Star-Studded Getaways: Discover Hollywood’s Ultimate Holiday Destinations

The definitions of the perfect getaway vary widely, from tracking gorillas to lounging on the beach with a Negroni. However, one fact remains: regardless of individual inclinations, the festive week serves as an opportunity for nearly everyone to step away from work and pause projects while they recharge and restore their energy. 

THR engaged with the top Hollywood concierges to find out where jet setters and yacht enthusiasts are headed this week. Some spots, such as St. Barts and Aspen, are perennial favorites, attracting the entertainment sector each Christmas week, while others, like Spert Island off Antarctica, where Liev Schreiber visited last year, or Mahabalipuram in Southern India, where Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones traveled during the holiday, are momentary trends.  

“Many people are returning to St. Barts,’’ states Jacelyn Sienna India, founder of the luxury lifestyle company Sienna Charles, offering excursions that range from $75,000 to $250,0000.  

We can undoubtedly anticipate familiar faces like David Geffen, Barry Diller, and Jeff Bezos, who prefer to stay on their own yachts, to reappear for the festive atmosphere, but there are others who favor more subdued locales. 

“Certain clients are eager for the St. Barts scene, thrilled about it, while others are seeking something more private and secluded,’’ shares Michael Torbiak, proprietor of the bespoke high-end concierge service, M. Domo Travel. “Every dining establishment is extremely compact, competition for tables is fierce, and the yacht parties create significant traffic; some clients simply prefer to avoid it,’’ he added. 

Palm Beach continues to be a favorite among the East Coast entertainment community, with private airline Vista Jets identifying it as its top holiday location alongside St. Barts, while private jet provider Slate Aviation counts Palm Beach and Turks and Caicos as its leading stops. “The Breakers is very popular with established producers and directors, even at the cost of $3500 per night for a standard room, and they don’t concern themselves with anyone’s identity,’’ remarked Rob DelliBovi of RDV Hospitality, who is also booking at the Four Seasons Surf Club in Miami.

The preferred hotels in Turks and Caicos include Parrot Cay, Amanyara, The Shore Club, and Grace Bay Resorts, according to Torbiak. “They all feature spacious villas, ensuring ample privacy,’’ he clarified. And celebrities such as Keith Richards, Donna Karan, and Christie Brinkley are believed to have included their homes at Parrot Cay into the rental pool. “My clients adore Amanyara; they have 5 and 6-bedroom villas. Beyoncé just booked one there.’’  This season has witnessed the launch of two new luxurious resorts — The Strand, equipped with its own boat, and South Bank from Grace Bay Resorts — villas encircled by water, with services provided by a boat concierge for yacht owners or guests wishing to take an excursion.

Cap Jaluca in Anguilla is also attracting business leaders, thanks to its new Guerlain wellness facility. “They invested $10 million in the spa, and it’s stunning,’’ mentioned Torbiak. 

The Bahamas still lure prominent figures to the Four Seasons Ocean Club, Harbor Island, and Albany. “Many individuals are heading to Harbor Island (a favorite of Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and Ryan Reynolds), and celebrities are fond of Albany,’’ says India.

For the utmost privacy and security, individuals are hiring private villas on Mustique, according to India. This Caribbean destination, where Mick Jagger, Kelly Ripa, and Tommy Hilfiger possess homes, and Bill Gates, Denzel Washington, and Paul McCartney have rented accommodations, is known for exclusive dinners hosted by individuals like Le Bernardin owner Maguy Le Coze, who also has a residence there. However, with only one hotel and a limited number of rental options, securing a trip there can be quite difficult. “One of the well-known film producers from L.A. is traveling with his multi-generational family and two dogs, along with a private chef,’’ she stated. “They are curating the atmosphere, resembling a private members club. This year, no one who hasn’t previously been there is being allowed entry.’’

One destination that indeed necessitates membership is the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky. “You must either own property or be invited,’’ remarked India. “In the dining room, you’re in the company of the most remarkable individuals. Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry are owners there, along with Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, and Tom Brady.’’

Aspen consistently attracts stars — Kate Hudson performed there last festive week while Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell observed — and several actresses are renting properties there, according to India, and there are rumors suggesting that Demi Moore is heading to Sun Valley, while European ski slopes are bustling this year. 

“Courchevel and Zermatt have surged in popularity,’’ pointed out Dee Branciforte,  executive VP of Fischer Travel, an establishment where the membership initiation fee is $150,000 with an annual fee of $25,000. “The level of service, dining quality, sophistication, and alpine charm and architecture are unmatched in the U.S..’’

“Courchevel has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other location,’’ added social influencer Couri Hay of the resort that has drawn in Prince William and Kate Middleton, alongside Kate Moss.

India is arranging accommodation in Zermatt for a high-profile actress and her family. “These properties range from $10- $20,000 per night, and we need to send security ahead for inspections,’’ said India. “Yet, some individuals are too prominent to stay at a hotel during peak week.’’  

Christmas is significantly celebrated in Japan this year, with entertainment elites flocking to major urban centers and ski resorts. “I’m seeing a plethora of activities in Tokyo,’’ observed DelliBovi. “I have four major names headed there with partners or families, and others are heading to northern locations offering off-piste skiing.’’ Fortunately for the skiers, Niseko boasts many recent high-end resorts where Branciforte mentions she has been securing reservations for her esteemed clients.

Rest assured, we will still be treated to enjoyable snapshots of actors cuddling with penguins and elephants. 

“Individuals are ticking off their bucket lists,’’ remarked

Natalie Monzingo, an agent at Strong Travel. “I have one client traveling to Antarctica for over 2 weeks with his wife and daughter. They wish to see the penguins and have booked a cruise with Silversea.’’ Those two suites amounted to $90,000, but clients of Branciforte are opting for their own yacht to observe the leopard seals sunbathing on ice. “Individuals are displaying wealth this year,’’ India noted.

Kisawa Sanctuary on Bengerra Island in Mozambique has emerged as a trendy new getaway, according to Torbiak. “It was established by a member of the Danish royal lineage and is the new truly luxurious, off-the-beaten-path selection,’’ he stated.

Regardless of how remote a destination may appear, the Hollywood clientele is consistently discerning about their travel arrangements. “Even when our clients are flying privately, they request us to procure food from Nobu or EAT before they arrive at the aircraft because the quality of catering is unpredictable,’’ said Jeff Rose, owner of Attitude chauffeured transportation in New York, whose first client was Barry Diller and who attends to some of the most prominent names in the industry. For one Oscar-winning composer, he has arranged a bed in the rear of a vehicle, while another had the driver deliver gifts to family members post drop-off. “He even requested the driver to wear a Santa suit and red rubber nose while performing the task,’’ added Rose.  

A version of this story appeared in the Dec. 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.