Imagine waking up to your own piece of paradise, tranquil views of clear blue waters that surround you, no busy highways or skyscrapers in sight, privacy at its peak and a tropical drink in your hand. This is a dream for many and a telltale sign that you’ve made it.
Private islands are becoming more popular amongst the wealthy and famous as it allows them the freedom to unwind and relax away from the glamour and the spotlight. In this, we’ll take a look at six popular celebrities who own private islands
While owning an island may come at a hefty cost, it’s worth every penny to some celebrities to ensure a temporary escape from fame and Hollywood.
Shakira (Bonds Cay)
When your estimated net worth is over 300 million dollars, owning a private island is definitely on the bucket list. When it comes to spending your money, that’s exactly what Colombian artist and 12-time Latin Grammy award winner Shakira has set out to do. In 2011, Shakira and Roger Waters partnered up and purchased 550 acres of lush paradise in the Bahamas.
The island is a part of Berry Islands located in the Caribbean with a price tag of 16 million dollars. Plans for the island include resort style, homes with private beaches and hotels, as well as a cultural concept of tourism such as artists retreat consisting of studios, art galleries and programs for artists.
Shakira also plans on making the island an eco-luxury resort with plans for making it carbon neutral.
Spielberg (Madeira Archipelago)
The renowned Steven Spielberg, the most popular producer and director in Hollywood and film history has certainly earned himself an exclusive piece of paradise. Actually, make that two pieces of paradise, since rumors have it the Jaws director bought himself not one, but two islands.
Instead of opting for an island in the Bahamas, Spielberg went the non-traditional route and bought himself two connected islands off the coast of Portugal in Madeira Archipelago. Not much is known about the purchase of the islands and the exact location is a complete mystery.
Spielberg plans on using the islands to spend quality time with his family and with a net worth of 3.5 billion dollars we can’t blame the guy for wanting some much desired privacy.
Richard Branson (Necker Island)
In 1978 Richard Branson was one of the first famous celebrities to set the trend of buying a private island. The British entrepreneur and the head of the Iconic Virgin Group practically stole Necker Island for 180 thousand dollars even though it was on the market for millions.
The island is located in the British Virgin Islands and has 74 acres of secluded heaven. Branson thought big to impress his girlfriend with an entire island, little did he know they’d end up marrying on that island a few years later.
Leonardo DiCaprio (Blackadore Caye)
American actor Leonardo DiCaprio has always been a sustainability advocate, so it’s no surprise that after purchasing Blackadore Cay, a 1.75 million dollar island off the coast of Belize. He plans on restoring the environment and building a resort community that will take care of its own ecosystem.
This 104 acre paradise will have sustainability built residential housing with delos tested health amenities which includes air quality purification and led lighting that will cost up to 15 million dollars. It will also have a research station on climate change as well as habitual influences.
Read: 8 popular celebrities who allegedly farted on Live TV.
Belize is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef so you can be sure DiCaprio will make this island an eco luxury resort that will set an example of green sustainable hospitality.
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (Goat Cay)
The iconic power couple and country music artists Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are truly living the dream. McGraw and Hill bought themselves a 17-acre vacation island for their family and friends. They call the island Lil Dodge, which translates to the Island of Angels located in the Exuma Cays off the coast of the Bahamas.
The island is a tropical resort paradise with beaches and hiking trails. It’s said to have a vacation home of 15,000 square feet that contains 4 bedrooms and 3 smaller homes for caretakers of the island. The couple also made sure to build a watchtower to spot any potential paparazzi that could disrupt their private eden. So it’s safe to say they thought of everything.
Johnny Depp (Little Halls Pond Cay)
One of the most notable film stars of all time Johnny Depp has treated himself to a tropical paradise in the Bahamas. The Pirates Of The Caribbean star is rumoured to have spotted the 45-acre island while filming the epic movie back in 2003.
Little Halls Pond Cay which is located in the Exuma’s peninsula approximately 60 miles from NASA is one of many eco-friendly islands equipped with solar-powered buildings. It is also home to many wildlife and is part of the Zuma Land and Sea park preservation.
Meanwhile, there are many more celebrities who own their private islands, but this list is only limited to six.
