Though their summer holidays usually take place in southern France or Tuscany, this year Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie have jetted off to Barbados, staying at Sir Cliff Richard's private villa along with their four children.
The £3-million luxury home is in the upmarket Sugar Hill Villa Resort near to the town of St James. The resort's 50-acre grounds are sprinkled with white multi-million-pound estates overlooking the sea, and also include an exclusive clubhouse, a 2,000sq-ft pool, gourmet restaurant and fitness centre complete with top-of-the-line tennis courts.
Mr Blair and his family – including kids Euan, 19, Nicky, 17, Kathryn, 15, and three-year-old Leo – have been at the secluded Caribbean destination since August 1, enjoying the six-bedroom accommodation, complete with security and maid service, provided by their famous friend.
Just days into their vacation, the Blairs were spotted taking a dip with other holiday makers. "No one bothered them and the Blairs just splashed about in the sea like everyone else," said an onlooker.
And perhaps Sir Cliff has recommended some of his favourite haunts, such as Cocomos, his preferred eaterie, which overlooks one of the tiny island's incredible white sand beaches.
Other Barbados fans include Cilla Black, who takes breaks at a Reeds House beach flat, Mick Jagger, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Claudia Schiffer and Minnie Driver. Sister celebs Jodi Kidd and her sister Jemma are frequent visitors, too, as their parents reside on the island.
And apparently PM Blair isn't the first global statesman to choose Barbados for a spot of R and R. "We've had them all," said a spokesperson for the local tourist board. "Reagan, Bush, the Queen, the Pope – we have got the lot. Tony Blair is just another one… it's no big deal."
Photo: Reuters
Photo: PA
Photo: Alphapress.com
