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Jul 18
Vacation Like an A-Lister: Where to Rent a Celebrity Villa in Paradise

For a celebrity, owning a second or third home in a tropical location is pretty standard, especially if they reside in New York where winters can be brutal. While visiting their main place of residence isn’t an invitation afforded to many people, many A-listers are opening up their vacation homes for guests to use throughout the year. Want to know how Donna Karan decorates her private residence? Or what type of design-aesthetic stood out to Eric Clapton? These six celebrity-owned villas scattered around the Caribbean can be booked for your next warm-weather holiday.
Joe Francis – Casa Aramara
If you grew up in the ‘90s, you’re probably pretty familiar with the name Joe Francis. Although the Girls Gone Wild creator has a less than stellar reputation, his once private hideaway in Punta Mita is known for attracting A-listers such as Kim Kardashian-West, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore. Last year, the 12-bedroom Casa Aramara was sold, renovated and now is open to the public for exclusive rentals. Francis still has rights to the Owner’s Suite, however, and traces of him still sit within the villa. There’s a Girls Gone Wild guitar in the game room and pens scattered around the house don his name. Casa Aramara sits on a private beach and has too many amenities to name, but a few of our favorites are the 30 full-time staff, five-star chefs, 24-hour butler service and access to the Four Seasons and St. Regis Resorts in Punta Mita. Plus, there’s an Anything Button in every room so you can press it secure anything you might want or need. Rate: $15,000 to $30,000 a night
Richard Branson – The Branson Estate
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know about Richard Branson’s Necker Island retreat. But one property owned by the billionaire you may not yet have on your radar is The Branson Estate on Moskito Island. Located in the British Virgin Isles, the Caribbean residence sits on 125 acres of land and can accommodate up to 22 guests within three villas that are connected by wooden walkways. The three estates: The Headland House, Beach Villa and Mangrove Villa offer a total of 11 bedrooms and offer everything from Balinese-style décor to full-wall retractable glass doors, a wraparound infinity pool and outdoor bars. On the eastern side of the island sits the Recreation Area at the Beach House which includes a watersports center, infinity pool and bar, tennis pavilions and dining venues. Rate: $38,480 a night
Mick Jagger – Stargroves
Mustique Island in the West Indies is known for being a billionaire’s playground, and on this little piece of paradise sits a beachfront villa owned by Mick Jagger. Nicknamed Stargroves, the Japanese-style, six-bedroom home is split up into seven separate pavilions connected via elevated walkways. The estate includes a 25-foot pool, hot tub, game pavilion, on-site tennis court, a butler and chef. Inside, both the living and dining pavilions open out to beachside sundecks, allowing for the warm Caribbean breezes to flow throughout the residence. Along with the master suite, a separate children’s cottage sits on the property and comes with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and veranda. Guests also have access to a Jeep during their stay should they wish to go into town or explore the island. Rate: $16,500 per week (low season); $30,000 per week (high season).
Eric Clapton – Standfast Point
Eric Clapton is not only a is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but is also considered a guitar god in his own right. So it makes sense that his private hideaway on the island of Antigua is not only rockstar-worthy, but is also a heavenly affair. Sitting on 44 acres of land, the 10,000-square-foot estate is located in the southeastern part of the island and accommodate up to 14 people. On the property are two pools, outdoor dining areas, a children’s playroom, billiard room and comes with a full staff. Rate: $50,000 a week
Donna Karan – The Sanctuary
Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos has always been a hotspot for the affluent. And with neighbors such as Keith Richards, Christie Brinkley and Bruce Willis, American fashion designer Donna Karan’s 10-acre property on the island is just the place to go to hobnob with the glitterati. The beachfront home includes two four-bedroom villas on either side of an outdoor pavilion. Inside, the residences boast an understated-luxury aesthetic with large floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, cedar and coral stone walls, and European walnut floors. Along with curated works of art and furniture from Africa, Bali and Haiti, Karan herself has designed a few of the custom-made pieces donning the rooms. Amenitities include a two-story yoga pavilion, infinity pool, spa, butler services, a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen and a full staff. Rate: $11,220 a night
David Copperfield – Musha Cay Villa
Like Sir Richard Branson, magician David Copperfield didn’t only purchase a villa on an island, he bought an entire archipelago. Musha Cay is a private Bahamian island home to five guest houses and can accommodate up to 24 guests. The American illusionist also acquired 10 additional islands nearby to create what is called the Islands of Copperfield Bay, meaning there is no shortage of exclusive beaches to explore when visiting. All guestrooms have four-poster beds, en-suite his and hers bathrooms, wraparound decks and are decorated with antiques pieces and exotic treasures from around the world. Additional amenities include a private speedboat, gym, outdoor theater, beachside daybeds, jet skis and a championship-quality tennis court.
Rate: $57,000 a night
By: Nicolle Monico