Sleep With the Stars: Vacation Like an A-Lister
Vacation like a celebrity: 12 A-list resorts with prices as low as $200 a night.
May 27, 2008 --
For a star-studded vacation, just follow in the footsteps of Hollywood A-listers like Tom Cruise, Jodie Foster, Meg Ryan, Beyonce Knowles, Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman.
These super celebs have their pick when it comes to staying at some the top resorts around the world.
Some of the properties are super-spendy, but you'll also find some sensational deals, including rooms starting at just $200 a night.
So here's your chance to get in on the action and vacation like a rock star!
Celebrity Guests: Hilary Swank, Jim Carrey, Paul McCartney, Eddie Murphy
This 300-acre private island fully inclusive resort has already been rated No. 1 in the Caribbean but continues to up the ante and impress. Jumby Bay has 40 suites and 12 villas, but the ultimate pièce de résistance are the $7 million private estate homes you can rent year-round. Celebrities love to stay and play here because each home comes fully staffed — including a private butler and chef — and the only way to this island is by boat. For more: www.jumbybayresort.com and www.jumbybayblog.com.
Insider Info: Don't miss Jumby's Sorbet Butler, who strolls the beach every morning around 10 a.m. with delicious homemade sorbet. Later at the beach bar, you can also score some homemade cookies.
Starting Rate: $3,500
Celebrity Guests: Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell
This spectacular private island only has one resort with 52 rooms and three villas, so staying here is like owning your own slice of paradise. Set on 1,800 acres, you have five different beaches where the sand is as soft as talcum powder and the water is crystal clear. For more help relaxing, head to Peter Island's spa and plan to be pampered senseless. For more: www.peterisland.com.
Insider Info: Celebs are lining up to book the new six-bedroom, 22,000-square-foot hilltop villa called Falcon's Nest. The views of the Caribbean from here are unparalleled.
Starting Rate: $325
Celebrity Guests: Tom Cruise, Meg Ryan, Nicole Kidman, Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Dorchester is a London favorite and one of the most coveted places to stay in the United Kingdom. This premier hotel has just unveiled a complete remodel of its three prestigious rooftop suites. Designed by Alexandra Champalimaud, the Audley, Terrace and Harlequin suites always attract A-listers. The suites impress with exotic woods, beaded glass mirrors, soft leathers and pleated silk walls. For more: www.thedorchester.com.
Insider Info: The Dorchester has a personal chauffer team featuring a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a fleet of 7-series BMW's standing by.
Starting Rate: $1,500
This is where to go if you want to live the "suite" life because every one of Kea Lani's luxury rooms is a spacious one-bedroom suite with a living room, master bath, microwave, mini-refrigerator and private lanai (patio). Set on 22 acres of tropical landscape in Maui's prestigious Wailea district, this award-winning oceanfront property also offers 37 ultra-private villas, a favorite with the celebrities who really want to get away from it all. For more: www.fairmont.com/kealani.
Insider Info: Ask for one of the Kilohana suites — there are only 17. Each one is an end-suite with extra living space, including a private wrap-around lanai.
Starting Rate: $525
Celebrity Guests: Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, Jodie Foster, Cecilia Sarkozy
This Parisian grand dame has a legendary history of catering to discriminating guests that include royalty, Hollywood celebrities and world-renowned fashion designers. Located in the heart of Paris. Le Meurice is known for its impeccable service and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For more: www.lemeurice.com.
Insider Info: Le Bar 228 is the perfect spot to people watch while enjoying a signature cocktail or sampling one of the wines from the extensive wine list.
Starting Rate: $1,500
For more celebrity favorites, check out Karen Schaler's Travel Blog at www.traveltherapytrips.com.
Celebrity Guests: Chris Noth, John Corbett, Kanye West, Patricia Heaton
This world-class Hawaiian resort epitomizes the aloha spirit. Local artists were enlisted to help with the decor and 80 percent of the rooms and suites have stunning ocean views. This luxurious property is known for catering to guests' needs. It's also home to one of the best places to eat in Maui: Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante, where you dine overlooking the beach. For more: www.fourseasons.com/maui.
Insider Info: For a peaceful walk in the morning or evening, head down to the Wailea Beach Path, just steps from the resort. It runs right along the beach, and at the right time of year you can often spot whales out in the Pacific.
Starting Rate: $495
Celebrity Guests: Rihanna, Matt Grant, Shayne Lamas, Engelbert Humperdinck
Every room at this new property in Barbados has a private balcony with an ocean view. The hotel's two beaches are so secluded, they're practically private. This picturesque locale was also the setting for the season finale of ABC's "The Bachelor: London Calling." The hotel's design is locally inspired and one of the highlights is an impressive art collection featuring only Bajan artists. For more: www.hiltoncaribbean.com/barbados.
Insider Info: While Guest Room Plus is the most popular room category, the One Bedroom Suite is a larger room.
Starting Rate: $329
After a recent $38 million renovation, the San Juan Marriott is making waves. With 512 guestrooms, 13 suites and a cosmopolitan Caribbean vibe this property is attracting attention. The hot spot to hang out is the chic Lobby Bar — especially Wednesday to Sunday. For award-winning cuisine, try Ristorante Tuscany. For more: www.marriott.com.
Insider Info: Lobby Bar's specialty is fresh mojitos, and Friday night is Salsa Night — with a salsa dance show and lessons.
Starting Rate: $205
Celebrity Guests: Sienna Miller, Jessica Alba, Rebecca Romijn, Christina Aguilera
Hollywood stars have been staying at Palmilla for decades. Even though the resort has 172 rooms, this posh property still feels small and intimate. There are ocean views from every room and several award-winning restaurants on the property, including C, a Charlie Trotter creation. Palmilla's first-class spa also has an impressive celebrity client with some traveling all the way from Hollywood just to get one of Palmilla's signature pedicures. For more: www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
Insider Info: Check out Palmilla's floating beach bed down on the beach.
Starting Rate: $650
Celebrity Guests: Sean Penn, Courteney Cox, Lindsay Lohan, Kevin Spacey
Just 10 minutes from LAX Airport, this Santa Monica favorite is a popular choice if you want to vacation by the beach. The 162 guestrooms and suites are packed with luxury amenities. The real standout here is the one-bedroom Monarch suite: a presidential-caliber penthouse with an ocean-view balcony, whirlpool tub and steam shower. For more: www.viceroysantamonica.com.
Insider Info: Be sure to get reservations at the hotel's Whist restaurant, named one of America's 50 best hotel restaurants by "Food & Wine" magazine.
Starting Rate: $359
Celebrity Guests: Alicia Keys, Cindy Crawford, 50 Cent, Guy Laliberte
Set on Grace Bay Beach, which is widely known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Regent Palms is set up to feel like a classic Caribbean estate. With 164 first-class rooms and suites, you'll find touches of elegance everywhere. Highlights include the resort's $1.8 million serpentine infinity pool and the 26,000-square-foot Regent — which just reopened after a major face-lift. For more: www.regentturksandcaicos.com.
Insider Info: Top spa treatments include the signature Mother of Pearl Body Exfoliation and the Little Drops of Caribbean Rain treatment. Both are unique to this destination.
Starting Rate: $595
The Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino mixes luxury with history. This 80-room boutique resort is part of a Dutch Colonial Historic District that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each room is exquisitely furnished with hand-carved mahogany and teak furnishings, and features hand-woven linens from India. The resort is surrounded by different courtyards and gardens, featuring African sculptures, an Indian Marble Garden and more. For more: www.kurahulanda.com.
Insider Info: Don't miss a poolside dinner under the stars, at Jaipur, an Indian restaurant at the resort where top choices include the Cheese Naan and Tandoori Platter.
Starting Rate: $200
Check out Karen Schaler's Travel Blog at www.traveltherapytrips.com.