When it comes to celebrities and their vacations several factors are key to their enjoyment: beautiful surroundings, privacy and relaxation. I myself have just gotten back from a relaxing vacation in the Virgin Islands and since I still have sunny skies, coral reefs and crystal-clear waters on the brain I was wondering where the celebs go when its time for a little R & R.  I found some of the most visited spots by celebrities, and if I ever had the money to splurge, these are the places I would like to go!

Necker Island, British Virgin Isles

Topping the number one spot on my list is Necker Island.  It was purchased by Sir Richard Branson, the English capitalist known for his Virgin megabrand, about 25 years ago.  It is a secluded island with 74 acres of paradise surrounded by nothing but crystalline waters.

Necker Island, British Virgin Isles

The island has only one luxurious villa that can accommodate up to 28 guests.  Set in the British Virgin Isles, this private refuge has been a vacation spot for celebs like Steven Spielberg, Mel Gibson, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, Mariah Carey, Harrison Ford, and Pamela Anderson.  If you are a celebrity or someone with the funds to spend it, this is THE place to vacation!  And judging from the pictures I can totally understand why!

Here on Necker Island you can customize how you want to spend your vacation; you can be as active or relaxed as you like.  The Island is equipped with a private gym, snorkeling equipment, tennis court, 14 private beaches, infinity swimming pool, horseback riding, spa services and more!

Necker Island's Private Spa Services

And they can tailor make your stay with the kinds of foods and beverages you would like while vacationing!  Sign me up!  Please!!! Sadly…I could never afford the pricey $2,000 per night stay on my journalist’s salary.  But if you have ever been or know someone who has, send me your pix and stories about your time there and rub it in deep…with sea salt please!

Infinity pool blurs the line between man-made and heaven sent!

St. Tropez, France

St. Tropez

Not just a lyric in one of P. Diddy’s songs!  Brigitite Bardot began the tradition of visiting this tourist spot in the South of France in the fifties with films like Et dieu…crea la femme and since then it has been a vacation destination for virtually every A-List celebrity.

Brigitte Bardot in St. Tropez

Though not the best place for privacy, it is a favorite tourist spot for people-watching.

A cafe in St. Tropez

Still celebs like Penelope Cruz, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Liz Hurley, Paris Hilton, The Beckhams, Pamela Anderson, Jenna Bush, Kelly Rowlands, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Bono, Mary J. Blige, Keanu Reeves keep coming back to take in St. Tropez’s pristine beaches and gorgeous waters.

It’s not just a place for docking that fancy yacht either; this 16th century destination has amazing clubs, yummy French cuisine, and historic sites like its citadel and museum.

And if you don’t have a yacht to dock at the Marines de Cogolin but still need a luxurious place to stay, look no further than the Hotel Byblos on Avenue Paul Signac, a stamp of luxury.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is such an attractive vacation spot for celebs because of how close it is to the mainlands! Vacationing anywhere in Hawaii has always been a popular choice for celebs, but Maui seems to always top the list. Elvis loved it from his first visit in the 1950’s!

The island offers plenty to do; like surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling, world-class golfing, exploring the mysteries of the island, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants to visit.

We hear Britney Spears was quite a regular to Maui with ex-hubby Kevin Federline,

Britney Spears in Maui

they stayed at gorgeous hotels like The Fairmont at Kea Lani and The Four Seasons.

Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui

Four Seasons, Maui

Other celebs who visit this island of paradise are Owen Wilson, Christian Slater, Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, Kate Hudson, Lindsay Lohan, Jack Black and his wife, and Paris Hilton.

And if you can’t get enough of paradise, you can always make Hawaii your home away from home like these celebrities did when they bought a second home (or their third, fourth… tenth…but hey, who’s counting?) in Hawaii: Helen Hunt, Carlos Santana, Woody Harrelson, and Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah's Hawaiian House

Turtle Island, Fiji

Ex-married couples like Britney Spears and Kevin Federline as well as Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey both honeymooned on this breathtaking island in the South Pacific.

Turtle Island

This eco-friendly island was the beautiful setting for “The Blue Lagoon” starring Brooke Shields.  It is not unlike my favorite, Necker Island, in that it is privately owned, has only one resort, and is inhabited by only its visitors and hotel staff.

The island’s resort has 14 private villas, or “bure”, which is a traditional Fijian 2-room cottage with grass-thatched roof, each with a bedroom, bathroom and private bar.

Each “bure” is equipped with its own “Bure Mama”, which is someone who looks after you to ensure the enjoyment of your stay.  The Bure Mama is responsible for the housekeeping and laundry, as well as being your island tour guide to help you plan your vacation, and even accompany you on excursions. Each “mama” is given a digital camera to take pictures, with your permission, of you during your stay so that you have a personalized album all ready when you get home!

Bure Mama

Dinner here is done with flair, all the guests are invited to a dinner party at different parts of the island every night so that they can dine together and share experiences and converse.  An unlimited amount of cocktails and wine as well as scrumptious food are available.  If you are looking for just a dinner for two, that can also be arranged!

Ok so after I leave Necker Island I am headed to this place!

Cabo San Lucas

Or better known by its shortened name, Cabo, is another favorite spot for celebrities because like Hawaii it’s just a short plane ride to sun and relaxation.

Jennifer Aniston is a regular when it comes to vacations in Mexico.  She can almost always be found at the luxurious Esperanza Resort.

Esperanza Resort, Cabo San Lucas

White sand beaches, five-star resorts, international cuisine, exquisite spa services, and world championship golf courses are just some of Cabo’s allure for A-list celebs.

Cabo's White Sand Beaches

Other celebs who have found sanctuary here are Courtney Cox and David Arquette, George Clooney, Sheryl Crow, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Bono.

George Clooney rang in 2009 in Cabo this year

Other favorite celebrity tropical destinations include the Dominican Republic, St. Barts, Anguilla, Bora Bora, and Miami Beach! But celebs don’t always choose to get as close to the equator as possible. They also visit places like The Hamptons in New York; Telluride, Colorado; Aspen, Colorado; and St. Moritz, Switzerland.