Beyonce loves Arizona, Britney heads to Fiji and Claudia Schiffer prefers a quiet Honduran island: The low-key resorts where the stars love to escape the paparazzi 


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We see them soaking up the sun on the deck of a superyacht in St Bart's, St Tropez or Cabo San Lucas, living the high life and loving every minute. 

But where do the superstars go when they don't want to be seen? What are the secret havens where the most likely camera lense they'll see are from their own selfie-ready smartphones and the locals couldn't care less it they're kind of a big deal back around the rest of the world.

Here, MailOnline Travel looks at the islands and resorts the rich and famous don't really want us to know about.

 

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, USA 

It doesn't have the famous name of Las Vegas or Hollywood but Scottsdale has been a celebrity haunt since the 1950s when the likes of Bing Crosby frequented the Hotel Valley Ho, where Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood were married.  

The beautiful Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale has hosted President Obama and many celebrities

The beautiful Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale has hosted President Obama and many celebrities

Jay-Z and Beyonce could have chosen anywhere in the world but went with the lesser known of the desert resorts 

Jay-Z and Beyonce could have chosen anywhere in the world but went with the lesser known of the desert resorts 

The iconic Camelback Mountain and cactus are the most enduring of trademarks of the Scottsdale area

The iconic Camelback Mountain and cactus are the most enduring of trademarks of the Scottsdale area

More recently, Jay-Z and Beyonce could have chosen absolutely anywhere in the world for their honeymoon but went with the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain to celebrate their nuptials. Britney Spears and Jennifer Aniston have also stayed there. 

Found on the Sonoran Desert just outside Phoenix, there are a number of impressive resorts in the affluent area including the Scottsdale Resort & Spa where President Obama stayed a few years back on an official trip.

Home to numerous big name US athletes, B-grade celebs and rocker Alice Cooper, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley is often dubbed 'Hollywood Light'. 

The main pool at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Spa and Resort in Paradise Valley where Jay-Z and Beyonce spent their honeymoon

The main pool at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Spa and Resort in Paradise Valley where Jay-Z and Beyonce spent their honeymoon

MUSTIQUE, St Vincent and the Grenadines 

This royal favourite in the Caribbean was transformed into a millionaire's paradise by Colin Tennant, 3rd Baron Glenconner, who bought it for £45,000 and began its development in 1959 with Swedish builder Arne Hasselqvist. 

Being privately owned by The Mustique Company, made up of those who own houses on the island including Mick Jagger, and a tougher trek to get to than regular island getaways, this should be one of the world's more exclusive retreats.

Mustique is a royal favourite in the Caribbean with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge regularly holidaying there

Mustique is a royal favourite in the Caribbean with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge regularly holidaying there

Britannia Bay in Mustique, one of a series of islands in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles

Britannia Bay in Mustique, one of a series of islands in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles

Although Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge's family babymoon in 2013 ahead of the birth of little Prince George attracted some significant attention.

Keeping the riff raff out are the nose bleed-inducing prices for one of the island's 100 villas that average $20,000-a-week and the fact there are only two hotels, The Cotton House with 17 rooms and The Firefly which has just five rooms all with ocean views. 

If it wasn't already, the secret was well and truly out when Cheryl Cole secretly married Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini here in a surprise ceremony in July last year at The Cotton House, the oldest building on the island.  TripAdvisor declared a 648 per cent surge in the number of travellers in the UK searching for Mustique in the two days after the news broke compared to the previous week. 

Recreation here involves diving, snorkelling and fishing and sundowners on your villa or house's balcony or at Basil's Bar, a pub on the water's edge.

While recreation on the island is limited, Basil's Bar on the water is ideal for a sundowner after a day of snorkelling or diving

While recreation on the island is limited, Basil's Bar on the water is ideal for a sundowner after a day of snorkelling or diving

Fisherman's beach in the both luxurious and laid-back celebrity haven of Mustique, where royalty and entertainers flock

Fisherman's beach in the both luxurious and laid-back celebrity haven of Mustique, where royalty and entertainers flock

The restaurant at The 17-room Cotton House, one of only two hotels on Mustique, where Cheryl Fernandez-Versini got married in secret

The restaurant at The 17-room Cotton House, one of only two hotels on Mustique, where Cheryl Fernandez-Versini got married in secret

Interest in the island surged when Cheryl Cole secretly married Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini here in a surprise ceremony

Now Cheryl Fernandez-Versini web Jean-Bernard at Mustique while it's a favourite for Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge

MONTE CARLO, Monaco 

Screen legend Jack Nicholson once referred to Monaco as 'Like Alcatraz for rich people!' He may not have intended it as a compliment, but it is packed with more police per capita than just about anywhere in the world and while not on an island and packed with criminals it is a world away from reality.  

For resident and U2 singer Bono, who can be seen watching football team Monaco in action when he's in town, its appeal when once asked about the best part of Monte Carlo is simple: 'No f****** paparazzi.' Local laws indeed make it a major hassle to take snaps of the stars with all manner of permits required for professionals to take their camera out of the bag let alone shoot celebrities.

While we wouldn't dare suggest tax laws have a bearing on its appeal, it's so packed with celebrities, sports stars and the super rich because they alike couldn't care less if someone has sold out an arena, won a Grand Slam or cut a killer banking deal last week.  

Other than the superyacht-stacked marina the Monte Carlo Casino is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Monaco 

Other than the superyacht-stacked marina the Monte Carlo Casino is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Monaco 

The rich and famous tie up their vessels in the harbour and enjoy their relative anonymity among the well-heeled population 

The rich and famous tie up their vessels in the harbour and enjoy their relative anonymity among the well-heeled population 

The recently completed Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament winner was Novak Djokavic, one of a host of tennis stars that call Monaco home including Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova, not that you'll see them there much during the year due to hectic touring schedule. 

Jay-Z is no stranger to tying his yacht up in the marina while Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button are also notable residents, who feel right at home we're sure during the annual Monaco Grand Prix around the streets of Monte Carlo. Other big names to live there include Shirley Bassey and former Bond Roger Moore.

Hotel Metropole de Monte Carlo is a popular low-key haunt where Joël Robuchon's two Michelin-starred restaurant is a highlight, bettered only by Alain Ducasse's Louis XV which holds three Michelin stars.  

Tennis world No 1 and Monte Carlo 'local' Novak Djokovic is presented with his Monte Carlo Masters trophy on Sunday by Melanie-Antoinette de Massy (left) and Baronne Elizabeth-Ann de Massy (right)

Tennis world No 1 and Monte Carlo 'local' Novak Djokovic is presented with his Monte Carlo Masters trophy on Sunday by Melanie-Antoinette de Massy (left) and Baronne Elizabeth-Ann de Massy (right)

Monaco resident and U2 singer Bono (right with bandmates The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr) loves the principality for its lack of paparazzi  

Monaco resident and U2 singer Bono (right with bandmates The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr) loves the principality for its lack of paparazzi  

NECKER ISLAND, British Virgin Islands

Richard Branson's 'Billionaire's Playground', as a BBC TV show dubbed it, is an exclusive island owned entirely by the Virgin supremo and a popular haunt for celebrities seeking respite from the outside world since 1984. 

Lazing about in hot tubs and on the heavily-guard beaches is the most common activity for the maximum of 28 guests that can be accommodated here where there are no stuffy dress codes and everything including food and drink is included.  

The most famous of them include Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Kate Moss, who celebrated her 40th there, and Kate Winslet, who famously saved Branson's grandmother when a lightning strike started a fire and burned the Great House to the ground.

Richard Branson has owned the exclusive Necker Island since 1984 after seeing it from the air from a helicopter

Richard Branson has owned the exclusive Necker Island since 1984 after seeing it from the air from a helicopter

Branson's island accommodates only 28 people at any one time and is a popular haunt for celebrities getting away from it all

Branson's island accommodates only 28 people at any one time and is a popular haunt for celebrities getting away from it all

Lazing about in hot tubs and on the heavily-guard beaches is the most common activity for the maximum of 28 guests at Necker 

Lazing about in hot tubs and on the heavily-guard beaches is the most common activity for the maximum of 28 guests at Necker 

Branson bought Necker for £60,000 after seeing it from a helicopter when he was 27 and has since hosted the late Diana Princess of Wales, Eddie Murphy, Robert De Niro and even politicians Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair. 

All meals and drinks (including alcohol) are included in the price, as are return launch transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports and a team of 100 staff, and guests can enjoy two freshwater infinity pools, a giant hot tub on the beach and a small hot tub at Great House.

Seven nights stay there costs $28,805 (£19,300) per couple in one of the Great House's rooms, from $31,185 (£20,930) per couple to be in one of the Bali Houses and from $47,180 (£31,650) per couple for the Great House Master Suite.

Branson showed off the island for the BBC TV show Billionaire's Paradise: Inside Necker Island 

Branson showed off the island for the BBC TV show Billionaire's Paradise: Inside Necker Island 

The 74-acre in the British Virgin Islands is just north of Virgin Gorda and costs from £19,300 per couple for a seven-night stay

The 74-acre in the British Virgin Islands is just north of Virgin Gorda and costs from £19,300 per couple for a seven-night stay

Supermodel Kate Moss spent her 40th birthday on the island which has also hosted Oprah Winfrey and the late Princess Diana 

Supermodel Kate Moss spent her 40th birthday on the island which has also hosted Oprah Winfrey and the late Princess Diana 

TURTLE ISLAND, Fiji 

As romantic as they come but perhaps a little doomed given Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears spent their respective honeymoons with their now exes on this beautiful little island. 

Trista and Ryan Sutter, who famously hooked up on the first series of The Bachelorette, though after choosing to ditch the reality TV cameras for their honeymoon on Turtle Island in Fiji. 

Just as well there's a happy ending as the island is made for romance. The management allow only 14 couples to stay on the totally inclusive island at any one time. 'Why?' they ask on their website. 'Because we only have 14 beaches.'

It's also famous for being the set for Blue Lagoon, starring a young Brooke Shields, which highlighted its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

Romantic horse rides along the beach at sunset and all manner of other romantic activities are on offer at Turtle Island

Romantic horse rides along the beach at sunset and all manner of other romantic activities are on offer at Turtle Island

Only 14 couples are allowed on the island at any one time, because there are only 14 beaches
A couple snorkel at romantic Turtle Island

Only 14 couples are allowed on the island at any one time, because there are only 14 beaches

Bachelorette star Trista Suttor honeymooned with Ryan, who she met on the show, on Turtle Island
As did Britney Spears with Kevin Federline, but that didn't end so well

Bachelorette Trista Suttor honeymooned with Ryan, who she met on the show, on Turtle Island; as did Britney Spears with Kevin Federline

HARBOUR ISLAND, Bahamas 

Certainly not the most fancy and maybe not even the most beautiful of the Caribbean hot spots but for a chilled out getaway from it all on a pink sand paradise many celebrities choose Harbour Island. 

Shoes off and worries away are the motto of this part of the world which has hosted the likes of Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl and Colin Farrell, who have all stayed at the 10-room Rock House Hotel once owned by interior designer to the stars Wallace Tutt. Elle Macpherson and Uma Thurman reportedly own houses on the island.  

The locals couldn't care less where they came from, just that they're keen to relax.

The beach at the front of the Rock House Hotel in the Bahamas boasts crystal clear waters and 

The beach at the front of the Rock House Hotel in the Bahamas boasts crystal clear waters and 

The popular pool and bar at the Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island where Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl and Colin Farrell have stayed

The popular pool and bar at the Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island where Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl and Colin Farrell have stayed

Robert de Niro has stayed at the laid-back Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island
Elle Macpherson is said to own a house on the beautiful island

Robert de Niro has stayed at the laid-back Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island while Elle Macpherson own a house on the island

ROATAN, Honduras  

Little Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands and recently enjoyed a visit from star couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The islands are a growing attraction in the area just off the coast of Honduras and for now offer relative privacy.

Douglas and Zeta-Jones arrived via a private jet but American, Delta and United airlines all offer direct flights from the US.

Other well known visitors to the island rich in natural attractions have included Richard Gere, Julio Iglesias, Bill Gates, Claudia Schiffer and Cameron Diaz. Gere Copan to the safety and privacy of Palmetto Bay Plantation. Michael Douglas had a great time on the East Side of the island.

While there Gere stayed at the eco-friendly Palmetto Bay Plantation. 

A beach pier for small boats at the west end of Roatan island off the north of Honduras, which is becoming popular with celebrities

A beach pier for small boats at the west end of Roatan island off the north of Honduras, which is becoming popular with celebrities

Richard Gere stayed at the Palmetto Bay Plantation, which boats this stunning stretch of beach as its frontage

Richard Gere stayed at the Palmetto Bay Plantation, which boats this stunning stretch of beach as its frontage

An aerial view of Roatan Island, the largest of the Bay Islands, which can be accessed directly by flights on the weekends

An aerial view of Roatan Island, the largest of the Bay Islands, which can be accessed directly by flights on the weekends

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas visited the island by private jet in March, reportedly interested in property

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas visited the island by private jet in March, reportedly interested in property

JOSE IGNACIO, Uruguay

The tiny fishing village of Jose Ignacio on the Atlantic coast  has hosted the likes of Colombian singer Shakira and Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, yet it's as far as a haven can get from being a household name. 

But every holiday period, from Christmas to Easter, it is precisely that for those in know as millionaire playboys and fashion types flock to enjoy its charming beach bars and boutiques.

Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay has largely stayed off the radar for European and American travellers but is a favourite for South Americans with its endless golden beaches and low prices.

A holidaymaker relaxes in the pool at Casa Suaya, on Jose Ignacio in Uruguay, a place that should be a household name but isn't quite yet

A holidaymaker relaxes in the pool at Casa Suaya, on Jose Ignacio in Uruguay, a place that should be a household name but isn't quite yet

The dark-tiled pool perfectly reflects the sky and blends in with the sea beyond at the exclusive Playa Vik hotel

The dark-tiled pool perfectly reflects the sky and blends in with the sea beyond at the exclusive Playa Vik hotel

Even the luxury boutiques selling trinkets alongside designer products are designed in the shabby chic beach style

Even the luxury boutiques selling trinkets alongside designer products are designed in the shabby chic beach style

The lazy beach bars are an attraction for celebrities and fashion types, along with no shortage of millionaire playboys

The lazy beach bars are an attraction for celebrities and fashion types, along with no shortage of millionaire playboys

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood (left) and Colombian singer Shakira (right) are among the stars said to have escaped the spotlight by holidaying in the chic resort of Jose Ignacio
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood (left) and Colombian singer Shakira (right) are among the stars said to have escaped the spotlight by holidaying in the chic resort of Jose Ignacio

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood (left) and Colombian singer Shakira (right) avoid the spotlight by holidaying in the chic resort of Jose Ignacio



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