for the day as long as you show a valid form of ID and leave a small deposit.

New York, New York

Here's the thing about New York City: It's going to play chicken with your budget, and it's going to win. Along with Tokyo, NYC has the world's most expensive average costs for both luxury and mid-range hotel stays. We're talking $730 per night for luxe digs or $340 per night for mid-range accommodations. It's also the most expensive city in North America for a weekend getaway that includes accommodations, a nice dinner, and in-town transportation. Home to a $350 steak and a $1,000 sundae, it's a city that has taken overpriced to a whole new level.

Do It for Less: To offset the high prices you'll likely pay for accommodations and food, take advantage of the many free activities New York City has to offer. Attractions that are free or offer free days include the Bronx Zoo, The Museum of American Illustration, and the New York Botanical Garden.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Exclusive, isolated, and a favorite of the rich and famous—if there's a perfect recipe for high prices, Bora Bora has it. The South Pacific island's tropical beauty has earned it plenty of accolades, including a place on U.S. News & World Report's list of the world's best islands. But it all comes at a very steep price. The average nightly rate for one of Bora Bora's famed overwater bungalows is around $1,000. And it's not just staying there that's expensive: Fares for a summer flight from San Francisco start at around $2,500.

Do It for Less: Visit between December and March for better rates on accommodations, including the overwater bungalows for which Bora Bora is famous.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is prepared to give you the friendliest fleecing you'll ever get. The sunny city was recently ranked one of the most expensive in the world by Expatistan, and in an analysis by Deutsche Bank on world prices, a weekend getaway was more expensive in Sydney than in New York City. The exchange rate doesn't help either: Between 2009 and 2012, the Australian dollar appreciated by about 50 percent. While the currency took a slight dip in 2013, it's still an expensive destination.

Do It for Less: Wine, beer, and cocktails can drive up the cost of any restaurant bill. But at Sydney's many BYO (Bring Your Own) restaurants, you can avoid the alcohol markup by bringing along your preferred beverage and enjoying it for free (or for a small corkage fee that will likely run you less than the cost of a single drink). Time Out Sydney has a list of BYO restaurants around town.

Tokyo, Japan

Visit Tokyo and you won't need souvenirs—you'll bring home plenty of credit card debt to remind you of the good times. At 50 percent more expensive than most other cities in Asia, Tokyo ranks as the third most expensive city in the world. Not to be outdone by its pricey competitors, it is actually the most expensive city in the world when it comes to food and shopping. And it shares bragging rights with New York City as the most expensive city in the world for luxury and mid-priced hotel stays.

Do It for Less: For a cheap and delicious meal, head to a tachigui (stand-up) shop, where you can slurp down noodles with locals for a lot less than you'd pay at a sit-down restaurant. CNN has a list of suggested affordable shops at railway stations around Tokyo.

London, England

London has everything a cosmopolitan traveler could wish for: incredible museums, a thriving theater culture, and with more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants, a dining scene that has finally taken its place on the world stage. But it also has one of the highest costs of living in the world, a fact that seriously impacts even the casual traveler. Expect to pay more than $400 per night for a four-star hotel and around $200 per night for a three-star hotel. And you'll need to up the budget even for the small things: Coffee is 60 percent more expensive in London than in Rome, for instance, and it costs about $36 for two people to catch a movie. Even leaving is expensive: London has one of the highest prices for train tickets in the world—about 70 percent above the Western Europe average.

Do It for Less: As expensive as it can be, there are hundreds of things to do in London on a budget. VisitLondon.com has tips including free activities, bargain fashion finds, and inexpensive walking tours.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas always pushes the envelope, so it's no surprise that when it comes to prices, the sky's the limit. You want to spend too much for everything? Vegas is happy to oblige. How about a $40,000-per-night hotel room? If all that spending has made you peckish, you might consider a $5,000 burger. In this city where a single ticket to a Cirque du Soleil show can average more than $250 and it's easy to find a blackjack table where you can bet $5,000 on a hand, exorbitant pricing is so common that it almost seems normal. Almost.

Do It for Less: Las Vegas may be overpriced, but it's also a great destination for deal makers. To save on accommodations, look for hotels that are either off the Strip or at one of its far ends. You can also often find better prices by booking midweek (except when there's a major convention in town).

Monte Carlo, Monaco

In Monte Carlo, everyone wants to live like royalty. But the price tag on the priceless is not for the faint of heart. According to Hotels.com's 2013 Hotel Price Index, Monte Carlo delivered the world's highest overall hotel prices, with an average of $308 per night. Steep prices don't stop at the hotel bill, either: Leisure is a pricey pursuit too. Greens fees at the Monte Carlo Golf Club run $176 and up, and a day pass to theThermes Marins Monte Carlo spa is about $130. Even a simple trip to the beach can cost you more than $100 if you opt for a spot at the see-and-be-seen Monte Carlo Beach Club.

Do It for Less: Monte Carlo's hotels may be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options in nearby Nice. Since the two cities are only about 20 minutes apart by train, it's easy enough to spend days and evenings in Monte Carlo but sleep in Nice.

Singapore

Until a few years ago, Singapore was a true bargain. But an increasingly strong currency and an influx of wealthy expats have driven prices up enough that Singapore was named one of the world's most expensive cities in The Economist Intelligence Unit's cost-of-living survey and Expatistan's Cost of Living Index. A report last year put average hotel rates at around $260 per night, making it a pricey stop for travelers as well.

Do It for Less: Food, particularly the authentic local food available in food halls and from hawker stalls, tends to be very affordable. For a slightly more expensive but still affordable option, check out the food courts in the basements of many of the city's skyscrapers.

Contributed by Christine Sarkis