Clasped tight in a passionate smooch, Hugh Grant and Jemima Khan seemed oblivious to their surroundings. But while it obviously wasn't the main thing on their mind, the backdrop to their blossoming romance had been chosen with care. The couple were enjoying a winter break on the Caribbean paradise of Barbados.
And they aren't the only famous faces to relish the island's friendly people, balmy breezes and fabulous beaches. A raft of fellow stars – including Pavarotti, Jodie Kidd, Elton John, Cliff Richard and Cilla Black – have also been captivated by its charms.
The place to be is the Holetown on the isle's western coast, where the The Royal Pavilion, the recently refurbished Sandy Lane and the funky Lonestar are great places for star spotting. A cool alternative are the holiday homes of the stars themselves.
Several canny names rent out their getaways while not in residence, allowing those in search of the high life to enjoy not only their luxurious surroundings but also all the trappings of the lifestyle they embody – including the celeb's butler and chef.
Visitors who fancy a taste of international jet-set life can choose from among the shingle-roof, bougainvillea-clad villa of health club impresario David Lloyd, the Kidd family's Holders House, with its gingerbread-trimmed veranda and nearby polo field, or the elegant vacation home of race horse owner Robert Sangster.
