With the NBA in its offseason, players take this time to relax, spend time with their family and friends and go on epic vacations. When they've hung up their jerseys for the season, you can bet these NBA stars travel to the most beautiful and thrilling hot spots around the globe.
So what exclusive destinations do NBA stars go on vacation? Depending if they have a family or are just living the single life, an NBA player’s vacation destination can vary. Players who are single may opt for places more entertaining and have a spectacular nightlife scene like Mexico or Ibiza. For those with families, like Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry, enjoying the stunning coastal town of Saint Tropez, France is a perfect destination to spend quality time with his wife, Ayesha Curry. Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook spent his offseason enjoying the pristine beaches of Hawaii with his wife and son, which was must needed after a tough and controversial season.
However, not all NBA players go on vacation to lay in the sand and party until the sun comes up. Many players use their free time to travel with organizations like NBA Cares, which addresses important issues with today's youth. Stars like Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma and Los Angeles Clippers small forward Danilo Gallinari got a chance to visit Asian countries like China and the Philippines and hang out with fans while exploring these nation's incredible historical areas.
So scroll through this list and check out the 20 exclusive destinations NBA players enjoy after the playoffs.
20 Paris, France
With NBA players playing a whopping 82 games per regular season, it seems like these men live in their uniforms. However, there are plenty of NBA stars that enjoy fashion and dress quite well. During his off time, you can find Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook attending Paris Fashion Week. This summer, Westbrook along with his NBA pals Carmelo Anthony, James Harden and Jaylen Brown were seated front row for shows like Dior and Louis Vuitton. Westbrook is a big fan of fashion, attending prior fashion weeks in New York and Milan. Every year, the NBA star steps up his street style and he has no problem sharing his fashion week moments on his Instagram.
19 India
Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant spent his offseason in India, but he wasn't just sightseeing, the NBA star was busy promoting the NBA in the country. Durant met with thousands of teenagers, after he received a welcome party to the nation, running drills with them and taking part in practice sessions. Durant held the largest training session of basketball, with 3,459 children training at the same time. The session even made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. However, on the last day of his tour of India, Durant got to do a little sightseeing by visiting the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra.
18 Beijing, China
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma spent his summer seeing the amazing sights in China. Kuzma traveled to Beijing and Weinan, China where he visited the nation's most historic sights like the Terracotta Army warrior statues, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall of China. Kuzma traveled with the league as part of programs like NBA Cares and Jr. NBA, coaching exhibitions and meeting fans, while exploring the Asian nation. Instead of going to hotspots like Ibiza or Cancun, Kuzma used his offseason time to do something different and new. "It clears your head and it's good for the mind, body, and soul to do something new," Kuzma said.
17 Ibiza, Spain
Dwyane Wade last played for the Miami Heat, and even though he's a free agent, he still has millions to spend on luxurious vacations with his wife, actress Gabrielle Union. Wade and his wife jetted off to Ibiza, Spain, after Miami Heat's NBA season finished in April. The pair took countless photos in and around the city, which is famously known for its lively nightlife scene and beaches. Dwyane, Union and a group of friends even chartered a yacht where they laid out in the sun, took a bunch of selfies, and made a splash, jumping into the Mediterranean Sea.
16 Manila, the Philippines
Willie Cauley-Stein, the center for the Sacramento Kings also traveled with the league this summer through the NBA Cares and Jr. NBA programs like Kyle Kuzma. However, Stein ventured off to Manila, the Philippines, where he discovered a fantastic culture, new and tasty foods and connecting with people who also share a love of basketball from across the globe. "The vibe in Manila is incredible," he said, adding, "I checked out the markets and I really love the fruit there. It's so fresh and tastes amazing. Some of my favorite foods there were the steak, sushi, mussels, and the street foods like fried bananas."
15 Saint-Tropez, France (Steph Curry)
Golden State Warrior star Stephen Curry has been called the greatest shooter in NBA history. He's made millions playing for the NBA and uses his money wisely when he's hung up his jersey for the season and has time to spend with his wife and kids. In July 2016, he took his wife, Ayesha Curry to St. Tropez, France to celebrate their fifth year wedding anniversary. The couple boarded a yacht, soaked up the sun and relaxed on the boat's deck. That same year, the couple enjoyed another relaxing vacation in Maui, Hawaii, but this time, bringing along daughters Riley and Ryan.
14 Egypt
Thousands of people in Egypt make their living off of tourists visiting the nation, seeing the spectacular pyramids and learning about its ancient history. However, tourism declined heavily since the Arab Spring uprising in 2011 and sadly, many museums, ancient sites, and parks were left deserted and even looted. But, in recent years, it appears that people are making their way back to Egypt, so it's great to see a popular figure like Oklahoma City Thunder Jerami Grant visiting a nation that is trying to rebuild and bring back tourists. Grant appeared to have a fantastic time in the North African country, greeting a young child and his baby goats, and taking numerous photos at some of the most remarkable pyramids.
13 Bahamas
While Shaquille O'Neal has been retired from the NBA for quite some time, he still makes time to visit some of the most stunning places around the world. Shaq faced his greatest fear of sharks this summer, entering a custom made shark cage that stood 12 feet tall by 6 feet wide in the Bahamas. The team, who built the cage, also built extra-large windows for better visibility. However, one shark squeezed through and swam over Shaq's head. Shaq was immediately taken out of the cage and didn't appear too shaken. However, it could have been quite the ordeal, especially for someone terrified of sharks.
12 Hamilton Island, Australia
You don't usually hear NBA players jet-setting to a place called Hamilton Island. The island, with a population of over 1,300 people, is one of the Whitsunday islands in Queensland, Australia. Hamilton Island is close to the Great Barrier Reef and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands if you make your way through trails leading up to Passage Peak. It is a beautiful island where you can also see wildlife like koalas and kangaroos. Milwaukee Bucks player Matthew Dellavedova decided to check out this magnificent destination for himself, going off the grid and not vacationing in usual hotspots like Cabo or the Bahamas.
11 Venice, Italy
Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves traveled to Venice, Italy this summer, where he hilariously road a gondola with his "invisible girlfriend" and seemed to have the time of his life. Butler is known to have a comedic personality, so riding around Venice alone in a gondola doesn't seem too surprising for this NBA star. Before visiting Italy, it looked like Butler spent his offseason going on a small European vacation. Butler made his way to the beautiful island of Mykonos, Greece, before arriving in Italy, and then, jet-setting to Paris, France, where he snapped a photo on a balcony across from the Eiffel Tower.
10 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Small forward for the Los Angeles Clippers Danilo Gallinari, also took part in the NBA Cares and Jr. NBA programs this summer, visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and its surrounding rural areas. The NBA star mentioned that during offseason, he believes it's good for players to see the world and learn about different cultures and traditions. We think Gallinari took a lot in visiting Vietnam, where he got to go to the Independence Palace, the famous Central Post Office, and the day and night markets. He also got to taste Vietnamese food, like soft shell crab, morning glory, mango papaya salad and spring rolls.
9 Positano, Italy
After signing a multi-million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA star Lebron James made a trip to Italy with his wife Savannah and three children. James and his family were spotted boarding a yacht in the stunning city of Positano, off the Almafi Coast and taking in the stunning scenery. Positano is a hot spot for celebrities, with stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson often spotted vacationing on this magical coast. According to sources, Lebron James even indulged in Italian cheese, putting his strict diet to the side while on vacation.
8 Monaco
Back in 2016, NBA legend Michael Jordan took his wife, Yvette Prieto on vacation to the famously lavish and expensive second smallest country in the world, Monaco. The independent city-state is known as being the place where you can find the world's rich and famous. The couple enjoyed their trip by going to the many boutiques Monaco has to offer and dining at some of their fine restaurants. Along with his wife, Jordan hung out with Magic Johnson in Monte Carlo, who was celebrating his anniversary. Monaco is known for its upscale casinos, yacht-lined harbor and the Grand Prix motor race, which runs through the nation's streets once a year.
7 Cabo San Lucas
Lonzo Ball appeared to have the time of his life on one of Mexico's most stunning resort city's, Cabo San Lucas. The Los Angeles Laker will be entering his sophomore season with the team, including getting to know the Lakers latest addition and Lonzo's new teammate, Lebron James. But, before he gets back to his rigorous training and practice sessions, Ball and some of his basketball pals took the trip to Cabo San Lucas, jet skiing and hanging out at the beach. It also looked like Lonzo put on some muscle, so whatever workout regime he has been doing, it seems to be going great and hopefully helps the Lakers moving forward.
6 Hvar, Croatia
You don't hear many NBA stars vacationing to Croatia, but Blake Griffin decided to check the country out and was surely not disappointed. Croatia and its long coastline on the Adriatic Sea make it a terrific destination for vacationers who want to swim in crystal clear blue waters and hang out on dazzling white beaches. The coastline is perfect for an athlete to relax and even take on some water activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing. When he was a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, Griffin, along with Matt Barnes and DeAndre Jordan, and several other teammates went to Croatia and seemed to have a blast.
5 Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular destination for NBA players and a perfect location to take a family trip. While Russell Westbrook enjoys taking trips to Paris, Milan, and New York for their Fashion Weeks, he also enjoys taking his wife and kids on a relaxing and fun family vacation to the beautiful island of Hawaii. Westbrook took numerous photos like the one above with his wife Nina Earl, both with huge smiles on their faces and an adorable photo on the beach holding his son, Noah's hands. A number of NBA players recently took a trip to Hawaii, including Stephen Curry and Patty Mills.
4 Italy
Last year, former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant took his entire family on a fun-filled trip to Italy. Photos showed the former basketball star enjoying ice cream with his wife Vanessa Bryant, and three kids, Gianna, Bianka, and Natalia in the city of Santa Margherita Ligure. Besides trying some of Italy's most delectable ice cream, the Bryant family lived it up on a yacht seeing the marvelous sights. Bryant is actually fluent in Italian, learning the language at the age of six, and using it to this day, to even communicate with some of his teammates while on the court.
3 Iceland
Iceland has become a popular destination thanks to the nation's dramatic landscape, hot springs, volcanoes and lava fields. While some NBA stars were soaking up the sun on the beaches of Italy or in Mexico, Chandler Parsons of the Memphis Grizzlies took a trip to Iceland, walking among the nation's breathtaking waterfalls and visiting the popular Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in a lava field. Iceland is a unique location to take a much-needed break from the basketball court, and we’re going to give Parsons two thumbs up for traveling here and doing something a little different.
2 Byron Bay, Australia
Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs went off the grid and traveled to Byron Bay, a coastal town in the southeastern Australian state of New South Wales. Byron Bay is known for its stunning beaches, surfing, and scuba diving and it looked like loads of fun for the NBA star. Mills even posted a photo on his Instagram diving into the waters and exploring all of its natural treasures. This past May, Mills took off to Hawaii and proposed to his girlfriend of five years, Alyssa Levesque! Looking at the player's Instagram, he enjoys traveling and really uses his free time to see the world with his fiancee.
1 Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece is definitely on everyone's bucket list and Golden State Warrior champ Draymond Green took it upon himself to check out the magnificent and dazzling Greek island during the offseason. With its food, beaches, and nightlife, Mykonos was a great selection for someone coming off from a championship season. From numerous videos posted on Snapchat, Green appeared to have the time of his life partying with his girlfriend and friends on the island. Mykonos is a terrific place for people who want to dance, party and celebrate, which is exactly how Green spent his offseason.
Reference: thesun.co.uk, popsugar.com, sports.vice.com, travelandleisure.com, dailymail.co.uk