Where do the rich and famous head to soak up the sun? To relax and unwind after filming, escape for a week-long sojourn or fete in the sun with other celebrities? Martina Stritesky uncovers the top five celebrity beach hot spots for 2008. From exotic & faraway locales like St. Tropez, France to the more well-known spots like South Beach, Florida we've scoured the world to find out where the gorgeous go when they tire of the Hollywood spotlight.
Miami Beach
A Mecca for celebrity sightings, and a haven for the rich & famous, Miami is high on the list where stars choose to spend some quality down-time. Why? This sparkly city is high on fun. From Latin lounges to plush resorts and gourmet cuisine, this little spot known as the American Riviera was epitomized by Will Smith's hit song in the early 90's.
Stargazing: Just about everyone on the A-list has dipped their pretty toes into the waters of Miami. From Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Hudson to P. Diddy, Ricky Martin and John Mayer, the list of whose-who reads a mile long. It's also where Matt Damon and Lenny Kravitz call home.
Stay: With a private beach, private poolside cabanas and plush suites, the Delano in South Beach is the ultimate in celebrity-studded chic. Designed by Philippe Starck, this all-white hotel is located in South Beach's Art Deco District. Stars like Matthew McConaughey and Jessica Alba have rested their pretty heads on the hotels uber-high thread count for a good night's sleep.
Dine: Since opening its doors in 2001, Nobu at the Shore Club has been serving sake & sushi to countless celebrities. With Robert De Niro as owner, it's no wonder that celebs feel at home amongst their very own.
Nassau, Bahamas
Made up of 800 different islands and atolls, it's no wonder that the Bahamas is one of the hottest secret hideaways for celebs-there's plenty of space for privacy! From designer shopping and restaurants that rival any world-class city to crystal-clear waters and beaches to suntan by day, this pretty little paradise is quickly becoming the latest lush celebrity hangout for 2008.
Stargazing: Oprah, Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage all call Bahamas home with houses on the island. Tiger Woods, Cameron Diaz, Johnny Depp, Lauren Conrad and Shakira have been known to jet-in for the weekend.
Stay: If sleek opulence is your thing then The Cove-the newest hot spot that's been hosting a slew of celebs since it's opening in 2007-will meet your needs. The resort's breathtaking open-air architecture and lush tropical water gardens of lagoons and lilies will impress even the most disconcerting traveler. Cain-the resort's adults-only pool-boasts chic day beds to catch rays and private cabanas for secret rendezvous.
Dine: Dine like 007 in Casino Royale at the swank and sexy One&Only Ocean Club. This uber exclusive resort features a gorgeous restaurant by the sea-appropriately named Dune. Feast on lobster and champagne for the ultimate candlelit dinner by water.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This celeb beach hot-spot is not slowing down anytime soon. A favourite amongst VIP's for decades (Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby were known to sing a tune or two there), the A-List flock to Cabo for its gorgeous beaches, amazing nightlife-and its close proximity to Los Angeles. Hot since the 1950's, the still-exotic destination on the tip of Baja, California, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, is surprisingly still quaint and not yet over-developed.
