Follow these celebrity vacationers to their fave hot spots—all of them places that will meet your needs for surf and turf.
The Bahamas
For twosomes who are like ships in the night because of jam-packed schedules and are desperately in need of pampering time together.
Poster couple
John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston have managed to do what other Hollywood couples only dream about—stay together through thick and thin. It’s probably because they still make time for intimate getaways at places like the ultraposh resort, Atlantis, in the Bahamas. With more than 2,000 rooms, the resort might not be intimate in a traditional sense, but even these stars can get lost in the crowd.
Good times
A no-brainer holiday at Club Med in Columbus Isle, Bahamas—a one-stop funhouse—might be just the ticket. When you show up, the fridge in your room is already stocked, and there’s a TV with a DVD player, plus an assortment of blockbuster movies. No sweat if you were too busy to remember your wallet—water sports, live entertainment, food, booze and even tips are rolled into this all-inclusive holiday. Add on a romance package, starting at $350, and its massages, Champagne (the good stuff, too) and little extras will win you brownie points for a long time to come, enough to get you out of trouble when you become too busy and forget someone’s birthday.
Runner-up
Turks and Caicos Islands. Ben Afeck and Jennifer Garner had some serious reconnection time when they paused from their lming schedules long enough to wed at Parrot Cay (a private thousand-acre island). The pristine beaches draw their share of sun bunnies, but the islands have yet to be overrun by tourists. It’s quiet enough for you to hear sweet nothings whispered in your ear without them being drowned out by all those reggae-blasting beach bars.
Dominican Republic
For twosomes who rank styrofoam, George W. Bush and SUVs high among the environmental evils of the world.
Poster couple
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie like to keep it real in the DR. They stroll the streets and hang with the locals, before hiding away at an exclusive resort, like the Punta Cana Resort & Club.
Good times
The sugary-white beaches of the Dominican Republic are why most people head there, but its best-kept secret is its eco-friendly side. Hike through unspoiled mangrove swamps, mountains with cascading waterfalls, rainforests, plantations and caves to your hearts’ content, while wearing your hemp shirts and Birkenstocks. And then there’s the scuba-diving and snorkelling, which are often underrated: The reefs and marine life are healthy and thriving, the water has good clarity and, best of all, you won’t have to sell your Smart Car in order to afford a diving excursion. Prices are very reasonable compared to other Caribbean dive spots.
Runner-up
Barbuda. Tiny and terric, this small island (a favourite of the late Princess Diana) off the coast of Antigua is like Disney World for bird enthusiasts. The Frigate Bird Sanctuary, accessible only by boat, is one of only a few places in the world where you can spot the frigate bird—an orgiastic event, I’m told, for feather-heads.
Barbados
For “let’s just do it” twosomes who can’t get the vacuum cleaner out of the front-hall closet because it’s jammed with baseball gloves, golf clubs, yoga mats and last year’s dart-tourney trophy.
Poster couple
David and Victoria Beckham flaunt their rippled bodies on the beach at celebrity-magnet Sandy Lane, the island’s most exclusive, and expensive, resort. When they’re not frolicking in the waves, they lounge in their ocean-view suite, far away from the unwashed masses.
Good times
Barbados is well known for its challenging golf courses and deep-sea shing, but there are other activities to test your mettle. Rent bikes and tone your calves while exploring the hills of the island, or grab surfboards and slice through the waves at the Soup Bowl, a top spot on the wild and windy east coast. Or be a voyeur and watch sports like polo and cricket being played there. Though staying at Sandy Lane might be too rich for your tastes, you can unwind at its Zen-inducing spa. For the real deal, suck back some Banks beers with locals at the Friday night sh fry-ups in the town of Oistins.
Runner-up
Aruba. The trade winds breeze through the islands at a constant rate, making windsurng the sport for the sporty. Or head for the hills, literally, for a challenging hike, usually under sunny skies (average annual rainfall is just 16 inches).
Mexico’s Mayan Riviera
For hipster couples who like to follow the crowd on the road to what’s hot and happening.
Poster couple
Tom Cruise has always been one to be on top on the latest trend. He kicked off a global obsession with aliens with War of the Worlds and snagged himself a young wife (a popular Hollywood tradition) in the form of Katie Holmes. He also knows a good thing: He booked a romantic getaway with his beloved at the Maroma Resort and Spa, a nearly $5,000-a-night sweet spot in the Mayan Riviera.
Good times
This region in southern Mexico is the ultimate place to party, with the copious clubs of Cancun. It’s also a gateway to real, authentic Mexico, with the impressive Mayan ruins in Tulum and the picturesque Isla Mujeres (a.k.a. “The Island of Women”), where you can snorkel in clear waters and sip Coronas by the seaside.
Runner-up
Cuba. With rumblings from the Americans that would put the country back on their tourist radar screen, Canadians are savouring their remaining Yankee-free (i.e., less commercialized) days spent among some of the warmest, kindest people down south. See the unspoiled rustic version of the island (especially Havana) while you can.
Grenada
For twosomes who love facing challenges and adversity head-on and want a trip to a place with strong conviction and spirit.
Poster couple
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Heidi Klum and Seal. Both of these couples share things in common: It’s the second time around for both (Will was previously married, as was Heidi), and these twosomes have vacationed on the spice island. Sure, they could’ve given up on nding love again and taken a vow of chastity, but they licked their wounds, found fresh amore and hooked-up for a sequel marriage. That don’t-give-up-attitude denes Grenada as well.
Good times
Hurricane Ivan may have bitch-slapped the island in 2004 with its devastating winds, but Grenada has emerged once again as a must-visit destination, looking better than ever. The rough and ready charm of the country is still there. It’s not slick and polished like other Caribbean spots. Instead, it woos visitors with the subtle things it offers—like a safe environment and good value for your hotel dollar, with places like LaSource for the tness-minded and the secluded Bel Air Plantation, with its spacious, hillside villas.
For foodies, Grenada is a sprinkle of heaven with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves kicking up the cuisine at unpretentious, local eateries. Frolick with fellow pasty-skinned Canadians on a seemingly endless stretch of sand like that of Grand Anse beach. Want the world to go away? Hop a ferry to the nearby island of Carriacou, where you can claim an empty beach for your own and pick up seashells to the beat of gently breaking waves.
Runner-up
Jamaica. Its new cool is bringing a fresh crowd to the culture-rich island, now that travellers are realizing that media reports on crime have not really been reecting reality. Many Canadians know that Jamaica grooves to its own beat in oh-so-many ways. Sandals resorts entice with good value, great service and a laidback vibe that gives activities like sipping fruity rum drinks by the pool a tropical punch.
A travel writer extraordinaire, Michele Sponagle has visited more than 40 countries around the world.
