10 Celebrities Who Own Their Own Islands
It is no secret that celebrities often spend massive amounts of money to showcase their wealth. Whether purchasing jewelry, cars, or houses, many celebrities aren’t shy about showing the world just what they can afford. However, some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have taken things a bit farther by purchasing something that many people can’t even afford to visit, never mind buy. Over the last decade or so, private islands have become a go-to purchase for celebrities looking to flex their famous muscles while simultaneously looking to find a hideout that isn’t easily accessible by the public and the media. Some of these stars use their islands for their own personal paradise, while others have plans to turn the property into a business investment. Here are 10 celebrities who own their own islands.
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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Husband and wife duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill certainly aren’t all work and no play. In 2008, the country single couple purchased a small island in the Bahamas. Since their purchase, Goat Cay Island has become the couple’s home away from home. They have used the space as a venue for events, and to enjoy the company of some of their famous friends including Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.
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Johnny Depp
In 2004, Johnny Depp paid a total of $3.6 million to purchase a 45 acre island in the Bahamas. The island, Little Halls Pond Cay, has six beaches and several amazing views. During an interview, Depp, who fell in love with the island while shooting Pirates of the Caribbean, stated: “I don’t think I’d ever seen any place so pure and beautiful. You can feel your pulse rate drop about 20 beats. It’s instant freedom.” Since purchasing the island, Depp has also announced that the land will operate on eco-friendly solar power, which will help the island maintain its beauty for years to come.
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Tommy Lee
Born in Greece, rock star, Tommy Lee, decided to pay homage to his homeland by purchasing a man-made island that was made in the image of the historic country. The island was part of Dubai’s “The World” project which erected a number of islands to mimic a map of the world. According to sources, Lee purchased the island as a gift for his then wife, Pamela Anderson.
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Mel Gibson
In 2005, Mel Gibson paid a whopping $15 million to purchase Mago Island, which is located in the republic of Fiji. Although the island has not been inhabited for quite some time, relatives of those who were originally displaced from the island in the 1800s are not happy with Gibson’s purchase. However, Gibson has stated that he plans to keep the island in its natural state.
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Richard Branson
English businessman, Richard Branson, has worked extremely hard to build his billion dollar empire. What better reward is there for hard work than a private island? After becoming aware that Necker Island – located in the British Virgin Islands – was for sale during the late 1970s, Branson couldn’t resist making an offer. Since purchasing the island, Branson has turned the once inhabited space into a luxurious hideaway. which is also home to the annual Necker Cup tennis tournament.
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Tyler Perry
In just a short period of time, Tyler Perry has become one of Hollywood’s biggest power players. The multi-talented multimillionaire has worked hard to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. Perry, a self-proclaimed “loner” purchased White Bay Cay so that he could have a quiet place to work and relax. Purchasing the island-island, which is located in the Caribbean, has become another addition to Perry’s long list of accomplishments.
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Eddie Murphy
Actor/comedian Eddie Murphy is a prime example of how far a good sense of humor can take you. The 53 year-old Brooklyn native has come a long way since beginning his career in the early 1980s. In 2007, as a symbol of all of his hard work, Murphy dropped $15 million on an island in the Bahamas. The island, named Rooster Cay, is the perfect picture of paradise and Murphy has yet to reveal his plans for the property. According to some sources, Murphy also owned another Bahamian island in the past.
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Julia Roberts
According to sources, America’s sweetheart, Julia Roberts, owns her own island in the Bahamas. Like most celebrities, Roberts uses her island as a place to escape from the public eye and enjoy some fun in the sun. While Roberts’ island is said to be the perfect tropical getaway, there are little details floating around concerning specifics.
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Nicholas Cage
In 2006, award-winning actor, Nicholas Cage, purchased Leaf Cay, an island in the Bahamas. According to sources, Cage spent $3 million, and the property has a resale value of $7 million. The island, which is far from the public reach, consists of several long and sandy beaches, and is also close to a few other celebrity owned islands.
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Leonardo DiCaprio
There is no place more fitting for Leonardo DiCaprio than an island. After gaining mainstream fame for his starring role in the 1997 film, Titanic, DiCaprio decided to take a chance at life near the ocean. In 2005, DiCaprio purchased Blackadore Cay for $1.75 million and has recently revealed plans to build a Four Seasons resort on the property. With the island’s prime location right off the coast of Belize, it could eventually turn into a very hot tourist attraction if everything goes according to plan.
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