Feb. 7 (UPI) — Musicians, celebrities and athletes often invest in real estate after they’ve made it big, but beyond collecting homes, some stars have opted to play host, opening hotels, motels and luxury resorts around the world.
These stars, who have become used to breathtaking properties and luxury service, are tapping into their own experiences to provide an idyllic getaway for guests.
Kate Pierson of The B-52s
Kate Pierson and her wife, artist Monica Coleman, have been welcoming guests to their various properties for more than 20 years. In 2003, they created the retro motel complex Kate’s Lazy Meadow, but sold their Catskills motel a few years back to open Kate’s Lazy Cape, a vacation home in Truro, Mass., that’s “not like any other beach house on Cape Cod.” On the West Coast, the couple operate Kate’s Lazy Desert, a glamping destination featuring six vintage Airstream trailers in the Mojave Desert. Pierson’s collection of vintage Airstream trailers in Landers, Calif., range from a small, 19-feet-long to extra large — 32 feet — and come decked out in aesthetics like “Hot Lava,” North to Alaska,” or the mid-century-inspired “Tiki.” Each trailer sleeps two and has its own bathroom and small kitchenette, plus A/C for summer and heat for winter.
Elizabeth Hurley
11 Cadogan Gardens is located in London’s posh Knightsbridge neighborhood and offers guests a choice of 34 unique rooms, 22 suites and 6 apartments spread over five townhouses. Hurley is a part owner of the luxury hotel, which also has exclusive access to a private garden and is situated adjacent to Sloane Street and Pavilion Road in Chelsea. The hotel has attracted famous guests who more than appreciate the hotel’s private entrances, opulent interiors and velvet-draped Signature Suite.
Robert de Niro
Robert de Niro has been dabbling in the hospitality sector for more than 25 years. In 1994, he co-founded the restaurant Nobu alongside acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa and entrepreneur Meir Teper. Over the years, Nobu has become a hot spot for the rich and famous, having been regularly featured on the Kardashian family’s TV shows. There are Nobu hotels located all over the U.S., in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Malibu and Miami Beach. Globally, the brand has locations in Santorini, Greece, London, Barcelona and Ibiza Bay. According to the company’s website, Nobu is currently working to open hotels in Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Atlantic City and Cairo, Egypt.
Bono and The Edge
U2 bandmates Bono and David Evans, aka The Edge, worked with investors to open The Clarence Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, more than 30 years ago. Since then, it has become known as the city’s “Rock and Roll Hotel.” In 2023, Bono, The Edge and the other shareholders in the Clarence sold the leasehold on the hotel to Paddy McKillen Jr.’s Press Up group. This luxury hotel contains 50 bedrooms and suites, including a famous Penthouse. It is located in the Temple Bar neighborhood of Dublin, which is popular destination for tourists.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, one of the most famous modern actors from Australia, is part owner of the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, located on 500 acres of rainforest and hinterland on Queensland’s Gold Coast. In addition to amenities like the Spa Sanctuary, pools and saunas, Gwinganna offers a fully inclusive health and wellness package, including the popular seven night Detox, a two night Wellness Weekend or specialty retreats that focus on stress, nutrition, women’s health, sleep or mindfulness.
Richard Gere
Renovated by Hollywood star Richard Gere and his friends in 2007, the Relais & Chateaux luxury inn dates back to the 1860s and offers a sanctuary to those looking to escape New York City. Located in Westchester, the Bedford Post Inn is a boutique property, which includes eight bedrooms, 14 acres of woodland and various offerings like a Yoga Loft. The Bedford, N.Y., property is currently renovating its dining establishment, which is set to relaunch in early 2024.
Robert Redford
Legendary actor Robert Redford and Sundance have become synonymous over the past several decades. Not only did Redford create the Sundance Film Festival, he is also the driving force behind the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, which hosts the festival annually. Sundance Mountain Resort is located on 5,000 acres of protected wilderness at the base of Mt. Timpanogos, an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City and 45 minutes from Park City. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in winter, guests can also try hiking, horseback riding and fly-fishing on the Provo River.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, arguably the world’s most famous athlete, has lent his name and face to a host of brands including Royal Caribbean Cruises and the Majestic Hotel Group. Messi currently owns and operates MiM with Majestic, running six MiM locations in glamorous locations such as Sitges, Majorca and Ibiza. The MiM hotel in Sitges boasts 77 rooms and suites and is home to a high-end wellness and beauty center offering treatments like Detox Renewal and a hydrotherapy circuit. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also just 150 feet from the beach.
Rafael Nadal
World renowned tennis champion entered the hospitality business in 2023 with Meliá Hotels International to form ZEL. Nadal grew up in Mallorca, Spain, and frequented the area surrounding Palma Nova Beach growing up. Nadal said he designed the property to “embrace the ‘fiesta and siesta’ concepts that are essential to the Mediterranean lifestyle.” Last year, Meliá Hotels International CEO Gabriel Escarrer announced ZEL Sayulita is set to open in Mexico in 2025. Nadal and Meliá plan to open a total of 20 ZEL hotels across the globe over the next five years.
Francis Ford Coppola
Director Francis Ford Coppola first visited Belize while shooting Apocalypse Now in 1979, but has since become the owner of multiple hotel properties across the country. In Coral Caye, Coppola has built a two-cottage, private island resort, located eight miles offshore from the Placencia Peninsula. Coppola’s other coastal resort, Turtle Inn, is just a few miles down the road. The American director owns multiple hotels around the world, including properties in Belize, Guatemala and Argentina.
