Celebrity lovebirds Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake reportedly honeymooned in Tanzania after their recent nuptials. Aside from exotic safaris and white-sand beaches, a big draw for the couple was likely a luxe private villa at intimate Singita Faru Faru Lodge. Read on to find out other stars’ go-to resorts when they want to experience newlywed bliss.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz.
After a secretive wedding in New York in April 2008, music megastars Jay-Z and Beyoncé spent their time as newlyweds at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in the serene desert in Scottsdale. The couple booked one of the seven private homes available at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort, perched high up on the mountain for optimal views of the valley. With perks such as Asian-inspired services, Watsu aquatic massage therapies and hypnotherapy at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa, plus food options from celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, the Paradise Valley resort had much to offer the power couple. For extra privacy from paparazzi and celeb-seekers, most of the private homes at the resort are outfitted with secluded patios and private pools.
El Dorado Golf & Beach Club, Los Cabos, Mexico
Hollywood starlet Hilary Duff and her (now retired) professional hockey player husband Mike Comrie made their way to El Dorado Golf & Beach Club for their honeymoon in 2010. The beachfront resort located in tropical Los Cabos, Mexico is very exclusive—you have to own a villa to visit, or know someone who does—and boasts a traditional hacienda style both in its structure and décor. Guests can indulge in the various activities such as rock climbing, ATV riding, surfing, biking and stand-up paddle boarding. But it’s not all about adventure here—there’s also a private spa where you can opt to enjoy massage therapy, facials and salon services outside overlooking the water.
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie and actor Josh Duhamel chose the exotic Maldives for their post-wedding escape in 2009. The couple secured the One&Only Reethi Rah’s sprawling 2,500-square-foot Grand Water Villa, which has 355 square feet of outdoor deck space with daybeds and over-water hammocks. During their six-night stay at the resort, the couple reportedly soaked up the sun by the villa’s private pool with tropical drinks and champagne in hand, and finished off poolside days with moonlit dinners. The active pair also managed to scuba dive, water ski, snorkel the reefs, kayak, play tennis and even participate in an aquatic yoga class at the spa.
The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Va.
Arguably one of the most attractive duos in Hollywood right now, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively surprised everyone with their ultra-secretive nuptials this past September. As soon as their wedding near Charleston, S.C. wrapped, the two headed to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Inn at Little Washington in Northern Virginia for a one night honeymoon. Details surrounding the short stay are scarce, but according to The Washington Post, Lively and Reynolds shared a meal at the country retreat’s eponymous Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant—helmed by Forbes Travel Guide Tastemaker Patrick O’Connell—where they dined at a table close to the garden. Had the couple been able to enjoy a little more time at the inn, perhaps they could have explored the nearby activities such as fly-fishing, hiking, hot air ballooning and wine tasting.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Actress Nicole Kidman and country crooner Keith Urban jetted off to Bora Bora back in 2006 for their honeymoon after the couple wed in Australia. The duo stayed at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, a sheltered getaway on the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean near Mount Otemanu. Although details of the couple’s vacation were hush-hush, they likely stayed in one of the luxurious villas (with direct access to a picturesque blue lagoon) that make up the resort. The resort is ideal for honeymooners who want to relax and those who want a little adventure—activities range from shark feeding to jet skiing to sailing. But no visit here would truly be complete without a treatment at the stunning 13,000-square-foot Miri Miri Spa located on its own private island in the lagoon.
Photos Courtesy of One & Only Resorts and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
