Ever wondered where celebrities vacation? A-listers, after all, always seem to escape to the most fabulous hotels and resorts around the world. And, with lofty obligations, busy schedules, and demanding projects, the places celebrities choose to get away from it all say a lot about who they are. From a sultan’s former palace in a city that spreads over two continents to a spectacular desert hotel in the middle of a beautiful nowhere, these are just a few of the extraordinary getaways people like the Hemsworths, Kardashians, and Beckhams have opted for in the past. Want to follow in their footsteps? Below, AD surveys six incredible properties—all outfitted in spectacular art and design—with an additional stamp of celeb approval.
Photo: Courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Ciragan Palace Kempinski (Istanbul)
In a city where East meets West, and history meets contemporary, it’s not surprising that a hotel like Ciragan Palace Kempinski exists. Set on the shores of Bosphorus, the stunning property fuses glamour and tradition, bringing together a sultan’s former palace and a modern building to offer 310 rooms, the most spectacular of which are the 11 suites in the palace section. So, who has stayed here? Just about everyone, from royal families to government delegates and icons in music, film, sports, and entertainment. Guests need only step into the hotel foyer and turn left to encounter what is known as the Wall of Fame, where nearly every inch of wall space is taken up by photos of prominent figures—U2, Sting, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Oprah, and Justin Timberlake, among others—who have walked the halls and slept in the luxurious guest rooms.
Photo: Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort (California)
Set some 1,200 feet above the crashing Pacific Ocean, Alila Ventana Big Sur has been around since the ’70s and was given a fresh makeover when it was purchased by Alila Hotels and Resorts a few years ago. Since then, the laid-back hideaway has become a favorite of celebs like Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Sean Parker, who check in to relax and unplug. Scattered across meadows and hills covered in towering redwoods are 59 rooms, a gorgeous terrace restaurant and several pools, including a clothing-optional one. Suites, which feature mesmerizing vistas of the forest canopy, the ocean, or canyon, are fitted with wood-burning fireplaces, soaking tubs, and oversized hammocks for two.
Photo: Courtesy of Amangiri
Amangiri (Utah)
Blending graciously into a stunning red rock landscape of canyons, mesas, and ridges, Amangiri manages to take nothing away from the dramatic surroundings. Inside, the massive guest suites feature rawhide furnishings, concrete floors, stone walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private terraces overlooking spectacular desert panoramas. If, like Kim Kardashian, Emily Ratajkowski, Drew Barrymore, Kendall Jenner, and Justin and Hailey Bieber, you want to get away from it all and be in the middle of nowhere, Amangiri has the advantage of being in one of the most beautiful nowheres in the world.
Photo: Four Season Resort Whistler
Four Seasons Resort, Whistler (British Columbia)
It seems like, every year, Whistler Blackcomb makes the cut in every publication’s list for the top ski resorts in North America. And, with a season that typically lasts six months, and a terrain that includes 8,171 acres, 3 glaciers, and 16 alpine bowls, it’s really no surprise that it’s a popular place where celebrities vacation. So, where do they check in? Often, Four Seasons Resort. The well-loved hotel has welcomed everyone from Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet to Hugh Jackman, Cole Sprouse, Neil Patrick Harris, and the entire Beckham clan. Inspired by its alpine setting, and fusing urban modern elements with classic lodge aesthetics, the ski in/ski out hotel even include a ski concierge who’ll take care of all your equipment needs, lessons, and anything else you might need for an epic day on the slopes. It also features a gorgeous pool surrounded by pines and twinkling lights, and plenty of ways to unwind at the many restaurants, lounges, and bars for the perfect aprés.
Photo: Michael Nicholson, courtesy of Island House
Island House (Lord Howe Island)
Lord Howe Island, which is casually referred to as the Galapagos of Australia, is home to less than 500 residents and only welcomes 400 visitors at any one time. Visitors like Chris Hemsworth, who has traveled with brother Liam and the rest of their family, opt for Island House, a relatively new addition to the community. Steps from the sea and nestled in a forest of Kentia palms and centuries-old Banyan trees, Island House is actually two houses—you can book each house separately or buy out the entire compound—constructed of timber, copper, and glass. Inside, each has been meticulously outfitted with midcentury furniture and vintage pieces by the likes of Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Poul Kjearholm. The living rooms offer deep and comfortable Eilersen sofas, cast-iron Cheminee fireplaces, and Wilson + Gryphon sound systems, while the designer kitchens are fully stocked with everything you might need to whip up a delicious meal. (A private chef can be arranged upon request.)
Photo: Oliver Pilcher, courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia
Hacienda AltaGracia (Costa Rica)
The wild jungle of Costa Rica is the setting for the 180-acre Hacienda AltaGracia resort, which features a private landing strip, coffee farm, organic vegetable garden, horse stables, and hills that roll down the side of Pérez Zeledón mountains. Across the property are one- and two-bedroom casitas perfectly positioned in the wilderness to provide complete privacy. It’s no surprise that this Auberge Resort has welcomed the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Nicky Hilton, Shaun White and Nina Dobrev, Emma Roberts, and Lindsey Vonn. Designed by Nina Gotlieb, the hacienda-style casitas offer indoor-outdoor spaces fitted with the perfect blend of rustic elements (think weathered wood furniture by the private plunge pools) and richly textured marble, stone, and organic fibers. Activities like pro surf lessons, treks to a waterfall, chakra and reiki readings with a spiritual healer, and ATV tours are included in your stay, as are meals and land transfers.
Photo: Courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski .jpg)
Photo: Courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski .jpg)
Photo: Courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski 
Photo: Alila Ventana Big Sur
Photo: Alila Ventana Big Sur
Photo: Courtesy of Amangiri 
Photo: Courtesy of Amangiri 
Photo: Four Season Resort Whistler 
Photo: Four Season Resort Whistler 
Photo: Michael Nicholson, courtesy of Island House 
Photo: Michael Nicholson, courtesy of Island House 
Photo: Oliver Pilcher, courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia
Photo: Oliver Pilcher, courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia
