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

The 12 Most Romantic Resorts In The Mediterranean

There’s something undeniably sexy about the Mediterranean: The sea breezes, the storied history, the beautiful architecture, the friendly people, the delicious cuisine, and — without a doubt — the sweeping views, of both city and sea, certainly don’t hurt either. We’ve made our way along the winding coast, from Spain’s Costa del Sol to the Greek island of Mykonos, and have found that the Mediterranean can certainly set the scene for romance — as can many of its luxury hotels. Here are a dozen beautiful, romantic properties in the Mediterranean that are perfect for a sexy escape.

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center, Mykonos

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center is a luxury hotel (it’s part of the Relais & Chateaux chain) with 70 rooms overlooking Platis Gialos. Guests seem to love the hotel’s little extras, such as juice at check-in and ice pops by the pool. Guest rooms are chic, white, and airy, and offer ocean views. The hotel has an infinity-edge outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean, Greek, and Mykonos dishes. The indoor spa offers guests a free, daily thalassotherapy session, and the hotel has a fitness center with several weight and cardio machines. Free shuttle service to the airport is available. It’s a short walk to the beautiful Platis Gialos Beach, and Mykonos Town is a 12-minute drive from the hotel.

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Mare Hotel Savona, Italian Riviera

With its beach-heavy, modern design, Mare Hotel Savona provides a tropical escape on the Mediterranean. Savona is a bit industrial, but the hotel provides a nice spot for a beach vacation and is also a good base for exploring other tourist destinations on the Italian Riviera, such as Bergeggi and Finale Ligure. The on-site restaurants are popular (though a bit pricey), which means snagging a table without a reservation can be somewhat difficult. Rooms on the south side have much better views and are quieter.

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Claris Hotel, Barcelona

A former palace, the luxurious 124-room Hotel Claris is conveniently located within walking distance to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia. The gorgeous rooms are quiet and creative with Egyptian-inspired art objects and marble bathrooms; there are several room types including chic duplex suites. The extensive array of features includes a rooftop pool, solarium, gym, and sauna. One highlight is the glass-enclosed cocktail bar and restaurant with striking city views. There is an on-site museum and interesting works of art in every hotel corner, but there is no tea or coffee in the rooms.

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Royal Continental Hotel, Naples

The 397-room, four-star Royal Continental Hotel bills itself as a “boutique” property, but in actuality it is the largest convention center in Naples. Located in a quiet pedestrian area by the Bay of Naples, the Royal Continental has a wide variety of facilities for business travelers, including a full theater and exhibition hall, but tourists and couples will also appreciate the location, away from Naples’ inner-city crush and surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

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Electra Palace Hotel Athens

Electra Palace Hotel Athens is a beautiful luxury property with 150 rooms in the neighborhood of Plaka. The grounds and facilities are gorgeous, featuring an outdoor garden with manicured lawns and a pavilion where guests can enjoy the free breakfast. The rooftop restaurant, pool, and surrounding deck offer stunning views of the Acropolis. The hotel has a spa with a large indoor pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center. Rooms offer classic decor with crown molding, wooden floors, and area rugs. Guests looking for more modern accommodations may want to check out the less expensive New Hotel Athens, which is nearby.

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Masseria & Spa LuciaGiovanni, Lecce

This old farmhouse has been transformed into an intimate Moroccan-themed hotel located in the southern Italian region of Salento. The beautiful, natural-looking pool and spa make LuciaGiovanni an exotic escape that’s unmatched — unless you hop a plane to Morocco. The 28 rooms have stunning details such as wood-beam ceilings and wrought iron four-poster bed frames. The property is vast and green and provides a relaxing oasis, but is only a short drive to the old part of the city.

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Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa, Mykonos

Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property built in the traditional Cycladic architecture style that prevails on Mykonos. It has many of the same features as its competitors (large spa, swimming pool, beach access, restaurants, and fitness center). Unlike competitors, however, the hotel doesn’t own any of the beach facilities, so expect to pay extra for a chair and umbrella on the sand. Still, those looking for more activity may prefer this location — the nearby beaches are among the island’s most popular, and there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby (most competing properties tend to be more secluded). Be aware that the views shown on the hotel’s website are mainly from private suites, and might not be available from many rooms. Mykonos Town is about two miles from the hotel, and a bus stops directly outside of the front doors.

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Precise Resort El Rompido, Costa de la Luz

The 196-room Precise Resort El Rompido is a luxury golf resort near the fishing village of El Rompido. The hotel is in a gorgeous, palm tree and tropical plant-filled setting, with many peaceful spots to sit, sun, swim, or, of course, golf. The 36-hole golf course, driving range, and golf school are the resort’s centerpiece, so much so that the front desk features large arty photographs of golf balls. Rooms upscale, contemporary decor in neutral colors.

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Mercer Hotel Barcelona

One of Barcelona‘s top-rated hotels, the 28-room Mercer Barcelona offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a larger property. Add in its location — tucked away on a charming, cobblestone street in the city’s Gothic Quarter, and within walking distance to many top attractions — and the Mercer can be a win-win for travelers. Leisure travelers are the main customers here, but business travelers will likely appreciate its “business corner,” with its library and computer, and small private areas for events and meetings. The hotel also offers several cocktail and dining options, including the Le Bouchon tapas bar and Jean Luc Figueras’ Mercer Restaurant JLF, a rooftop lounge and small pool, a hanging garden, and some of the most comfortable beds around.

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Hotel Excelsior, Naples

Built in 1908 and considered one of the classic hotels of Naples, the Hotel Excelsior is adorned with crystal chandeliers, antiques, and Italian marble floors in its sumptuous public spaces. A stay here is like stepping back in time to Belle Epoque-era Italy. Set in a prime position at the southern tip of Naples, the Excelsior overlooks the Castel dell’Ovo castle, Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius. The 121 rooms are elegant and understated, and some come with superb views of the water (though dated touches, like patterned bedspreads, are present). The prime gathering spot is the rooftop terrace restaurant, with fine Mediterranean cuisine and panoramic views.

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Hotel Balcon de Europa, Costa del Sol

The Hotel Balcon de Europa is one of many four-pearl luxury hotel choices on the Málaga coast, but what sets this 108-room property apart is its prime location on the beach in the center of tourist-friendly Nerja. There’s definitely an adult vibe here thanks to the rooftop swimming pool, spa facilities, and a romantic restaurant with views of the beach through floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Classical King George Palace, Athens

The historic Classical King George Palace is one of the most luxurious and exclusive properties in Athens. Everything about this hotel is chic — from the aviator-clad doormen to the gourmet restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis. The Palace boasts every amenity one would expect from a luxury hotel — but as a boutique, some are on a smaller scale: There is a small indoor pool, an intimate spa, three glamorous meeting rooms, and a tiny fitness center. The 102 rooms are elegant, with hardwood floors, antique furniture, rich, silky curtains, and plush bedding. The dated tube TVs in some rooms seem a bit out of place. For those who can afford it, the Royal Penthouse Suite is truly decadent, with two bedrooms, a massive terrace, and an infinity pool with unobstructed views of the Acropolis.

Contributed by Jane Reynolds 

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