Barbados: the popular playground of famous stars

Editorial

Many celebs have even traced their roots back to Barbados such as Gwyneth Paltrow.

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It's no secret that in recent years Barbados seems to be the getaway destination of choice for celebrity guests, attracting some of the most influential and affluent individuals from all across the globe. Photos just keep popping up in the press - from football and NBA stars enjoying a day at the beach, famous Billboard singers shopping in luxury stores, to Hollywood couples sneaking away to a sumptuous private villa on the Platinum coast for a pampered, romantic retreat in paradise. Many revisit the island, especially to escape Winter. So celeb-spotting is definitely an activity.

Barbados usually is a lot like Switzerland when it comes to how locals interact with high-profile individuals- leaving them in peace...well most of the time. Of course the occassional cell snap taken with them and autograph may be requested by die-hard Bajan fans and tourists and sometimes the alerted press may make their arrival front-page news. But for the most part, we honour their privacy diplomatically.

Let's take a look at who has graced our charismatic and glamourous island over the years...

Photo credit: Sandy Lane Hotel

Barbados is a sophisticated escape for the rich and famous to unplug, recharge and get some R & R...

A bit of trivia you may not know is that 19 year old George Washington stayed here in Barbados for 50 days, the only place outside of America he visited. Now that's something! Some other political and Royal figures who spent time here are:

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Countess Sophie
Prince Harry
Princess Margaret
Sir Winston Churchill
US President Bill Clinton
Former Prime Minister of England Tony Blair
Jackie Kennedy

Photo: A scene from the movie, George Washington in Barbados, shown at George Washington House.

"Fit for a King and Queen"- from President George Washington to Her Majesty The Queen

Here are some famous DJs, singers, bands and musicians who flew in to perform at annual CHUM-FM concerts, Holders Opera Season, Reggae festival or our popular local Jazz festival which used to be held, or visited to simply unwind or attend a private party.

George Harrison of the Beatles
Sir Cliff Richard
Sir Elton John
Mariah Carey
Katie Perry
Skream
Carl Cox
Shaggy
Nelly Furtado
Kelly Clarkson
Alicia Keys
Jennifer Hudson
Danni Minogue
Demi Lovato
Maroon 5
Cover Drive (Barbadian)
Simple Plan
Girls Aloud
Ne-Yo
Rihanna (Barbadian)
Livvi- Franc (Barbadian)
Shontelle (Barbadian)
Jaicko (Barbadian)
Vita Chambers (Barbadian)
Gloria Estefan
Bon Jovi
Bryan Adams
Robert Plant
Robin Thicke
Wyclef Jean
Macy Gray
Patti LaBelle
Lionel Richie
Luciano Pavarotti
John Legend
Michael Buble
Bare Naked Ladies
New Kids on the Block
Take That
Irish singer Andrea Corr
Suzie McNeil
Jann Arden
Cobra Starships's Gabe Saporta
reggae artist Luciano
reggae artist Buju Banton
Rupee (Barbadian)
reggae artist Busy Signal
reggae artist Taurrus Riley
reggae artist Biggie Irie
reggae artist Bounty Kller
reggae artist Elephant Man

Photo credit: Suneeta Simmons "New Kids on the Block performing at Holder's House"

"Oh island in the sun" - From Patti LaBelle to Pavarotti

This unique island has attracted Hollywood actors and actresses, famous comedians, film directors, British TV personalities and renowned TV show hosts. Some have built opulent holiday homes and frequently visit. Many celebs have even traced their roots back to Barbados such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Cuba Gooding Jr., LL Cool J, Stacey Dash and Meagan Good. Minnie Driver was actually raised in Barbados.

There's a pretty good chance you may run into Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen on one of their regular getaways here. They were spotted recently this year zipping around in a mini-moke and shopping on the West Coast.

Do you recognize any of these names who have dined in our restaurants in St. James and tanned on our white sand beaches?

Clive Owen
Kevin Bacon
Penelope Cruz
Simon Cowell
Michael Caine
Michael Winner
John Cleese
Emma Forbes
Jimmy Carr
Cilla Black
Vivica Fox
Queen Latifah
Oprah
Jerry Seinfield
Nick Cannon
Coronation Street actor Mikey North

Photo credit: www.olsen-twins-news.com "Rachel Bilson on holiday in Barbados"

"Lights, camera, action!" - From Oprah to Jerry Seinfield

Barbados has long been renowned as a healthy destination with its invorgorating and refreshing sea breezes, peaceful coastal getaways and some of the worldâs finest and most luxurious Spa facilities. So its no wonder that supermodels come here to get their "beauty rest". Here are a few stunning examples:

Claudia Schiffer
Elle Macpherson
Jodie Kidd
Cindy Crawford
Tyson Beckford
Georgie Badiel (Barbadian)
Lene Hall (Barbadian)
Model, Kate Upton
Model, Kimberley Garner

Photo credit: www.likenews.org "Tyson Beckford on the beach"

"And I do my little turn on the catwalk"- From Cindy Crawford to Tyson Beckford

Sports enthusiasts will love to know that several exciting sporting events have included international rally car drivers, Top 10 World ranked tennis players, and all cricket teams. Barbados has attracted Premier League footballers, American footballers, NBA players and Olympic swimmers like a magnet for a healthy holiday.