Private islands owned by celebrities, one of them hides dark secrets
By Jeff Pillou On February 7, 2026 Updated February 9, 2026
Behind the photos of celebrities' dream vacations are places that show what the wealthiest people in the world really own when money is not an issue.
Very wealthy people have bought private islands to make places far from the view of the public. These islands are spread out in different parts of the world, in the Caribbean, on Pacific atolls, or near Welsh and Brazilian coasts. Each one tells a story about how its owner decided to change the place. Some are made into nature-friendly resorts, while others are used as luxurious hideaways for visitors. All of them show how rich people think about privacy, investments, and the spaces they want for themselves.
If you walked on these islands, you would see how different they are from each other. What they have in common is the wish to own something separate and personal, a place where regular crowds cannot reach you. The owners have their own ideas, creating everything from eco-friendly retreats to large holiday complexes. These properties show not just how they spend money, but also what kind of life they imagine when they step away from their public tasks. The islands vary a lot. Some are very small, surrounded completely by water, others have enough land for small communities or big buildings. Even with these differences, each one is a choice to seek isolation and control over the surroundings, giving a look into what matters most to those who can afford to change an entire island to fit their wishes.
Private islands owned by celebrities, one of them hides dark secrets
By Jeff Pillou On February 7, 2026 Updated February 9, 2026
Behind the photos of celebrities' dream vacations are places that show what the wealthiest people in the world really own when money is not an issue.
Very wealthy people have bought private islands to make places far from the view of the public. These islands are spread out in different parts of the world, in the Caribbean, on Pacific atolls, or near Welsh and Brazilian coasts. Each one tells a story about how its owner decided to change the place. Some are made into nature-friendly resorts, while others are used as luxurious hideaways for visitors. All of them show how rich people think about privacy, investments, and the spaces they want for themselves.
If you walked on these islands, you would see how different they are from each other. What they have in common is the wish to own something separate and personal, a place where regular crowds cannot reach you. The owners have their own ideas, creating everything from eco-friendly retreats to large holiday complexes. These properties show not just how they spend money, but also what kind of life they imagine when they step away from their public tasks. The islands vary a lot. Some are very small, surrounded completely by water, others have enough land for small communities or big buildings. Even with these differences, each one is a choice to seek isolation and control over the surroundings, giving a look into what matters most to those who can afford to change an entire island to fit their wishes.
Tetiaroa is an atoll in French Polynesia composed of 12 small islets surrounding a lagoon, once owned by actor Marlon Brando. This private retreat is now home to The Brando resort, which opened in 2014 as an environmentally conscious luxury destination that reflects the owner's vision of combining comfort with ecological responsibility.
White Bay Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that Tyler Perry purchased in 2009 as a 40th birthday gift to himself. As part of a collection of exclusive islands owned by celebrities and business leaders worldwide, this property reflects how successful individuals invest in privacy and seclusion. The island required significant infrastructure development, including water and electricity systems, to create a functional personal retreat.
This island was acquired by Ricky Martin in 2008 and sits about two hours from Rio de Janeiro. The property features a villa in Portuguese colonial style with a party room and historical defense structures. .
Musha Cay is an archipelago of 11 islands in the Bahamas that David Copperfield purchased in 2006. This island group shows how the magician and entrepreneur created a private retreat. The property includes five luxury villas and operates as a destination for guests. Visitors can participate in treasure hunts reminiscent of pirate stories or enjoy special dinners in a fabricated village. The island demonstrates how wealthy people design their private sanctuaries while also generating income from them.
Blackadore Caye is a private island off the coast of Belize acquired by Leonardo DiCaprio in 2005. The undeveloped property was intended for an eco-resort project, though construction has faced delays due to environmental concerns. This island represents how one of the world's most successful actors chose to invest his wealth in privacy and sustainable development.
St. Tudwal's West is a small island off the coast of Wales owned by Bear Grylls since 2001. The property includes a lighthouse and a former lighthouse keeper's cottage built in 1877, with no electricity or running water. This private retreat sits away from the modern world, offering complete isolation off the Welsh coastline.
Necker Island is a private estate in the British Virgin Islands that Richard Branson acquired in 1979. The 30-hectare island was transformed into a luxury vacation destination with four Balinese-style villas. The island hosts presidents and celebrities from around the world. Necker Island demonstrates how a wealthy entrepreneur reshaped a private island into an exclusive retreat with elaborate structures and restricted access. .
Moskito Island is a 50-hectare Caribbean property in the British Virgin Islands acquired by Richard Branson in 2007. The estate features an 11-bedroom house and is available for luxury vacation rentals. This island is part of a collection of exclusive private properties purchased by famous individuals and business moguls as personal retreats away from public attention.
Little Hall Pond Cay is a private island in the Bahamas owned by Johnny Depp since 2004. The property features sandy dunes, a lagoon framed by palm trees, and white sand beaches. Depp has named the beaches after his loved ones, historical figures, and fellow actor Marlon Brando.
Mago Island is a private island in Fiji that Mel Gibson purchased in 2004. The property is part of a collection of exclusive private islands acquired by famous personalities and business moguls as personal retreats away from public attention. The island features volcanic terrain, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches offering a tropical retreat in the South Pacific.
Leaf Clay is a 16-hectare private island in the Exuma archipelago of the Bahamas owned by Nicolas Cage. The island serves as a personal retreat for the actor and collector away from public attention. It is part of a collection of exclusive private islands purchased by famous personalities and business moguls as private sanctuaries.
Bonds Cay is a private island in the Bahamas jointly owned by singer Shakira, former Pink Floyd guitarist Roger Waters, and Spanish musician Alejandro Sanz. The owners have plans to develop the property into a hotel complex, creating an exclusive retreat destination away from public attention.
This artificial island in Dubai is owned by actress Pamela Anderson and is part of a collection of private islands acquired by wealthy individuals around the world. The island reflects the desire for seclusion and control over one's own space, far removed from public scrutiny. Anderson has shaped this property as a personal retreat, demonstrating how those with significant means use their resources to create places that match their personal vision.
This island is a private property in the Caribbean owned by singer Céline Dion. It is part of a collection of exclusive private islands purchased by famous personalities and business moguls as personal retreats. The estate features a Norman-style castle where the artist resides, reflecting her vision of a private sanctuary.
Petra is a heart-shaped private island near New York owned by Brad Pitt. The property was given to him by Angelina Jolie as a birthday gift for his 50th birthday. It is part of this collection of private islands purchased by famous personalities as personal retreats away from public attention.
Eddie Murphy owns Long Cay, a 15-acre private island in the Bahamas off Nassau's coast. He purchased it in 2007 for $15 million. The island serves as a personal retreat where Murphy and his family can escape the demands of public life. Like other wealthy individuals who own private islands, Murphy has created a space entirely under his control, away from crowds and media attention. .
Little St James is a private island in the United States Virgin Islands that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. It represents a case where wealth and seclusion took on a sinister dimension. The island contains a main residence, four guest villas, a helipad, a private dock, two swimming pools, three private beaches, a fitness facility, and a tiki hut. Unlike other islands in this collection built for leisure and privacy, Little St James became the site of serious crimes that eventually exposed the hidden reality behind the island's walls.
Great St James is a large island in the United States Virgin Islands that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. The island spans more than 160 acres and remains largely undeveloped. The property contains several buildings as well as Christmas Cove, a marine reserve. This island is part of the collection of private islands owned by wealthy people around the world and represents one of the darker stories behind such remote possessions.
Tetiaroa is an atoll in French Polynesia composed of 12 small islets surrounding a lagoon, once owned by actor Marlon Brando. This private retreat is now home to The Brando resort, which opened in 2014 as an environmentally conscious luxury destination that reflects the owner's vision of combining comfort with ecological responsibility.
White Bay Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that Tyler Perry purchased in 2009 as a 40th birthday gift to himself. As part of a collection of exclusive islands owned by celebrities and business leaders worldwide, this property reflects how successful individuals invest in privacy and seclusion. The island required significant infrastructure development, including water and electricity systems, to create a functional personal retreat.
This island was acquired by Ricky Martin in 2008 and sits about two hours from Rio de Janeiro. The property features a villa in Portuguese colonial style with a party room and historical defense structures. .
Musha Cay is an archipelago of 11 islands in the Bahamas that David Copperfield purchased in 2006. This island group shows how the magician and entrepreneur created a private retreat. The property includes five luxury villas and operates as a destination for guests. Visitors can participate in treasure hunts reminiscent of pirate stories or enjoy special dinners in a fabricated village. The island demonstrates how wealthy people design their private sanctuaries while also generating income from them.
Blackadore Caye is a private island off the coast of Belize acquired by Leonardo DiCaprio in 2005. The undeveloped property was intended for an eco-resort project, though construction has faced delays due to environmental concerns. This island represents how one of the world's most successful actors chose to invest his wealth in privacy and sustainable development.
St. Tudwal's West is a small island off the coast of Wales owned by Bear Grylls since 2001. The property includes a lighthouse and a former lighthouse keeper's cottage built in 1877, with no electricity or running water. This private retreat sits away from the modern world, offering complete isolation off the Welsh coastline.
Necker Island is a private estate in the British Virgin Islands that Richard Branson acquired in 1979. The 30-hectare island was transformed into a luxury vacation destination with four Balinese-style villas. The island hosts presidents and celebrities from around the world. Necker Island demonstrates how a wealthy entrepreneur reshaped a private island into an exclusive retreat with elaborate structures and restricted access. .
Moskito Island is a 50-hectare Caribbean property in the British Virgin Islands acquired by Richard Branson in 2007. The estate features an 11-bedroom house and is available for luxury vacation rentals. This island is part of a collection of exclusive private properties purchased by famous individuals and business moguls as personal retreats away from public attention.
Little Hall Pond Cay is a private island in the Bahamas owned by Johnny Depp since 2004. The property features sandy dunes, a lagoon framed by palm trees, and white sand beaches. Depp has named the beaches after his loved ones, historical figures, and fellow actor Marlon Brando.
Mago Island is a private island in Fiji that Mel Gibson purchased in 2004. The property is part of a collection of exclusive private islands acquired by famous personalities and business moguls as personal retreats away from public attention. The island features volcanic terrain, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches offering a tropical retreat in the South Pacific.
Leaf Clay is a 16-hectare private island in the Exuma archipelago of the Bahamas owned by Nicolas Cage. The island serves as a personal retreat for the actor and collector away from public attention. It is part of a collection of exclusive private islands purchased by famous personalities and business moguls as private sanctuaries.
Bonds Cay is a private island in the Bahamas jointly owned by singer Shakira, former Pink Floyd guitarist Roger Waters, and Spanish musician Alejandro Sanz. The owners have plans to develop the property into a hotel complex, creating an exclusive retreat destination away from public attention.
This artificial island in Dubai is owned by actress Pamela Anderson and is part of a collection of private islands acquired by wealthy individuals around the world. The island reflects the desire for seclusion and control over one's own space, far removed from public scrutiny. Anderson has shaped this property as a personal retreat, demonstrating how those with significant means use their resources to create places that match their personal vision.
This island is a private property in the Caribbean owned by singer Céline Dion. It is part of a collection of exclusive private islands purchased by famous personalities and business moguls as personal retreats. The estate features a Norman-style castle where the artist resides, reflecting her vision of a private sanctuary.
Petra is a heart-shaped private island near New York owned by Brad Pitt. The property was given to him by Angelina Jolie as a birthday gift for his 50th birthday. It is part of this collection of private islands purchased by famous personalities as personal retreats away from public attention.
Eddie Murphy owns Long Cay, a 15-acre private island in the Bahamas off Nassau's coast. He purchased it in 2007 for $15 million. The island serves as a personal retreat where Murphy and his family can escape the demands of public life. Like other wealthy individuals who own private islands, Murphy has created a space entirely under his control, away from crowds and media attention. .
Little St James is a private island in the United States Virgin Islands that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. It represents a case where wealth and seclusion took on a sinister dimension. The island contains a main residence, four guest villas, a helipad, a private dock, two swimming pools, three private beaches, a fitness facility, and a tiki hut. Unlike other islands in this collection built for leisure and privacy, Little St James became the site of serious crimes that eventually exposed the hidden reality behind the island's walls.
Great St James is a large island in the United States Virgin Islands that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. The island spans more than 160 acres and remains largely undeveloped. The property contains several buildings as well as Christmas Cove, a marine reserve. This island is part of the collection of private islands owned by wealthy people around the world and represents one of the darker stories behind such remote possessions.
Tetiaroa is an atoll in French Polynesia composed of 12 small islets surrounding a lagoon, once owned by actor Marlon Brando. This private retreat is now home to The Brando resort, which opened in 2014 as an environmentally conscious luxury destination that reflects the owner's vision of combining comfort with ecological responsibility.
White Bay Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that Tyler Perry purchased in 2009 as a 40th birthday gift to himself. As part of a collection of exclusive islands owned by celebrities and business leaders worldwide, this property reflects how successful individuals invest in privacy and seclusion. The island required significant infrastructure development, including water and electricity systems, to create a functional personal retreat.
This island was acquired by Ricky Martin in 2008 and sits about two hours from Rio de Janeiro. The property features a villa in Portuguese colonial style with a party room and historical defense structures. .
Musha Cay is an archipelago of 11 islands in the Bahamas that David Copperfield purchased in 2006. This island group shows how the magician and entrepreneur created a private retreat. The property includes five luxury villas and operates as a destination for guests. Visitors can participate in treasure hunts reminiscent of pirate stories or enjoy special dinners in a fabricated village. The island demonstrates how wealthy people design their private sanctuaries while also generating income from them.
Blackadore Caye is a private island off the coast of Belize acquired by Leonardo DiCaprio in 2005. The undeveloped property was intended for an eco-resort project, though construction has faced delays due to environmental concerns. This island represents how one of the world's most successful actors chose to invest his wealth in privacy and sustainable development.
St. Tudwal's West is a small island off the coast of Wales owned by Bear Grylls since 2001. The property includes a lighthouse and a former lighthouse keeper's cottage built in 1877, with no electricity or running water. This private retreat sits away from the modern world, offering complete isolation off the Welsh coastline.
Necker Island is a private estate in the British Virgin Islands that Richard Branson acquired in 1979. The 30-hectare island was transformed into a luxury vacation destination with four Balinese-style villas. The island hosts presidents and celebrities from around the world. Necker Island demonstrates how a wealthy entrepreneur reshaped a private island into an exclusive retreat with elaborate structures and restricted access. .
Moskito Island is a 50-hectare Caribbean property in the British Virgin Islands acquired by Richard Branson in 2007. The estate features an 11-bedroom house and is available for luxury vacation rentals. This island is part of a collection of exclusive private properties purchased by famous individuals and business moguls as personal retreats away from public attention.
Little Hall Pond Cay is a private island in the Bahamas owned by Johnny Depp since 2004. The property features sandy dunes, a lagoon framed by palm trees, and white sand beaches. Depp has named the beaches after his loved ones, historical figures, and fellow actor Marlon Brando.
Mago Island is a private island in Fiji that Mel Gibson purchased in 2004. The property is part of a collection of exclusive private islands acquired by famous personalities and business moguls as personal retreats away from public attention. The island features volcanic terrain, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches offering a tropical retreat in the South Pacific.
Leaf Clay is a 16-hectare private island in the Exuma archipelago of the Bahamas owned by Nicolas Cage. The island serves as a personal retreat for the actor and collector away from public attention. It is part of a collection of exclusive private islands purchased by famous personalities and business moguls as private sanctuaries.
Bonds Cay is a private island in the Bahamas jointly owned by singer Shakira, former Pink Floyd guitarist Roger Waters, and Spanish musician Alejandro Sanz. The owners have plans to develop the property into a hotel complex, creating an exclusive retreat destination away from public attention.
This artificial island in Dubai is owned by actress Pamela Anderson and is part of a collection of private islands acquired by wealthy individuals around the world. The island reflects the desire for seclusion and control over one's own space, far removed from public scrutiny. Anderson has shaped this property as a personal retreat, demonstrating how those with significant means use their resources to create places that match their personal vision.
This island is a private property in the Caribbean owned by singer Céline Dion. It is part of a collection of exclusive private islands purchased by famous personalities and business moguls as personal retreats. The estate features a Norman-style castle where the artist resides, reflecting her vision of a private sanctuary.
Petra is a heart-shaped private island near New York owned by Brad Pitt. The property was given to him by Angelina Jolie as a birthday gift for his 50th birthday. It is part of this collection of private islands purchased by famous personalities as personal retreats away from public attention.
Eddie Murphy owns Long Cay, a 15-acre private island in the Bahamas off Nassau's coast. He purchased it in 2007 for $15 million. The island serves as a personal retreat where Murphy and his family can escape the demands of public life. Like other wealthy individuals who own private islands, Murphy has created a space entirely under his control, away from crowds and media attention. .
Little St James is a private island in the United States Virgin Islands that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. It represents a case where wealth and seclusion took on a sinister dimension. The island contains a main residence, four guest villas, a helipad, a private dock, two swimming pools, three private beaches, a fitness facility, and a tiki hut. Unlike other islands in this collection built for leisure and privacy, Little St James became the site of serious crimes that eventually exposed the hidden reality behind the island's walls.
Great St James is a large island in the United States Virgin Islands that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. The island spans more than 160 acres and remains largely undeveloped. The property contains several buildings as well as Christmas Cove, a marine reserve. This island is part of the collection of private islands owned by wealthy people around the world and represents one of the darker stories behind such remote possessions.
Famous people and wealthy business leaders have purchased private islands around the globe as places to escape the public eye. These islands span from small atolls in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean to remote locations off the coasts of Wales and Brazil. Each one shows what the owner wanted to create, whether that means an eco-friendly resort, a luxury getaway, or simply a private refuge. They reveal how successful people choose to spend their money on privacy and seclusion.
Walking through the stories of these islands shows you different approaches to island life. Some owners built resorts where guests can visit, while others kept their islands completely private. The variety is striking: tropical beaches next to forests, modern buildings alongside natural landscapes, and everything shaped by the personality and goals of those who own them.
These islands tell you something about how the wealthy live when nobody is watching. They show what people value when they can have anything they want. Whether you find these stories interesting because of the luxury, the locations, or the secrets some of these islands hold, they offer a window into a world most of us never see. Consider visiting publicly accessible islands nearby to get a sense of what draws these owners to such remote corners of the world, and imagine the kinds of lives lived far from the crowds.
