Celebrities Who Own Private Islands: Check Out The Luxury Retreats These Stars Call Getaway
Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño – Las Alamandas, Manzanillo, Mexico, Amount Undisclosed
Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño is the daughter of British financier Sir James Goldsmith and the granddaughter of Don Antenor Patiño. Before passing away, her grandfather Don Antenor Patiño left her land located on the Pacific coast. With her love of nature, she had an idea and started to develop a luxury hotel on the island. The 1,500-acre estate can only welcome a maximum of 35 guests. Isabel has also been active in a project that aims to protect and preserve the Mexican coastline.
David Copperfield – Musha Cay, $50 Million
You should not underestimate magician David Copperfield because he was actually able to grow his net worth massively to the point that he was able to purchase his very own island in the Bahamas called the Musha Cay. The $50-million island became a destination for a luxury resort which has very high nightly rates and a rule that says you have to stay at least for four nights. We wonder if their $39K nightly rate already comes with vacation insurance.
Marlon Brando – Tetiaroa, Amount Undisclosed
The late Marlon Brando was able to buy his own private island during the 1960s because he could afford to do due to the success of his career that started way back in the 1940s. The island was originally named the Tetiaroa island but in 1973, the island’s name was changed to the Marlon Brando island. Pacific Beachcomber SC acquired the island after Brando’s death and by 2014, they were able to put up a resort which they named The Brando Resort.
Larry Ellison – Lanai, $300 Million
Larry Ellison built his billion-dollar net worth through the success of his company, the Oracle Corporation. Back in 2012, he purchased a $300-million island in Hawaii and the island has a total of two Four Seasons resorts that really give you the whole luxurious vacation experience.
The Barclay Brothers – Brecqhou, $4.3 Million
The Barclay twins, David and Frederick, love investing in real estate properties, thanks to the billions they have in their bank account. They purchased the Brecqhou island back in 1993 and it is said that the island is worth around $4.3 million.
John Lennon – Dorinish Island, $42.50K
The Beatles is considered to be one of the most legendary bands in the music industry and it made its members crazy rich. John Lennon was the group’s co-founder who was able to buy an island in Ireland called the Dorinish Island. His wife sold the island for over $42K after his passing and she donated the money to an Irish orphanage.
Steven Spielberg – Madeira Archipelago, Amount Undisclosed
Steven Spielberg has got to be one of the top filmmakers in the industry for generations now so we’re sure you’re not really surprised that he has the money to buy his own island. He bought not one, but two islands at the Madeira Archipelago which he uses for his family vacations. He also has a luxury yacht which he can use to cruise between the two.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé – The Bahamas, $3 Million
Jay-Z and Beyoncé have a massive joint net worth that we bet that they can afford anything they want. The couple loves giving each other lavish gifts and an example of this is Jay-Z’s fifth-year anniversary gift to his wife which was a $- million island in the Bahamas.
Larry Page – Eustasia Island, Amount Undisclosed
Larry Page has amassed a million-dollar net worth after he co-founded Google. He is said to be the owner of a private island called Eustatia which is within the British Virgin Islands. He put up solar-powered luxury villas that would give the most enjoyable experience to those who need a break from the city. Well, they might as well secure a travel insurance too so that they’d take their trips worry-free.
Naomi Campbell – Turkey, Amount Undisclosed
Naomi Campbell makes guys go crazy over her and an example was when one of her former suitors gifted her for her birthday a property on a private island. The beach house is on an island in Turkey and is entirely eco-friendly. Architect Luis de Garrido was the man behind the whole property’s design.
Bernard Arnault – Indigo Island, $35 Million
Bernard Arnault is the man behind the luxury goods company, LVMH. He actually takes credit for being one of the wealthiest people in the world. In fact, he is that rich that he owns a $35-million island called the Indigo Island and it has some villas that are owned by very high-profile Hollywood stars.
Richard Branson – Necker Island, $180K
The Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has had one of the greatest returns on his investments because when he purchased the Necker island back in the late 1970s, it had only cost him around $180K. Today, he has put up several luxury resorts and really proves that he is an expert in making money.
Ted Turner – St. Phillips Island, $4.9 Million
Ted Turner is the man behind CNN and has been living in affluence for several decades already, He bought the 4,680-acre St. Phillips island back in 1979 where he built a deluxe house and maintained the lush greenery surrounding it. The State of Carolina bought the island from him for $4.9 million and they plan to open it to the public.
John Wayne – Taborcillo Island, Amount Undisclosed
The late John Wayne was a Hollywood star who was lucky enough to receive an island for a gift. The former Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution, Omar Torrijos, gifted him the Taborcillo island back in 1977. These days, Austrian billionaire Ralph Hübner owns the island and has put up a luxury resort and theme park. Yes, you heard it right, a theme park, so let’s hope that the island offers a pretty good vacation insurance because anything can happen at a theme park.
Roger Waters – Bonds Cay, $16 Million
As we mentioned earlier, Pink Floyd member Roger Waters teamed up with Shakira to purchase a $16-million island in Bonds Cay. They plan to make a ton of money once the construction of the luxury resorts is done. We wonder how much will they charge for travel deals to their island.
Rudolf Nureyev – Il Gallo Lungo, $2.4 Million
Rudolf Nureyev is a big name in the ballet industry and his hard work has taken him to greater heights. He bought the dolphin-shaped II Gallo Lungo Island back in the 1980s which is said to have cost him around $2.4 million. After he passed away in 1992, the island became a rentable private vacation destination.
Gene Hackman – British Columbia, Amount Undisclosed
Gene Hackman was already the owner of a $3.9-million island but he later decided to sell it so he can purchase a more secluded island. His new island in British Columbia is his perfect paradise since he has already entered retirement. Well, with the millions he has stored in the bank, he can perhaps look up great travel deals as often as he wants from the comfort of his own island.
Shah Rukh Khan – Palm Jumeirah, $2.8 Million
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan owns a $2.8-million property on the prestigious Palm Jumeirah. His six-bedroom villa is the perfect place to take his family whenever they want to go on vacation. He just proves that Bollywood stars live a luxurious life just like Hollywood stars.
Roman Abramovich – St. Bart’s, $90 Million
Roman Abramovich owns the Chelsea Football Club and is the man behind Millhouse LLC, which is a successful investment company. He owns a $90-million island in St. Barts which he uses for family vacations and a lot of star-studded parties.
Johnny Depp – Little Halls Pond Cay, $3.6 Million
Johnny Depp deserves every single penny he earns through his projects because he always gives us such remarkable performances. He purchased an island called Little Halls Pond Cay back in 2004 which is said to be worth around $3.6 million. The purchase happened when he was still dating Vanessa Paradis.
Louis Bacon – Robins Island, $11 Million
Back in 1993, Louis Bacon bought an island called the Robins Island which is said to be worth around $11 million. Before acquiring it, a lot of companies planned to purchase the island so that they can put up several developments. Thankfully, Bacon acquired the property and he has no plans of putting up any resorts for he wants to protect and preserve it. The Robins Island Foundation has been created to help the protection and restoration of the island’s coastline, landscapes, and waterways.
Aristotle Onassis – Skorpios, $142 Million
Shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis takes credit for being one of the first few millionaires who was able to acquire their very own island. Back in 1968, he purchased the Skorpios island and when he died in 1975, it became a part of his children’s inheritance. Athina Onassis sold the private island to Ekaterina Rybolovleva back in 2013 (which we mentioned earlier) for around $150 million. For certain, no loan was needed there.
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – Greek Islands, $11 Million
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani used to be the Emir of Qatar. He surely had a big bank account because he bought not one, but six Greek islands! The islands had cost him around $11 million and the previous owner was so happy when he bought it because they have been trying to sell their property for years already. Hamad said he doesn’t plan on opening the island to the public.
Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt – Petra Island, $14.9 Million
There was once a rumor that Angelina Jolie gave Brad Pitt a private island as a gift during his 50th birthday. The property was reportedly heart-shaped and was called the Petra Island. The rumors were later shut down and the island is actually listed with a $14.9-million price tag.
Mikhail Prokhorov – North Island, $35 Million
Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov was already an owner of a luxury yacht but he later it took a step further when he decided to purchase a $35-million island called simply the North Island. He apparently bought the island (and we doubt that he took out a loan for that) after spending a memorable holiday vacation on it.
Tyler Perry – White Bay Cay, Amount Undisclosed
Tyler Perry is the owner of the White Bay Cay that’s located in the Bahamas. We’re not sure how much the purchase had cost him but it’s likely that millions of dollars were deducted from his bank account. Other than his private home on the island, there’s also a marina, spa, and guest cottages.
Nicolas Cage – Leaf Cay, $7 Million
Nicolas Cage was able to buy a 40-acre island named Leaf Cay but because of tax and debt problems, he couldn’t really turn the island into his very own private sanctuary anymore so he later had to put it up for sale. The property can be yours if you just so happen to have $7 million lying around.
Mel Gibson – Mago Island, $15 Million
Back in 2005, Mel Gibson purchased the Mago Island In Fiji for $15 million. Gibson has no plans of making money through putting up any resorts because all he wanted was his own private getaway from all the Hollywood madness and perhaps do away also with the many confusing travel deals around.
Lenny Kravitz – Eleuthera, Amount Undisclosed
Singer/producer Lenny Kravitz doesn’t really have an island to himself but he owns a property in Eleuthera, Bahamas. The property apparently has a recording studio and he goes there whenever he wants to make music with an extra kick of inspiration. He also didn’t put up a deluxe house for he was already content living in a trailer. Well, we hope that he doesn’t scrimp on travel insurance!
Eddie Murphy – Rooster Cay, $15 Million
Eddie Murphy already had a private island but since he wanted a bigger one, he purchased another in the Bahamas called Rooster Cay back in 2007. The six-hectare property is said to be worth around $15 million and we’re sure that his family just love spending time there – and maybe going on a cruise as well.
Ricky Martin – Brazil, $8 Million
Ricky Martin has been practicing good wealth management for decades already because he has accumulated such a big fortune. He bought an $8-million island back in 2008 and he must love going on private escapades there with his husband, Jwan Yosef.
Celine Dion – Quebec, $25.5 Million
Celine Dion loves investing in real estate and she once made a purchase of a private island in Quebec. In the private island is a castle-like property that will truly make you feel like royalty. Eventually, Dion liquidated this investment for $25.5 million.
Julia Roberts – Bahamas, Amount Undisclosed
Julia Roberts is another high-profile name who used her money to acquire her own island in the prestigious Bahamas. And while she might have spent millions for making such a purchase, it was worth it because the beaches and waters in the Bahamas will really leave you in awe.
Paul Allen – Allan Island, $13.5 Million
The thought of buying an island tends to pop up in your mind when you have billions in your chequing account. Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, purchased an island back in the early 1990s which was worth $13.5 million. He later decided to sell it after his eyes strayed on a better island. It took him around two decades before he got to finally dispose of it for the price of $8 million.
John Malone – Sampson Cay, Amount Undisclosed
John Malone takes credit for acquiring one of the largest private islands that were ever put up for sale. He owns Sampson Cay which literally screams luxury once you arrive because you will see a lot of luxury yachts scattered. The island was formerly open to the public but he strictly uses it for private family getaways.
Robin Williams – British Columbia, Amount Undisclosed
Robin Williams had made some good memories before his passing because he took a lot of vacations in his private island in British Columbia. He left the island to his family in his last will and testament but they wanted to keep a piece of him forever so they never came around to selling it.
Dean Kamen – North Dumpling, $2.5 Million
Dean Kames has earned a fortune after he invented the Segway. His success truly lets him live a life of luxury for he owns a 2-acre island in New York which is named the North Dumpling Island. The island takes credit for having a Stonehenge monument replica.
Michael Schumacher – Dubai, $5.55 Million
Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher is living his best life in retirement because he has his very own paradise in Dubai for his vacations. The best part is that he didn’t even spend a single penny for the island because it was a gift from the Prince of Dubai. It might be a challenge to get any commercial travel deals that would let you stay in the $5.55-million island for only a helicopter or boat can take you there.
Craig McCaw – James Island, $75 Million
Tech magnate Craig McCaw has almost two billion in his chequing account so he could definitely afford a private island of his own. He bought the James Island back in 1994 for $19 million but after almost two decades of owning it, he was able to sell the island for $75 million.
Dr. Henry Jarecki – Guana Island, Amount Undisclosed
Dr. Henry Jarecki has been relishing staying in paradise ever since the late 1970s because he was able to purchase the Guana Island. The island located within the British Virgin Islands was turned into a luxury eco-resort destination that boasts lush greenery and fresh gourmet meals. Perhaps the resort offers these sumptuous feasts while guests cruise the island, too.
Dietrich Mateschitz – Fiji, $10 Million
Dietrich Mateschitz built his billion-dollar fortune after he co-founded the Red Bull. He bought a private island in Laucala, Fiji worth $10 million and later spent hundreds of millions in putting up a luxury resort. This resort is definitely just for people who have a lot of money because a night in a villa in his resort can cost you around $5K. We just don’t know if that package includes a cruise around the island.
Georges Cohen – Calivigny, Amount Undisclosed
Georges Cohen is another wealthy guy who bought a private island and turned it into a money-making investment. He purchased the Calivigny island almost two decades ago and put up a luxurious resort where high profile names like Justine Bieber and the Kardashians have gone in their flight pack and stayed in the island.
Jiri Smejc – Velaa Island, Estimated Over $200 Million
Jiri Smejc is the owner of one of the most luxurious destinations called the Velaa Island. The private island within the Maldives has a lavish resort which is reported to have cost around $200 million to build. Better ready your loans if you plan to go to the island because a stay on the island can cost you around a million dollars – which is no travel deal at all but a big deal to ordinary people like us!
Ekaterina Rybolovleva – Skorpios Island, Estimated $131.1 Million
In addition to coming from a wealthy family, Ekaterina Rybolovleva has established herself well as a businesswoman, equestrienne, and socialite. Currently, she owns one island in Greece called Skorpios. Reports suggest that the heiress is working on transforming the island into a retreat for the elite and famous personalities. Well, she could also try offering a vacation with travel insurance packages to make the experience a whole lot different from other tourist destinations.
Joe Francis – Casa Aramara, Amount Undisclosed
With a price of 15K-45K per night, the exclusive Casa Aramara might just be one of the most expensive hotels in the world. Joe Francis, the owner, didn’t have anything cheap in mind when he built the place on the Mexican coast. The villa boasts international cuisine from 5-star renowned chefs. Every room also has different sets of perks, and all of the activities and amenities just complete such enticing travel deals. In fact, it has an ‘anything’ button that the guest can click anytime to get anything he or she wants. That’s just interesting!
Donna Karan – The Sanctuary, Approximately $39 Million
Great news for those who can afford 70% of Donna Karan’s beachfront home in Turks and Caicos island, it’s currently up for grabs. The $39-million home has a nice infinity pool, spa, yoga pavilion, and butler services. Aside from the great features, you would also become neighbors with Keith Richards, Christie Brinkley, and Bruce Willis who also reside in the exclusive estate. The fashion designer decided to sell the place as her visits to the island became rare. Well, if you want it for yourself and lacking in cash, maybe you could get a loan…
Bruce Willis – Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Island, $4.95K a Night
Just like Donna Karan, Parrot Cay also houses the Hollywood legend Bruce Willis and he offers his property as a holiday vacation place. The area also boasts security and privacy, with no access to non-residents and a no-fly zone. Fortunately, you could live like one Die Hard star as he offers his place as a hotel resort when he isn’t home. The villa known as The Residence offers five bedrooms and two guest villas outside the main house.
Taylor Swift – Rhode Island, $17.75 Million
Taylor Swift was lucky enough to spot a luxury house for sale in 2013 that had a perfect view of the beach. According to reports, the house became an instant favorite of the star and she regularly hosts A-list parties in the property. She also was able to snatch up the house for $17.75 million which sources say she paid in cash. The house has eight bedrooms, fireplaces, pools, and tubs which make it really great for parties!
Mick Jagger – Stargroves, Mustique Island, £55K
Mick Jagger is one of the few owners of a beachfront villa in the Mustique Island located in the West Indies. Just like other stars, he offers his home as a vacation place for those who want to enjoy the pristine island. His villa is a Japanese-styled home that features six bedrooms, with a den, fitness room, billiard table, media lounge, pool, and tennis court. Renting the place would cost you from $16K to $30K per week and this comes with a Jeep that could take you right into the town (beats care rental!)
Eric Clapton – Standfast Point, Island of Antigua, $4 Million (Just For The House)
Legendary musician Eric Clapton did everything that was possible so that his Standfast Point real estate in the Island of Antigua would feel very much like home. He truly deserved it as he worked very hard in his entire career. The luxurious mansion can welcome up to 14 guests. It also features two swimming pools, dining areas, and a billiard room with staff that is willing to accommodate guests. It is available for rent at $50K per week – which is quite expensive for a vacation home.
David Bowie – Mandalay, Sale Price $30 Million
David Bowie is considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Bowie started in the ‘60s and had a wide variety of music styles. David purchased and built a grandiose house in Mustique originally named as Britannia Bay House. The Mandalay Estate is considered one of the cool mansions built on the island. Sadly, after the death of Bowie, the property was purchased by British entrepreneur Simon Dolan for ‘only’ $18 million in 2014.
Noel Coward – Round Hill, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Amount Undisclosed
Originally, Round Hill located in Jamaica was just a 110-acre pineapple farm. Later, it was transformed by entrepreneur John Pringle and welcomed socialites and stars to invest in their own home. Until now, many stars reside in the place like Adele Astaire and Noel Coward. Their houses are available to the public when they are not present in their homes. Most of the deluxe houses in the area were decorated by Ralph Lauren who also owns a house in the island.
Lord Glenconner – Mustique, Grenadine Islands, West Indies, Rumored $50K
Colin Tennant, 3rd Baron Glenconner, was a famous British aristocrat who also portrayed David Shield in the television series The Crown. In 1958, he purchased the island of Mustique for about $60K at the time. He also gave it as a wedding gift to his close friend Princess Margaret to whom his wife was a lady-in-waiting. The Mustique was considered as a wonderful place by celebrities such as Tommy Hilfiger, Shania Twain, and Mick Jagger.
Scarlett Johansson – Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key, Florida, Amount Undisclosed
Little Palm is a 4-star luxury hotel located on a private island in Florida which can only be accessed by a charter flight or a boat. It instantly became celebrities’ favorite hidden vacation spot. Scarlett Johansson is one of the stars who has enjoyed this island as it has no phone signals, no TV, and it can only be accessed by a few people. The island offers a wonderful beach and it also includes 3-star restaurants that provide international cuisine and a boutique for souvenirs.
George Clooney – Lake Como Villa, $13.6 Million
George Clooney is a multi-awarded actor and receiver of three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards. In 2002, George purchased a mansion in Lake Como, Italy for the price of $13.6 million. The property was said to be built in the 18th century, and it includes 25 rooms, an outdoor theater, and a large garage to keep his motorcycles safe. The property has also served as a celebrity guest home for the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Madonna.
Billy Joel – Long Island, $32.5 Million
Recently, Billy Joel listed his real estate in Long Island for $32.5 million. The Piano Man singer bought the property for $22.5 million. The next owner would enjoy the 2-bedroom 2-bath, guest cottage, beach house, tennis court, and bowling alley. In the past years, Joel has made a lot of renovations to the place, including the indoor pool which he also turned into a music room. According to Joel, he decided to sell as he couldn’t build a dock for his three boats.
Oscar de la Renta – Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic, Amount Undisclosed
Professionally known as Oscar de la Renta, Óscar Fiallo was a fashion designer who was trained by the famous designer Cristóbal Balenciaga and Antonio del Castillo. Oscar had been regarded as the unofficial ambassador of the Dominican Republic. At the same time, he had a vacation home there as well which could be recognized internationally. Unfortunately, he passed away due to multiple complications from cancer at the age of 82.
Jay Leno – Rhode Island, $13.5 Million
Jay Leno became popular as the host of NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In 2017, Jay purchased a $13.5-million home in Newport, Rhode Island known as a crescent-shaped estate named Seafair. It was originally built in the 1930s and was known as Terre Mare designed by James Mackenzie Jr. for Verner Zevola Reed Jr. According to the listing, the deluxe house includes a carriage house, walled garden, a six-car garage, and a tennis court.
Oprah – Hana, Hawaii, Amount Undisclosed
Oprah has made a name for herself as a media proprietor, producer, and host for the highest rated television show, The Oprah Winfrey Show. The media mogul is also considered to be the richest African-American of the 20th century and has developed a love for real estate. Fortunately, she was able to buy a remote property in Hawaii after her personal trainer-turned-property manager Bob Greene suggested to make the investment. Oprah has her own farm with more than 100 species of local produce, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton – Hotel du Cap, Antibes, France, Amount Undisclosed
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is considered to be one of the best 5-star hotels located on French Riviera, Antibes. It was built as a private mansion in 1869 and it started running as a hotel in 1887. In the summer of 1938, the family of the late John F. Kennedy stayed in the mansion when he was only 21 years old. According to reports, it was also where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had their honeymoon twice.
Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño – Las Alamandas, Manzanillo, Mexico, Amount Undisclosed
Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño is the daughter of British financier Sir James Goldsmith and the granddaughter of Don Antenor Patiño. Before passing away, her grandfather Don Antenor Patiño left her land located on the Pacific coast. With her love of nature, she had an idea and started to develop a luxury hotel on the island. The 1,500-acre estate can only welcome a maximum of 35 guests. Isabel has also been active in a project that aims to protect and preserve the Mexican coastline.
Jennifer Lopez – Hamptons, $18 Million
Jennifer Lopez became popular as she started her dancing career in 1991 after appearing on In Living Color as a Fly Girl dancer. She also started out her acting career in 1993 and starred in the television series Second Chances as Melinda Lopez. In 2016, Jennifer bought a place in Water Mill area of Hamptons and it reportedly cost her around $18 million. The 14-000-square foot beach property includes seven bedrooms, nine and a half bathrooms, and a beautiful panoramic water view.
Pierce Brosnan – Kauai Island, Undisclosed Amount
The actor and producer Pierce Brosnan was best known for his portrayal of the iconic James Bond. He earned himself a fortune of $80 million, which eventually let the actor visit many exotic destinations around the world. One of the destinations Brosnan fell in love with is Kauai Island, where the actor bought a gorgeous real estate property. These days, the Hollywood legend can be seen with his wife enjoying the many luxuries the island can offer.
Martha Stewart – Skylands, Seal Harbor, Maine, Amount Undisclosed
Martha Stewart is a writer and a television personality who gained huge success from her business ventures. Martha has published numerous bestselling books such as Martha Stewart Cookbook and has also hosted television shows Martha and Martha Stewart Living. Currently, Martha resides in Seal Harbor Maine known as Skylands which she purchased at the age of 72 from Edsel Ford. The mansion includes a 35,000-square-foot radius with 12 bedrooms and an overlooking view of the Seal Harbor.
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – Goat Cay, $1.2 Million
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have invested a small fraction of their earnings in a $1.2-million private island in the Bahamas. Their island called Goat Cay became their favorite vacation destination and they are able to live comfortably on the island for they built a deluxe house which actually took around nine years to build. We’re guessing that having an island as their second home where they could frequently stay at saves them from donning their flight packs more often than necessary.
North West & Kim Kardashian – Turtle Island, $5 Million
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are such a wealthy couple, so you can only imagine how big of an inheritance their daughter North West will have in the future. As early as now, North is already an island owner for her mother Kim gifted it to her. Kim plans to put up a private theme park on the $5-million island, which we highly doubt would even require a loan.
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