NEWSOK! TRAVEL: The Hottest Winter Getaways
Dec. 16 2010, Published 10:04 a.m. ET
Bask in the beauty of Barbados!
When Rihanna heads home for the holidays, she goes to Barbados, a Caribbean haven just a short hop from the east coast of the U.S. The singer grew up on the island’s southwest coast, but she’s not the only A-lister who loves the turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches. Jude Law and Sienna Miller reignited their romance here, Simon Cowell owns a lavish villa, and Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber recently spent nine days exploring the island on a family vacation with their children.
Follow Rihanna’s lead and hop on a boat to explore the reefs and snorkel with sea turtles off the island’s west coast. On Fridays, Oistins Fish Market on the southern tip of the island offers a street festival with live music, Bajan crafts and delicious, fresh-cooked seafood. For a taste of the island’s colonial-era luxury, the Cobblers Cove Hotel offers the refined elegance of an English country estate. Located on a quiet beach on the island’s west coast, each of its 40 spacious suites offers easy access to the beach, lush landscaped gardens and a freshwater pool. Afternoon tea is served daily at 4 p.m., and the hotel’s own fishermen catch the fresh local seafood available at the hotel’s romantic Terrace Restaurant. Rates start at $330 per night. (cobblerscove.com)
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The powder snow, fresh air and stunning mountain views have long attracted hardcore skiers to Aspen, but the Colorado resort town is just as famous for its celebrity regulars, earning it the nickname “Beverly Hills in the hills” thanks to longtime fans like Jack Nicholson. Now, you can find the likes of Jessica Biel snowboarding down Aspen Mountain, and Heidi Klum and Seal taking lessons on the Buttermilk Mountain bunny runs with their brood.
After a day on the slopes, relax with a luxurious massage at The Aspen Club and Spa, the second largest spa in the state and a favorite of actor/ musician Jared Leto (aspenclub.com). The town also has a lively nightlife scene. Last year, Gerard Butler, Paris Hilton and Brooke Mueller all spent New Year’s Eve at the exclusive Caribou members’ club (caribouclub.com).
This year, the 19th annual Aspen Academy Screenings will bring top actors and directors to a public sneak peek at the year’s hottest films, between Dec. 29 and Jan. 2 (aspenfilmhref="http://). Gerard, Jessica, Seal and Heidi have all stayed at the historic Hotel Jerome. Just 300 yards from the slopes, the luxury property’s alpine charms include a heated pool, sophisticated Library Lounge and first-class cuisine at the Garden Terrace Restaurant. Rates start at $187 per night. Take advantage of Hotel Jerome’s special winter packages before Jan. 31. (.
