Where the rich and famous go on vacation

Slide 1 of 31: Ah, to be rich and famous and able to rock up at your own desert island via a private jet at the click of a finger... We can only dream. But while we’re waiting for that lottery win, let's get some inspiration from the destinations the rich and famous go for some downtime. From magical winter retreats to glorious sunny isles, here are just some of the one percent's favorite destinations.

Slide 2 of 31: You know you've made it into the upper echelons of society when Sir Richard Branson invites you to join him on his private isle, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands. The likes of Barack Obama, Prince Harry, Kate Moss, Harrison Ford, Mariah Carey, Robert de Niro, Mel Gibson and Harry Styles – among many, many others – have been Sir Branson's guests at the super-exclusive retreat.
Slide 3 of 31: To say the island is luxurious would be an enormous understatement – but it's the barefoot, laidback kind of luxury. With room for only 34 people at a time, Necker Island offers the sort of privacy the most influential people in the world crave.
Slide 4 of 31: The accommodation options are enormous and elegant, the white sands and sparkling ocean are postcard-pretty, and in case lying on the beach isn’t for you, there is water sports, tennis and an unending supply of food and drink to keep you occupied.
Slide 5 of 31: Synonymous with luxury, the remote vibes, peaceful surroundings and often astronomical prices make the beautiful islands of the Maldives an instant hit with the rich and famous.

Slide 8 of 31: The picturesque Swiss ski resort of Gstaad is not so much about the skiing, but more about the people-watching. Fabulously glamorous people draped in jewels and furs, designer ski gear and expensive cars are just some of the things you’ll gawp at if you spend a week – or indeed, an afternoon – in this famous place.
Slide 9 of 31: Gstaad is frequented by the true upper echelons of celebrity society: Sophia Loren, Madonna, Rudolph Valentino and Julie Andrews. They have all flocked to the resort’s top attraction: the glamorous, revered and yet somehow still cosy Gstaad Palace Hotel.
Slide 10 of 31: But there are plenty of opulent chalets too. Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone is just one of the super-wealthy elite with a multi-million dollar property here.

Slide 11 of 31: The Cote d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, has long been favored for a sophisticated, elegant getaway. With world-class restaurants, famed hotels and a glamorous clientele, it's been a hotspot for the jet-set type for decades.

Slide 12 of 31: On the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, the Cote d’Azur includes upmarket areas such as St Tropez, Cannes, Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, and don’t forget Monaco, the tax-free micro-state for the ultra-rich.

Slide 14 of 31: The island of Antigua has bags of Caribbean charm, with swaying palm trees, sunny skies and idyllic beaches. Fans over the years have included Robert de Niro, Princess Diana and Eric Clapton, who have flocked to the destination in search of privacy and a more authentic experience.
Slide 15 of 31: The most elite of all Antiguan getaways is Jumby Bay, an exclusive private island off the coast of Antigua. The houses, owned by private homeowners but managed by Rosewood, are enormous, luxurious, and seriously expensive.
Slide 16 of 31: You’ll need a lot of cash to holiday here, but as far as privacy goes, it’s one of the world’s best: there’s no chance of being papped. Will Smith, Paul McCartney and Kevin Spacey are just a few of the big names who’ve chosen the island for a private retreat.

Slide 17 of 31: If money was no object, many of us would undoubtedly choose to holiday in Bora Bora. It's no surprise then that the most wealthy people in the world flock to this exclusive French Polynesian island.
Slide 19 of 31: Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux recently jetted off to Bora Bora for their honeymoon, while other admirers of the island include Justin Bieber and Usain Bolt.

Slide 20 of 31: If you’re booking a holiday to St Barths, the swanky, French-speaking, super-luxe Caribbean island, then you’ve probably made it.
Slide 21 of 31: With breathtaking white sands, a vibrant coral reef and plenty of quirky restaurants and bars, the island has everything a celebrity could need: beauty, luxury and, of course, privacy.
Slide 22 of 31: One of the island’s most spectacular properties is the Hotel Eden Rock-St Barths. Owned by the Matthews family – that’s Spencer Matthews, of British TV reality show Made in Chelsea fame, and James Matthews, Pippa Middleton’s new husband – the hotel is a favorite of the rich and famous. Tom Hanks, Mick Jagger and, of course, the Middleton family are all past guests.
Slide 23 of 31: The private island of Mustique, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, is synonymous not only with luxury but with the most elite of visitors.

Slide 24 of 31: Frequent guests have included musical royalty such as Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and the late David Bowie. It hasn't been short of real royalty either, as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have visited the destination on three occasions for personal trips.
Slide 25 of 31: In recent years, the island has become a favourite with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the couple choosing the tranquil spot most years for family trips away.

Slide 26 of 31: A city of many contrasts, travelers on all sorts of budgets visit Rio for its cultural highlights, buzzing nightlife, beautiful people and dreamy beaches.
Slide 27 of 31: The gulf between rich and poor in the city means that the most wealthy live separate lives from the majority of inhabitants, so the most elite of restaurants, bars and hotels are accustomed to hosting guests with bodyguards, enormous teams of staff and special requests for privacy.

Slide 28 of 31: This reality – which even extends to many resorts having their own helipads so top celebrities need not bother with walking past photographers and reporters – means that Rio is a top choice for the rich and famous desiring a hassle-free holiday. Jennifer Lopez, David Beckham and Lady Gaga have all holidayed in the Brazilian hotspot in recent years, with hip hotel the Fasano a particular favorite.
Slide 29 of 31: If the Obama family are choosing the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard as a summer retreat, you can safely bet it’s a good place to be.

Slide 30 of 31: And it’s not just Barack, Michelle and the kids either: Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have all holidayed at the exclusive destination.

Slide 31 of 31: The island is pretty relaxing, but there’s plenty to do if you're after an active holiday too. You can cycle between the different towns, stroll on the pretty beaches or indulge in a game (or three) of golf.

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