MADONNA has gone crazy for Corfu after chartering a private jet to fly out family and close friends for her 68th birthday yesterday.
And we’re told the Queen of Pop went all out for her extravagant celebrations on the Greek island, which included a very special trip to the monasteries of Meteora.
Madonna has gone crazy for Corfu after chartering a private jet to fly out family and close friends for her 68th birthday Credit: Getty
Madge has also landed her highest-charting single in 17 years thanks to her Kylie Minogue collaboration, Love Sensation Credit: instagram.com/madonna
Insiders said Madge booked a helicopter to fly to the sacred site, made famous in 1981’s James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.
During her trip, the superstar — who has delved further into spirituality since she almost died after contracting sepsis in June 2023 — organised a top secret meeting with the leader of the Monastery of Varlaam, Father Venedictos.
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My Madonna mole explained: “Every year Madge goes all out for her birthday, and this year was no different. In the past, she’s opted for mini-breaks to Italy, but this time she decided on Corfu.
“Of course, the week-long plans included private jets, yachts, and a helicopter trip, but Madonna also spent time really focusing on spirituality and her sense of self.
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“She took a private trip to the Eastern Orthodox monasteries of Meteora, where she spent hours learning about the religious sites.
“Madonna has always been spiritual but after she fell ill three years ago, she reaffirmed her faith. It was a beautiful trip for her and it felt very poignant.”
Naturally, Madonna also put on a proper show for her loved ones, including her boyfriend Akeem Morris, her son Rocco Ritchie plus longtime friend and Swedish designer Bea Akerlund.
She rented a remote, ancient villa on the north of the island which has its own harbour, where Madge later organised a yacht so they could celebrate with a day at sea.
The Monastery of Varlaam, made famous in 1981’s James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only Credit: Getty
A priest takes a picture of another on the lookout of The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron Credit: Alamy
We’re told the Crazy For You singer also hosted an outdoor dinner, complete with traditional Greek cuisine in the villa’s grounds and hired a local band for the celebrations.
Aside from her birthday, Madonna has had a lot to celebrate this year.
As well as landing her 13th No1 album with Confessions II this summer, she has also landed her highest-charting single in 17 years thanks to her Kylie Minogue collaboration, Love Sensation, which peaked at No8 last Friday.
To top it all off, Madonna is now eyeing up locations for her upcoming UK concerts.
I revealed last month that she had pied off Glastonbury, with festival boss Emily Eavis confirming my tale and saying: “It’s definitely not Madonna.”
My music insiders said Madge was now eyeing up playing three back-to-back shows at BST Hyde Park next summer instead.
It would be the perfect way to kick off next year’s heatwave . . .
