By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
As the tabloids say: Stars, they’re just like us! So it’s little surprise that they love escaping to the Caribbean just as much as we do. If you’re hoping to do some celeb-spotting on your next island vacay, consider this your go-to guide. Just be sure to ixnay the surreptitious cellphone pics and desperate autograph requests. Even stars deserve a little uninterrupted downtime!
Anguilla
This tiny island’s 33 white-sand beaches, impressive dining options, luxe resorts and villas, and posh-but-unpretentious vibe has drawn A-listers such as Howard Stern, Sandra Bullock and Liam Neeson.
The Bahamas
Which star doesn’t own a Bahamian island? There are more than 700 of them in the archipelago, so there’s no shortage of options for the deep-pocketed. David Copperfield owns Musha Cay; Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have laid claim to Goat Cay; and Johnny Depp’s kids have the run of the sand at their Exumas island homestead.
St Barth
This French-Caribbean playground is ground zero for the rich and famous, particularly during the holiday season, when Gustavia’s harbour is jam-packed with their mega-yachts. Diddy, Dave Letterman, Steve Martin, Usher, Jimmy Buffett and Beyonce have all munched croissants here.
Bermuda
On-again/off-again star duo Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones owns a home in Bermuda, as does former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. And rumour has it that Chelsea Clinton was conceived here during her parents’ visit back in 1979.
Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton resort here has welcomed its share of stars, including Katie Couric, Tom Cruise and Anna Kournikova. And celeb chef Eric Ripert helms the kitchen at Blue, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.
Jamaica
The Caribbean’s largest English-speaking island has long been a star magnet and continues that tradition today with fly-ins by Christina Aguilera; Spike Lee; Naomi Campbell, Taye Diggs and Gwen Stefani. Ralph Lauren owns a pair of villas at Round Hill resort, and designed the hotel’s elegant décor.
Mustique
Fun-loving royal Princess Margaret put this Grenadine on the map back in the sixties. Now Caribbean-craving famous folk including Mick Jagger; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; Tommy Hilfiger; and Tom Hanks are either homeowners or visitors, decamping to private villas or one of only two hotels.
Nevis
Princess Diana famously retreated to Montpelier Plantation with her sons back in 1993. Today don’t be surprised to spot Kelly Ripa, Beyonce and Jay-Z or even Jimmy Buffett sipping a Killer Bee at Sunshine’s beach bar.
Turks and Caicos
Private-island resort Parrot Cay has hosted a constellation of stars, including Keith Richards, Ben Affleck and Lindsay Lohan. Donna Karan and Bruce Willis both own villas here.
The Virgin Islands
Looking for Kenny Chesney? Try St John, where the country singer often lays his trademark hat. Richard Branson owns Necker Island, a 74-acre spread you can have to yourself or share with others for rates starting at a cool $27,000 per couple per week. And Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have escaped to romantic BVI retreat Peter Island.