Where celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Tiger Woods, Mariah Carey and Kate Moss holiday in the Caribbean – and slightly less expensive options nearby.
There’s probably nowhere else in the world that gets as many celebrity holidaymakers as the Caribbean. With gorgeous islands and hugely expensive private retreats, the West Indies has tremendous star power. But where are the big names going, and how can you go to the same places on a budget?
Anguilla
For the celebs
Undoubtedly the Caribbean’s star-spotting hotspot at the moment, Anguilla has a number of high class (and high cost joints). The unbelievably expensive Altamer Resort has hosted the likes of Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington and Al Gore in its US$35,000-a-week villas, while Celine Dion and Jay-Z have both graced the CuisinArt Resort and Spa. The latter is just about affordable – the stunning rooms, facilities, architecture and beach make the US$400-plus-a-night a relative bargain.
For the plebs
Anguilla is regarded as having the best beaches in the Caribbean, and they’re all freely accessible to the public. Shoal Bay East and Rendezvous Bay are best places to enjoy fine white sands and beautifully warm water. As for staying on the cheap, Lloyd’s guesthouse offers rooms for from US$95 a night.
Barbados
For the celebs
The exclusive side of the island is the West Coast, and the biggest name is the Sandy Lane. In its 60s and 70s heyday it pulled in just about everyone, from Jackie O and the Queen to David Bowie and Mick Jagger.
It still pulls in the A-List, although the rooms have undergone a hi-tech revamp since then. Big names that have stayed recently include Pavarotti and Tiger Woods – who had his wedding there.
For the plebs
Should the minimum of US$950 a night for the Sandy Lane seem a little steep, then Barbados has other, more affordable options. Just next door is the classy, all-inclusive Almond Beach Club and Spa, where a week’s stay including flights costs from £1,229 with Virgin Holidays.
And for those on a small budget, the south of the island has plenty of affordable guesthouses – and most of the nightlife.
St Martin
For the celebs
Part of the French Caribbean, the northern half of this small island oozes class – the La Samanna resort in particular. An elegant place, this was where Courtney Cox and David Arquette went on honeymoon. Meanwhile, the Waikiki Bar on Orient Beach has a St Tropez-like feel and a clientele that has included Zinedine Zidane, Mariah Carey and Eddie Murphy. As for eating, the village of Grand Case is packed with gourmet restaurants.
For the plebs
There’s plenty of affordable guesthouse accommodation on the island, the beaches are all public access and Grand Case also has the lolos. These are street stalls serving up delicious Caribbean food for bargain prices. As for drinks, head to the Dutch southern side of the island – this is where lots of party-orientated bars have special offers.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
For the celebs
The privately-owned island of Mustique is one of the most exclusive places in the world, and the ninety-odd private villas fetch extraordinary rental prices. The most famous location on the island is Basil’s Bar, a nightspot where you could easily run into the likes of Noel Gallagher, Hugh Grant or Kate Moss.
For the plebs
There are plenty of other, cheaper, islands in the country, including St Vincent itself. A great spot is Villa Beach in the south of the island. It’s where diving trips leave from, and there are a series of local bars and restaurants which offer nightlife with character. As for somewhere to stay, the colourful and ultra-friendly Beachcombers is an absolute bargain at less than £40 a night.
British Virgin Islands
For the celebs
Possibly the most famous private island in the world is Richard Branson’s Necker Island. It’s no wonder that the only people who seem to stay there are the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Mel Gibson and Janet Jackson when it costs US$47,000 a week to hire it out. There are some cheaper weeks where you can pay by the room – a mere snip at US$23,500 a week.
For the plebs
A more affordable bet is the main island of Tortola. Most of the resorts and guesthouses are on the northern side of the island, and most are reasonably priced. As for what to do, well this is the world’s charter boat capital, and it’s possible to spend a day sailing in a gorgeous setting for as little as £35 per person.
This article was originally written for AOL UK. Prices may no longer be valid.
Copyright David Whitley
