Rolls Royces, flawless pink diamonds, private jets, 7-star resort parties, you’ve seen it all.
However, going by the latest verdict on the ultimate measure of luxury, owning a private
island seems to be the litmus test. Ah, well, don’t get us wrong. We are not saying you
have to own one as going by that strict standard only a certain percentage of the human
population in the world would qualify for that elite club. What we meant is that you can
rent the mansions lending a touch of royalty to these beautifully idyllic islands and
experience this life for a while.
Here, we’ve listed a host of Hollywood bigwigs who’ve not only made a mark in their
careers but also made a mark geographically by owning some of the world’s most
expensive and quaint islands. These islands are surrounded by azure-hued seas, a plethora
of flora and fauna, and pristine white sands—making them a perfect retreat far away from
the main lands. These celebrity-owned islands are not just for the pleasure of their owners,
but also for those who can cough up the handsome rental amount. Take a closer look at 11
such properties that make for a dramatic luxurious holiday destination!
MEL GIBSON MACO ISLAND, FIJJI
World-renowned actor and director Mel Gibson owns this island in the Lau cluster of the Fiji Islands. The cluster is one of the largest private islands at about 31 kms in area size. The pristine Mago Island has switched owners a few times in the past until bought by Gibson in 2005. A portion of the island consists of a village, ponds with drinking water and a huge portion of vegetation that has been on the island since the beginning, along with a poultry farm with horses, cattle, goats and chicken. Gibson is said to have preserved the sanctity of the largely undeveloped island and only a few caretakers are living there as of the moment.
SIR RICHARD BRANSON NECKER ISLAND , BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – UNITED KINGDOM
Billionaire, philanthropist and the founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson has his own island—the Necker Island. Situated in the British Virgin Islands, Necker Island is home to an abundance of wildlife like the flamingos and tropical fish in its pristine, crystalclear waters. At 74 acres in size, the spacious island is bordered by sandy white beaches. You, too, can book a stay here just like the numerous celebrities like Harry Styles, musical maestro Mariah Carey and former US President Barack Obama who have stayed here.
DAVID COPPERFIELD MUSHA CAY, SOUTHERN BAHAMAS
The greatest illusionist of the 20th and 21st century purchased this cluster of 11 Bahamian Islands in 2006 for USD 50 million. He then spent another USD 30 million to transform it into an ultra-luxury retreat and crowned it as ‘The Islands of Copperfield Bay’. Possessing five ultra-luxury villas, a private outdoor theatre and an on-call staff service, the property offers amenities like tennis courts, snorkelling and speedboating. Many A-listers have vacationed here, some of the prominent names being Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, Jim Carrey, etc.
SHAKIRA -BONDS CAY, SOUTHERN BAHAMAS
The Colombian, multiple Grammy award winner bought this Bahamian island in 2011 for USD 16 million. Worth an estimated USD 300 million as of today, Shakira bought Bonds Cay with Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Walters that spans around 550 acres in size. Part of the Berry Islands chain is in the Caribbean and it possesses five beaches, multiple waterfalls, bays and lagoons. Being slightly elevated, it offers stunning views from higher up. Surrounded by gorgeous turquoise water, filled with reefs and fish, the quaint islands make a perfect destination for snorkelling and fishing.
BEAR GRYLLS- ST. TUDWAL’S ISLANDS
The Man vs Wild survival expert Edward ‘Bear’ Grylls purchased the island on St Tudwal West island off Wales Llyn Peninsula in 2001 for £95,000. The location is famous for its wildlife (read: grey seals, otters and dolphins) that are common visitors here. The islands are replete with a signature lighthouse cottage dotting the wild, dramatic coastline. Grylls lives there with his wife Shara and their three children – Marmaduke, Huckleberry and Jocelyne. Words have it that the private island has a pull-up bar that Grylls got built into the cliff face, an inflatable hot tub, his chicken farm, and finally, the house.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO – BLACKADORE CAYE, BELIZE
Leonardo Dicaprio along with a partner paid USD 1.75 million to buy the 104 acres of wild, unpopulated land off the coast of Belize in 2005. In sync with his environmental activist cred, Dicaprio collaborated with Paul Scialla—the chief executive of Delos, a New York City-based developer—to create an eco-conscious resort by the name ‘Blackadore Caye’ in the island that has already suffered from several issues including coastal erosion and deforestation impacting sea life and the reefs around. According to reports, DiCaprio’s restoration plans include planting more trees and restoring the reefs. However, even though the resort was scheduled to open in 2021, more news is yet to be received.
EDDIE MURPHY – ROOSTER (LONG) CAY, NASSAU BAHAMAS
The legendary comedian and actor purchased this 15-acre island in the Bahamas, located just outside Nassau Bahamas in 2005 for USD 15 million. The secluded island paradise is surrounded by turquoise blue waters with abundant sea life that remains undeveloped. Murphy has family ties with the Bahamas and owned another one near the Bahamian capital Nassau island, called Pearl Cay before he bought his newest splurge. At present, this slice of paradise is currently off-limits to the public. However, speculations are rife that Murphy is planning on turning it into a luxurious resort.
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA – CORAL CAYE, BELIZE
Esteemed director Francis Ford Coppola owns a 2.5-acre island called Coral Caye located in southern Belize, sheltered behind the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef. The self-sustaining private island is set up with a main house, two rustic cottages and a dock, and is treated as a retreat by Coppola. The best part is that its location is perfect for water activities like snorkelling and kayaking. The director is known to have celebrated many family milestones here and even hosted actors, writers and a Saudi Arabian Princess at his little paradise.
FAITH HILL AND TIM MCGRAW – L’ÎLE D’ANCES
Country singers and power couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw bought the Bahamian island in 2003 back when it was nothing but a 20-acre barren rock. Now it looks unrecognisable with a lavish 15,000 square feet of living space. The 6,500-square-foot main house sits high in the centre of the island, just steps from sandy beaches on either side. Architecturally, it comprises eight separate pavilions, each connected by a series of breezy, open-air tiled walkways. The island abode, which also goes by the name Goat’s Cay, even made it to Architectural Digest’s 2017 cover story.
RICKY MARTIN – ISLAND OFF BRAZILIAN COAST
Bought in 2008 for a whopping USD 8 million, this 19-acre tropical island full of lush green trees is nestled in the middle of a marine reserve. The serene island is conveniently located near the resort, Angra dos Reis and is two hours from the Brazilian capital, Rio de Janeiro. Nestled in the middle of a marine reserve, the island is guarded by a battery of 12 cannons and watchtowers, reminiscent of the Portuguese colonial era. The house itself is styled after a Portuguese colonial villa and popularly known as Martin’s ‘fortress’—his party pad every time he checks in for a vacation!
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