It’s true that when the weather’s steamy, many celebrities choose to retreat to the private pools of their multi-million dollar estates. Others, however, seek fun in the sun on the sandy shore of a picture-perfect beach. Some, like Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, build sand castles with their kids. Athletic types like Jennifer Garner or Maria Menounos expel their energy surfing or playing volleyball. Still others such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Aniston kick back and relax in the sun with cocktails in hand. Whatever celebs are planning to do on the beach this summer, here’s a guide to where you’ll find them.
South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
The summer sun is scorching over South Beach, but those lying in its rays are even hotter. The beautiful people flock to Miami for R&R during the day and its thriving club scene at night. It’s no surprise that the Kardashians frequent this sultry town, as does True Blood hunk Joe Manganiello, The City star Whitney Port and tennis ace Serena Williams.
Where to stay: The Setai is legendary for elegant parties, but it’s also an opulent, extravagant place to stay. Celebs love the Loft Suite with its 18 foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows, the Entertainment Suite for its wet bar and the Grande Suite for its spa treatment room.
Billionaire’s Beach (Carbon Beach) or Zuma Beach — Malibu, California
One lone stretch of sand in Malibu is home to some of the richest men in the world, including Oracle Corporation CEO Larry Ellison, DreamWorks co-founder David Geffen and former LA Dodgers CEO Jamie McCourt. The residents of Carbon Beach – better and more aptly known as Billionaire’s Beach — are notoriously (and rightfully) touchy about outsiders on their turf, which is why the surfer friendly Zuma Beach is a great backup option. Forget the guys – if you’re lucky, you’ll see Halle Berry or Cindy Crawford hanging out in a teeny weeny bikini.
Where to stay: The Malibu Beach Inn has prime, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Billionaire’s Beach while offering guests luxurious amenities like an 11 bottle selection of in-room California varietal wines, Frette linens and Molton Brown body products.
Sandy Lane Beach or Crane Beach – Barbados
It’s no surprise that Barbados’ Crane Beach was dubbed one of the ten best in the world by Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous: it’s that magnificent. The white sand and gentle turquoise waves make this locale an excellent location for beginner surfers and sunbathers alike. If you aren’t a guest of the area’s Crane Hotel and are staying home with mom as Bajan native Rihanna sometimes does, you can still access the beach via stepping-stones on its northern access side. However, the true jet set can be found on the celebrity favored Sandy Lane Beach. Those elite A-listers include Simon Cowell, David and Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Hugh Grant.
Where to stay: The luxurious Sandy Lane Hotel is beloved by famous folk for its pure elegance, plethora of golf courses and stunning spa. True A-listers rent out the Sandy Lane’s five bedroom villa, which, in addition to its many amenities, comes complete with its own team of dedicated butlers.
Pampelonne Beach – St. Tropez
For the true St. Tropez experience, there is only one beach option, and that is the Pampelonne. Celebrities flock to this three-mile stretch of heaven to hang out in their Hermes bikinis and Harry Winston jewels as they have since the 1950’s. Exorbitant prices to rent a beach lounger or parasol can run over $50, and classy, VIP beach clubs like Club 55 make this beach area affordable only to the likes of A-listers like Kate Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Moss, Hugh Jackman and Elton John.
Where to stay: The Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez offers pure, unadulterated opulence to its guests. The crème de la crème of celebrities book the Dolce Vita suite, which has two terraces, a catering area for private receptions, a bath with both a rain shower and tub, that’s decorated with gold and platinum mosaics.
www.hoteldeparis-sainttropez.com
Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
Wailea Beach was named America’s best beach in the past thanks to its golden sand and elegant resorts and it also happens to be set in one of the most picturesque places in the world. The lush vegetation and sense of private paradise are the contributing factors as to why celebrities such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Megan Fox and Britney Spears return time and time again.
Where to stay: Those who book the tony Maile Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea are in for a real treat. Not only is there a ‘personal assistant’ for your stay, but there’s also DirectTV, a full-size private sauna and even a personalized florist to create blooms for your room prior to your arrival.