Is Muskoka the new Hamptons? How chic Canadian lakeside retreat that wowed the Beckhams this week — and has its own Billionaire’s Row — became the A-lister’s favorite vacation spot
If The Hamptons has long been the summer retreat of choice for US-based celebrities and well-to-do mere mortals, then it seems there’s a new waterfront holiday destination – with its very own Billionaire’s Row – that is capturing the attention of A-listers on way to vacation.
Last week, the Beckhams shared an actual photo album from their time in “perfect” Muskoka on Instagram, putting the spotlight back on the relatively unknown Canadian lakeside retreat, home to some of North America’s most extravagant homes. .
Posh Spice proudly shared a clip of her husband and son Cruz helping with a fallen tree on a rural road, in a group that also included actor Austin Butler.
Victoria told her 31.2 million followers via a video clip, “Did you ever think you’d see Elvis and Beckham lifting a tree? Helping the community in Muskoka. I’m impressed sir!’
Make it Muskoka, baby! The Beckhams both posted photos from their recent trip up north to the Lake Ontario retreat, which has become a hit with A-listers
When Beckham met Elvis: Victoria shared a photo of her husband with son Cruz and Elvis actor Austin Butler helping to move a fallen tree during their stay in Ontario
Later on, there was more footage of David on an electric surfboard, while Harper tried his hand at wakeboarding and Cruz took a dip in the deep blue lakes that dominate this beautiful part of Ontario.
It is believed the family visited this beautiful part of Canada as guests of Canadian billionaire Jamie Salter and his wife Sheryl.
Salter, founder and CEO of Authentic Brands, also shared some holiday snaps from the Beckhams’ days at his home, including himself and the ex-footballer from England bobbing around on a rowboat and sipping cocktails on a large terrace.
Here, MailOnline takes a look at exactly why this remote beauty spot has become the rich and famous’s favorite way to vacation…
WHERE EXACTLY IS MUSKOKA?
JJust over two hours from Toronto, according to the Ontario Tourism Board, Muskoka is teeming with “striking lakes and scenery, abundant wildlife and charming ice communities.”
Locals call it ‘cottage country’ – but with such a major international airport nearby, it’s very accessible to the jet set.
A secret…until the A-listers put it on the Gram: Lake Muskoka is located about two hours and 20 minutes north of Toronto in the Canadian region of Ontario
Known for its mirror lakes, tall forests and very expensive ‘cottages’, it has become increasingly popular with the well-to-do in recent years
Secluded, luxurious homes are well hidden by tall forests on the shores of Lake Muskoka, allowing famous faces to enjoy a little privacy. There are also two other lakes, Joseph and Rosseau, nearby.
The region has become one of the most desirable areas in Canada – dubbed both ‘The Hamptons of the North’ and ‘The Malibu of the North’ in American newspapers.
In May of this year, a sprawling lakefront property with 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms divided into two “cottages” — with two boathouses — went on the market for a whopping $18 million.
WHO OWNS A MUSKOKA COTTAGE?
Perhaps it’s not surprising that Elvis actor Austin Butler was visiting Muskoka when the Beckhams were in town’ – Butler is dating Kaia Gerber, the 21-year-old daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford.
In 2022 Cindy Crawford posted a photo of herself at the helm of a powerboat on a Muskoka Lake, her model daughter with husband Rande Gerber, Kaia is a fan of the region and has introduced her beau Austin Butler to the area
Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson reportedly own a cottage overlooking Lake Muskoka
The Beckhams were guests of Canadian businessman Jamie Salter and his wife Sheryl, who own real estate in the area
Crawford and husband Rande often share photos of their time in Muskoka and are said to have purchased a cottage when the area was less known among their celebrities.
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn are also longtime Muskoka fans, locals have often spotted the pair near their Lake Rosseau vacation home.
Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson reportedly own a cottage overlooking Lake Muskoka – and Shania Twain has the keys to her property here.
WHO ELSE CAN YOU BUY AGAINST?
In 2018 Justin and Hayley Bieber left for Muskoka; Bieber was born in London, Ontario – three hours south of the Lake District
Becks returns: The Inter Miami CF owner seemed to enjoy the hectic pursuits on the lake during his visit
Justin Bieber is an Ontario kid, so it’s no surprise he’s made Muskoka his pick for some r and r.
In 2018, he posted a photo of himself with his wife Hayley Bieber enjoying a cozy boat ride on the lake, with American model Hayley showing off her huge starlet as the pair embraced.
The Beckhams will almost certainly be back for more, the lakeside spot has become a regular for them – last year they were here with Mark Wahlberg and ex-hockey player Tie Domi.