Mexico – Hollywood’s Hot Spot for Celebrity Vacations

Glee Cast: Kevin McHale, Heather Morris and Vanessa Lengies at Viceroy Zihuatanejo

Glee Cast: Kevin McHale, Heather Morris and Vanessa Lengies at Viceroy Zihuatanejo

Mexico has long been a destination of choice for celebrities and those in the entertainment industry. It’s no wonder – with the abundance of picture perfect beaches, private, luxurious accommodations and relaxed yet festive atmosphere – that the ever-bustling entertainment industry is so closely drawn to Mexico.

Iconic movies like Night of the Iguana, which starred Richard Burton, put Puerto Vallarta on the map in the 60’s and because of the making of Twentieth Century Fox’s epic film Titanic in Baja California, Fox Baja Studios was created along with some of the world’s largest stages and filming tanks.

In addition to Titanic, dozens of movies have been filmed at Fox Baja Studios including MGM’s Tomorrow Never Dies, Disney’s Peal Harbor, and Fox’s Master and Commander The Far Side of the World. Hundreds of filmmakers have chosen locations all throughout Mexico to intensify or beautify their films.

The destination of Mexico has been equally synonymous with celebrity getaways as well, whether for a much-needed hiatus or a special occasion celebration, engagement, wedding or anniversary.  With the wealth of five star luxury hotels, resorts and villas, world-class gourmet cuisine, celebrity chefs, personalized concierge service, first class amenities and warm Mexican hospitality, Mexico has time and again proven to be the destination of choice for the A-list crowd.

It’s no wonder – in 2012 alone, Mexico boasted the most hotels ever on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List with a staggering 33 properties on the list and more than one-third the total in the Americas.

Mexico also topped the lists of dozens of 2012 travel lists including Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, Moon Travel Guide, Reuters, CNN and Forbes to name a few.

Hollywood celebrities flock to Mexico in droves because of the close proximity as well.  Depending on if the flight is a private charter or a commercial air carrier, from Los Angeles, celebs can jaunt to Cabo in a quick two hours; to Puerto Vallarta in three hours, and to Cancun/Riviera Maya in four and a half hours.  Cancun and Riviera Maya are among the top beach destinations in the world.

Leven Rambin at Viceroy Riviera Maya

The Hunger Games star Leven Rambin enjoys time at Viceroy Riviera Maya

Fresh off wrapping from Percy Jackson 2: Sea of Monsters, The Hunger Games starlet Leven Rambin left Hollywood behind over Labor Day and escaped with friends toViceroy Riviera Maya, in Playa del Carmen.  She spent her time jet skiing in the warm Caribbean water that laps the resort’s white-sand beach, dining on “amazing fish tacos” and exploring nearby Mayan ruins. Leven also indulged in a deep-tissue massage at the resort’s Mayan-themed spa.

Sofia Vergara and Susie Albin-Najera, The MEXICO Report

Actress Sofia Vergara and Susie Albin-Najera, The MEXICO Report

Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara recently celebrated her 40th birthday in Riviera Maya. Along with boyfriend Nick Loeb and  a group of her closest friends, Vergara explored parts of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, including a visit to the great archeological ruins of Chichen Itza.

“Riviera Maya is the closest destination to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for U.S. travelers, along with access to the largest coral reef in the Americas,” said Director of Public Relations at Fairmont Mayakoba, Paulina Feltrin. “Mexico has been and continues to be a preferred destination for celebrities. The warmth of the Mexican hospitality guarantees a level of service that will make their vacations even more special.”

“Our hotel attracts many high profile guests, who expect the best in service and discretion,” continued Feltrin.

Year after year, celebrities flock to Mexico. Jennifer Aniston is a regular to Cabo. The Hills alum star, Lauren Conrad recently returned from a luxurious vacation splurge in Los Cabos as well, as did Nicole Scherzinger, Leann Rimes and Avril Lavigne, while certain cast members of Glee spent much needed time off in Zihuatanejo. The Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain was amazed from his recent visit to Mexico while filming a special on Baja cuisine for his show, “No Reservations”. Hilary Duff described her recent visit to Mexico as ‘paradise’.  Justin Beiber recently wowed 200,000 fans in a special free concert in Mexico City’s main plaza Zocalo. Riviera Nayarit, named Mexico’s next great place by USA Today, is a magnet for attracting A-listers like Lady Gaga, Courteney Cox, Kim Kardashian, Charlie Sheen, Bradley Cooper and dozens more.

A huge fan of Mexico, Actor and Extra TV host Mario Lopez proposed to his girlfriend Courtney Mazza in Ixtapa, Mexico at the beginning of the year and just announced plans to wed at a private home in Puerto Vallarta in December 2012.

Demi Lovato at Viceroy Zihuatanejo

Demi Lovato at Viceroy Zihuatanejo (photo provided by Viceroy Zihuatanejo)

On break from rehearsals from her upcoming tour and judging duties with X Factor, Demi Lovato and friends recently returned from a restful vacation at Viceroy Zihuatanejo. During her stay, she indulged in relaxing spa treatments, lounged on the beach, shopped in the local market and took part in a surfing excursion, according to Director of Sales & Marketing, Jennifer Guevara.

“Viceroy Zihuatanejo is truly a respite from hectic Hollywood schedules and all our A-list guests remark how relaxed and undisturbed they feel while staying with us,” said Guevara. “With one thousand feet of private beach stretch along the azure waters of the resort’s splendid Pacific coastline, strewn with teak lounge chairs and exclusive palapas, daybeds and cabanas, celebrities can enjoy three swimming pools, including a fantastic infinity pool poised at water’s edge.”

Celebrities have endless options when it comes to Mexico getaways, with private and luxurious accommodations and unbeatable value, scenery and service.

This article was originally posted by Susie Albin-Najera on MexicoToday.org.

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Susie Albin-Najera
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com

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