Private Islands Owned by Celebrities You Never Knew About
We often think of celebrities as owning lavish mansions in Beverly Hills or penthouses in New York — but some of them go much further. Beyond the lights and noise, they’ve bought entire islands. Real, secluded, wave-kissed patches of paradise. These aren’t just expensive trophies. They’re escapes. Refuges. Hidden worlds where the famous can just be… human. Some bought them to disconnect. Others, to invest or preserve nature. And a few? Just because they could. Here’s a look into the unexpected, exotic, and sometimes jaw-dropping islands owned by some of the world’s most recognizable stars.
Bear Grylls: $120,700 St. Tudwal’s West
Bear Grylls, the ultimate survivalist, didn’t pick a flashy Caribbean retreat. Instead, he chose St. Tudwal’s West — a rugged little island off the coast of Wales. It’s not a place for sipping cocktails. It’s for climbing, exploring, and facing the elements. Bear isn’t about glitz; he’s about grit. This island reflects exactly who he is — raw, adventurous, and untouched by modern chaos. For him, it’s not just a retreat — it’s a test of character. A wild place that feels like home.
Leonardo DiCaprio – $1.75 Million – Blackadore Cay
Leo has long been an environmental warrior, so when he bought Blackadore Cay near Belize, it wasn’t just for luxury. He turned it into a sustainability project — a vision of eco-living fused with luxury. The island is being transformed into a restorative resort that gives back more to nature than it takes. It’s not just about exclusivity for DiCaprio — it’s about setting a new example for how the rich can interact with the Earth.
Tyler Perry – $6.4 Million – White Bay Cay
Tyler Perry’s journey from hardship to billionaire status is well documented — but what most don’t know is that he’s now the quiet king of his own island. White Bay Cay in the Bahamas isn’t just a retreat; it’s a testament to how far he’s come. Surrounded by white sands and turquoise water, Perry’s island is where he escapes the noise of the industry and creates in peace. It’s luxury with a soul, just like the man himself.
Nicolas Cage – $7.5 Million – Leaf Cay
Nicolas Cage is known for living big — and buying big too. Leaf Cay in the Bahamas was one of his boldest purchases. Though he’s had some ups and downs with finances, the island remains one of the most iconic pieces in his real estate saga. It’s remote, dramatic, and full of stories — much like Cage himself. The island was meant to be a sanctuary, a bold retreat away from Hollywood’s chaos.
Ricky Martin – $8 Million – Ilha do Maia
Ricky Martin’s island choice reflects his love for beauty and privacy. Ilha do Maia, located in the stunning waters of Brazil, offers a tropical escape far from the public eye. For Martin, it’s a place to raise his family in peace, write music, and connect with his roots. The island may have cost $8 million, but the peace it brings is priceless — a world where he can just be Ricky, not the superstar.
Mel Gibson – $15 Million – Mago Island
Mel Gibson didn’t just buy a private island — he bought an entire experience. Mago Island in Fiji spans over 5,400 acres, making it one of the largest private islands owned by a celebrity. It’s lush, untouched, and incredibly isolated. Gibson has kept it mostly out of the public eye, possibly using it as a reset button for his life. When the world grows too loud, Mago is where he disappears.
Celine Dion – $25.5 Million – Île Gagnon
Back in her homeland of Canada, Celine Dion’s Île Gagnon stands like a fairy tale brought to life. She built a mansion on this island in Quebec, surrounded by water and silence — the perfect backdrop for a voice like hers to rest. It’s romantic, elegant, and timeless, much like Celine herself. This isn’t just real estate; it’s a personal castle, filled with memories, music, and family.
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – $35 Million – Goat Cay (L’île d’Anges)
Country royalty Tim McGraw and Faith Hill turned their $35 million Bahamian island into a full-fledged dream home. But it wasn’t instant — they spent years building a self-sustaining estate with solar power and rainwater systems. Their love story is already iconic, but this island made it literal — a place just for the two of them and their family. It’s not about fame here; it’s about connection, calm, and forever.
Johnny Depp – $75 Million – Little Hall’s Pond Cay
When Johnny Depp fell in love with the Caribbean during Pirates of the Caribbean filming, he didn’t just leave it behind. He bought a piece of it. His $75 million island, Little Hall’s Pond Cay, is pure magic — surrounded by coral reefs and untouched beauty. For Depp, it’s not a trophy but a sanctuary. He once said the island gave him “instant freedom.” That kind of peace? You can’t put a price on it — even if it costs millions.
Richard Branson – $100 Million – Necker Island
Richard Branson didn’t just buy an island — he made it a brand. Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is more than his home. It’s a symbol of what bold ambition can achieve. Worth over $100 million, the island is an exclusive retreat for the world’s most powerful, but also a hub for Branson’s vision of entrepreneurship with heart. It burned down once — and he rebuilt it better. That’s Branson’s style: big dreams, big risks, and even bigger comebacks.