CELEBRITY OWNERS EXOTIC ISLANDS
Private islands represent the ultimate expression of wealth, privacy, and exclusivity. For billionaires, celebrities, and powerful business leaders, owning an island is not just about luxury real estate but also about creating a private world away from the public eye. Saw2day adds that, these islands often feature private airstrips, luxury villas, eco-resorts, and even entire towns. The following report highlights some of the most exotic privately owned islands in the world, along with their countries and owners where such information is publicly available.
EXOTIC PRIVATE ISLANDS, CELEBRITY OWNERS
Lanai – United States (Hawaii)
Owner: Larry Ellison (Oracle Co-founder)
Lanai is one of the most remarkable examples of a privately owned island in the modern world. Located in Hawaii, United States, Lanai is the sixth-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. In 2012, billionaire Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation, purchased approximately 98 percent of the island from businessman David Murdock for around $300 million.
Unlike many private islands used only as vacation homes, Lanai has an established community of residents and infrastructure. The island features luxury resorts, residential areas, and protected natural landscapes. Saw2day adds that, Ellison has invested heavily in sustainable development projects, aiming to transform Lanai into an eco-friendly community powered by renewable energy. The island also hosts two luxury Four Seasons resorts and pristine beaches that attract wealthy travelers from around the world.
Necker Island – British Virgin Islands
Owner: Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Group Founder)
Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is one of the most famous private islands owned by a celebrity. The 74-acre island was purchased by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1979 and has since become synonymous with ultra-luxury island living.
Branson transformed Necker Island into a lavish tropical retreat featuring luxury villas, private beaches, tennis courts, and wildlife conservation projects. The island often hosts exclusive events and gatherings attended by global business leaders, celebrities, and royalty. When Branson is not using the island personally, it is sometimes rented out for exclusive stays, reportedly costing tens of thousands of dollars per night. Saw2day observes the efforts made to conserve nature and wildlife - the island also incorporates sustainable tourism initiatives and wildlife preservation programs.
Skorpios Island – Greece
Owner: Ekaterina Rybolovleva
Skorpios Island is located in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of Greece. The island gained international fame when it was owned by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who hosted glamorous parties there during the 1960s and 1970s.
In 2013, Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev purchased the island for his daughter Ekaterina Rybolovleva. The island reportedly cost over $100 million and has been undergoing restoration and redevelopment projects.
Skorpios is known for its lush green landscapes, private beaches, and historical significance. It also hosted the wedding of Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968, making it one of the most iconic privately owned islands in the Mediterranean.
Musha Cay – Bahamas
Owner: David Copperfield (Magician)
Musha Cay is a spectacular private island located in the Exuma chain in the Bahamas. The island belongs to legendary illusionist David Copperfield, who purchased it and turned it into an ultra-exclusive luxury resort.
The island spans several hundred acres and includes multiple guest villas, private beaches, and a full resort infrastructure. Musha Cay is available for exclusive rental only, meaning that guests must book the entire island rather than individual rooms. This makes it one of the most exclusive vacation destinations in the Caribbean.
Copperfield has also invested in marine conservation projects around the island, preserving coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
Mago Island – Fiji
Owner: Mel Gibson (Actor and Producer)
Mago Island is one of the largest privately owned islands in the South Pacific. Located in Fiji, the island covers thousands of acres and features dramatic cliffs, tropical forests, and pristine beaches.
Hollywood actor Mel Gibson purchased the island in 2005 for about $15 million.
Unlike some celebrity island owners who develop luxury resorts, Gibson has largely preserved the island’s natural environment. Mago Island remains sparsely developed and is considered one of the most untouched private island properties in the Pacific region. Saw2day appreciates the move to, preserve the island in its natural environment.
Little Halls Pond Cay – Bahamas
Owner: Johnny Depp (Actor)
Another famous celebrity island is Little Halls Pond Cay in the Bahamas. Hollywood actor Johnny Depp purchased the island in 2004 after discovering it while filming Pirates of the Caribbean.
The island features multiple secluded beaches and dense tropical vegetation. Depp named several of the beaches after important people in his life, including family members and friends.
Little Halls Pond Cay is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas because of its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. The island serves primarily as Depp’s private retreat away from the spotlight.
Rooster Cay – Bahamas
Owner: Eddie Murphy (Actor and Comedian)
Rooster Cay is another private island in the Bahamas owned by a celebrity. Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy purchased the island for approximately $15 million.
Located near Nassau, the island features white sand beaches and clear tropical waters. Murphy reportedly bought the island as a personal getaway and investment property. While development plans have occasionally been discussed, the island remains largely undeveloped and maintains its natural beauty.
Allan Island – United States (Washington State)
Owner: Eric C. Anderson (Space Entrepreneur)
Allan Island is located in Washington State in the United States. The island was purchased by Eric C. Anderson, a space tourism entrepreneur and co-founder of Space Adventures.
The island covers about 300 acres and features forest landscapes, rocky shorelines, and wildlife habitats. Anderson purchased the island as a private retreat and occasionally hosts events there. Its location in the Pacific Northwest gives it a very different character compared to tropical island properties.
Conclusion
Private islands represent the pinnacle of luxury real estate and personal privacy. Wealthy individuals such as technology billionaires, celebrities, and global business leaders purchase these islands not only for prestige but also for seclusion and unique lifestyle opportunities. From Larry Ellison’s eco-focused development of Lanai in Hawaii to Richard Branson’s glamorous Caribbean retreat on Necker Island, each island reflects the vision and personality of its owner.
While some private islands function as exclusive resorts or business ventures, others remain quiet personal sanctuaries. These exotic properties continue to fascinate the public because they combine extraordinary wealth, natural beauty, and a sense of ultimate freedom rarely found elsewhere in the world.
Note
Information related to these exclusive private islands may change over time, particularly due to development on the island or a transfer of ownership.