The exclusive hotels of the rich and famous
Fancy a taste of how ‘the other half’ lives? A stay at any one of these plush pads, known for their famous clientele, could give you just the buzz you’re after. If you’re eager to splash out on a luxurious escape – and maybe spot an A-lister or two in the process – read on…
Words: Ally Wybrew, Adam Turner, Elinor Stephens
01/02/2022Updated 08/09/2025
Raffles Singapore
Gleaming under the Singapore sun, this glorious grande dame (above and opening image), with its symmetrical, whitewashed 19th-century palatial façade, cute film-set roundabout and immaculately turned-out doormen, could be straight out of a Wes Anderson flick. Funny, given the iconic hotel’s connection with Hollywood – Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and George Lucas have all bedded down in these high-thread-count sheets. Eminent literary figures, including playwright Noël Coward, poet Pablo Neruda and author Rudyard Kipling, are also said to have propped up the Writers Bar at one time or another. More regal guests include the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla. And what has attracted such high calibre residents over the hotel’s 137-year history? Our money’s on old-world charm, exemplary butler service and legendary cocktails – not to mention a fabulous rooftop pool and numerous culinary delights, including Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic and 藝 yì by Jereme Leung.
SLEEP SATISFACTION
Since a perfectly manicured lawn and tropical garden collectively take up more than a quarter of the estate, guests here need not fear any noise disturbance from the Lion City’s vibrant night life thanks to its leafy tranquillity.
DID YOU KNOW?
Traditionalists will be glad to hear the legendary Long Bar (open to non-residents) is still serving up the famous Singapore Sling – invented here in 1915. Throw in a new holistic spa and luxury shopping arcade and celebrity punters will doubtless be flocking here for decades to come.
Byblos, St Tropez
Found at the heart of jet-set St Tropez, Byblos’ is practically dripping in A-List mythology. Mike Jagger had his honeymoon here, The Beatles used to party here, and Drake recently dropped its name in his multi-million streaming track Middle Of The Ocean. Even its origins are laced with golden-age romance: back in 1967 millionaire Jean-Prosper Gay-Para spotted a stunning Brigid Bardot in a hot Beirut nightclub. He went on to open the hotel (and now legendary nightclub with the same name — Les Cave Du Roy) just a mile or so away from her home — just to get her attention. Sadly, the gesture failed to win her heart. But jump to 2025 and the Byblos brand is going from strength to strength. This year it opened with new rooftop bar Sky Bar, with views over the bay of St Tropez, along with a fresh restaurant offering with Il Giardino. And last summer trend-setting Parisian designer Laura Gonzalez worked her magic on several suites, giving them a Provencal chic makeover complete with sweeping marble floors and grand-kitsch mini-bars. But some things don’t change: The club continues to come alive at night with queues around the block, while by day the place has almost a sleepy village feel that’s perfect for pool-lounging. Possibly because all the guests are at their new-ish luxurious Byblos beach club up the road. Five stars.
HIGH LIFE SAYS
As iconic destination-hotels go, Byblos is holding onto its crown as one of the Mediterranean’s hottest see-and-be-seen spots. Bring your giant Chanel sunglasses, reserve your beach club table and get ready for cocktail hour. Just remember – Byblos likes a party. If you love a good sleep, perhaps consider investing in a room a little further from the club entrance…
