Ever dreamed of vacationing like a celebrity? Believe it or not, some A-listers have turned their private island paradises into luxurious escapes open to visitors. These exclusive getaways offer a rare glimpse into the world of the rich and famous—no paparazzi required.
So, here are a few private islands owned by celebrities that you can actually visit.
1. Musha Cay
Musha Cay is a private 700-acre archipelago in the Exumas, Bahamas. It is owned by illusionist David Copperfield, who purchased it in 2006 for $56 million. Accessed via private jet, yacht, or seaplane, Musha Cay comprises 11 islands, offering 40 secluded beaches and five luxurious homes.
What can one expect to find on Musha Cay? A unique blend of natural beauty and magical experiences. Guests can explore coral reefs, encounter giant tortoises, and witness a disappearing sandbar. David Copperfield has designed exclusive adventures, such as underwater sculptures and a hidden jungle dining venue, making each day distinct.
Musha Cay’s exclusive rental costs an average of $57,000 a night for up to 12 guests. Meals, beverages, and unlimited use of all island equipment and activities are included in the rates. A therapist is also provided for up to 4 massages per day. Not included in the rates are transportation to and from the resort, international telephone calls, and select adventures and activities.
Since David Copperfield purchased the archipelago, stars like Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates have been seen there. Google co-founder Sergey Brin was married on Musha Cay in May 2007.
2. Necker Island
Crystal-clear waters with spectacular coral reefs and palm-fringed white sandy beaches await your arrival at Necker Island. Located in the British Virgin Islands, the resort is owned by English business magnate and Virgin Group co-founder Sir Richard Branson.
Highlights of the island include 24 guest rooms and a bunk room, thoughtfully distributed between a majestic Great House and elegant Bali-style villas. Guests can enjoy personalized, all-inclusive dining and beverages—Champagne included—as well as exclusive amenities such as infinity pools, a luxurious spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and both tennis and pickleball courts. The island also offers a wide array of immersive activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to sailing and beyond.
The price for exclusive use of the island ranges from $107,500 to $128,000 per night, depending on the number of guests and rooms. Celebration Week rates for individual rooms or suites start at $5,150 per night for the Bali Rooms and go up to $8,000 per night for the Master Suite in the Great House.
In February 2017, former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, visited Necker as Richard Branson’s guests. The island welcomed other famous A-listers, such as Princess Diana, Kate Winslet, Eddie Murphy, Geena Davis, Kate Moss, Robert De Niro, Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, and Tony Blair. Google co-founder Larry Page married his girlfriend on the island in an elaborate ceremony in 2007.
3. Makepeace Island
Richard Branson owns two more islands you can visit: Makepeace Island and Moskito Island.
Makepeace Island is a private luxury resort home settled in the tranquil waters of the Noosa River, in Queensland, Australia. The place features Balinese-style villas, lush tropical gardens, a lagoon pool, a massive outdoor cinema, tennis courts, as well as a fully equipped spa and wellness area.
Makepeace Island is popular for celebrity getaways, corporate retreats, and exclusive events. Guests are offered activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat rides while enjoying private chef-prepared meals, spa treatments, and curated cultural experiences.
Makepeace Island’s rates start at around $5,500 per night for exclusive use for up to four guests. The nightly rate for up to 8 guests is $19,950, with additional charges for each guest beyond 8, up to a maximum of 22 guests.
Justin Bieber, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, as well as former world No. 1 tennis player Ashleigh Barty have been notable visitors of the Island.
4. Moskito Island
Purchased in 2007 by Richard Branson for £10 million, Moskito Island is a standout amidst the breathtaking splendor of the best British Virgin Island resorts, embodying the belief that time together is life’s greatest luxury.
Situated on the west side of Gorda Sound, near Virgin Gorda and just moments from Necker Island, this resort is perfect for milestone celebrations, corporate retreats, or unforgettable family getaways. Each estate features private, standalone suites complemented by elegant shared living and gathering spaces.
Visitors can access three beaches, two tennis courts, a gym, water sports, and the exclusive Beach House. Private chefs curate culinary experiences with fresh, local ingredients, while fine wines and premium spirits enhance each meal.
Rates vary depending on the villa chosen and the period of the year, ranging up to $23,575 per night for 1 to 10 guests and up to $54,315 for 17 or 18 guests.
Barack Obama is said to have visited the island in February 2017, where he learned to kiteboard.
5. Cayo Espanto
Owned by Jeff Gram, producer for three episodes of The Bay series (2010), Cayo Espanto is located approximately three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Belize, in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning just 1.2 hectares (3 acres), this retreat offers unparalleled privacy and luxury, accommodating up to 18 guests across seven meticulously designed villas.
Cayo Espanto offers an all-inclusive, award-winning 5-star culinary experience. Upon booking, guests complete a survey detailing their dietary preferences, allowing the chefs to craft a personalized menu for each day of their stay. Meals are served directly to guests’ villas or private verandas.
While relaxation is paramount at Cayo Espanto, guests can also indulge in a variety of activities, including water sports (snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing), fishing, excursions, and spa services.
Depending on the season, the occupancy, and the villa, rentals vary from $2,195 per night, double occupancy, to $3,895. The full island rental costs between $17,995 and $24,495.
Celebrity guests include Tiger Woods, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Chelsea Clinton, and Leonardo DiCaprio, who is Jeff Gram’s partner in Blackadore Caye, another private island venture in Belize.
6. Blackadore Caye
Blackadore Caye is a 104-acre island located off the coast of Belize, near the world’s second-largest barrier reef. In 2004, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and producer Jeff Gram purchased it with the vision of transforming it into a groundbreaking eco-resort.
We bent the rules a bit for this project, as the island has yet to welcome visitors. Initially slated to open in 2018, then postponed to 2020, construction is still ongoing. The whole place is supposed to feature 116 units, that is, 68 villas for rent and 48 private estate homes priced between $5 and $15 million, all powered by 100% renewable energy sourced from solar panels.
Water needs will reportedly be met through captured rainwater and desalination, while waste will be treated on-site. The development will also include a private clubhouse, three world-class restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and a Deepak Chopra Anti-Aging and Renewal Center.
7. Coral Caye
Coral Caye is a secluded 2-acre private island sheltered behind the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef. Owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola and his family, the island can be yours alone for a romantic, restorative, or adventurous getaway.
Accommodating between 2 and 12 guests, it features a main house and two cottages, providing a Robinson Crusoe-style experience with a small coral sand beach and mangrove ecology. Once used as a commercial fishing camp, it has now been enhanced for travelers who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience while still preserving the natural, local flavor.
Meals are prepared daily by the island caretakers, whether that be a morning coffee, fresh fruit or egg breakfast, a refreshing light salad or sandwich lunch, or a fresh-caught seafood dinner—BBQ Creole style.
Rates start at $1,895 per night for exclusive use of the island. For a more luxurious experience, visitors pay up to $2,255 per night, which includes additional amenities such as premium beverages and personalized services. Optional extras like spa treatments, guided fishing tours, and diving excursions are also available for an additional cost.
* * * * *
These celebrity-owned private islands offer more than just star power—they provide an unforgettable escape into luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. You’re chasing the thrill of walking in a celebrity’s footsteps? Or simply craving a secluded paradise? These exclusive destinations prove that you don’t have to be famous to vacation like a star. So, if you’re ready to splurge on your next getaway, why not make it an island fit for the A-list?