Richard Branson to Shakira, inside look at celebs luxurious private islands

Inside some of the biggest stars’ most extravagant private islands where some paid just over a $1.5 million while others forked out big, big money.

They say every man is an island … some celebs have taken it a little more literally.

This week, pictures emerged of billionaire Richard Branson’s stunning new estate on his private Moskito Island, which comes complete with a two-storey infinity pool and a glass-bottom hot tub.

The nine-bedroom complex joins three other estates on Moskito home – The Branson Estate (owned by Sir Richard Branson), The Oasis Estate and The Point Estate, The Sun reports.

But the Virgin founder is far from alone when it comes to a spot of island shopping. Here, we dive inside the other glitzy retreats that celebs have snapped up for their summer holidays.

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Richard Branson – Necker Island

Richard Branson bought Necker Island for $US180,000 in 1979. Picture: Mark Pearson / Alamy

Sir Richard Branson’s Necker island, which he bought in 1979 for just $US180,000, is nothing short of amazing.

The British billionaire has entertained a string of A-list friends on the island for decades such as former US president Barack Obama, Mariah Carey and Kate Winslet.

Richard, 72, is said to have spent a whopping $US10 million to transform the 74-acre island into the luxury resort it is today.

Several famous faces have stayed there, including Barack Obama and Mariah Carey. Picture: www.vladi-private-islands.de

To rent the island, guests must pay $40,000-a-night. Picture: www.vladi-private-islands.de

It features dazzling white sandy beaches, lush hills, with spectacular views of neighbouring islands.

Necker is a 74-acre island with white sandy beaches and lush hills with stunning views of neighbouring islands.

It was uninhabited until Richard bought it and costs $US40,000 to rent per night — or nothing at all if you’re friends with Sir Richard.

It has also included such revolutionary gimmicks as lighting systems that matched guests’ natural sleep and wake cycles.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill – Goat Cay

The couple bought the island in 2003 and spent 10 years developing it to meet their standards. Picture: backgrid.com.au

Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, both 55, bought Goat Cay in the Bahamas in 2003 and spent 10 years developing it into a high end private island.

Located in the district of Exumas, it is made up of a chain of 365 islands and was renamed L’Ile d’Anges (isle of angels) by the couple.

Tim once described the luxury island as the best place in the world. Picture: backgrid.com.au

There is a 6,517 square foot mansion and 5,000 more square feet verandas. Picture: backgrid.com.au

It features a magnificent 6,517 square foot mansion, and 5,000 more square feet of covered verandas that connect the main residence through what are described as pods.

The island also comes with two kilometres of clear blue ocean frontage and is ideal for outdoor adventures such as snorkelling.

Country singer Faith Hill. Picture: Kate Green/Getty Images for Paramount+

Although Tim described it as the best place in the world, the couple sold it in 2021 with an asking price of a whopping $US35 million.

Nicholas Cage – Leaf Cay

Nicholas Cage bought his island for $US3 million in 2006. Picture: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

It’s still undeveloped so buyers would be able to build to their taste. Picture: Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Hollywood superstar Nicholas Cage reportedly bought his 30-acre private island for $US3 million back in 2006.

Located south of Bock Cay and part of the Exumas Cays string of islands in the Bahamas, the island has three beaches and an access to protected deepwater.

The National Treasure actor, 58, has now put it up for sale and has set a price tag of $7.5 million.

The island is still undeveloped and comes with full development approvals, meaning anyone who buys it will have the opportunity to put their own stamp on it.

But this isn’t the only island he owns in the Caribbean, according to reports – he has one outside Nassau and another in the Northern Abaco Islands.

Marlon Brando – Teti’arora

Hollywood legend Marlon Brando (pictured) bought his island in 1967. Picture: Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images

While filming the 1962 adventure film, Mutiny on the Bounty, Marlon Brando is said to have fallen in love with this island in French Polynesia.

The actor, who died in 2004 aged 80, bought Teti’arora five years later and it is still open to tourists today, thanks to The Brando, a resort on the island.

He reportedly fell inlove with island while filming the 1963 adventure movie, Mutiny on the Bounty. Picture: The Brando

The villa is open to guests, thanks to The Brando resorts. Picture: The Brando

There are 35 private villas on the island — each with their own pool. Picture: The Brando

There are 35 private villas on the island — each of them come with their own swimming pool and beach to give guests a sense of total privacy.

They also get to enjoy meals curated by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin, who runs the restaurant at The Brando.

To get to Teti’arora, guests must take a 20 minute flight on The Brando’s own private jet while rates begin from £1,900-a-night ($A3,400) for one roomed villa.

Shakira – Bonds Cay Island

Shakira and Roger Waters bought the island for $US16 million and initially had big plans for it. Picture: Vladi Private Islands

Shakira is one of the richest women in music with an estimated net worth of over $US300 million.

It comes as no surprise then that in 2011, she teamed up with Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters to buy a 550-acre island in the Bahamas for $16 million.

It has five stunning beaches, multiple waterfalls, three bays, breathtaking views, and several incredible lagoons.

The crystal clear water surrounding the island makes it the perfect spot for fishing and other water activities.

Shakira, 45, and Roger are said to have made the purchase with an intention to transform the island into an eco-friendly, carbon neutral haven for artists and musicians.

Their plans seem to have been aborted, however, as the island is now up for sale.

Mel Gibson – Mago Island

Mel Gibson’s private island in Fiji set him back $US15 million in 2004. Picture: Supplied

In 2004, Mel Gibson dropped $US15 million for this island located in Fiji.

The actor and director bought the island shortly after the release of his highly controversial film The Passion of the Christ and it is one of the largest privately owned islands in the South Pacific.

Mel’s island remains undeveloped and is only occupied by a few local caretakers. Picture: Supplied

It is a volcanic island and is still pretty undeveloped — it is only occupied by a few local caretakers.

Mel’s island also features a poultry farm, an incredible lagoon, and stunning vegetation.

Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye Island

Blackadore Caye Island. (Artists rendering of resort) – Picture: Denniston International Architects & Planners Ltd

Eco-friendly Leonardo DiCaprio, 47, purchased this 104-acre barrier island off the coast of Belize for $US1.75million in a bid to build the world’s greenest luxury resort.

But things have gone off to a rather slow start due to protests by fisherman and business owners in the area.

Leo is said to have bought the island known as Blackadore Caye after falling in love with the Caribbean country while on a scuba diving holiday.

According to property documents, the intention was to build around 116 villas that would be available for rent or purchase built on a huge platform and supported by pylons on the ocean.When completed, those interested in scooping up one of the villas would have to splash between £5 million and $US15 million.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission