With the Oscars fast approaching and award show season on everyone’s minds, what celebrities do and where they vacation is the subject du jour. Luxe Lavs contributors Angela Fairhurst and Natalie Compagno discovered four hotels frequented by celebrities in Italy, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, Italy was put on the celebrity map because of George Clooney’s fondness for the town. Clooney owns his own place, but stars such as Ed Norton enjoy the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo. This family-owned authentic Art Nouveau palace is located in the heart of Lake Como, with views of Bellagio and the backdrop of the Grigne mountains. With over 100 years of history, the landmark sits next to Villa Carlotta’s famed gardens and offers an authentic five-star vacation. The elegant rooms have park or lake views and are furnished with period pieces from the hotel’s historic collection. All of the bathrooms are ample-sized and use different types of marble. For us, it was a toss up choosing a favorite bathroom, especially considering the rooftop suites include butlers and terraces with hot tubs, while the bathroom in the Emilia suite won us over with its gray and black accented marble and the huge glass shower next to the equally large bathtub. We also appreciate that it is so well lit, with interesting light fixtures and lots of mirrors in front of the dual vanity sinks.
Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic
Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic is as sexy and sophisticated as Lupita Nyong’o, who recently stayed there. Cap Cana is a renowned eco-focused, pristine oasis with awards to prove it. Unlike many high-end hotels in the Dominican Republic, which are mainly all-inclusive, Cap Cana is available for all types of travelers. The rooms are bright and colorful while maintaining a sleek yet open-aired through line. The carved white columns with “cut out” flower petals lead guests around the rooms. Our favorite was the Castle Island Suite, with its views of the ocean and a spacious balcony where you can take in the Caribbean breeze. The bathroom has plush towels, dual vanity sinks, camera-ready lighting, and silk bathrobes and slippers you can melt into after a bath. Although the bathroom is excellent, we loved the three indoor pools with white sand views, perfect for enjoying after or before a bath.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy
Dating back to 1834,the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year with the ownership of the founding Fiorentino family. Situated on a high cliff in Sorrento overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, this five-star luxury hotel has a remarkable history. Legend has it the property is located in the same place where the Roman Emperor Augustus had his own villa. Throughout the years, the hotel has been the set for movies and has welcomed monarchs, politicians, artists, and celebrities, including Luciano Pavarotti, Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, and Sophia Loren. The celebrity attraction continues today with a recent visit from Mark Ruffalo, who tweeted several photos from his trip. The standout property includes interconnecting blocks built in the nineteenth century surrounded by a unique 20,000 square meter Mediterranean garden. The décor is a mix of modern elements and classical elegance. The Margareth marble bathroom gives us the feeling of stepping back in time. The clawfoot tub, sconces, curtains, vanity, and the dresser with much-needed counter space to accompany the pedestal sink exudes old world elegance.
Imanta Resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico
The Imanta Resort Punta de Mita is a little hidden gem down in Mexico. Located at the northern end of Banderas Bay on Mexico’s west coast, celebs such as Sofia Vergara and Gwyneth Paltrow have recently stayed here. It is the third largest bay in Mexico, and its beaches, mountains, and landscapes have been cherished for their scenic beauty and ecological importance. The bathrooms in the Imanta Resort carry an appreciation of the surroundings into the design. Towels are rolled up and tucked into branches of a tree next to the sink. Wood is the art that details everything-from the blinds to the natural tree stump stool to the polished surfaces around the facing sinks to the window trim above the tiled tub. The twisting tree peeking into the bathroom juxtaposed with the bright blue ocean visible from the sink is a poetic accent. The fresh flowers and lit candles are also Oscar-worthy.
