Not coming to a Dubai boardwalk anytime soon.
AP Photo

by Beata Loyfman

A few weeks ago, we did round-ups of our picks for clothing-optional hotel zones in the U.S. Check them out here and here. This week we delve into the Middle East, where wandering around in a bikini (let alone in the buff) might incur a penalty far worse than unsightly tan lines, as these 79 people can attest.

But since more and more travelers are heading to the Middle East--the region welcomed a record 46 million international visitors in 2007, according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer--it would help to know where it's safe to disrobe and enjoy that burning sun without worrying about going to prison.

The trick is to show skin only at Western-friendly resorts:

The name of Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa in Oman doesn't lie. The three-hotel resort on Al Jissah Bay is truly heavenly. Private beaches and a sprawling infinity pool shelter guests from the eyes of the law (and propriety), so you can wear your skimpiest without being arrested. In addition, the Chi spa has single-sex rhassuls and hammams for optimal (i.e. naked) pore expansion.

Similarly, Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, that mecca of self-aggrandizing opulence, has several hotels and even a faux Arabian souk in one monster resort. A private beach connects it to the neighboring Burj Al Arab (the one that looks like a sail). Because of their popularity among bling-enamored Russian millionaires, Dubai's resorts are desensitized to displays of skin (unless you strip completely, which is not advised). By the way, if you see a pasty middle-aged British couple, it's probably Mr. and Mrs. Adams, David Beckham's in-laws, who now reside in his Dubai mansion.

Perhaps the most clothing-relaxed place in the Middle East is Israel, where it's not necessary to confine your semi-nakedness to a private beach. Here, you have the option of strutting your stuff on two seas, Red and Dead. Just watch that you don't have any cuts--that sea salt burns!

Danny DeVito has high hopes for his Miami restaurant. 

by Beata Loyfman

Even though celebrity-owned restaurants have the success rate of mating pandas, that doesn't stop egotistic VIPs from trying. Case in point: Britney's Nyla barely lasted through one of her marriages, DeNiro's Ago is still reeling from that horrid New York Times review, and now Madre's, Jennifer Lopez's spot in Pasadena, has shut its doors (thanks for the breaking news, TMZ).

This begs the question, are there any celebrity-owned restaurants that survive beyond the paparazzi photo ops? For the answer, we sought the wisdom of Conde Nast Traveler's food tzarina, Mollie Chen. To say that Mollie is food obsessed is like calling Pamela Anderson a bit racy.

Here are a few celeb eateries where the food doesn't play second fiddle:

Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality: Judging by the nightly rush of spry young things trying to flirt their way past the doorman, Justin has hit the right note with this comfort food spot in New York City. Order the spare ribs, and be careful you don't smear the barbecue sauce on those white D&G jeans.

Paul Newman's Dressing Room: Sustainable food and a cozy country atmosphere are the focus of this Westport, Connecticut, restaurant. But locally grown, organic, and environmentally friendly food ain't cheap. So enjoy every bite of that $25 wood-fired burger.

Michael Jordan's The Steakhouse: Quality steaks and an old-school boy's club vibe overlooking New York's bustling Grand Central Terminal. Nothin' but net.

Danny DeVito's DeVito South Beach: With superplush decor, hearty homemade Italian fare, and a high-wattage clientele, the diminutive actor can't go wrong . . . or can he? The place just opened in 2007, so we'll get back to you in a few years.

Ashton Kutcher's Ketchup: Say you're tall, handsome, successful, and married to über-cougar Demi Moore. Your recent foray into the restaurant scene was a hit and the Dolce Group wants a sequel. Where's the logical place for the next Ketchup? Why, Huntsville, Alabama, of course! Don't ask us why, but it works. The Huntsvillians are lining up for the Kobe beef hot dogs and truffle mac 'n' cheese.

Approve/disapprove of our picks? Let us know in Comments.

The happy couple
AP Photo

by Beata Loyfman

As soon as the ink dried on California Supreme Court's ruling against the gay marriage ban, Hollywood began celebrating. And before you could say "George Takei," comedienne Ellen DeGeneres announced her fall 2008 nuptials to Aussie girlfriend Portia Di Rossi. Now, thanks to Starpulse and HotelChatter we have some details of the event.

Not surprisingly, the couple has chosen one of the most gay-friendly (not to mention nudity-friendly) locales in the country: Palm Springs, California. The ceremony and reception will take place at the Riviera Resort & Spa, which is at the tail-end of a $70 million renovation. Word is they're gutting the entire thing, building a new spa, and increasing the size of the rooms.

Even if you're not part of the wedding party, you can still book your stay at the Riviera as of October 1. And if your visit coincides with Ellen's big day, we're dying to know if John McCain will show up to walk her down the aisle! Check out the semi-uncomfortable clip here.

Island a la nude.

by Beata Loyfman

Last week, we brought you our picks for top adults-only hotel zones. Today we crank it up a notch to satisfy your (secret?) naturist jones with three destinations dedicated to the clothing-optional lifestyle. I know what you're thinking: Unshaven, hemp-loving hippies munching on tofu burgers, realigning their chakras, and sleeping in hammocks on the beach (Woody Harrelson, I'm talking to you).

Well, not so fast. At these swank, adults-only spots, the only realignment you'll feel is when the masseur fixes that nagging kink in your lumbar spine:

Southern California's Sea Mountain Resort is a posh retreat for couples and single females (sorry guys) where the main attraction is bathing in the mineral waters of the local hot springs. Yes, naked bathing. There's also naked suntanning, naked massage, naked parties...you get the idea.

Nearby in Desert Hot Springs, the Living Waters Spa focuses on the rejuvenating benefits of the (naked) spa experience: Massages, wraps, mineral baths, and complete (naked) tranquility (sorry, can't stop). This means no swingers or sex parties allowed. For that sort of thing, try one of the Hedonism resorts.

A bit further east, 7,400 miles to be exact, Boayan is a private island in the South China Sea where you can fulfill your Robinson Crusoe fantasy, loincloth and all. A stay here includes a villa, a staff of 5, all meals, and a traditional Philippine boat with captain. Perhaps Woody should rethink his  40-day fast and bring his nudity-loving ways to the far east.

The Bare Pool at Mirage.

by Beata Loyfman

Do you ever want to get naked? Just strip to the buff, but without the judicial stares of everyone around you? Well, good news: Many hotels now have dedicated adults-only areas.

Here are a few clothing-optional playgrounds:

Occidental Grand Fuerteventura in Spain's Canary Islands has a private naturalist area with a pool, steam rooms, and lounge where you can watch the sunset over Playa de Butihondo. Just keep your eyes on the ball.

Closer to home, Bare at the Mirage in Las Vegas is a posh, rooftop pool lounge where 21-and-over guests can bask in the sun European-style, while sipping cocktails and listening to the DJ mix. You may even run into the newly demure Britney Spears (thanks for the tip TMZ). Reserve day beds and boat beds in advance.

Nearby, the Sapphire Pool at Rio does away with any pretense to classiness with a similar adults-only pool lounge. But this one is courtesy of Sapphire Gentlemen's Club. Ahem. As you'd suspect, Brazilian beauties frolic in the waterfalls, and VIP cabanas are available for privacy-seeking guests. You know the motto: What happens in Vegas...

Check out HotelChatter's list of top 10 reasons to vacation at a clothing-optional resort. They make some excellent arguments.

Have you been to these or any other adults-only hotel zones? Post a comment and tell us all about it. 

Buffett's all smiles
AP Photo

by Beata Loyfman

Last week, the comb-overed mogul Donald Trump announced the sale of his poorly-performing Trump Marina Hotel in Atlantic City to none other than Jimmy Buffett. Why, you ask? Well, it turns out the singer is adding another Margaritaville paradise to the roster of properties based on his popular song (in case you are already three sheets to the wind, these lyrics will refresh your memory).

While the deal is finalized, you can check out the construction cam of Buffett's newest property in Biloxi. Harrah's is reportedly pouring $100 billion (not a typo) into the sprawling resort. For that sort of coin, we expect a singing parrot and unlimited yard-long plastic margarita glasses in every room.

Aaay!
AP Photo

by Beata Loyfman

If it wasn't for the incredible sleuthing skills of TMZ, the most important event of the year might have come and gone with little fanfare. Luckily, word got out. On August 19, the city of Milwaukee will unveil its newest treasure: A bronze statue of cultural icon Arthur Fonzarelli, a.k.a. the Fonz!

And that's not all. An entire day of activities on the Riverwalk will be dedicated to the unveiling, including a free custard social and an appearance by the cast of Happy Days. Marion Ross, Tom Bosley, Erin Moran, Don Most, and of course, Henry Winkler himself will be on hand to reprise their roles.

Click here for news and event details, and here for a tutorial on the origins of Milwaukee by noted anthropologist Alice Cooper.

Want to take part in the festivities? Check out how after the jump.

Yes, your Madgesty.
Photo: AP

by Beata Loyfman

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few months, you may have noticed that Madonna is making something of a comeback (not that she ever left, heaven forbid!). With a kickin' new album, a self-produced film at Cannes, and the upcoming Sticky & Sweet Tour whose monster ticket sales crashed Internet servers in North America and Europe, Madge has quite a lot on her plate these days.

But not so much that she's neglected her promise to Malawi. According to Starpulse, Madonna is building a multi-million-dollar school for girls in the East African nation.

Unlike celebs who preach environmental and social causes and then fly carbon-emitting private jets (I'm talking to you, Mr. Travolta), Madonna is actually putting her money where it would do the most good, into Malawi's future.

Kudos!

Brad and Angie.
Photo: AP

by Beata Loyfman

The bad news: Poor Brad and Angie couldn't find a place to stay in the French Riviera, so they've settled for bunking with a friend.

The good news: The friend happens to be Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and the home is a little place called Villa Maryland -- a massive, fully-staffed $60 million mansion overlooking the Mediterranean.

With friends like these . . .

Did the Jolie-Pitts accidentally forget to invite you for a Cannes Film Festival getaway? Don't take it to heart. There are several great lodging options in Cote d'Azur, even for those not on Paul Allen's speed dial.

Check out our picks after the jump.

Lenny Kravitz.
Photo: AP

by Beata Loyfman

What do Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Jim Carrey, and Lenny Kravitz have in common (besides long lists of celebrity exes)? They're all fans of Miami (the beach, not the football team).

And what's not to like? Beautiful bods, perpetual parties, and enough heat to light up the (currently) dreary Times Square ten times over. But with so many hotel options, it might be tough to decide where to hang your hat. Here are our favorite spots, all under $300 per night:

The Catalina Hotel's all-white rooms are splashed with red and black, a perfect match for Miami's colorful personality. With the beach nearby, you might avoid its two on-site pools, just make sure to return in time for free drinks at 7 p.m.

More affordable options after the jump.

Beverage of the stars.
Photo: AP

by Beata Loyfman

It's raining celebs in Napa Valley!

If you've wandered through California's wine country this week, your eyes may have been temporarily blinded by rays of A-list stardom. No less than four super couples were seen brushing up on their oenology skills, namely Posh and Becks, Heidi and Seal, Kate and Len, and, perhaps most important, TomKat.

If you've yet to visit this celeb watering hole, check out the 5 Perfect Days in California Wine Country by Responsible Traveler blogger Brook Wilkinson.

You never know who you might run into while tasting the valley's newest vintages.

NYC's newest hotel mogul

Welcome to Boldface, where we keep an eye on the travel feats and foibles of the stars. Whether it's an exclusive getaway or an
under-the-radar find, every Friday we'll show how you too can travel like a celeb, without spending like one.

by Beata Loyfman

Not sure if it's the wacky weather or the plateaued real estate, but Hollywood seems to be heading east these days. New Yorkers can now count several members of the entertainment elite as their own. Welcome home Leo, Cameron, and Sting.

Not to be upstaged, Robert DeNiro, whose Tribeca Film Festival revitalized downtown, has done one better and opened his long-awaited Greenwich Hotel. And according to the blog Eater, the on-site restaurant, Ago, is a real winner.

How can you mingle with the newly minted New Yorkers? Book into Bob's (er, Mr. De Niro's) new digs and follow Starpulse's guide to celeb tracking. Maybe you can make it into the circle of trust--or at least be treated to an encore of his hilarious Meryl Streep tribute (thanks, Defamer).