While many associate the festive season with log fires and snowy slopes, a host of A-list celebrities have been trading winter woollens for bikinis and board shorts. This December, a significant number of stars have opted for sun-drenched beach holidays over traditional snowy retreats, seeking warmth and relaxation as the year ends.
From Runways to Shorelines: Models and Musicians Unwind
Leading the charge for a sunny escape is former Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, 44. The Brazilian-born star has returned to her home country, where she's been pictured enjoying the coastal scenery in a bikini. Meanwhile, pop sensation Dua Lipa, 30, recently returned from a Mexican getaway with her fiancé, actor Callum Turner, 35.
They are far from alone in their quest for winter sun. Actress and businesswoman Jessica Alba, 44, travelled to Cabo earlier this month with her three children, whom she called her "favourite humans". Singer Bebe Rexha, 36, also documented a tropical trip, sharing photos from a holiday in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, where she humorously asked followers, "im moving to a private island who is coming with?"
Influencers and Icons Embrace the 'Pura Vida' Life
The trend extends across the entertainment and influencer sphere. YouTuber Tana Mongeau wished fans a 'Maui Christmas' from Hawaii, accessorising a red polka-dot bikini with a Santa hat. Supermodel Heidi Klum enjoyed a beach day with husband Tom Kaulitz in St. Barths last Friday.
Model and influencer Alexis Ren travelled to Costa Rica, captioning her floral bikini snaps with the local phrase "Pura vida!". Singer Chloe Bailey also squeezed in an end-of-year trip, posting a series of photos in a vibrant orange bikini with the playful caption: "sun’s out, buns out!!!!"
Other notable figures catching rays include country singer Megan Moroney, who shared a holiday sunbathing session on December 26th, and DJ Zedd, who indulged in a luxurious Punta Mita, Mexico, break complete with poolside tacos and coconut drinks. Bethenny Frankel, formerly of *Real Housewives of New York*, is currently in St. Barths, enjoying a breakfast of fresh figs and cheese by the water.
A Stark Contrast to the Aspen Elite
This collective migration to warmer climes presents a stark contrast to the traditional celebrity holiday narrative centred on Aspen, Colorado. The famous ski resort remains a major hotspot for the rich and famous during December, attracting stars like Mariah Carey, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, and billionaire Jeff Bezos, many of whom own property there.
The choice between powder snow and powder-soft sand highlights the diverse ways the global elite choose to celebrate the season. While one group enjoys après-ski in cosy taverns, the other is prioritising sea breezes and sunset swims, proving that for many celebrities, the perfect holiday white this year comes from a tropical beach, not a mountain top.
