Top 9 Most Popular Vacation Getaways of the Rich and Famous

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is about as remote a celebrity destination as you can find. While honeymoon season is swarmed with young couples, the regal scenery of the “Pearl of the Pacific” still draws a very high-end crowd. The island is a prime location to bump hips with a household name from the entertainment world. The best place to spot the stars in Bora Bora? Bloody Mary’s Bar and Restaurant. Not the most authentic title for a restaurant in French Polynesia but nonetheless, the best place to snag autographs and witness celebs gone wild.

2. Saint-Tropez, France

If the French Riviera is a playground for the wealthy, Saint-Tropez is the Mecca. Ever since the days of Brigitte Bardot, Europe’s elite has clung on to this picturesque and fabulous vacation spot. What makes one location so desirable for so long? It could be the gorgeous beaches, swanky and elaborate hotels, and the impressive yet secretive yachts that are bigger than your house!  From Paris Hilton, to Jay-Z and Beyonce, to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, this place is flooded with the most glamorous celebs.

3. Bahamas: The Cove Atlantis

Located on Paradise Island, Nassau, celebrities like Carrie Underwood and Justin Bieber have taken time out at Atlantis’ luxurious 5-star all-suite mega hotel. For maximum star-spotting potential, check out the Jeffrey Beers-designed lobby before dining at The Cove’s gourmet restaurants. The best time of year, and prime time to get a glimpse inside the world of the rich and famous is obviously in the summer.  Room rates average around $506.31 during this prime time.  Time to save up and treat yourself in the summer of 2012!

4. The Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas

The Palms Las Vegas is all about classic nightlife, gambling, pool parties and luxurious guestrooms for more after-hours fun. Within the Palms compound, the Palms Fantasy Tower flaunts a cool, contemporary feel to suit the tastes of its young and stylish party-hard crowds –  perfect for hosting the true “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” experience. While the hotel has upped the ante and added the swanky Palms Place to compete with the recent influx of high-end Vegas lodgings, the Palms Fantasy Tower fills a niche for rooms with fewer bells and whistles but plenty of style.  Back in 2002, the hotel hosted Real World: Las Vegas, but today the hotel plays hosts to the younger set of Hollywood, from Britney Spears to Jessica Simpson. Michael Phelps had quite a night at the hotel’s Playboy Club post-Beijing.  It’s no surprise the spot is a top bachelor party destination.

5. Lake Como, Italy

George Clooney has become synonymous with Lake Como, because of his affection for the Lombardy region in Italy but to be more specific, it’s probably his massive waterfront villa that keeps him coming back for more. He’s owned Villa Oleandra since 2002, and he actually resides there part of each year.  Since Clooney’s interest with Lake Como, the area has seen a huge influx of Hollywood royalty. Even during film breaks for “Ocean’s Twelve” Clooney and his famous buddies hug out at his lakeside home. Although US celebs are just now discovering its beauty, villas in the areas of Como, Bellagio and Lecco have been home to the elite of Europe, from royalty to tycoons to entertainers, for years.

6. Saint Barthélemy, Caribbean

St. Barts is one of several celebrity hangouts in the Caribbean and probably the most traditional in the area. Hollywood stars and Euro-socialites have visited here for generations.  The island of St. Barts gained a reputation as a first-class destination among an influential set of famous people decades ago and soon, became incredibly trendy. St. Barts collects so many celebrities each winter that some writers are calling the island “Hollywood South.” Recent sightings on the island include Tara Reid, Uma Thurman, David Letterman and Penelope Cruz.

7. Aspen, Colorado

The ultimate old money, classic celebrity ski resort is without a doubt, Aspen. Once a quaint, historical Rocky Mountain village, the area has been transformed into a very posh and “it” place for a celebrity’s snow fix. Beautiful condos and luxury resorts now dot the Aspen landscape and are home to celebs such as members of the Kennedy family, actors Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Angelica Huston, Sally Field, Kevin Costner and Robert Wagner.  Aspen also hosts many visitors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver to Paul Simon, Oprah, Paul Hogan, Calvin Klein and Bill Clinton.

8. Cap Juluca, Anguilla, Caribbean

The “new St. Bart’s” as many refer to Anguilla, is a jewel in the Caribbean.  Once a sleepy, pristine island that few knew of with a handful of luxury resorts and a tiny community, the cat is now out of the bag. The beaches and restaurants are the best in the Caribbean, and the resorts are posh and private enough to serve the likes of Mariah Carey. Even in high season, the island is relatively quiet and seems devoid of tourists. For now that is. Long a celebrity favorite, thanks to its discrete nature and off-the-beaten-path vibe. Don’t be surprised if you run into a familiar face or two, decked in big sunglasses and beachwear. Courtney Cox and David Arquette honeymooned here, and guests have included Denzel Washington, Janet Jackson and Howard Stern. A native Anguillan once told USA Today that over the holidays, “we have a Who’s Who here; every guest, their net worth is in the millions. They come here to recharge.”

9. The Plaza, New York

One of the most legendary hotels in Manhattan, The Plaza Hotel doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s got everything you’d expect in a first-rate New York property: a killer location (Fifth Avenue and Central Park South), impeccable service (the spacious suites come with butler service) and exquisite detail (a five-year, $450 million renovation wrapped in 2008). The Plaza is a Beaux-Arts landmark, and its totally new interior is just as classic as ever. This NYC icon has withstood the test of popularity over time.  Guests have ranged from Mark Twain to the Beatles to Suri, Katie and Tom Cruise. And who could forget one of The Plaza’s most infamous moments when security got an early morning call that naked Charlie Sheen had trashed his suite. For an old standby, The Plaza’s popularity sure has kept it current.