April 1, 2011
Owning a Private Island
Many celebrities jet off to luxurious locations for a break away from the spotlight, but some celebrities take that one step further…
As enviable as the celebrity lifestyle is, privacy is often a struggle for the rich and famous. Some of them hide behind disguises or huge bodyguards, but the ultimate way for celebrities to shake the paparazzi has got to be a secluded island. With specialist websites that promise to help you to find the perfect island, purchasing land in one of the world’s most beautiful locations is now within reach for non-celebrities…as long as you have the cash to spare. Here are some of the A-list stars that have invested their multi-millions in secluded luxury:
Richard Branson – Owner of Necker Island, Moskito Island, Makepeace Island and Island of England in Dubai.
Perhaps the King of private islands, Richard Branson owns a selection in a variety of places including Dubai and Australia. Necker Island is a 74-acre stretch of land that can be rented out to up to 24 guests at the fee of $15,000 a day. Moskito island is a 120-acre Caribbean island that cost Branson $10 million. It is also situated about a mile and a half away from Necker.
Johnny Depp – Owner of Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas
Depp was so enthralled by the Bahamas whilst filming Pirates of the Caribbean that he decided to purchase a piece of it. Little Halls Pond cay is 45 acres, 1 mile long and is part of Exuma Archipelago in South Bahamas. It cost $3.6 million and is located near one of the world’s most beautiful reefs; complete with a private harbour, a palm-fringed lagoon and plenty of white sand beaches. It is only accessible by boat, helicopter or sea plane and there are plans for the entire island to be run on eco-friendly solar power.
Mel Gibson – Owner of Mago Island, Fiji
Mago is a staggering 5,400 acres and is one of largest privately owned islands in the south pacific. Gibson bought the island in 2005 for around $15 million and it was completely secluded and uninhabited at the time of purchase. He has since preserved the peace and tranquillity of the island, leaving it in a pristine state with the exception of his own modest residence for when he visits the island.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Owner of Blackadore Cay, Belize
The Hollywood actor bought this 105 acre island in 2005 for $1.75 million. It has white sand beaches, coconut trees and is located near the famous Barrier Reef. It is an impressive 202 miles long and is the only island in Belize that has the length to accommodate an airstrip. DiCaprio reportedly plans to turn his island into a small eco-friendly resort, and has teamed up with the hotel chain Four Seasons. They are in the process of designing an 80-room luxury hotel with private beach villas, spa services and fine dining restaurants. Apparently the island will also include a solar panelled strip on the airstrip to provide additional power.
Celine Dion – Owner of Île Gagnon, Quebec
Île Gagnon is a step away from the expensive, Tropical islands that most celebrities tend to go for. The small island is in Celine’s home province of Quebec and is quite unpretentious for one of the highest paid female performers of all time. It is situated in Mille Île’s Rive, a peaceful and sleepy location that accommodates Celine’s French-style chateau. The huge mansion has become a tourist attraction, but visitors can only get as close as a boat ride can take them as the chateau is heavily fenced and secluded.


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