Paris Best Attractions & Activities

MUSÉE DU LOUVRE

Address : Rue de Rivoli Palais du Louvre Paris 75001

Phone: 01 40 20 53 17  

Hours : Sat-Mon, Thu 9am-6pm | Wed, Fri 9am-10pm

Website: www.louvre.fr

The world's largest, richest collection of art and antiques occupies the Louvre, the world's largest museum and a one-time royal palace. Originally built in 1190 as a fortress, part of which can be viewed in the basement, the Louvre began taking its present form during the 16th century under Renaissance monarch François 1er, whose successors began filling it with artworks, but didn't officially open as a museum until 1793 after the French Revolution. In 1981, then-President Mitterrand spearheaded a stunning renovation of the facility, notably the glass pyramid that now provides the main entrance. As well as western art up until 1848 including Leonardo's Mona Lisa and masterpieces of French Romanticism by Delacroix and Géricault, collections take in decorative arts, Greek and Roman antiquities; Mesopotamia and the very popular Ancient Egyptian department, much loved by kids. Free admission first Sunday of the month. There are excellent book and gift shops and several cafés on site. METRO: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre.

L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Address : Pl Charles de Gaulle Paris 75008

Phone:  01 55 37 73 77      

Fax: 01 44 95 02 13

Hours: Summer (Apr - Sep)  Daily 10am-11pm | Winter (Oct - Mar)  Daily 10am-10:30pm

Website: arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr

This symbol of French victory was commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1836. Adorned with sculpture and the names of military successes, the enormous arch features a small museum and rooftop viewing platform. At its base is the tomb of the unknown soldier. The arch sits at the center of place Charles de Gaulle (formerly place d'Etoile), a square that branches off into twelve avenues. It also offers great views southeast down the Champs-Elysées to the Louvre and northwest towards La Défense. Pedestrian access is most safely gained via the pedestrian tunnel from the north side of the Champs Elysées. METRO: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile.

LA TOUR EIFFEL

Address : Champ de Mars Paris 75007

Phone: 01 44 11 23 23

Fax: 01 44 11 23 22

Hours :Sep - Mid Jun Daily 9:30am-11pm | Mid Jun - Aug Daily 9am-Midnight

Website: www.tour-eiffel.fr

One of the world's most popular and well-known sites, this tower is not only a must-see for visitors but Paris's signature landmark. Although the structure was poorly received when it premiered in 1889, it's now a symbol of great civic and national pride. In fact, visitors must often wait in line before taking the elevator to the observation deck and seeing the city spread out below. At night, the tower becomes a beautifully illuminated sculpture. Gustave Eiffel, who designed the tower, also created the framework for NYC's Statue of Liberty. METRO: Bir Hakeim.

CENTRE GEORGES POMPIDOU

 

Address : Pl Georges Pompidou Paris 75004

Phone:  01 44 78 12 33      

Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-9pm

This modern building with its color-coded mechanical systems highly visible on the exterior has become an icon of modern architecture. Within, the Musée National d'Art Moderne has an impressive collection of French and international modern and contemporary art and design from 1914 to the present, including impressive holdings by Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and the Surrealists. Located onsite, too, are the Brancusi Studio (open 2-6pm), temporary exhibition spaces, Galerie des Enfants, which puts on special exhibits for children, a public library, performance space, cinema, shop, bookstore and restaurant. METRO: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet.

MUSÉE NATIONAL RODIN

Address : 79, rue de Varenne Paris 75007

Phone:  01 44 18 61 10      

Fax: 01 44 18 61 30

Hours : Apr-Sep (Apr - Sep) Tue-Fri, Sun 10am-5:45pm Sat 10am-5pm | (Oct-Mar) Tue-Sun 10am-4:45pm

This museum, set in the Hôtel Biron, is a tribute to one of the world's finest sculptors. Thanks to Rodin's own donations, the facility offers a wealth of objects, including terra cotta, bronze and marble creations. Plaster and wax studies are available as well, along with his sketches, drawings, engravings, and his own collected art. Among the items on display are "The Hand of God" and the sculpture that brought Rodin the most fame, a nude of St. John the Baptist. METRO: (line 13) Varenne, Invalides or Saint-François-Xavier.

 

MUSÉE D'ORSAY

Address : 1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur Paris 75007

Phone:  01 40 49 48 14      

Hours: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 9:30am-6pm | Thu 9:30am-9:45pm

Website: www.musee-orsay.fr

This mammoth iron-and-glass former railway station built to bring visitors to the World Fair in 1900 was transformed into an art museum in 1986. The museum's holdings date from 1848 through World War I, showcasing the world's largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings and sculptures, by such luminaries as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh and Gauguin, along with galleries devoted to the applied arts. Note that part of the museum is closed for refurbishment until March 2011. METRO: Solférino (line 12)

HÔTEL NATIONAL DES INVALIDES

Address : Esplanade des Invalides Paris 75007

Phone:  01 44 42 38 77      

Hours : (Oct – Mar) Daily 10am-5pm (Apr – Sep) Daily 10am-6pm

Website : www.invalides.org

This gorgeous architectural gem, completed in the 17th century, is located in the city's Faubourg-St-Germain region. It was created by Louis XIV as a home for aged soldiers and disabled veterans. Among its prominent features are a sweeping esplanade, a series of gardens, and a striking domed church, where military heroes (including Napoléon I) are interred. Also at this location is the Musée de l'Armée, an outstanding art and military history museum, with extensive armament collections. METRO: Invalides, Latour Maubourg

 

CATHÉDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS

Address :  6, pl du Parvis de Notre-Dame Paris 75004

Phone: 01 42 34 56 10

Hours : Cathedral  Mon-Fri 8am-6:45pm Sat-Sun 8am-7:15pm Towers (summer)  Daily 10am-6:30pm Towers (winter) Daily 10am-5:30pm Treasury  Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm Sat 9:30am-6:30pm Sun 1:30am-6:30pm

Website : www.notredamedeparis.fr

One of the most recognizable historic and religious sites in the world, Notre-Dame de Paris is a Gothic landmark and the city's spiritual home. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it's a vision of stone, stained glass and history. English language tours are offered Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm, Saturday at 2:30pm. If you have the stamina to climb 387 steps, views from the north tower will take your breath away. High above the historic city center, you'll come eye-to-eye with gargoyles and see laid out before you the Hôtel de Ville, the Sorbonne and the Panthéon. Definitely worth the climb! METRO: Cité

 

BASILIQUE DU SACRÉ-COEUR

Address : Parvis du Sacré Cœur Paris 75018

Phone: 01 53 41 89 00

Hours : Church  Daily 6am-11pm Dome/Crypt (summer)  Daily 9am-7pm Dome/Crypt (winter)  Daily 10am-5:30pm

Website : www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Built in 1873 as a symbol of Christian righteousness, this historic basilica sits on a hill at Montmartre, dominating the Parisian skyline. Its design was decided by competition, and the triple-domed Byzantine sanctuary was constructed in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The basilica houses religious texts and wonderful mosaics. It also hosts a regular array of events and activities.Views of the city from Sacre-Coeur are amazing. METRO: Anvers, Abbesses (line 12), Château-Rouge, Lamarck-Caulaincourt

 

CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES

Address : Pl d'Armes Paris 78000

Phone:   01 30 83 78 00      

Hours : Château  Tue-Sun 9am-6:30pm Trianons  Tue-Sun Noon-6:30pm Formal Gardens  Daily 8am-8:30pm Park  Daily 7am-8:30pm Hours May Vary Seasonally

Website : www.chateauversailles.fr

This wonderfully extravagant palace, where royals frittered away much of the treasury, is a necessary stop for visitors. Top designers of the day created an ornate complex of gardens, lakes, stables and guest houses to complement the luxuriously furnished palace, where Louis XIV, XV and XVI lived before the kingdom gave way to revolution. Beautifully restored rooms hint at the court's wealth, as seen in the gilt, crystal and hand-painted furnishings and details. Make sure to see the historic Hall of Mirrors. Guided and unguided tours are available. The gardens are as much as an attraction as the interior, especially when the spectacular fountains are turned on to music on summer weekends. Access from Paris by train (RER line C; Versailles Rive Gauche station is an 8-minute walk from the palace)


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Best Travel Pictures of 2011 Named

Runner-Up, "One Shot Wild Moments"

Photograph courtesy Thomas Kokta, www.tpoty.com

An illuminated tent sits beneath the glow of the northern lights in Hudson Bay, Canada.
Photographer Thomas Kokta was a runner-up in the "One Shot Wild Moments" category of the 2011 Travel Photographer of the Year (www.tpoy.com) competition, which is run by an independent group of travel photographers in the U.K.
"I like this one because it's a little bit more than just a landscape," said Krista Rossow, associate photo editor for National Geographic Traveler, who did not judge the competition.
The contest was judged by an international panel of 14 professional photographers and editors.
"The aurora borealis is impressive enough, but I think including the illuminated tent brings in the human element. You can envision yourself in that warmly lit tent after a long hike," Rossow said.
The winning pictures will be displayed at the U.K.'s Royal Geographical Society next summer, leading up to and during the 2012 London Olympic Games. The winning photographer will also receive 1,000 British pounds ($1,500 U.S. dollars) and other prizes.

(Also see "Best Travel Pictures of 2011 Named.")

—Ker Than

Runner-Up, ''Exotic''

Photograph courtesy Timothy Allen, www.tpoty.com

A couple in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea share an intimate moment during a courtship ritual. Photographer Timothy Allen was named a runner-up in the "Exotic" category.
"The photographer was able to focus in on this beautiful, intimate moment and compose it really well," Rossow said.
"I love the texture of what they're wearing with the beads and the color. It makes your eye circle around the edges and hone in on their faces."
(See pictures: "National Geographic Traveler's 2010 World in Focus Contest Winners.")

 

Runner-Up, "Spirit of Adventure"

Photograph courtesy Martn Hartley, www.tpoty.com

A scientist on scouts the landscape atop a small iceberg in Cornwallis Island, Canada, in a picture taken by photographer Martin Hartley, a runner-up in the "Spirit of Adventure" category.
"I like this because it's very graphic," Rossow said.
"I can imagine it being an opener to a [magazine] story because it clearly has space for type. And I think it was absolutely necessary to have a figure in this to give it a sense of scale. It also doesn't hurt that he's wearing red."
(See "Best Pictures: Nat Geo Photo Contest Winners, 2011.")

Overall Winner

Photograph courtesy Louis Montrose, www.tpoty.com

An adult and a child look out from the front of their home in Tiebele, the painted village of the Gurunsi people in southern Burkina Faso. Photographer Louis Montrose is the overall winner for this picture and another taken in Oaxaca, Mexico.
"I love that their clothing is similar," Rossow said of the Burkina Faso shot.
"And that there's so many layers. You have the two people, and what I assume is their house, and the depth going back into this village that is so amazingly painted that it keeps your eye very busy looking at all the details ... You could look at this photo a long time."
(Listen to music from Burkina Faso.)

Runner-Up, "New Talent"

Photograph courtesy Jonathan Munshi, www.tpoty.com

Photographer Jonathan Munshi, a runner-up in the "New Talent" category, captured a woman diving for clean water in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.
"I like the symmetry in this," Rossow said.
"The woman's body almost echoes the vessels of water. She has this beautiful bright color on, and then there's the purple on top of the other vessel. And then you have this wall that's been [covered in] graffiti and aged with time that has these subtle variations of color that add to the composition."
(See more Bangladesh pictures.)

Winner, "Spirit of Adventure"

Photograph courtesy Franco Banfi, www.tpoty.com

A beluga whale swims near a scuba diver under an ice field in the White Sea in northern Russia in this photograph taken by Franco Banfi, winner of the "Spirit of Adventure" category.
Rossow said she liked the unexpected nature of this picture.
"I feel like I've seen a lot of shots with hammerhead sharks and things underneath the water, but I haven't seen a beluga like this.
"I also think the lighting is eerie, and the way the ice is chunked up into little bubbles is another interesting element."
(See a picture of a beluga blowing a bubble.)

Winner, "Best Single Image"

Photograph courtesy Yeow Kang Yeo, www.tpoty.com

Residents along the northern border of Dhaka, Bangladesh, climb atop a train and squeeze into every available space during a Muslim congregation event. Photographer Yeow Kwang Yeo is the winner in the "Best Single Image" category.
"I look at this photo and I'm terrified, but then you look at the people's faces and they're all happy and enjoying themselves," Rossow said. "It's just an amazing moment."
(See ten unique train trips.)

Commended, "One Shot Wild Moments"

Photograph courtesy Evan McBride, www.tpoty.com

Photographer Evan McBride, commended for the "One Shot Wild Moments" category, captured two wolves playing chase in Norway.
"I like the almost monotone color palate here," Rossow said.
"It's very cool and gray, but you get the nice pink of both their mouths. And your eye almost undulates down their bodies because they're very sinuous."
(See a National Geographic magazine interactive: Return of the Wolf.)

Commended, "Natural Elements"

Photograph courtesy Philip Lee Harvey, www.tpoty.com

Morning fog obscures Venezuela's Angel Falls—the world's highest single drop waterfall—in this photograph taken by Philip Lee Harvey, who was commended in the "Natural Elements" category.
"I think this is gorgeous. I'd put it on my wall," Rossow said.
"Fog always makes a more interesting photograph. I also love the way the dark forest in the foreground anchors it ... It's just a very well-composed, beautiful landscape, and it was the perfect time to take this picture."
(See more pictures from Venezuela.)

Winner, Cultures & Traditions

Photograph courtesy Sergey Anisimov, www.tpoty.com

Photographer Sergey Anisimov captures a family of nomadic deer herders—and their dog—in Yamal, Russia. Anisimov won the "Cultures & Traditions" category.
"To me it's just kind of a funny family portrait," Rossow said. "And I like that they're not all looking at the camera. It's a window into their real lives."
(See more Russia pictures.)

Commended, "Natural Elements"

Photograph courtesy Johnny Haglund, www.tpoty.com

A Sudanese woman braces herself against an approaching sandstorm in this photograph taken by Johnny Haglund, who was commended for the "Natural Elements" category.
"I love the clouds and the way her dress is blowing in the wind. And you get a hint of the sand coming in. It's just kind of a foreboding shot," Rossow said.
"I wonder what she's holding onto, and what she's doing with the pole and the rope. And I wonder when she's going to run for cover, and when the photographer covered his camera."
(More winning pictures from the Travel Photographer of the Year contest can be seen at www.tpoy.com.)


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The guide - Things to do in Barcelona

This article will give you a general insight into the things to do in Barcelona, which is no mean feat because there is so much to do!

Everything depends on your interests and type of holiday, but there is something in Barcelona to suit all types and this page will give you a taste of the things to come.

Barcelona is a city steeped in culture and history, so if it's some sight-seeing you're after then you've come to the right place. Barcelona is most famous for the fantastical architecture of Antonio Gaudi, whose building are scattered all around the centre of the city. The most famous and impressive can be seen along Passieg De Gracia where you will find La Pedrera and Casa Batlló . Or head to the Parc Guell which is a gorgeous parc designed by the man himself. However the most impressive of Gaudi's works is arguably the Sagrada Familia, the huge, still unfinished temple You can't fail to be humbled by such an imposing and ambitious project, the detail on the exterior walls is just staggering, but beware, if you are scared of heights don't be tempted to climb to the top of the turrets.

Other than Gaudi, Barcelona does offer a lot in terms of architectural brilliance. The Gothic Cathedral in the heart of the Gothic quarter is a must-see. Just wandering around Barcelona you will come across a feast of beautiful buildings, and also get off Las Ramblas, there is so much more to see just 2 minutes either side of this famous street.

For all you culture-vultures out there Barcelona has plenty of museums to keep you happy. The MACBA (museum of modern art) and the CCCB next door are worth a look and generally have good exhibitions on every month. The Picasso and the permanant Dali exhibition in the Gothic Quarter are always popular. The Caixa Forum is a museum which has different art exhibitions every month. It is just off Placa Espanya, on Avenida Marques de Comillos that is popular with locals but much ignored by tourists, which is a shame because it's great and free! Near the Caixa Forum is MNAC (museum of Catalan art) which is so beautiful inside and out.

 If you want free unlimited transport on the Barcelona public transport system and discounts on many of Barcelona's top attractions consider buying the Barcelona Card - The discount and travel pass.

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Cuisine

Barcelona has great food, there is no doubt about it. You can get anything you want from international food to Catalan favourites, tapas to seafood platters. All you have to do is look around, there are lots of very reasonably priced restaurants, as well as some extremely pricey ones. People here eat late, lunch is usually at 14:00 and dinner at 22:00, for dinner it is usually advisable to book a table. Like with many things, if you want good quality without the price tag then head away from Las Ramblas.

Tapas is particularly good around Barceloneta, this was originally a fishing village and there are still many quaint little local places where you can get fresh seafood tapas for good prices.

For couples I recommend Limbo on Calle Merce, it's subtle, romantic and the food is delicious. If you want something a little more upbeat then why not try one of the Italians down Calle Ample - Made in Italy has live jazz on Saturday and Tuesday nights.

Also I would really recommend having a look round the markets, La Boqueria is on Las Ramblas and Mercat St Antoni are both filled with fresh products to tempt your every sense.

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Things to do in Barcelona for Families

Barcelona is a child-friendly place and there is a lot that kids will enjoy. For a start there's the Zoo in Parc Ciutadella, the zoo is large and will provide a days easy entertainment for kids and adults. Or there is the aquarium which is the largest in Europe and is always fun.

Another good place for children is Poble Espanyol which is on Montjuic, just up from Placa Espanya. Poble Espanyol is an odd place, a village created in 1929 to imitate the different styles of Spanish regional architecture. There are lots of craft shops, and activities you can watch such as glass-blowing. Often there are also kids only activities where you can leave the little ones for a couple hours, last time I was there it was stilt-walking! And while you are in the Montjuic area don't miss the magical fountain of Montjuic, a music and light extravaganza.

Something else kids might enjoy is the Cable Car that runs from Barceloneta beach over to Montjuic. Again it's not something for those scared of heights but it is fun and you get spectacular views of the city.

Adults may well enjoy this more than children but there is also a chocolate museum near Arc de Triomph which will show you the history of chocolate and end in a shop and café where you can rest and have a creamy hot chocolate.

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Things to do in Barcelona for Couples

Paris may be the capital of romance but Barcelona doesn't do badly for those with love on the mind. There's the Barcelona beaches, the balconies overlooking the streets below, good food and great wine!

If it's sunny you could head to Parc Ciutadella which is a large leafy park where you can hire pedaloes and go onto the lake.

If that's too strenuous for you then how about heading up to Tibidabo where there is a bar which overlooks the whole city. The bar is called Mirablau and is perfect for an early evening cocktail.

Don't forget you can always see the sights in style from your very own horse and carriage, they can usually be found at the bottom of Las Ramblas. 

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Bars and Clubs

Barcelona is a party city, whatever time of the night or morning there is always something going on. There are bars to suit everyone, weird ones, secret ones, Catalan ones, Irish pubs, ones with great views and ones with a trendy clientele.

The bars are open here till 3 normally so there is no rush, wander around and move to place to place. Some of the ones I think are worth having a look at are:

L'Arquer - for novelty value nothing beats this bar which has lanes for archery!

Miramelinda - a classy bar in trendy El Borne area which makes very good mojitos.

Ommsession - If you're design-conscious and like being surrounded by similar people then head to this lounge bar.

Manchester Bar - A nice bar in the Raval that pays homage to English indie music of the 90s

London Bar - Live music every night at this bar that was frequented in the past by Picasso and Hemingway.

As for clubs again there is a big range. If you like cheese then the primarily gay Sala clubs are popular with gay and straight people.

If hip hop is your thing then try Jamboree on a Monday night, or City Hall night club on Thursday nights keep your eyes out for flyers which give discounted or free entrance, in shops and cafes.

Most of the other clubs play a mix of house, funk and occasionally a bit of trance.

As you can see there really is a lot of things to do in Barcelona whoever you are, you can do as much or as little as you want and everywhere you go in the city I'm sure you will find something of interest.

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This villa in Crete it's no myth..

The villa  is a luxury 4 bedroom villa located on a hillside with breathtaking views of Elounda and the sparkling blue of Aegean Sea from every room in the villa. This impressive, part stone clad villa boasts top quality furnishings and fittings combined with the latest modern technology.  The villa  has a private infinity swimming pool with spectacular views of Elounda bay, where you can enjoy your relaxing evening.

Perched high on the hillside, the  villa offers amazing views of Elounda and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea from every room in the house. .

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Easter in Corfu Island

The celebration of Easter in Corfu a unique experience, completely different from anywhere else in Greece and particularly impressive for first-time visitors to the island. It if a huge festival, in which various components come together harmoniously, the Orthodox Christian faith, pagan traditions, the powerful presence of Saint Spiridon, the Roman Catholic community, the Venetian influence, genuine Corfiot humour, the muslc of the phtlharmonic bands and of course the spring atmosphere. Holy Week throughout Greece is characterised by its church services, by fasting, and by the anticipation of the Resurrection. We recommend that during Holy Week you leave the town and venture out to the villages in Corfu. Wander in the countryside, that is moving into spring and the season of fertility and renewal, and enjoy its perfumes. After the dullness of winter, with its rains and cold weather, the sunlight underscores the fresh colours of nature. The white, yellow, mauve and green of the wild flowers, the blue of the sky and the sea, form a backdrop to the grey stone walls of the monasteries with their westernized wall-frescoes.

Good Friday is the day of the Epitaphios, the funeral of Christ. All over the island, as all over Greece, every church brings out its own funeral bier and parades it around the parish. In Corfu however, the attendant philharmonic orchestras and choirs, the presence of thousands of Corfiots as well as foreign visitors, give another dimension to the gravity of the occasion. On Holy Saturday at 11 a.m. the First Resurrection and the "Pot Throwing" custom take place, and the local people throw pots out of their windows, smashing them onto the streets below.

Video 1  | Video 2

In the evening, before the Orthodox ceremony takes place, you may attend the Catholic service at the Duomo Cathedral. With the participation of all Church officials, the Resurrection service finishes here at 11 pm, to permit the clergy time to pre pare themselves for the Orthodox service. All over Greece the ceremony takes place on a platform outside the church. In Corfu town, the service is held in the Upper Esplanade Square, starting at the Church of Agia Paraskevi, with the, participation of the Bishop, the philharmonic orchestras, and thousands of people. The Resurrection is seen in with a roll of drums and an impressive firework display, and when this ends the bands traverse the streets of the town at a great pace playing cheerful music, with people running behind them singing.

The party has only just begun, and will last until dawn. The Resucrection is celebrated and the Lenten fast is broken with chilihourda (the local Easter soup), red eggs, fogatsa (brioche), columbines (a special bread of Venetian origin, baked in the form of a dove) and of course lots of wine. Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. on Easter Sunday morning, churches in town which possess an icon of the Resurrection parade it around the central streets, something which is well worth seeing. The parades finish at around 10 a.m. but the great Easter Celebration is far from over.

Book Today you Accommodation in Corfu!

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Top 10 glamorous A-list destinations

Hoping to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous on your next trip? Unfortunately for any aspiring celeb-spotter, those celebs are stealthy types and really aren’t interested in being spotted, so while some getaway locales never change, new under-the-radar destinations keep popping up around the globe. Even if you couldn’t care less about the A-listers, it never hurts to know where the rich and famous are deciding to spend their vacation time, as privacy and luxury are the hallmarks of any great celebrity getaway. From the classic to the up-and-coming, here are the top 10 spots for celeb spotting around the world:

1. Telluride, USA

Could Telluride be the new Aspen?  Megacelebs such as TomKat and Oprah have residences here and, let’s face it, they can afford to live anywhere. So why Telluride? It’s been a Native American hunting ground, a rough-and-ready mining mecca and a ghost town, but nowadays people are flocking to the easy (both on the eyes and in attitude) mountain village for the fabulous festivals and endless outdoor adventure. Winter is ski time, so get busy on the slopes and the après-ski scene; September sees the annual film festival and the spotting of celeb locals in their natural habitat. Telluride sounds obscure but is well served by flights to Telluride Regional Airport, or drive from Denver (530km), Salt Lake City (590km) or Phoenix (765km).

2. Gstaad, Switzerland

Synonymous with the international jet set, this Swiss wintertime resort appears smaller than its lionised reputation. Renowned as a haunt of Bond actors, Euro royalty, heirs and various hangers-on, Gstaad is a picturesque but tiny village crouched beneath the hilltop turrets of its pre-eminent hotel, the undeniably palatial Gstaad Palace. The actual skiing here is disappointing – far better are the après-ski activities such as seeing and being seen, partying in A-list establishments, and window shopping at the chi-chi boutiques lining the main street. Gstaad is famous for fondue (it’s a stylish kitsch thing) and the best is at Saagi Stübli, in the basement of Hotel Gstaaderhof.

3. Miami, USA

Dare to bare in the people-watching paradise that is South Beach (sorry, SoBe), where models, rappers, yuppies, starlets, celeb chefs, pop stars and ‘regular folk’ unite. Miami is a simmering, sultry melting pot, and a place in which to see and be seen. South Beach  has no shortage of beautiful bods sunning themselves on the sand, while behind them the world’s hottest designers have sexed up art-deco masterpieces and turned them into hipper-than-thou hotels. This is where the jet set comes to play and be pampered (and papped by the paparazzi), basking in the reflected glow of their bling, mojito in hand, accompanied by a soundtrack of Latino beats. You’d be crazy not to join the party. You’re nobody in Miami without the right wheels – join the glitterati with a head-turning motor from Bling Bling Exotic Car Rental.

4. St Barts, Caribbean

When it comes to the islands of the Caribbean, the label ‘playground of the rich and famous’ gets quite a workout. Clearly, then, this is no average playground. It is, in fact, one giant theme park for the glitterati. It’s no surprise that Saint-Barthélemy (St Barts to its friends) is the preferred retreat of the pampered and poised – this beachy bombshell fulfi ls every fantasy of a vacation in paradise. Perfectly positioned bays are backdrops for fancy-pants restaurants, rolling hills demand rambling villas, and the Gustavia harbour is simply perfect for all the megayachts. And the celebs who have holidayed in St Barts? Well, it’s probably easier to list who hasn’t, dahling… Celebrities have stressful lives, hence their requirement for constant pampering – follow suit at exclusive Guanahani Hotel & Spa which offers indulgent week-long treatments.

5. Wakaya, Fiji

Any wannabe celeb worth their salt has dreamed of owning their own island. But what to build on it once you’ve made the big purchase? If you’re Canadian entrepreneur David Gilmour, the answer is obvious – one of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive resorts. Gilmour purchased the 8-sq-km Fijian island of Wakaya in 1973 and kindly lets the little people enjoy his stunning tropical hideaway. Well, little people who think nothing of blowing from US$2000 per night on a bure (traditional house) or up to US$7600 per night on the Vale O villa (Wakaya’s 1100-sq-metre royal suite). And who might be sitting on a nearby sun lounge? Maybe returning guests Bill Gates, Keith Richards, Nicole Kidman or Russell Crowe. If those prices mean you’re more Ow!-List list than A-List, sneak a peek at Wakaya from the sky; Island Hoppers offers flights from FJ$99.

6. Goldeneye Resort, Jamaica

If you’ve a spy novel just itching to be written, head to Goldeneye for inspiration. This is where author Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels in the 1950s and ’60s (while entertaining literary and silverscreen greats from the era). What was once Fleming’s holiday estate, divinely positioned in the crystal clear Caribbean, has been bought and expanded by Island Records’ founder Chris Blackwell, and there are now a handful of smaller villas to rent alongside Fleming’s original three-bedroom pad. Share your martini at the resort bar with a present-day guest list that has included Johnny Depp, Sting, Scarlett Johansson, Bono and Kate Moss. Would anyone mind if we packed Daniel Craig too…? Suave old James is a dab hand at leaving a phone receiver dangling while edging his latest love slowly bedwards – practice it yourself at Goldeneye Hotel (re-opens October 2010).

7. Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Early-adopter celebs take note: Montenegro became independent in 2006, and its sparkling coastline (think Croatia without the hype) is no longer a state secret. The tiny and impossibly picturesque Sveti Stefan island provides its biggest ‘wow’ moment. For centuries it was a simple fishing community, until someone had the idea to buy the whole thing and turn it into a luxury hotel. It became a hit with Hollywood and European royalty (guests have included Sofia Loren and Queen Elizabeth II) but its appeal faded in the 1990s. Over the last few years tradespeople have replaced screen goddesses on its exclusive cobbled streets, and the resort reopened this summer, more glamorous than ever. Sveti Stefan is on the Budva Riviera, the heart of Montenegro’s beach culture. The Mediterranean climate makes it a happening destination from March to September.

8. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is shorthand for clubbing – it’s the island that gave the world the rave, and its famed megaclubs and bars  (including Space, Pascha and Café del Mar) attract an international brand of hedonist. From June to September, this is a not a destination for those who like an early night. Fittingly, it’s the young(ish), sun-seeking, party-hardy crowd that flocks here, from Leonardo di Caprio to P-Diddy, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, big-name DJs (natch) and European footballers and fashionistas. Still, despite its massive after-dark reputation, there’s some striking scenery and deserted beaches, perfect for the postclub come-down or sunset drinks. Celebs don’t slum it in Ibiza’s hotels, oh no – the swankiest properties rent for over €30,000 per week; see www.ibizasolutions.net.

9. Côte d’Azur, France

Where to start? With towns such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo? Destinations so beautiful they inspired artists like Renoir, Picasso and Matisse? Or a roll-call of names from stage and screen, literary and art-world luminaries, socialites and aristocrats who have been drawn here since the 19th century? Hire a yacht as the de rigueur mode of transport, lounge on a private beach, hit the blackjack tables, and dine and shop in style almost everywhere along the coast. Access to this lifestyle is why we envy the A-list…

10. The Hamptons, USA

It was once widely held that if you had to make an appearance in the office on Monday, you weren’t rich enough to be in the Hamptons. The who’s who of New York old money have used the southern fork of Long Island as their summer playground for aeons, but lately they’ve been joined by ‘new money’, from NY designers and stockbrokers to LA movie stars. Mega-estates owned by the likes of Ralph Lauren, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Martha Stewart and Billy Joel dot the coast, interspersed with tony townships. Sell your sister for an invite to a summer party in East Hampton, the reigning monarch of Hamptons ‘burbs, where celeb spotting (or simply house ogling) is a cinch. For years the moneyed set has hung out at Nick & Toni’s, chomping away on treats from the wood-fired stove. Good news – it won’t break the bank!

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