For most people, owning a vacation home is the ultimate real estate dream – but for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, even a sprawling mansion isn’t quite private enough.
Over the years, numerous celebrities have taken their real estate portfolios to new levels by purchasing entire islands, transforming remote stretches of land into the ultimate celebrity retreats.
Out of Leonardo DiCapriois a 104-acre escape off the coast of Belize Johnny DeppFrom the idyllic getaway in the Bahamas, these stars have spent millions to secure their own piece of paradise.
Some have turned their islands into lavish resorts, while others have imagined ambitious resorts or simply left much of the land untouched.
Here are seven celebrities who have taken luxury real estate to the extreme with spectacular island purchases around the world.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye, Belize
DiCaprio brought his passion for environmental conservation into the real estate world when he purchased Blackadore Caye, a 104-acre island off the coast of Belize, in 2005.
The actor reportedly paid $1.75 million for the property after being inspired by a diving trip to the coral reefs of Belize.
Instead of simply creating a secluded vacation home, DiCaprio aimed to transform the undeveloped island into an environmentally conscious luxury resort.
Plans for the property include resort bungalows and private villas, as well as environmentally focused amenities such as solar power. However, there have been repeated delays in the project over the years.
Johnny Depp – Little Hall’s Pond Cay, Bahamas
After spending time in the Bahamas while filming Pirates of the Caribbean, Depp decided to secure a permanent piece of the tropical destination.
The actor reportedly paid $3.6 million for the 45-acre Little Hall’s Pond Cay in 2004.
The retreat features secluded white sand, dunes, a palm-fringed lagoon and several beaches, some of which Depp named in honor of people close to him, including his children and former partner Vanessa Paradis.
He also honored journalists Hunter S Thompson and actors Marlon Brando with beaches that bear their name.
The island later served as a backdrop for Depp and his now ex-wife Amber HeardWedding celebrations in 2015.
Mel Gibson – Mago Island, Fiji
Mel Gibson He significantly increased his island investment and purchased Mago Island in Fiji following the release of his film The Passion of the Christ in 2004.
The actor reportedly paid $15 million for the property, which covers a whopping 5,400 acres and is described as one of the largest private islands in the world.
Surrounded by reefs, white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, the volcanic island offers Gibson an exceptional level of privacy away from Hollywood.
Eddie Murphy – Rooster Cay, Bahamas
Eddie Murphy joined the long list of celebrities who have invested in Bahamian real estate when he snapped up Rooster Cay – also known as Long Cay – in 2007.
The approximately 15-hectare island is located just off the coast of Nassau and is said to have cost the comedian and actor $15 million.
According to People, despite its prime location, the island is still largely undeveloped. Murphy also previously owned another smaller Bahamian island, Pearl Cay.
Ricky Martin – Ilha do Maia, Brazil
Ricky Martin found his own tropical escape in Brazil and purchased Ilha do Maia in 2008.
The almost 20 hectare property is located near Angra dos Reis, a coastal region around two hours from Rio de Janeiro. The singer reportedly paid $8 million for his island vacation.
But this isn’t just an abandoned piece of sand.
The property was reportedly home to a Portuguese colonial-style villa with a large party room, as well as watchtowers and 12 cannons, giving the retreat a decidedly fortress-like appearance.
Martin used the island primarily as a vacation destination.
Tyler Perry – White Bay Cay, Bahamas
Filmmaker Tyler Perry He gave himself a particularly extravagant birthday present in 2009 when he bought White Bay Cay in the Bahamas along with a neighboring island.
White Bay Cay spans approximately 25 acres, while the adjacent island adds another seven acres to Perry’s secluded retreat.
The two were listed together for $7 million, although the amount Perry ultimately paid was not disclosed.
Perry told People that he even took flying lessons so he could fly to the property in his private plane.
He later outfitted his island vacation with a Balinese-style villa and bungalows, creating a private retreat worthy of a Hollywood mogul.
David Copperfield – Musha Cay, Bahamas
Perhaps not surprising, illusionist David Copperfield has created one of the most extravagant celebrity island retreats anywhere.
Copperfield purchased a collection of 11 Bahamian islands around Musha Cay for $50 million in 2006, before reportedly investing another $30 million to transform the destination into a luxury resort called the Islands of Copperfield Bay.
The sprawling retreat spans hundreds of acres and features five primary residences, as well as dozens of private beaches, an outdoor theater, a gym and tennis courts.
However, unlike many celebrity-run islands, Copperfield’s paradise isn’t just reserved for his own friends and family.
Musha Cay is a highly exclusive resort that offers guests the kind of privacy normally only enjoyed by the rich and famous – provided they’re willing to pay the correspondingly extravagant price.
Get real estate news in your inbox
