Destinations & Things To Do

Top 7 celebrity vacation hotspots: Bahamas to Maldives, stars love these international destinations for privacy | Travel

Published

2 months ago

June 20, 2025

Celebrities often flock to secluded and luxurious destinations, seeking peace, privacy, and a chance to recharge. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Ankush Nischal, founder and CEO of TravGreen, a sustainable luxury travel company, highlighted how celebs often seek solace in secluded luxury destinations to escape the relentless paparazzi. Also read | Kareena Kapoor in Switzerland to Mira Rajput in Bhutan, destinations where celebs are holidaying on New Year’s Eve

From Alia Bhatt to Kiara Advani, over the past few years, several Bollywood stars have shared pictures of their travels from picturesque Maldives. (Instagram/ Alia Bhatt)

He said, “Celebrities often seek secluded luxury destinations to escape the paparazzi’s gaze, seeking privacy and a break from the limelight. They seek privacy, which frequently lures them towards soothing sojourns with limited public access and breathing seclusion.”

According to Ankush, some popular choices in this category include ‘remote islands like Bora Bora, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Fiji, as well as exclusive luxury destinations like the Bahamas, New Zealand, and our very own Udaipur’: “These milieu-centric havens with less media attention offer not only opulence but also the privacy and tranquillity that high-profile individuals crave.”

Here are some top travel spots that offer celebs tranquillity and exclusivity:

1. Maldives

For those who crave privacy, Ankush said the Maldives offers a serene retreat with its pristine beaches and stunning overwater bungalows. “Some luxury accommodations with their privacy are Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and OBLU by Atmosphere; these establishments maintain an eco-conscious approach to sustainable luxury. The Maldives split between blue and green, is one of the most sought-after destinations for Bollywood stars, fitting perfectly with the buzz of Bollywood movies,” Ankush said.

2. Seychelles

He added, “Known for its pristine charm and exclusivity, Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. A journey to Seychelles meets the twin goals of vacation: revelling in luxury while being environmentally responsible. This island serves as the favourite holiday destination for many well-acclaimed celebrities, including Bollywood diva Sonakshi Sinha and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton.”

3. Bora Bora

A villa-style overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, complementary with a fine medley of luxury, privacy, and scenic ambience, is the ultimate abode to make dreams come true. Ankush said, “Celebrities from all parts of the world feel attracted to Bora Bora for its placid water bodies and white sand beaches. Lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make Bora Bora a place beyond relaxation and an ideal playground for watersports. Some of the famous personalities highly bewitched with Bora Bora’s eclectic charm and romantic aura are Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Pierce Brosnan, Orlando Bloom, Jennifer Aniston, and the Kardashian Sisters, among many others. The island’s rejoicing retreat, along with the finest resorts, gives it a pleasant hideaway from the limelight.”

4. Fiji

According to Ankush, Fiji is always on the wish list for celebrities seeking luxury and privacy, especially at private island resorts such as Turtle Island, Wakaya Island Resort & Spa, and Nanuku Resort Fiji. “Such resorts provide exclusivity in their facilities and seclusion within an ideal setting that helps keep unwanted attention away. Out of Fiji’s 333 islands, a few offer seclusion for an out-of-the-spot-lights holiday, while resorts like The Wakaya Club offer bespoke hospitality. Of course, the tranquil Fiji settings and privacy have always attracted celebrities like Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman,” he said.

5. Bahamas

Known to travellers and celebrities looking for privacy, the islands of Eleuthera and Harbour Island are the perfect exclusive celebrity hideaways due to their isolation, splendour, and privacy, Ankush said. “The fabulous pink sand beaches of Harbour Island rank high on Travel Therapy’s list for rest and rejuvenation. Celebrities commonly buy or rent private homes, or they stay in upscale resorts, such as the Ocean Club, which offers spacious villas and private beaches, allowing guests like Beyoncé and Jay-Z to spend their time away from the paparazzi,” he added.

6. South Africa

Due to their preference for a blend of privacy and luxury, Ankush said celebrities often give Cape Town particular attention. “In South Africa, paparazzi rarely spoil any show, while a welcoming culture is presented as another gift: the freedom of anonymity. This way, celebrities have the chance to explore South Africa with a lesser-known identity, freely mingling with locals. Luxury stays in majestic hotels and exquisite villas cater to celebrities who require nothing less than pure class,” he said.

According to Ankush, ‘South Africa is the only country in Africa where international celebrities can stroll down the streets and spend time with family and friends without any fear of harm’. “The inconspicuous and off-the-beaten-highway arrival and setting of the Kruger National Park also attract the celebrities. The park offers VIPs luxurious accommodations in spacious lodges reminiscent of unique African straw huts, complete with private swimming pools,” he said.

7. New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful country endowed with verdant natural landscapes and hidden gems, promising an experience beyond imagination, Ankush said. “A trip to one of the most serene places in the world goes a bit out of the box in an eco-luxe blending mode; scenery ranges from fascinating beaches to gifted mountains. Luxury is the last thing on the list, featuring opulent lodges, gourmet dining, and adventure. Here, one would enjoy splendour, in a very high-profile way, surrounded by Kiwiland. Visitors can experience the grandeur of New Zealand up close through tailored trips and unique attractions such as travelling through the sky, exploring the oceans, or taking the open road,” he added.

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Destinations & Things To Do

Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo Hike Guide

Published

1 hour ago

August 7, 2025

Chickpea

Sun, Surf, and Sandstone: Day 8 on Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail

Hiking from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo
Distance: 16 km
Trail Section: Carrapateira → Vila do Bispo
Conditions: 10/10. Pure sunshine. No wind. Zero rain. Coastal magic from start to finish.

If you’re planning to hike the Fisherman’s Trail from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo, this post breaks down exactly what to expect—trail conditions, elevation changes, must-see scenery, and personal reflections from my day on this stunning section of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina.

Coastal magic in full bloom. The Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo section might be my favorite yet—flowers, cliffs, and ocean views that stopped me in my tracks.

1. Starting the Fisherman’s Trail from Carrapateira: Slow Mornings and Agave Fields

After a restful night in our cozy apartment together in Carrapateira, we had the slowest, dreamiest morning. We started off with some coffee from the local cafe and we didn’t leave the house until nearly 11 a.m., which felt like such a treat. We wandered into town to stock up on trail snacks—grabbing breakfast pastries, ingredients for lunch, and even some Brazilian artisanal chocolate!

As we set off, we passed fields of towering agaves—seriously, these things were massive. We noticed that their tall flower stalks looked a bit like asparagus… and after a quick Google, we found out they’re actually in the same plant family. Nature is full of surprises.

BTW – if you missed my blog from yesterday on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’d recommend checking it out!

Stocked up for the trail at this little mini mercado in Carrapateira. Pastries and chocolate made for a sweet start to the day.

These agaves were giant. And fun fact—those tall stalks? They’re actually from the same plant family as asparagus!

Elevation, Finally!

For the first time on this trail, it actually felt like a proper hike. Today had significantly more elevation gain than the earlier days, which have been mostly flat. We hiked down into valleys, up steep cliffs, and navigated rockier terrain that gave the whole day a more adventurous feel.

It still wasn’t overly strenuous—very accessible and rewarding—but it was satisfying to feel my legs working a little harder. The views made every step worth it.

Down we go—finally some real elevation on the Fisherman’s Trail! The climbs were worth it for views like this.

Coastal Cliffs, Beaches, and Full-Circle Moments

The landscape today was unreal! Even after a week of hiking on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’m just blown away by the varied scenery. We followed the coastline for most of the day, stopping often to soak it all in. The cliffs were red sandstone, glowing against the bright green vegetation and dotted with wildflowers. Below, the beaches looked like they had been painted—soft sand, turquoise waves, and long stretches where surfers and swimmers danced with the ocean.

At one point, we passed a beach that stopped me in my tracks. I realized I had been here before—seven years ago, on a yoga and surf retreat in Sagres. It was the exact beach where I learned to surf. A full-circle moment I didn’t see coming.

A full-circle moment—walking past the beach where I learned to surf seven years ago. This coastline just keeps getting better.

Climbing up the trail and looking down at the beach life below—surfers riding waves, swimmers splashing in the sea. Pure coastal joy.

A Cliffside Cave and Wild Gooseneck Barnacles

Later in the day, we discovered a small cave tucked into the cliffs. Orion, Sandra, and Oliver coaxed me to explore it, and even though my claustrophobia kicked in, I followed—with a little encouragement.

Inside, the waves crashed in below us, and to my absolute delight, I spotted wild gooseneck barnacles clinging to the rocks. Percebes, as they’re known here in Portugal. These weird little delicacies are not only delicious but also dangerous to harvest—they grow in wave-pounded crevices, and only a handful of people are trained (and brave enough) to collect them. Seeing them in the wild gave me a whole new appreciation for the dish.

We spotted these wild on trail today. Percebes (gooseneck barnacles) are a Portuguese delicacy, and seeing them in the wild gave me a whole new appreciation for this unique dish.

A Pack I Actually Love

Side note: I’ve been loving carrying a lighter load this week. My Gossamer Gear G4-20 has been the dream pack for a trip like this—super comfortable, just the right amount of space, and refreshingly simple. I’ve felt so much freer and lighter on trail, especially with all the elevation changes today. Highly recommend for anyone looking to hike with less bulk and more ease.

Lighter pack = happier hiker. The Gossamer Gear G4-20 has been a total win for this trip—simple, comfy, and exactly what I needed.

Arrival in Vila do Bispo

We arrived at our Airbnb in Vila do Bispo around 6 p.m. Sandra and Oliver stayed just outside the village, so it was just Orion and me for dinner. We grabbed burgers in town and absolutely devoured them. I’ve officially entered full-on hiker hunger mode. I packed out a bag of chips and they disappeared in about 10 minutes.

I can feel the shift: my body’s adjusting, craving more fuel, and settling into trail rhythm.

Made it to Vila do Bispo, a cute little village where hiker hunger kicked in hard. Burgers, fries, and full-on trail bliss.

Trail appetite in full force. Burgers + fries + beer… and yep, I was still hungry after. 😅

Today’s Vibe: Stillness, Sun, and Simplicity

This day had everything—quiet cliffs, vibrant colors, a little physical challenge, good company, and wild beauty. Each stretch of the trail has its own personality, and today’s felt warm and soft, like a deep exhale.

We moved slowly, paused often, and fully soaked up the moment.

Every day out here feels different. The landscapes shift so much—red sand dunes, crazy rock formations, wide-open beaches. And today? Today was everything I could have hoped for. Sunshine, sea air, slow joy, and a full heart.

Big smiles, full hearts, salty air. This day had everything—sunshine, stillness, and sweet, slow joy

3 Things I’ll Remember from Day 8:

Seeing wild percebes in their natural habitat (and how intense it would be to harvest them).
That full-circle moment at the surf beach where I first learned to surf.
Real elevation change! Hiking down, hiking up—it finally felt like a trail with some bite.

See you tomorrow for Day 9 on the Fisherman’s Trail—from Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente!

(Sharing more photos below, because today was just too amazing not to share with you!

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Destinations & Things To Do

Topo Athletic Mtn Racer 4 Review

Published

2 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Kate Richard

Shoes are a deeply personal gear choice and what works great for one person might be a disaster for another. I have always been hesitant to review a pair of shoes for that reason, but I’ve been wearing Topos for the last couple of years and was excited to give a new to me model of theirs a try with the Mtn Racer 4.

These trail runners notable features include Topo’s signature roomy toe box, Vibram outsole, and increased cushioning. Topo Athletic has become a popular brand in the hiking and running world as of late, and was the #1 brand of shoe used on the Appalachian Trail in 2024. Learning about them through the AT survey is actually what prompted me to give Topo’s a try a couple of years ago.

Shop the Mtn Racer 4

Stack Height: 33mm (heel) / 28mm (forefoot)
Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
Weight: 10.4 OZ (M9); 8.5 OZ (W7)
Gaiter Compatible: Yes
Rock Plate: No
Cushion: High
Underfoot Feel: Responsive
Support: Neutral
MSRP: $155

Intended Use

These shoes are best for trail running and racing. They certainly can be used for hiking and backpacking as well, but I can see how they’re geared more towards runners compared to some of their other models. In my opinion, the high cushion without sacrificing the shoe’s responsiveness is what gives them that edge for running. I put them to the test while hiking, running, and racing over the course of reviewing them.

Circumstance of Review

I tested the Mtn Racer 4 in a wide variety of trail and activity types the past couple of months. I’ve used them trail running, in a trail race, hiking, an overnight backpacking trip, and even a few road running miles. The various terrains I used them in included mud, some snow patches, packed trail, steep and rocky trail, and some road. I’ve put a total of about 50 miles on them so far.

Features

Anatomical Toe Box

All Topos have the foot shape toe box many hikers have come to know and love. It’s particularly great for those of us with wide feet (including me). They pair this with a secure midfoot and heel, so they’re not too loose. I think people without wide feet could benefit from the roomy toe box— it’s honestly a game changer and I wouldn’t go back to a shoe without it.

As many people find out on thru-hikes, most people are cramming their feet in shoes that are too small for them without even realizing, leading to foot pain and blisters. Let your toes breathe!

Vibram Outsole

Vibram is the gold standard when it comes to traction. I know I’ll be in good hands with any Vibram sole in terms of traction and wear time. It gives me more confidence on those rocky or wet trails.

Zip Foam Cushioning

I was looking forward to trying a higher cushion model of the Topos. The Mtn Racer 4 has their proprietary Zip Foam which is springier than EVA and offers more rebound over the life of the shoe. I found the cushioning to give the benefits of foam without being overkill and making the shoe feel too soft or unstable. The responsiveness of the Mtn Racer also allowed me to feel the terrain very well— which isn’t normally what I would expect from a higher cushioned shoe— but I did appreciate it.

Gaiter Compatibility

The Mtn Racer 4 includes an updated and (mostly) universal gaiter attachment system. This is definitely a bonus for trips when you want to keep excess debris out of your shoes. I didn’t have the chance to use this, but it looks like a solid and intuitive system.

Heel Drop

A 5mm drop falls in the middle of the range for most running shoes. Heel drop is something that has a lot to do with each specific person’s foot and running or walking style. It’s definitely something to take note of and compare what your feet are used to, as changing it up significantly too quickly can cause problems.

Zero drop is a popular option out there but, personally, doesn’t work well for me. I usually go for a 3-5mm drop, so this shoe was great for me.

Durability

I’ve put about 50 miles on these shoes, and so far see no real signs of wear other than the dirt stains. I’ve had several pairs of Topos at this point, and I have almost always replaced them due to the amount of miles I’ve put on them rather than any wear on the uppers. My cue to replace them is to look at the cushioning and see how compressed it is or if I notice my feet starting to be more sore than usual after a run or hike. To me, if the cushioning from use is the first thing to go on a shoe, it’s doing well in terms of durability.

Fit & Comfort

As mentioned previously, the Mtn Racer 4 has a roomy toe box like all Topo Athletic shoes. I found this model to fit slightly more snug in the midfoot than some other Topos I’ve worn in the same size (a women’s 10). The other models I’ve tried were a more hiking focused shoe (the Terraventure), and a couple road running models.

They felt like they were shaped a bit differently than other models of their shoes, which is totally normal across a brand. The heel was also a bit looser. I had to take some time to break them in and hone in my lacing strategy for them to work for me. After breaking them in though, they were still plenty comfortable. In the future I might consider going up half a size in the Mtn Racers for just a smidge more room in the midfoot.

These shoes also have neutral support, which I always look for in a shoe, and is another aspect of a shoe that is different for everyone.

Topo Mtn Racer 4 Pros

High Cushion: Cushioning helps your feet hurt less, and I’m all for that! I haven’t had the chance to use a trail shoe with a higher level of cushion until now. It certainly did not disappoint.

Responsiveness: Getting extra momentum from your shoe really lets you lean into the terrain you’re in, and I appreciated this from the Mtn Racer 4. I appreciated it the most while trail running, but it also keeps you going with hiking too.

Vibram Outsole: Having good traction is so important with technical terrain, and the Vibram outsole with great lugs on the Mtn Racer 4 will do you well.

Topo Mtn Racer 4 Cons

Fit: This model felt a bit more snug in the midfoot, but looser in the heel than other Topo Models, and took more time to break in for me. For someone with a different foot shape than me, this could be a good thing.

No Rock Plate: A rock plate is always a nice addition for a trail shoe, but I didn’t feel like it was greatly missed. It’s always a balance of what features work together and you can choose so many for one pair of shoes.

Overall

Topo Athletic has put out another solid trail shoe with the Mtn Racer 4. I would recommend it to hikers— especially trail runners. Definitely take a look at all the specs to make sure it’s something that will work for you between the heel drop, the support type, and anything else in a shoe you’re partial too.

Shop the Mtn Racer 4