Christmas is over and New Year’s Eve is only days away. And that means one thing: Right now, planning the perfect 2001 celebration is the top priority of every star (and every travel agent) in Hollywood.
This year, Y2K worries are over, millennium madness is behind us and celebs are ready to party, so we’ve complied a list of not-to-be-missed hot spots that fit celebrity’s needs (and budgets) to a tee.
Here are some places the stars won’t want to miss as they ring in 2001:
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Now that winter is in full effect, Puff Daddy’s infamous Hamptons parties have been put on hold until next summer. But the rap mogul doesn’t need to wait that long to throw a kick-ass beach extravaganza. He can throw an unforgettable New Year Eve’s bash at super-exclusive, $22,500-a-day Necker Island, Richard Branson‘s private island in the British Virgin Islands. The super-chic Caribbean resort features first-class facilities, swimming pools, jacuzzis, sailing, snorkeling and paparazzi-free white sand beaches, so Puffy, girlfriend Jennifer Lopez and crew can party hardy and pamper themselves in style.
Nile River Cruise, Egypt
For the adventurous star, luxury travel agent Abercrombie & Kent offers a variety of high-class tours. Among their hottest is the Pharaohs and Pyramids tour, a 14-day, $5,000-a-person Nile cruise that explores everyday Egyptian life. For “The Mummy” star Brendan Fraser, a New Year Nile cruise would offer him a close-up, pampered look at the Egypt of his blockbuster movie without enduring long hours on the set, unexpected sand storms and being chased by pesky evil spirits.
Hualalai Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii
The perfect New Year’s celebration spot for superstar families such as the Gibsons (Mel, his wife Robyn and their seven children) mixes tropical luxury and plenty of activities to keep the kiddies busy. The secluded Hualalai Four Seasons Resort on the isolated North Kona Coast is the perfect oasis for the occasion. The Presidential Suite offers a jacuzzi and outdoor shower, a private massage for two and a majestic ocean-front view for the folks and helicopter tours of the island, snorkeling, golf and an outdoor playground and nannies for the kids
Sheraton Auckland Hotel & Towers, New Zealand
New Zealand native Russell Crowe might want to take his “Proof of Life” co-star and sweetheart Meg Ryan away from the L.A. grind and home to the lush, oceanside city of Auckland, New Zealand’s capital. The duo could hole up in the Royal Suite of the Sheraton Auckland Hotel & Towers, winner of the 1998 New Zealand Tourism Award for best hotel. Whether they dine at the five-star restaurants, bask at the hotel’s sun-drenched spa or walk among the towering sailboats in the city’s Waitemata Harbor, a break from Tinseltown would be the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of 2001.
Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas
A steady stream of stars such as Keri Russell, Joshua Jackson and Michael Jordan have vacationed in the suites of the all-inclusive Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The resort is a grown-up playground full of sun and water activities, with 11 pools, private beach and waterslides that shoot riders through a shark-infested lagoon or along a winding river pool. And the 24-hour-a-day casino is the perfect place to gamble away the generous year-end bonuses the stars have picked up. Even the most attention-deficit celebs can keeps themselves busy at this tropical playland.
The Caves, Negril Beach, Jamaica
For a mere $34,500 a night, lovey-dovey teen popsters Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears can get privacy and pampering for New Year’s by renting out the luxurious Caves in Negril Beach, Jamaica. The retreat is nestled among a haven of caves carved by the sea and hidden beneath cliffs. A system of coral stairs and walkways leads to hidden sun decks and grottos where the lovebirds can swim, snorkel or just sit by the water’s edge to view the sunset as they ring in 2001.
Newlyweds Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton can return to the site of their quickie Las Vegas wedding in style to ring in the New Year. To cater to the duo’s high-class Hollywood needs, the Bellagio Resort offers first-class accommodations, 10 scrumptious restaurants and a wide array of pampering treatments at the spa and salon. And to get in touch with their much-publicized wild side, the couple can hit the bright lights, seedy gambling dens and exotic clubs on the Strip as they celebrate the end of Y2K.
Dusit Hotel Phuket, Thailand
After all the problems and protests that swirled around Leonardo DiCaprio and “The Beach” at Maya Beach, Thailand, earlier this year, Leo could use a worry-free Thai vacation. We suggest the five-star Dusit Hotel in Phuket, Thailand. The island is a quick flight from the madness of Bangkok, and Leo can spend his New Year soaking in the resort’s lagoons and basking in its tropical gardens.
Corriechoille Lodge Guest House, Scottish Highlands
With their much-publicized wedding behind them, newlyweds Madonna and Guy Ritchie will need a break from the media glare and stress of planning the much-watched Material Wedding. Since they’ll already be in the Scottish highlands to say I do, the duo (and little Lourdes and Rocco) can trick the pesky press and hole up close to home. The Corriechoille Lodge Guest House in the Scottish Highlands has been home to Scottish nobility and now, as a private guest house, would be the perfect place for the Queen of Pop and her new hubby.
Fulbari Resort, Pokara, Nepal
After their multi-million-dollar wedding and eventful first six months of marriage, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt should go the adventure route and return to the site of Pitt’s 1987 flick “Seven Years in Tibet.” Although he spent the majority of that film stuck in the mountains educating a young Dalai Lama, for 2001, he can enjoy the beauty of Nepal in style at the Fulbari Resort in Pokara. The newlyweds can breathe in fresh mountain air and take day hikes, helicopter flights, pony treks and white-water rafting trips throughout the scenic, mountain community.
