From Lake Como and Sicily to Ibiza, Mykonos and the white sands of Turks and Caicos, these are the destinations repeatedly attracting celebrities who can travel almost anywhere — and the hotels, restaurants and experiences that make them worth considering.
Where celebrities holiday is often less about spectacle than it is about access. Privacy matters, certainly, but so do exceptional hotels, beautiful restaurants, extraordinary scenery and the ability to disappear for a few days without compromising on service or comfort.
That is perhaps what makes their travel choices interesting. When someone has the means to holiday almost anywhere in the world, the destinations they return to can reveal something about the places that continue to deliver at the highest level.
Some are predictable: Lake Como remains one of Europe’s great escapes, Ibiza has long balanced glamorous nightlife with quiet Mediterranean beauty, and Mykonos continues to attract an international crowd every summer. Others, including Sicily, Kauai and the Dominican Republic, offer a far broader travel experience than their celebrity associations might initially suggest.
Here are ten destinations attracting some of the world’s most recognisable names — and, more importantly, what makes each destination worth travelling to in its own right.
1. Sicily, Italy
Celebrities spotted: Dua Lipa, Callum Turner
Instagram hashtags: 18.6 million
Monthly searches: 8.4 million
Average daily price: $370
Sicily has a depth that many Mediterranean destinations simply cannot match. Ancient Greek temples, Roman ruins, active volcanoes, Baroque towns, beaches, vineyards and one of Italy’s most distinctive regional cuisines coexist on an island large enough to warrant considerably more than a weekend.
More recently, Sicily has attracted another level of international attention through high-profile visitors including Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, but celebrity sightings are hardly the most compelling reason to come.
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento remains essential. Perched above the Mediterranean, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Greek architecture outside Greece itself.
Food is equally central to the Sicilian experience. In Ragusa, Duomo Ristorante showcases chef Ciccio Sultano’s highly individual interpretation of the island. His cooking draws on Sicily’s layered Mediterranean and Arab influences, creating sophisticated dishes that still remain rooted in place.
For accommodation, San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, remains one of Sicily’s defining luxury addresses. Set high above the Ionian Sea in Taormina, the former monastery combines extraordinary coastal views, landscaped Italian gardens, a clifftop infinity pool and serious dining. It is also, of course, now inseparable from The White Lotus, although the property’s history and setting were compelling long before television discovered it.
September is particularly appealing, when temperatures remain warm, the major summer crowds have begun to dissipate and the wine harvest gives the island a different rhythm.
2. Ibiza, Spain
Celebrities spotted: Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Vittoria Ceretti, Salma Hayek
Instagram hashtags: 20.5 million
Monthly searches: 9.2 million
Average daily price: $767
Few islands manage completely different personalities quite as successfully as Ibiza.
Its reputation as one of the world’s great nightlife destinations is justified, and the island continues to attract everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell to Cristiano Ronaldo. But limiting Ibiza to nightclubs misses much of what makes it special.
Away from the headline venues are quiet coves, clear Mediterranean water, excellent restaurants, historic villages and an increasingly sophisticated wellness scene.
Cala Comte, on the island’s west coast, remains one of the most beautiful places for sunset, with intensely clear water and views across the small offshore islands.
For nightlife, Ushuaïa Ibiza continues to operate on a scale few venues elsewhere can replicate. The combination of international DJs, open-air production and a resort setting has made it one of Ibiza’s best-known institutions.
But travellers looking for a more polished hotel experience should also look at ME Ibiza, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The beachfront property combines direct access to the water with yacht services, wellness and the relaxed design language that suits the island particularly well.
July and August are for travellers who actively want Ibiza at its most energetic. May, June, September and early October offer a very different proposition, with warm weather and considerably more room to breathe.
3. Dominican Republic
- Celebrities spotted: Rihanna, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lopez
- Monthly searches: 20.5 million
- Average daily price: $442
- The Dominican Republic offers considerably more than the all-inclusive resorts for which it is often known. Its combination of Caribbean beaches, historic cities, music, food and vast private resort estates has attracted high-profile visitors including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Vin Diesel.
- In Santo Domingo, the Zona Colonial is one of the most historically significant urban areas in the Caribbean. Its streets contain landmarks including Catedral Primada de América, Fortaleza Ozama, Calle Las Damas and Alcázar de Colón, providing a fascinating introduction to the island’s Spanish colonial history.
- For something entirely different, Cayo Arena, also known as Paradise Island, sits off the north-west coast near Punta Rucia. This tiny sandbank is surrounded by remarkably clear turquoise water and coral reefs, making snorkelling the primary reason to make the boat journey.
- At the opposite end of the scale is Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in La Romana. Spread across some 7,000 acres, it operates almost as a destination of its own, with restaurants, golf, tennis, pickleball, an equestrian centre, polo facilities, marina and private villas.
- December through April generally brings the most reliable weather, while May and November can be attractive for travellers looking for fewer people and potentially more favourable rates.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Celebrities spotted: Alex Rodriguez, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Dua Lipa, Callum Turner
- Instagram hashtags: 4.2M
- Monthly searches: 10.8M
- Average Daily Price: $546
The Amalfi Coast has been photographed endlessly, but arriving in person still has an extraordinary impact. Villages cling almost improbably to the cliffs, the Mediterranean stretches below and virtually every journey involves a view that demands attention.
High-profile visitors including Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are hardly unusual here, yet the enduring attraction of the coast has very little to do with celebrity.
Food is an integral part of the experience. La Caravella in Amalfi was the first restaurant in southern Italy to receive a Michelin star and remains an important address for refined Campanian cooking.
For travellers who want to counter long lunches with movement, the Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, offers one of the coast’s most memorable walks. The approximately six-to-eight-kilometre route delivers extraordinary views over the sea and surrounding villages.
Hotel Santa Caterina remains a classic place to stay. Built into the cliffs outside Amalfi, the historic five-star property combines terraced gardens, Mediterranean views, hand-painted Vietri ceramics and direct access towards the water.
Late May, June and September are generally the sweet spots, allowing visitors to experience warm weather without quite the intensity of July and August.
5. Tulum, Mexico
- Celebrities spotted: Rachel Zoe, Joan Smalls
- Instagram hashtags: 9.5M
- Monthly searches: 1.9M
- Average Daily Price: $400
Tulum is one of those destinations that has changed dramatically as its international profile has grown, but its natural and archaeological attractions remain compelling.
The Tulum ruins, sitting dramatically above the Caribbean Sea, are among Mexico’s most recognisable archaeological sites. The former Mayan port city dates largely from the 13th to 15th centuries and includes El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and substantial defensive walls.
Nearby Playa Ruinas creates the unusual combination of archaeological ruins and Caribbean beach, while inland, the Yucatán Peninsula’s cenotes reveal an entirely different landscape.
Gran Cenote, around ten minutes from central Tulum, is known for remarkably clear freshwater, limestone formations and cave systems, with turtles and fish frequently visible.
For an unconventional luxury stay, Azulik remains one of Tulum’s most recognisable properties. Built around organic forms, local materials and a deliberate connection to the surrounding landscape, it dispenses with many conventional hotel features in favour of an immersive, nature-focused experience.
November and early December can be particularly appealing, while the traditional dry season from December through April remains the safest option for travellers prioritising beach weather.
6. Lake Como, Italy
- Celebrities spotted: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce
- Instagram hashtags: 2.4M
- Monthly searches: 5.2M
- Average Daily Price: $442
Lake Como has been attracting aristocrats, artists and international travellers for generations, so its continuing appeal to celebrities is hardly surprising.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are among the more recent high-profile visitors, but the real draw remains unchanged: extraordinary villas, gardens, mountain scenery and some of northern Italy’s most elegant hotels.
Villa del Balbianello, positioned on a wooded peninsula in Tremezzina, is one of the lake’s most beautiful historic estates. Its terraced gardens and cinematic views have also made it a favourite film location.
The Como-Brunate funicular provides another perspective, climbing from the town of Como to Brunate in around seven minutes and opening up panoramic views of the lake basin and surrounding Alps.
But Lake Como is best appreciated from the water. A private boat allows travellers to see the villas, villages and dramatic geography from the perspective from which they were arguably designed to be seen.
For a classic stay, Grand Hotel Tremezzo remains one of the great European lake hotels, particularly famous for its floating pool on the lake itself, grand interiors and exceptional setting opposite Bellagio.
May, June and September offer perhaps the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
7. Turks and Caicos Islands
- Celebrities spotted: Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas
- Instagram hashtags: 1.3M
- Monthly searches: 21.5M
- Average Daily Price: $755
A frequent vacation destination for the celebrity power couple, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, is the islands home to some of the most beautiful beaches and marine life: Turks and Caicos Islands.
If there’s one thing to learn from Jonas and Chopra, it’s to spend as much time as possible on the pristine white-sand beaches. Located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and powder-soft white sand. It’s no wonder why it’s secured a spot as one of the top beaches in the world.
Even better, within walking distance, travellers can find themselves at Bight Reef, widely known as Coral Gardens, located directly on the western end of Grace Bay Beach. This reef is a popular shallow snorkelling spot but still great for experiencing Turks and Caicos’s array of wildlife. Although it is beginner-friendly, that doesn’t limit marine life. From turtles to stingrays and even the potential of seeing a nurse shark, Bight Reef snorkelling is an adventure for the whole family.
But Turks and Caicos’s beauty doesn’t end at its beaches and reefs. Located on the far northern tip of Grand Turk Island, travellers will find the Grand Turk Lighthouse. The landmark is an 18-metre-tall lighthouse dating all the way back to 1852 and is the only lighthouse in the entire territory. From the lighthouse, with any luck, travellers might even be able to spot migrating whales in the distance.
Located on Grace Bay Beach, The Palms Turks and Caicos hotel has everything a guest could ever ask for. Not only is it already located on one of the nicest beaches in the world, but it also comes with a range of other amenities from a swim-up bar for adults all the way through to Conch Kritters kids’ club, a complimentary children’s program. No matter who, there is a guaranteed activity for everyone.
Although nontraditional, for the absolute best experience, visit during April to May. Not only does it have great weather and fewer crowds, but it also lowers resort prices. So, guests can enjoy the luxury of the swim-up bar or infinity pool while knowing they made the most of their money.
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Celebrities spotted: Joe Jonas, Tatiana Gabriela
- Instagram hashtags: 5.4M
- Monthly searches: 1.3M
- Average Daily Price: $506
San Juan, Puerto Rico – perfect for colourful colonial architecture, large 16th-century Spanish fortresses, and Instagram hard launches. Well, for Joe Jonas and Tatiana Garbiela, at least, who just couldn’t miss the opportunity to post about their vacation.
If there’s one thing to take away from Jonas and Gabriela’s trip, it is that visiting the historic Old San Juan district is a must. Traditionally known as ‘Viejo San Juan’ by the locals, the 500-year-old colonial district is located on an islet in San Juan. Famous for its blue cobblestone streets, colourful Spanish architecture, and historic fortresses, the district is perfect for simply strolling around. However, that’s not to say that it lacks in any cultural landmarks or attractions.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is just one of the many attractions in the Old San Juan district. As the location of a major Spanish military stronghold that defended the bay against centuries of naval attacks, a tour of the citadel is a great way to get a deeper insight into Puerto Rico’s history.
While visiting the area, Hotel El Convento is an excellent hotel based in the heart of historic Old San Juan. The hotel is set nicely within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, museums, and San Juan Bay. Not to mention, it is the oldest hotel in Puerto Rico, originally built in the 1650s.
Now, for all foodie lovers, don’t skip Restaurante Raices. Perfectly located in the Old San Juan neighbourhood, it fits easily into any itinerary and is a well-known spot where travellers can taste real Puerto Rican cuisine. Serving dishes such as the iconic savoury meal made up of mashed plantains, otherwise known as Mofongo, dining at Restaurante Raices is an excellent way to deepen the cultural exploration when visiting San Juan.
For the best experience, San Juan is best enjoyed from mid-December through to April, with comfortable weather, minimal rainfall, and cultural festivals. However, for those who seek to avoid intense crowds, mid-April to June will suffice, with warm and mostly sunny days, though the occasional shower might arise.
9. Mykonos, Greece
- Celebrities spotted: Jessica Alba, Matt Damon
- Instagram hashtags: 5.9M
- Monthly searches: 5.7M
- Average Daily Price: $703
From Jessica Alba’s boat trip and beach club vacation to Matt Damon’s vacation with celebrity friends Chris and Liam Hemsworth, it’s clear that Mykonos has a lot to offer. Whether it’s the nightlife, whitewashed Cycladic architecture, or beaches, Mykonos isn’t only reserved for celebrities.
A staple when visiting Mykonos is to take a stroll through Chora, otherwise known as ‘Mykonos Town’. Not only does the capital have incredible sites to see, such as Little Venice and Kato Milli, but the labyrinth-like alleyways alone create a memorable experience of Cycladic architecture.
To have the best stay, the Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux hotel guarantees it. Inside, luxe white marble stairs lead to lavish rooms, many with stunning ocean views. But for those who don’t, the swimming pool will also provide a full view of the ocean. From the diverse buffet with its fresh range of products through to the waiters who create a cocktail to the guest’s exact specifications, Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux is the epitome of luxury travel.
For the best experience, visit during May to early June, as well as September to early October. Although unconventional, these months offer warm weather and swimmable waters, without the massive crowds the island sees during peak summer.
10. Kauai, US
- Celebrities spotted: Jessica Alba, Kendall Jenner, Jacob Elordi
- Instagram hashtags: 3.6M
- Monthly searches: 5.5M
- Average Daily Price: $437
It’s no secret how Kauai, US, otherwise known as ‘The Garden Isle’, got its name. Famous for its stunning natural landmarks, plunging emerald valleys, and unparalleled tropical rainforests, it is the perfect destination for a slow-paced and laid-back getaway. Or, in the case of Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi – the perfect destination for a secluded beach date and some breakfast from Nourish Hanalei, a family-run farm on the island.
But Kauai has much more to offer. By taking a helicopter tour with ‘Ali’i Kauai Air Tours and Charters’ or ‘Island Helicopters’, the island’s beauty can be truly appreciated. Wedged between the mountaintops of the Hanapepe Valley, the Manawaiopuna Falls can be explored and provide an entirely new perspective of the lush green island.
For all those who prefer their feet on the ground, a kayak and hike from Wailua River to Uluwehi Falls, otherwise known as Secret Falls, is just as stunning a view and experience.
But for a view that lets travellers sit back and relax, stay at the OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa hotel. This hotel is located right along the oceanfront and provides just as stunning views, all without the effort of climbing a mountain or treading through water. But for those who want to remain active, this resort also provides a range of classes from sunrise beachfront yoga to ukulele, lei making, and hula classes for all.
Opt for visiting these destinations during the shoulder seasons with warm weather and fewer crowds for the ultimate experience – there’s nothing worse than waking up to the beachfront view while being too cold to dive in. Anytime from April to May and September to October would create the ideal trip.
So, travel like these celebrities to get a taste of their world. From beachfront holidays to cultural dining or thrill-seeking hikes, there is always something for every taste, moment and memory.
