Tony Cowell
With X Factor over for 2017, Simon Cowell dons his swim shorts and sun cream to join Lauren and Eric, plus Squiddly and Diddly, in Barbados for Christmas
After a year that included a dramatic health scare and fights with nightmare neighbours, Simon is finally safe on his favourite tropical island, Barbados. Christmas and New Year is the one time Simon takes a whole month away from work. With auditions for Britain’sGotTalent starting in early 2018, it’s now that Simon takes a few weeks’ essential time out to recuperate and get some rest.
It comes as no surprise that Simon prefers Christmas in the heat of Barbados instead of spending it in a cold and frosty Britain! He is a sun worshipper – even as a teenager he would opt to spend Christmas with his pals in Antigua, Mauritius or Thailand. But it is Barbados that has remained Simon’s favourite getaway, ever since he first went there with our late mum, Julie, 16 years ago.
Mum loved the island and was a regular at the famous Sandy Lane resort, where she had friends and preferred the comfort of the beach. It’s difficult to think of Barbados without thinking of Mum. The annual trip was the highlight of her year – she would start packing for it in November!
Where Simon stays
Barbados may be known as ‘Celebrity Island’ and play host to many A-list celebs – including Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Wayne Rooney – but for Simon, Barbados isn’t just about sun, sea and celebs: he needs to spend precious time with Lauren [Silverman] and their three-year-old son Eric. Simon’s exclusive hidey-hole allows him plenty of privacy and the perfect place to unwind. Owned by Global Radio chief Ashley Tabor, One Sandy Lane is one of the most beautiful villas I’ve ever seen, and has a pool, butler, maid and chef. The villa sits on the beach, where Simon is seen every afternoon as he goes out to play on his favourite jet-ski.
Where Simon goes to eat
Long before Eric came along, Simon’s Barbados Christmas Day diary would read: Get up at 2pm – have breakfast of spinach smoothie, toast and honey, and tea. 3pm – jet-ski for an hour. 4pm – sunbathe,