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Home / Travel

Holiday like a president: The top six presidential hideaways

Herald online
20 Jan, 2017 10:00 PM4 mins to read

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Former President Barack Obama tucks into a 'Snowbama' shave ice while on holiday in Hawaii in 2010. Photo / Getty Images

Former President Barack Obama tucks into a 'Snowbama' shave ice while on holiday in Hawaii in 2010. Photo / Getty Images

It's one of the world's most demanding jobs, so it's no surprise that the President of the United States would take a holiday now and then.

With outgoing President Barack Obama about to take a well-deserved break, we've unearthed the top five presidential getaways with help from Booking.com.

You don't need Air Force One to holiday like a president - here's the proof:

John F Kennedy - Sailing

The late John F. Kennedy was known for his love for the ocean, his yacht Manitou was nicknamed the "Floating White House" as a result of the hours he spent on the water. No Kennedy holiday was complete without a trip on the yacht - who could forget the iconic Jackie O lounging on the prow in all her glamour?

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JFK's yacht was nicknamed the 'Floating White House'. Photo / Getty Images
JFK's yacht was nicknamed the 'Floating White House'. Photo / Getty Images

Escaping from the hustle and bustle of tourist hot spots makes holidaying on the sea the ultimate relaxing getaway.

If you go: Caldera Yachting Catamaran

The Bush family - Kennebunkport, Maine

With George W. Bush racking up over 800 vacation days during his time as President, he certainly knew his way around an itinerary. He split the majority of his holiday time at either his famous Texas ranch or the Bush Compound in Maine where the Bush family has spent more than a century of summers.

The Bush compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. Photo / Getty Images
The Bush compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. Photo / Getty Images

Maine's picturesque rocky coastlines and majestic ski slopes make this a destination fit for holidaying year-round.

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If you go: Cape Arundel Inn and Resort

Barack Obama - Kailua Bay, Hawaii

The Obamas have spent eight consecutive Christmases on a beach-front estate in Kailua Bay. This is the spot where the former-president has often been photographed on the golf course with our own John Key.

The Obama family love to holiday in Kailua Bay, Hawaii. Photo / Getty Images
The Obama family love to holiday in Kailua Bay, Hawaii. Photo / Getty Images

Said to be the next Waikiki, Kailua Bay is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water make it the perfect destination for water activities, from paddle boarding over to Mokes Islands to snorkeling on the pristine reef hidden beneath the bay's blue waters.

If you go: Place in Paradise

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Bill and Hillary Clinton - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Clintons spend their Christmas breaks holidaying in the idyllic Dominican Republic, known for its enviable resort-style holiday experience. With endless opportunity for outdoor activities, Punta Cana is suitable for all ages, from acres of golf courses and water parks to Caribbean beaches lined with coconut trees.

Bill and Hillary Clinton spent their breaks in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Photo / Getty Images
Bill and Hillary Clinton spent their breaks in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Photo / Getty Images

The Dominican Republic provides an all-inclusive experience that will satisfy everyone's needs - including the First Family.

If you go: Tortuga Bay

Franklin D. Roosevelt - Eleuthera, Bahamas

Eleuthera, an Out Island in the Bahamas, was popular with several past presidents - none more so than Franklin D. Roosevelt. Scattered with small fishing villages, Eleuthera is rich in history and is known for water activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Franklin D. Roosevelt liked to relax on the pink-sanded beaches of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Photo / Getty Images
Franklin D. Roosevelt liked to relax on the pink-sanded beaches of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Photo / Getty Images

Franklin D. Roosevelt took his first ever vacation here after being elected President, spending much of his time fishing, and returning often during his record four terms as leader of the Free World. Eleuthera's tantalising pink-sand beaches and inviting coral reefs have made this location an increasingly popular tourist destination for those on the hunt for an exotic getaway.

If you go: Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina

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Donald Trump - Palm Beach, Florida

With a collection of hotels all around the world, it's no surprise that the most recent president loves to travel - he's even starting his first term with a three day holiday. Many Trump family vacations involve visiting their own properties, such as the Trump Interational Golf Course on Canouan Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Trump family spends downtime at Mar-a-Lago, soon to be the 'Winter White House. Photo / Getty Images
The Trump family spends downtime at Mar-a-Lago, soon to be the 'Winter White House. Photo / Getty Images

However, Donald Trump's sprawling, golden Mar-A-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, has to be his number one holiday spot. Its original owner envisoned the property as a future winter retreat for American presidents and foreign dignitaries - and it's now being described as the "winter White House".

If you go: Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

- nzherald.co.nz

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