10 of the world's hottest getaways

Go on, admit it. When you visit a joint that touts itself as "the hotel where Roger Moore stays", there's little chance you'll hold back from casually dropping this in conversation once you've returned from your holiday.

And it doesn't matter whether you're a fan of Roger or not, there's just something about celeb hangouts that has far more drawing power than any one of the so-called 'Wonders of the World'.

A bizarre form of voyeurism, it's a fascination that's difficult to shrug off.

Even us Gen-X travellers, who backpacked across the world with Lonely Planet books in tow, aren't immune from this phenomena.

Indeed, when I visited Udaipur as a tie-dyed hobo, I was overawed by the fact that the town had been the backdrop for the 007 flick Octopussy.

Lost in a popcorn-scented fantasy, I constantly wondered whether I was walking along the same cobblestones that Roger Moore had once paced (with that strange, furball-like hairstyle). In short, the history and majesty of Rajasthan was lost on me because of the Bond bond.

Likewise, when I heard that Heart of Darkness author Joseph Conrad used to often wet his whistle at the Writers Bar at Singapore's Raffles Hotel, I headed there and moved from barstool to barstool (enjoying a bevy at each stop), hoping to absorb his writing prowess through sheer osmosis. It didn't work, but I absorbed something - that's for sure.

More recently, when my wife and I spent our honeymoon at Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana, we were intrigued to learn that this was the site of one of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's honeymoons.

Of course, whether this was a positive sign or not is debatable. Regardless, the manager kindly offered us the finest suite (though it's been revamped since the days these Hollywood stars visited) and we... well, we're still happily married.

Perhaps the ultimate triumph of celebrity over history I've come across was in Cambodia. There I met two English lads interested in visiting Angkor, one of the architectural wonders of Asia and undoubtedly the most evocative Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in the world.

When I asked them why they were interested in the site, they told me that they wanted to go to "that place in Tomb Raider.. you know, where Angelina Jolie was."

That's when I gave up my pretences. Shove the culture, heritage and natural attractions... have Brad or Angie been there?

So to help those of you who want to combine your holiday with some star-spotting, here's a list of 10 celebrity travel destinations guaranteed to give you something to
brag about.

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

According to Forbes Traveller, one of the world's most exclusive holiday spots is Necker Island in the Carribean - Richard Branson's private island.

This tropical resort can be rented out (but no, it's not on Expedia) with A-listers such as Mel Gibson and Oprah Winfrey having enjoyed its Balinese-style bungalows. Rates (for all 14 bedrooms) from $46,000 per night, www.necker.com

North Island, Seychelles

This eco-friendly island resort (facing page) is where Bono parks his sunglasses. It is touted as a Noah's Ark, a sanctuary where natural habitats are being rehabilitated and where endangered fauna and flora have been reintroduced. Luxury with a conscience. With 11 rooms, rates start at $2470 per person, www.north-island.com

La Quinta, California
If Becks and Posh go there, you know it's classy, eh? Located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta is surrounded by citrus orchards and is a good option if you like playing sport.

With five championship golf courses, 41 pools and 23 tennis courts, you can swing and swim from dawn to dusk. And, of course, there's a spa. Other celebs who like this resort include Oprah, Michael Jordan, Britney Spears and Barbra Streisand. From $250 or $500 with daily spa treatment, www.laquintaresort.com

Le Toiny, St Barthelemy

The Caribbean island of St Barthelemy is tres chic. With a strong French influence, the island features fine food, gourmet shops, clubs, beaches and shopping, while scoring points for privacy.

The luxurious Le Toiny resort has been visited by David Letterman, Beyonce, Jay Z, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman, Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow. From $800, www.letoiny.com

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France
Known as the Cap, this legendary 19th century hotel was immortalized by F. Scott Fitzgerald in Tender is the Night.

The Cap is spread over 25 acres of seafront and guests can stay in the original main building, which overlooks the Mediterranean, or the smaller Les Deux-Fontaines building.

Madonna loves it, as does Naomi Campbell, Antonio Banderas, Steven Spielberg and many others. From $800, www.edenroc-hotel.fr

The Kahala, Oahu, Hawaii

Surf loving Cameron Diaz digs Hawaii and has hauled her pals Drew Barrymore, pro surfer Kelly Slater and ex Justin Timberlake here on several occasions. Kauai beach is one spot where the blonde likes to soak sun.

Diaz and Elizabeth Taylor are two celebs who take advantage of pooch-friendly services at The Kahala, one of Oahu's most luxurious hotels. Rooms from $515, www.kahalaresort.com

Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

This ultra-lux resort is located on its own lagoon on the tiny North Malé Atoll. Contemporary bungalows are situated above the water and feature every gadget imaginable, private plunge pools and have 24-hour butler service.

The resort features three restaurants, a bar, underground wine cellar, over-water yoga pavilion, underwater massage treatment rooms and a 70ft luxury yacht. George Clooney, Kate Moss and TomKat, among others, reckon it's not too shabby. From $880, www.huvafenfushi.com

Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya

When Edward Norton visited this camp, he was inspired to team up with Cartier to provide support for its Simba project, a programme that reimburses local people for livestock losses caused by lions, thereby saving the big cats.

Visitors can do walking tours, birdwatching and dine under the stars. John Grisham, Naomi Watts and Isabel Allende have also visited and provided support for the project. From $470 per person full board, www.maasai.com

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Jessica Alba's top holiday spot is Down Under. The Hispanic actress worked there when she was younger and rates the Great Barrier Reef as well as Byron Bay, Noosa Heads and Sydney.

"I snorkelled there because you don't even need to dive to see everything, you just free dive with a snorkel and it's incredible," said the Into the Blue star.

One celeb magnet is Lizard Island - which offers the best snorkelling in the world, (at least, that's what Dennis Quaid says). All-inclusive rates start at $3000 for a double, www.lizardisland.com.au

The Wakaya Club, Fiji

Michelle Pfeiffer, Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman have all chilled out at this private island resort, while Bill and Melinda Gates spent their honeymoon there.

The Wakaya Club comprises 10 thatched suites and two larger options: Vale O, a 12,000-square-foot villa and the 45,000-square-foot Ambasador's Bure. The suites have their own private stretch of beach.

All-inclusive rates (meals, drinks and all activities) start at $1900, www.wakaya.com

What to bring

Travel accessories that will make you look like a celebrity: