Play Where the Uber-Rich Play

While Sales & Marketing representatives of ultra-luxury properties and yachts aimed at the super rich felt a certain pinch when it came to sales this year, it comes as no surprise that billionaires are still choosing top locations for their vacations. Uber-rich moguls are still whiling away the time in oceanside resorts, jetting around on private planes, and soaking up the sun on private yachts. From buying and selling their own properties to going on truly drool-worthy vacations, the very rich among us are continuing on the path of total relaxation, complete with perfect service and amazing locations. Let’s follow in their footsteps, shall we?

Even those of us who haven’t been as recession-proof as the super rich can enjoy similar vacations, combining marked-down resort stays with value added perks. While celebrities and businesspeople with plenty of cash like to relax in exclusive resorts and in private compounds, the locations where they stay are not much of a secret. Here are a few top celeb hangouts, and where you can to be just like them.

*Ralph Lauren: Ralph’s five residences are nothing short of breathtaking, and guess what? He hung onto his mega-properties even during the recession, and took amazing breaks abroad. His properties include Jamaica and Colorado locations.

Where Should I Stay? Try the Jamaica Inn, one of WhataHotel!‘s partners, which is located along a peaceful beach along the Caribbean. Complete with 47 suites along the brilliant blue ocean, the hotel features a terrace for each suite, plus cocktails and dining to anything from jazz to old-style Jamaican calypso. When you relax this well, be prepared to plan a similar vacation year after year.

*Donald Trump: Following the sale of of one of his Palm Beach places, Donald Trump still calls Palm Beach his home, but at the exclusive Mar-a-Largo location. When Trump puts his seal of approval on property, you know it’s going to be amazing!

Where Should I Stay? Try the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, which can be booked as either a family vacation or a romantic couple’s getaway. The “Kids for All Seasons” program will keep the kids suitably occupied and safe as you take some time for yourself to lounge by the ocean and hit up the spa. Everyone’s happy with the addition of members-only golf course access and a great tennis court on site.

*Michael Bloomberg: The NYC mayor spends time in Vail, Colorado, where he dines at Vail Mountain’s exclusive Game Greek club. You might not be able to enjoy his identical tastes in dining, because this particular location has an exclusive initiation fee of $50K, but you can hit the slopes just like our Big Apple mayor.

That’s not the only place Bloomberg like to stay, either. When he is not in Vail, he also spends time in Bermuda, where he happens to live amongst neighbors like Ross Perot who stay in a tiny spot called Tucker’s Town, with a private entrance, strict privacy rules, and–of course–the “millionaire’s row.” (Or shall we say “billionaire’s row?”)

Where Should I Stay? Heading to Vail? The Vail Cascade Resort and Spa allows you to enjoy a luxe getaway nestled right in the mountains, but without that stereotypical “ski lodge” feel. You’ll be transported to European slopes with a stream running through the property, a fantastic spa location right there, and a private chairlift straight to Vail Mountain. You are looking at the only ski-in, ski-out four-diamond luxury property at the foot of Vail Mountain–what’s not to love?

The good news is that even if these locations don’t strike your fancy, any luxury hotel will provide the comfort of a celeb’s summer or winter haunt, for less. Choose a luxury property with exclusive perks through WhataHotel!, and you’ll be living the high life in any destination of your choosing.