Glittering nightclubs, beautiful beaches, the presence of other celebrities and the assurance that Blackberries get full service ... these are the essential elements of a fabulous summer vacation for the rich and famous.
But the hottest celebrity jet-set destinations this summer range from exotic overseas locales like St. Tropez to close-to-home getaways like Miami and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.
Cabo in particular is piping hot among A-list celebs
"It seems like there are celebrities in Cabo every weekend, thanks to its close proximity to Los Angeles, fantastic nightlife and amazing beaches," said Ingela Ratledge, features editor for Life & Style Weekly.
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Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey spent time in Cabo while married, and both continue to be regular visitors. Simpson celebrated her 26th birthday there, and Lachey recently returned for a summer getaway with his current squeeze, Vanessa Minnillo.
Cabo also hosted Eva Longoria and boyfriend Tony Parker this summer, and Kate Hudson's brother, "Dawson's Creek" actor Oliver Hudson, recently married here.
The Hudson wedding party reportedly took over the One and Only Palmilla Resort, a favorite among celebs in Cabo, where one-bedroom luxury suites with a beachfront view cost $2,100 a night on a summer weekend.
But East Coast celebs generally call Long Island, N.Y.'s the Hamptons their summertime home.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, Steven Spielberg, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Howard Stern and Jerry Seinfeld are all well-known Hamptons residents during the summer months. Celebs like Seinfeld have dropped up to $32 million on sprawling mansions here.
"The Hamptons offer all the comforts of home, only on the beach," Ratledge said. "It's the backyard to New York City."
With its white-sand beaches and beautiful people, Miami has been increasing in popularity as a celeb destination. The city's Latin-infused culture makes it feel like a home away from home for Latin celebs, said Jared Wieselman, senior lifestyle editor for In Touch Weekly.
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira have homes here, and Madonna and her family regularly visit South Beach for summer getaways. A newly svelte Janet Jackson was also recently spotted at the Miami Ritz-Carlton, where a long weekend costs $239 per night for a regular room and the Tony Presidential Suite goes for $3,000 a night.
In Europe, Italy has burst onto the scene this year as a summer hot spot for some of the biggest stars.
Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whimbey spent their honeymoon here, right around the corner from George Clooney's Portofino home on Lake Como. Victoria and David Beckham were also recently spotted cruising Italian waters on Roberto Cavalli's yacht.
"Italy is off the wall this year, everyone wants to go there," said Los Angeles-based travel agent Susan Tanzman.
Rentals on Lake Como cost $1,000-5,000 a week, with some going for $10,000 to $20,000.
But for Francophiles and celebaholics, there’s no better destination than St. Tropez in France.
"St. Tropez offers celebrities amazing French food, all-night clubs, famous DJs … it's the ultimate in decadent living and old-world Hollywood glamour," Ratledge said.
St. Tropez is also a great place for celebs to rekindle past romances, Wieselman said.
Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock's accidental run-in there led to a recent marriage on board a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, and Jack Nicholson and Lara Flynn Boyle also canoodled on the island. P. Diddy is another fan, often inviting fellow stars to join him on his private yacht.
Most St. Tropez hotels run between $300 and $500 per night during the summer season, with some going for as much as $1,000 a night.
Other exotic locations that have gotten attention this summer include Bora Bora, the ultra-exclusive island getaway in the South Pacific where Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban recently spent their honeymoon.
A room in Bora Bora costs $250 to $1,000 a night, with rooms in upscale hotels going for $800-$1,000 a night. Kidman and Urban reportedly paid $15,000 a night for their room.
And where did archetypal celebrity jet-setter Paris Hilton spend her summer vacation?
"Well," Wieselman said. "Paris just wants to be seen wherever there's a camera."
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