YOU know it’s the festive season when Simon Cowell makes his annual pilgrimage to Barbados.

The image of the bare-chested X Factor supremo jet-skiing across the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea is now as synonymous with Christmas as Santa and Rudolph!

And it’s not just Simon who likes to celebrate in sunnier climes – Westlife, the Sugababes and home-grown superstar Rihanna are among those flying out to Barbados at this time of year.

Click here for unbelievable Barbados deals

You’ll feel right at home on this former British colony, which is dotted with red letter boxes and home to cricket and polo grounds and towns called Worthing and Hastings.

But the tropical scenery and temperatures are certainly nothing like freezing Blighty!

The island’s sandy west coast is lined with lavish hotels and glitzy villas, while the east coast – with its limestone cliffs – is a favourite with surfers who come to ride the Atlantic Ocean rollers.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Elegant Hotels has five resorts on the island, with four connected by a free daytime water taxi, should you wish for a change of scene or dining venue.

First off OK! stayed at The House, a cool, child-free, boutique property set on a glorious stretch of sand on Payne’s Bay.

We were in good company as Girls Aloud, Alicia Keys, Diana Ross and Rihanna have all stayed too.

There’s lots to like about this 34 all-suite retreat – from the over-sized armchairs in the ocean-view lounge to the Molton Brown toiletries in the bathrooms.

We were also fans of the Beach Ambassadors who are on hand to deliver chilled flannels, complimentary ice cream and English teas to guests each day.

OK! then moved next door to its sister property, the family friendly Tamarind, where Westlife have stayed.

This low-rise beach-front hotel is awash with splashes of vibrant colour – from the bedroom cushions and modern artwork to the flowering bourgainvillea.

All 104 rooms have either a balcony or patio and there are three pools to choose from.

While the kids are happily ensconced in the kids’ club or in the teen lounge, why not learn a new skill at the Aqua School?

Options include kayaking, sailing, surfing or paddle boarding.

WHICH STARS WILL I SEE?
Wayne and Coleen Rooney loved the island so much they bought a lavish villa here, while Gary Lineker is also a homeowner.

During Christmas 2010, OK! chatted to Simon Cowell at the Lone Star Restaurant and saw Westlife (Kian Egan married Jodi Albert on the island in 2009) at a New Year’s Eve party where Take That performed.

Keep your eyes peeled for Rihanna – last August she took part in the annual Crop Over carnival parade sporting a skimpy bikini and also performed in Bridgetown.

It may only have two rooms but it’s big on personal touches, offering tailor-made treatments.

OK! chose to have our stressed shoulders pummelled with bamboo sticks.

Don’t worry, it’s not as painful as it sounds!

Bamboo is the perfect tool for a seriously deep tissue massage, while sweet almond oil is used to nourish the skin.

Craving a little solitude, OK! also took a scenic horse-riding trek with Ride Barbados.

Our beautiful steed, Troya, gently took us through forests and across valleys from Farley Hill to the deserted, windswept and palm-fringed Morgan Lewis beach on the Atlantic coast.

A great way to discover the unspoiled side of Barbados.

WHERE CAN I SHOP?

Make the most of the duty free shops along Broad Street in Bridgetown, the island’s capital.

You’ll find The Colonnade, Cave Shepherd department store and several high-end jewellers, including Crown Of Light, where Rihanna was spotted recently.

Make sure you visit Limegrove Mall in Holetown, home to Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Agent Provocateur, and trendy boutiques such as Beth & Tracie, which sell chic sundresses, as well as Prive nightclub.

WHERE CAN I EAT?
From beach-side barbecue stalls to gourmet restaurants, Barbados offers myriad culinary choices.

One of the island’s top restaurants is The Cliff, which is as famous for its stunning flame-lit cliff-top location and celebrity clientele as it is for its cuisine.

Head chef Paul Owens has cooked for everyone from Mariah Carey and the Beckhams to the Rooneys and Beyoncé Knowles.

For great Barbados deals, click here

One of the best celeb-spotting venues on the island is Daphne’s – an outpost of the London eatery – that sits right next door to The House.

It’s the perfect spot for a sundowner and OK! sipped a Bajan Sunset (vodka with honey, grapefruit and passionfruit) as we watched the real Bajan sunset dip beneath the ocean.

Despite its Asian décor, the cuisine is distinctly Italian, with tagliolini with spicy crab, risotto and oven-roasted duck on the menu.

For a taste of home (shepherd’s pie and apple crumble) dine at Lone Star, a rustic beach-side restaurant that Michael Winner describes as ‘quite exceptional’.

On Friday night there’s only one place to be – the fish fry street party at Oistins on the south coast. It’s no frills but you’re guaranteed to end up reggae dancing on the street with the locals!

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
OK! spent a thrilling day with Island Safari (www.islandsafari.bb) in an open-top Jeep, criss-crossing the island – passing rum distilleries, colonial plantations, sleepy parishes and rugged bays.

Just make sure you haven’t had a big breakfast as there’s a bumpy ride through a stretch of wild jungle!

Learn about the local history at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society.

While here, make sure you take the glass lift and travel deep underground to Harrison’s Cave – a vast network of limestone caverns, waterfalls and streams.

OK! also cruised along the Caribbean Sea on a catamaran (www.tallshipscruises.com/tiami), stopping to snorkel and swim with turtles. 

HOW DO I GET THERE?
Virgin Atlantic (0844 209 2770; www.virgin-atlantic.com) runs daily flights from London Gatwick to Barbados from £500 return.

A garden-view junior suite at The House starts from £464 per night including a champagne breakfast and 30-minute jet-lag massage, afternoon tea and evening canapés, while pool and garden-view rooms at Tamarind costs from £249 per night including breakfast.

Prices based on two sharing and valid April 18 – May 31, 2012. Book by calling 0800 917 3534 or visit www.eleganthotels.com.