When celebs are left to their own devices over the holiday, there’s bound to be some good fodder  — especially when they’re on vacation. There are, of course, the usual suspects, like St. Barths and Aspen, where it’s like a celeb convention. You don’t usually find the hottest movie stars, musicians, and models ringing in the New Year at home.  But there are some unique spots, too where celebrities spend New Year’s.

The Destination: Aspen

The Celebrities: The Kardashians, Mariah Carey, Gigi and Bella Hadid

This is one of the coolest destinations where celebrities spend New Year’s, and we mean that literally. Aspen has been a go-to holiday locale for celebs who both tear it up on, and off the slopes . There’s a reason why the charming town  of Aspen is a draw. First, there’s of course the skiing on Aspen mountain and Snowmass, where there’s a good chance of powder for celebs’ first ski trip of the year. The town itself of Aspen is both authentic and quaint, and glamorous at the same time. There’s top dining and plenty of designer shopping, along with some of the best people watching of any destination. If you’re lucky, you’ll get  your table at The Nell or Caribou Club, to welcome in the New Year.

The Destination: Cabo San Lucas

The Celebrities: Jennifer Aniston + Friends, Tatum Channing, and Jessica Alba

When you want just good clean fun, Cabo San Lucas is your place. Like where else are guacamole and margaritas considered a cultural activity? Fun in the sun is an understatement when celebs head to Cabo for the holidays, which is especially popular for the LA contingency. It’s a guaranteed good time with luxury resorts and spas like the Montage and One&Only, or private villas, where you bring the party with your entourage. It’s fitting that a tequila entrepreneur like George Clooney spends time there with Amal and their BFFs Randy Gerber and Cindy Crawford in Cabo.

The Destination: St. Barths

The Celebrities: John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, and Leonardo di Caprio

Think of St. Barths as an idyllic place; perfect weather, the most luxurious hotels and a place where the French are happy, all the time. So it’s no surprise that St. Barths is the magnet for where celebrities spend New Year’s, especially those who prefer to party on private yachts. After all, yacht life gives you the best of all worlds; the chance to have total privacy when you want it, and access to an over-the-top party scene, when you don’t.

The Destination: The Hamptons

The Celebrities: Jimmy Fallon, Jon Bon Jovi, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Steven Spielberg

The secret in the Hamptons is that it’s not just a summer destination. Pandemic quarantine aside, the celebs own homes in the Hamptons, that they use, especially during the holidays. The calmer and cozier snow-angel vibe can make the Hamptons feel like even more of an escape during the holiday season. Think cozy sweaters by the fireplace, dinners at Nick and Toni’s and Bilboquet, without the crazy crowds. It’s clearly why it’s popular as a low-key New Year’s getaway, because in winter, you get the authentic charm of the Hamptons.

The Destination: The Maldives

The Celebrities: David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Cruise, and Justin Bieber

Birds fly south for the winter, but royalty from the Middle East and celebs flock to the Maldives. And their nests are mind-blowing luxury resorts and private enclaves with wine cellars, beautiful boardwalks, and even underwater rooms. Each of the resorts is like a country unto themselves, where you can get used to private island life. Resorts like Soneva have charming butlers referred to as “Mr. or Miss Friday”, who are at your service, 24/7. You know, when that craving for a bottle of Chateau LaFite hits you in the middle of the night. (It happens, trust us.) But beyond the lavish resorts, many of these private islands are close to 100% sustainable, so you can vacation knowing you’re doing your part for conservation.

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