Jet-set secrets: Where Asian celebrities escape for the summer

K-pop’s reigning stars are as meticulous about their vacations as they are about their performances. Blackpink’s Jennie has been spotted at Amangiri in Utah—favoured for its sleek architecture, otherworldly desert views, and the sort of off-the-grid calm that appeals to celebrities who cherish the luxury of unplugging. She’s also shown a consistent affection for Paris, where fashion and leisure naturally overlap.

Lisa has gravitated toward summer escapes in Greece and her native Thailand. She’s shared glimpses of herself at stylish seaside spots in Koh Samui, including the Ando Pool Villa and Anantara’s private villas—resorts known for their discreet service and impeccable design. Jisoo, meanwhile, has been spotted in London and the south of France, toggling between high fashion and high-end escapes with ease.

K-drama stars and their signature getaways

It’s no surprise that the biggest names in Korean dramas choose destinations that echo the romantic, emotionally rich worlds they often inhabit onscreen. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, the couple whose wedding captured hearts across Asia, headed to the United States for their honeymoon, staying at carefully chosen private residences rather than headline-grabbing hotels.

Lee Jong Suk, who’s known for his refined, fashion-forward sensibility, took time off in Da Nang, Vietnam. He stayed in a private villa resort, where sleek interiors meet sweeping sea views.

Lee Min-ho opted for a more introspective escape near Mount Fuji, while Song Hye-kyo has frequently travelled to destinations that mirror her elegant public persona, like Venice and Monaco.

It’s also worth noting how destinations tied to K-drama filming locations—like The Shilla or Lotte Hotel in Jeju—have become holiday destinations in their own right, especially for fans who want a taste of the cinematic atmosphere with five-star service.

Pan-Asian stars and their favourite summer haunts

Outside Korea, a growing group of Thai and Chinese stars are reshaping what luxury holidays look like. Win Metawin and Jackson Wang, for instance, have posted from city breaks in Paris and New York, alternating work obligations with curated downtime. While it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish a leisure trip from a professional engagement, certain destinations keep recurring in their feeds: the Maldives for privacy, Hong Kong and Singapore for style and access, and Japan for its cultural richness and impeccable hospitality.

Rising Thai stars Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong have leaned into tropical escapes and low-key getaways in Thailand and Vietnam, often at beachfront resorts that prioritise discretion and design. The Maldives remains a top pick, with private island resorts complete with personalised butler service setting the benchmark.

Curating your own A-list holiday

Following in the footsteps of Asia’s biggest names doesn’t mean mirroring their every move. It means borrowing their confidence in choosing what works for them—privacy, ease, quality—and applying it to your own travels. Whether you’re drawn to a quiet coastal retreat or a city pulsing with culture, the idea is the same: take a break that feels as considered as it is indulgent. That’s the secret to a holiday worth remembering.

Start by deciding what kind of trip feels most aligned with your sensibility: a city break with Michelin-level dining and art galleries, or a beach retreat that’s all about peace and rejuvenation. Prioritise the things that matter to you, whether that’s a suite with a view, a private plunge pool, or a resort known for quiet, intuitive service.

Research where your favourite stars have stayed not as a checklist, but as inspiration. Book a room at the hotel they’ve visited—or better yet, find a boutique property nearby that offers similar perks without the attention. And if there’s one consistent thread through all these celebrity getaways, it’s this: they travel with intention. No rushed itineraries, no overcrowded tours. Just the right balance of style, space, and stillness.

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