It is a usual scenario to learn about a celebrity owning vast properties, luxury cars, etc. However, there are considerably a handful of celebrities like Shakira who take it to the next level by owning an entire island to themselves.
To own an island does not just mean splurging a lot of money, but going through a lot of paper works (which your lawyer tidies up for you, of course), having to plan and work on the design of the island, set up power, internet, cable and phone services. And you'd probably want to have a caretaker, so an unusual stranger wouldn't be able to just trespass.
So who are these celebrities who own an island for themselves? And what are these islands?
CNN Founder Ted Turner
Turner owns St. Phillips Island located in South Carolina. It is a 5,000 acre full of white-sand beaches, ponds, marshes and forest. There are two residences on the island - a caretaker cottage and a 3,800 square-foot house - but much of the island remains wild, according to CNBC. He bought it in 1979, but he listed it for sale at $24 million last year.
Magician David Copperfield
Lanai Island in Bahamas is owned by Copperfield. He reportedly bought it at $50 million in 2006. Later, he developed the island into an ultra-luxe, ultra-private retreat for the rich and famous. There accordingly 5 homes in the island that can house 24 people, 40 private beaches, plus an outdoor theater, private speedboat, gym and tennis court.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin had his wedding in the island. In addition, Johnny Depp, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have reportedly stayed there.
Shakira and Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters
Bonds Cay, another island in Bahamas, is owned by Shakira and Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters. They purchased it for $15 million in 2011 with an intention of turning it into a tourist destination for the rich and famous and their own retreat residence.
Leonardo DiCaprio & Cayo Espanto Island Resort owner Jeff Gran
Blackadore Caye, an island in Belize, was purchased by Leonardo DiCaprio & Cayo Espanto Island Resort owner Jeff Gran for $1.75 million more than 10 years ago. The two plans on opening an eco-friendly resort in the island by 2018.The luxurious villas will be built on a platform that arcs across the water, with artificial reefs and fish shelters underneath, according to the New York Times.
"The main focus is to do something that will change the world," DiCaprio is quoted as saying. The island has suffered from deforestation and overfishing, and they wanted to restore it.
So, which island would you like to spend your vacation at? Shakira's? DiCaprio's?
