Barbados
Barbados is not for those who want to get away from it all, but for those who want a beautiful location with beautiful people. It has a lot in its favour. It's hot, has miles of coral reefs and beautiful white sand coast, it's not too far away (an eight-hour direct flight from the UK), has great restaurants, music and bars and is one of the most sophisticated island destinations. Think Chelsea transported to an exotic setting. It's attracted the likes of Kylie Minogue, Cilla Black, Tiger Woods and Michael Douglas and is quite a star magnet. It has one of the world's top 50 restaurants, The Cliff. But for a more low-key dining experience head to the Lone Star, a chic canteen where Mariah Carey and Prince Albert of Monaco have been known to dine.
Mustique
As part of St Vincent and The Grenadines in the Eastern Caribbean, Mustique consists of seven valleys blessed with deserted white sand beach framed by palm and coconut trees surrounded by a series of coral reefs. In 1960 Lord
Glenconner bought it for £45,000. It came to fame when he gave 10 acres of prime beachfront to Princess Margaret as a wedding present. Until its recent renaissance it has almost existed in a time warp acting as a private hideaway for the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Phil Collins to name a few. Recently the likes of Jade Jagger, Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Kate Moss have found its isolation quite refreshing. If you want to give it a try before you buy you could do worse than check into the newly renovated Cotton House, the only full service hotel on the island.
Gstaad
Swap a bikini for a Prada ski suit and test out this exclusive Swiss ski resort. Gstaad is a classic resort, a magical, picture-perfect alpine setting. Spectacular mountains dominate and the resort is immaculate and understated grandiose luxury. It's upmarket but not glitzy. The hotels are classy; understated with silent but efficient service, the bars tend towards elegance rather than trends, the restaurants are haute cuisine. The chalets, if you are looking for retail opportunities, are expensive. The skiing is mostly intermediate but Gstaad is for soaking up the setting so après-ski or even no skiing at all is part of the routine. Air ballooning with a bottle of champagne gives you a chance to soak it all in. It's largely attracted aristocrats, old names and old money.
St Tropez
It's hard to get an idea of the real St Tropez these days as it's largely out of bounds. Away from the millionaires' yachts gracing the famous harbour are a number of exclusive residences. Brigitte Bardot is in the next bay,
but you are unlikely to see over the high security fences and deep vegetation that keep the exclusive areas of St Tropez for owners only. Jet in by helicopter and stick to private beaches, restaurants reached only by boat and ignore the hordes that hang out around the harbour; that way you can enjoy your privacy in this stunning Mediterranean setting where jet- setting is a way of life. Head to the small hillside villages of Gassin and Ramatuelle for dinner and views that stretch for miles, sipping Cˆ¥tes de Provence rosˆ© and sampling the specialities of the region.
Dubai
Dubai, the now vibrant city with more choice of luxury than any other city in the world, is the most extraordinary example of how anything is possible. This vast desert has transformed out of all recognition. Whatever is glamorous anywhere else in the world such as horse racing, golf, polo, skiing, Dubai can do it too. Skiing in Dubai? Last year the world's largest indoor ski dome opened with real snow. Its international recognition began with its luxury hotels and perhaps its great appeal ?? warmth ?? in the winter months. Sun, superb hotels, beautiful golf courses and all sorts of activities including camping in the desert put it on the map as a fabulous place for short breaks for families, couples and friends. Luxury tour operators such as Elegant Resorts first offered it in 1998 and it is one of their most popular destinations. No wonder that people have started looking to buy. Check out www.jbr.ae and see how enticing the Jumeirah Beach Residence is, as an example. A 844sqft one-bedroom apartment starts at $254,098.
Montenegro
This small coastal Balkan republic part of the former Yugoslavia is a vision of paradise. After 10 years of international sanctions this beautiful country is rapidly rediscovered its feet as a popular travel destination and it won't be long before it is discovered. In fact it already looks as if Aman Resorts are about to take over the romantic idyll of Sveti Stefan, a unique secluded cove off the Adriatic coast. The main attraction is its natural beauty, beach, lakes, rivers and gorges. But you need to get there soon.
Cape Town
Christmas in Cape Town is so popular that you really need to book your flights at least a year in advance. No wonder, there's every kind of scenery, a cosmopolitan feel, warm summer weather, lots of space and it's still cheap. Take the cable car up Table Mountain and savour the view, a town sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It's easy to rent a large, good value house, with space for children in the garden and often a swimming pool. Judith Chalmers took the whole family last year and all the grandchildren. There's every kind of food from haute cuisine to sandwiches and pizza. Then there is the wine district of Constantia and Stellenbosch. There's surf, swimming and beautiful walks ?? try the Garden Route ?? and if you have time you can always add on a few days' safari.
Aspen
This Colorado mountain town has gained itself the reputation as the glitz and glamour ski resort of North America. True, you'd be unlucky not to spot some of Hollywood's highest earners and the private jets at the airport might make you blink but the overall feel is a cosy, snowy small-town feel with lots of sparkling lights at night and shops smelling of eucalyptus and spice. In the summer it's a buzzy little town with a festival of music, theatre and all sorts of attractions. Martina Navratilova, one of its residents, is only one of an impressive tennis crowd; many tennis stars come to train in the high altitude. It has lots of quirky sides to it too; the Jerome, one of its top hotels for example, happily takes dogs. There are lots of bars and restaurants to suit all budgets. Settle in for a margarita or two and nachos with melted cheese and guacamole and watch the world walk by. Mind you, if you were planning on a little real estate therapy you'd need to get in line and have some serious bucks.
Sydney
If you want to hold up in a happening city and miss the winter, Sydney can easily seduce you. First you need to get on the water, take a local ferry from the harbour, Circular Quay, and check out the districts by boat. Being on the water is what Sydney is all about. Bondi Beach may be the best known but there are over 40 beaches in easy access of the city. While you are house-hunting treat yourself to the quayside 'W' Hotel at Woolloomooloo Bay. On the same quay are apartments; some owned by Australia's hottest stars and a collection of restaurants such as 'Otto's', a favourite with Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman. Next check out the Eastern Suburbs. Shop at Paddington, have lunch on Queen Street or the Centennial Park Cafe, a large and pretty park at the top end of Oxford Street.
Spain
Spain and the Balearic Islands, such as Mallorca, is one of the most popular destinations for second homes. It's not just David Beckham that moved to Spain but a host of other celebrities and British nationals who love the climate, ambiance and varied country. Mallorca is a favourite with the likes of Claudia Schiffer who owns a stunning mansion south west of Mallorca, as does Tom Crusie and Michael Schumacher. A favourite secluded spot is the village of Deia where Michael Douglas, Richard Branson and Andrew Lloyd Webber have homes. Deia is on the coast called the Costa Norte near Sierra de Tramuntana, and is north of the capital Palma. The centre of the village has ancient Mallorcan houses that have remained intact. Together with its and restaurants serving Balearic cuisine it's a true haven.
Morocco
A long-time favourite with 1960s celebrities, Morocco is exotic, hot, and only a three-hour flight away from the UK. Visitors to Marrakesh used to stay at Winston Churchill's favourite hotel, La Mamounia, the only quality hotel at the time. But now Aman Resorts are there and so are many lovely Riad hotels right in the Medina. Marrakesh is the favourite place to buy although the cultish and coastal town of Essaouira on the Atlantic, where Jimi Hendrix so famously lived, has a unique expat community. Morocco's diverse scenery and compelling culture has seduced many homebuyers. Within close proximity to Marrakesh are the stunning Atlas mountains and farther south the Draa and Dades rivers provide great oases in the desert. A favourite film location for desert scenery is the Merzouga dunes at the edge of the Sahara; magical at sunrise and sunset.
