Summary

  • Vacationing like the rich and famous means enjoying luxurious resorts and exclusive destinations that most people have never heard of.
  • Some top vacation spots of the elite include St. Moritz in Switzerland, Copacabana in Brazil, Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, Lake Como in Italy, the Hamptons in the USA, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, Hvar in Croatia, Monaco, and Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
  • These destinations offer stunning scenery, private beaches, exclusive dining and entertainment venues, and even the chance to spot a celebrity or two while on vacation.

One of the privileges that come with being rich and famous is getting to vacation in some of the most exclusive destinations on the planet. Having a healthy bank account and a well-known name means you can escape to exotic locations that most people haven’t even heard of and be pampered in some of the best resorts in the world.

Scattered all over the globe, the top vacation spots of the elite boast some of the prettiest scenery. They are also home to exclusive dining and entertainment venues, isolated and private beaches, and the filming locations of blockbuster hits.

Wondering where do rich people vacation? Check out these 19 luxurious destinations that the rich and famous always visit.

UPDATE: 2023/08/06 22:35 EST BY TANVI AKHAURI

Updated 2023 List Of Popular Holiday Destinations Celebrities Love Visiting

What better way to make a trip more memorable than by spotting a celebrity or two while holidaying? Stars and famous personalities keep returning to some select travel destinations that are the very definition of luxurious comfort and relaxation. Travel like a celebrity to these popular destinations around the world where the rich vacation.

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St. Moritz, Switzerland

Traveling in the fall in St. Moritz, Switzerland
Shutterstock
Traveling in the fall in St. Moritz, Switzerland

The vacation destinations of the rich and famous tend to resemble tropical island oases, but they can also be the stark opposite. St. Moritz in Switzerland is one such example. One of the most highly acclaimed ski destinations on the planet, St. Moritz is located in the Albula Alps and was the first place to boast both the first ski lift and the first electric light.

Not only do the rich and famous frequently vacation here but it was also used to film a couple of James Bond movies, including The Spy Who Loved Me.

  • Recommended tour: Tour Bernina Red Train and St Moritz
  • Duration: 13 hours
  • Cost: From $124.83 per adult

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St. Moritz Resort town at night with light reflecting on the lake, Swiss Alps, Switzterland
Soldanella
8.8 / 10
Amenities
Spa and wellness center, sauna, hiking, golf, minibar
Price
$

RELATED: The 10 Best Horseback Riding Tours On The Planet

Copacabana, Brazil

Crowds on the shoreline of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Shutterstock
Crowds on the shoreline of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Arguably Brazil’s most famous beach, Copacabana is definitely the place to go if your goal is to spot a celebrity or two. Among the faces who have been seen visiting the Copacabana Palace hotel, which is one of the most lavish in the world, are Miley Cyrus, Tom Cruise, and the late Princess Diana.

Copacabana is all about flaunting your body in the trendiest swimwear and spending hours soaking up the sun. Topless bathing is prohibited, but people still strip down to barely-there swimsuits and look as comfortable as ever while doing it.

  • Recommended tour: 3-hour Sailing Experience in Rio
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Cost: From $50 USD per adult

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Crowds on the shoreline of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hotel Astoria Palace
8.3 / 10
Amenities
Beachfront, outdoor pool, restaurant, childcare services
Price
$

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Necker Island
Via: Kevin Wolf on Unsplash
Necker Island near Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands

Necker Island is owned by billionaire Richard Branson, who is worth around $5.1 billion. One of 60 islands in the British Virgin Islands, Necker is truly a destination for the wealthy. Branson has turned his island into an all-inclusive resort. Kate Moss spent her 40th birthday here, and it was also where Google co-founder Larry Page celebrated his nuptials.

You can book a room in this isolated paradise, too, for a cool starting price of $5,000. If you want to rent the whole island, it will cost you $80,000 a night.

  • Recommended tour: Magic Mangrove Paddle in Beef Island Lagoon
  • Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Cost: From $90 USD per adult

Book this tour

Necker Island
Saba Rock Resort
9.3 / 10
Amenities
Private beach, snorkeling, free shuttle
Price
$$

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Lake Como, Italy

Como city historical town center and Alps mountains on Lake Como, Italy
Shutterstock 
Como city historical town center and Alps mountains on Lake Como, Italy

Made famous for being home to George and Amal Clooney, Lake Como won the title of the Most Beautiful Lake in the World in 2014. Today, the Clooneys spend approximately four months out of the year in their $10 million mansion by the lake, Villa Oleandra.

The lake is lined by several exclusive resorts, just in case you don’t have millions to splash on a home in the area. The days here are usually spent taking in the colorful hillside villages, absorbing the local culture, and partaking in activities such as boating and golfing.

  • Recommended tour: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
  • Duration: 11 hours
  • Cost: From $84.88 USD per adult

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Lake Como in the summer, Lombardy, Italy.
Albergo Terminus Hotel
8.4 / 10
Amenities
Bar/Lounge, coffee shop, pet-friendly
Price
$$

The Hamptons, USA

Aerial view of beaches and towns in the Hamptons
Wangkun Jia via Adobe Stock
Aerial view of beaches and towns in the Hamptons

Home to beaches of white sand, high-end restaurants and bars, luxurious resorts, and designer boutiques, the Hamptons is one of the top playgrounds of the rich and famous in the United States. The East Coast destination provides a relaxing escape from the busy action of New York City and is one of the most popular locations for summer vacations.

If you’re ever in the Hamptons, you might bump into Beyoncé and Jay-Z and their brood, the Clintons, or even Calvin Klein, since they all own property in the area.

  • Recommended tour: Full-Day Private Tour to Hamptons with Pickup
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Cost: From $1,248.3 per adult ( Depending on group size)

Book this tour

Montauk Manor
Montauk Manor
8.6 / 10
Amenities
Outdoor pool, Indoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant Bar/Lounge
Price
$$$

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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Boat Marina
Shutterstock 

Tropical Boat Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

One of the reasons that the elite tend to flock to Cabo San Lucas is its natural beauty. The Mexican destination is home to Lover’s Beach, which is straddled by both the volatile Pacific Ocean and the secluded Sea of Cortez.

Cabo San Lucas seems exclusive since it’s only reachable by boat, but it is still a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds of affluent visitors. In the past, the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber have been spotted catching some rays here, and it has even been featured in the Real Housewives franchise as a luxury vacation location.

  • Recommended tour: Los Cabos luxury sailing, snorkel, and lunch cruise
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Cost: From $139 USD per adult

Book this tour

Los Cabos, Mexico
Montage Los Cabos
9.7 / 10
Amenities
Private beach, infinity pool, horse riding, evening entertainment
Price
$$$

Hvar, Croatia

Aerial view of Hvar, Croatia featuring boats and people
Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash
Aerial view of Hvar, Croatia featuring boats and people  

Croatia is one of Europe’s gems that many travelers still haven’t added to their bucket lists. With more and more people flocking to see Dubrovnik after the coastal city was made popular by the HBO series Game of Thrones, it seems that the upper echelons prefer the island of Hvar.

In the past, superstars like Tom Cruise and Giorgio Armani have been spotted living it up on the island. Prince Harry has also been spotted visiting the nightclubs and bars that are located on the island, while Jacqueline Kennedy visited back in the 1960s.

  • Recommended tour: Five Island Speedboat Tour Featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar
  • Duration: 10-12 hours
  • Cost: From $99.86 USD per adult

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An aerial view of Zlatni Rat, a beach on Hvar Island, Croatia
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
9.1 / 10
Amenities
Snorkeling, complimentary breakfast, casino, pet-friendly
Price
$

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Monaco

A view of Monaco
Unsplash
A view of Monaco

Situated on the French Riviera, Monaco is one of the most famous destinations for the upper classes. Come here, and you’ll be met with an array of yachts, world-class restaurants, lavish casinos, and some of the best hotels on the planet. Monaco is tax-free, so people tend to go all out here. It’s not for the conservative!

While Monaco is known for its opulence, it’s also a destination that’s rich in history. Visitors can stroll through charming cobblestone streets, which are lined with historic buildings, and soak up the unique ambiance.

  • Recommended tour: Ferrari Sports Car Experience from Monaco
  • Duration: 30-60 minutes
  • Cost: From $187.75 USD per adult

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A view of Monaco
Port Palace
8.8 / 10
Amenities
Snack bar, hot tub, daily houskeeping, wheelchair accessible
Price
$$

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Aerial view of Bora Bora, one of the best French Polynesia islands
Shutterstock
Aerial view of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, one of the best French Polynesia islands

Bora Bora in French Polynesia is one of the most popular destinations for honeymooning when it comes to the rich and famous. One of the most famous honeymoons to take place here was that of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux after their nuptials in 2015. They also brought along friends Courtney Cox, Chelsea Handler, and Jason Bateman on a private jet to share in the celebrations.

If you want pristine views of tranquil lagoons and lush tropical gardens while mixing with the world’s elite, Bora Bora is the place to go.

  • Recommended tour: Full Day Lagoon Group Tour in Bora Bora with Lunch
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Cost: $142.27 USD per adult

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An exterior view of Conrad Bora Bora Nui, one of the best hotels in French Polynesia
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
9.3 / 10
Hotel Chain

Hilton

Amenities
Private beach, Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center
Price
$$$$$

Saint Tropez, France

Saint-Tropez
Photo by Renan Brun on Unsplash
Buildings in Saint-Tropez, France

Another popular destination on the French Riviera, Saint Tropez, has been the go-to getaway of the affluent for decades. The coastal town starred on the world stage when the film And God Created Woman, featuring Brigitte Bardot, was filmed here. After that, visitors began to arrive by private jet full.

Packed with high-end restaurants and exclusive beach clubs, Saint Tropez has been known to host an array of celebrities in its many world-class hotels. Visit here, and you just might run into Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, or even one of the Kardashian sisters.

  • Recommended tour: Full Day Private Yacht Charter in the Bay of St Tropez
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Cost: From $1,797.56 per group ( up to 8)

Book this tour

Blue water and greenery
Hôtel Les Palmiers
8.1 / 10
Amenities
ATM on-site, breakfast in bed, minibar, pet-friendly
Price
$

St. Kitts

Point of Land in St. Kitts, Caribbean, at sunset
Shutterstock
Point of Land in St Kitts, Caribbean, at sunset

This beautiful Caribbean destination is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters. St. Kitts is also distinguished by its laid-back atmosphere. It's a luxury destination that the rich and famous visit to stay at major hotel brands such as Marriott and Hyatt. People spending a vacation on this gorgeous island are sure to enjoy the most elevated experience ever.

  • Recommended tour: St. Kitts Zipline Experience
  • Duration: From $99 USD per adult
  • Cost: 2 hours

Book this tour

Point of Land in St. Kitts, Caribbean, at sunset
Royal St. Kitts Hotel
8.5 / 10
Amenities
Table tennis, karaoke, beach access, vending machines, picnic area
Price
$

Azores, Portugal

The famous Mount Pico, a volcano, on Pico Island, Azores, Portugal
Shutterstock
The famous Mount Pico, a volcano, on Pico Island, Azores, Portugal

This area is made up of nine Portuguese volcanic islands found in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and the United States. The rich and famous come to the Azores to hike and bike around the area, enjoy the beautiful vistas, and explore many attractions in this iconic hidden gem.

  • Recommended tour: Azores Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour
  • Duration: From $54.93 USD per adult
  • Cost: 3 hours

Book this tour

Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico, Azores
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
9.3 / 10
Amenities
Cooking classes, eco tourism, complimentary breakfast
Price
$

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado
Shutterstock 
A Beautiful View of Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is one of the most famous and expensive alpine resort towns in the United States. It is famous for attracting celebrities and the wealthy. Aspen was a silver mining boom town but now has transformed into an exclusive destination for the well-off.

Still, if one can afford it, it can be fun to go skiing in Aspen's upmarket ski resorts. That being said, good luck finding an affordable Airbnb option in Aspen (and Airbnb is considered one of the more affordable options for Aspen).

A Ski Area In Aspen, CO, USA
The St.Regis Aspen Resort
9.1 / 10
Hotel Chain

Marriott International

Amenities
Fitness center, indoor pool, spa, bar/lounge, bicycle rental, room service
Price
$$$

Capri, Italy

capri italy
Image by Bilal EL-Daou from Pixabay
capri italy

Capri is a stunning island just off the coast of Naples. This island is as fantastically beautiful as it is notoriously expensive. It is one of the favored exclusive wealthy getaways in Italy (the cost of visiting alone is enough to make it exclusive). Capri is one of the world's oldest getaways and was a tourist resort all way back to the days of the Romans. People on a budget can find it affordable if they take the ferry there and back for a day trip to the island.

View of Capri's beautiful harbor
Soleluna
8.8 / 10
Amenities
Scuba diving, outdoor grill, coffee machine
Price
$

Related: 10 Scenic Things To Do In Capri, Italy

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos port with boats at night
Shutterstock
Mykonos port with boats at night

Greece is a wellspring of island getaways and among these, one of the best places to escape to is Mykonos. Once described by The Guardian as "a playground for the rich and famous," Mykonos is as charming as it is luxurious in its hospitality and landscapes. Besides the traditional Greek allure of the island, the parties here are legendary. The likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Beyoncé, and the Hemsworth brothers have walked the iconic whitewashed locales of Mykonos.

A panoramic view of Mykonos Town in Greece
Asty Mykonos Hotel & Spa
9.3 / 10
Amenities
Free parking, snorkeling, massage services, outdoor pool
Price
$

Miami, Florida

An aerial view of a beach lined up with palm trees and a road with two cars in Miami
Photo by Lance Asper on Unsplash
An aerial view of a beach lined up with palm trees and a road with two cars in Miami

American stars don't have to travel too far to get to Miami, a perfect summer escape that proves itself to be the crowning jewel of Florida year after year. The beach town has long been preceded by its reputation for wild partying as well as laidback coastal lifestyles that the high and mighty of showbiz love to indulge in. A visit to Miami is a sure-shot way to come face to face with a famous person, with many even keeping residence here. It will be of some interest to millennials to know that pop music heartthrob Enrique Iglesias lives in Miami!

Miami Beach palm trees.
The Elser Hotel Miami
9.3 / 10
Amenities
Rooftop pool, aerobics, restaurant, landmark views
Price
$$

Dubai, UAE

Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is synonymous with opulence, and therefore it's no surprise that this city of wonders in the United Arab Emirates has been a favorite travel destination for upper-class fliers for years. From splurging heavily at Dubai's luxury hotels to exploring the city's unique adventures, there is much that celebrities can do in Dubai, which keeps them coming back to this beautiful holiday haven. Join the VIP league of stars like David Beckham, Shah Rukh Khan, and Roger Federer on a trip to Dubai!

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
8.9 / 10
Amenities
Ski school, salon, horse riding, cooking classes, evening entertainment
Price
$$$
Hotel Chain

marriott

Las Vegas, Nevada

Aerial view of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Image by young soo Park from Pixabay
Aerial view of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Does Las Vegas even need an introduction? With a star-studded legacy that shines as bright as Vegas' famous casinos, Nevada's Sin City has long been a hub of entertainment that brings celebrities out to play -- or perform. Some of the best luxury hotels in Vegas have played host to iconic singers like Elvis Presley and Celine Dion for long-term residencies, which only grew the city's reputation of being a great destination for celebrity spotting. The city's charms have kept stars like Ben Affleck, who even married Jennifer Lopez here, returning frequently. Fans of "The Hangover" will need little convincing to take a Vegas trip with their pals!

Aerial Shot of the Las Vegas Strip During Daytime, Nevada
Park MGM
8.1 / 10
Hotel Chain

MGM

Amenities
Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Coffee Shop
Price
$

London, United Kingdom

Bishopsgate, City of London, London, UK
Photo by Frans Ruiter on Unsplash
Bishopsgate, City of London, London, UK

Posh, luxurious, chic: London is everything (and more) that makes it an attractive holiday destination for celebrities from around the world. The British capital's enduring appeal comes from the variety of experiences it offers all travelers. From catching top-rated shows in the West End to indulging in the city's massive shopping culture or checking out Britain's historic attractions, there is much to do in London that will keep every tourist, rich or not, coming back for more. One would be hard-pressed to find a Hollywood celebrity who hasn't taken at least one trip to this land of royalty; of course, British stars will be found in abundance here. Don't be surprised to see Elton John or Kate Moss dining at the next table!

Famous hangouts in Soho London
Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel
8.5 / 10
Amenities
Car rental, outdoor grill, hot tub, wheelchair accessible
Price
$$