The Caribbean is studded with private islands that epitomize tropical luxury and exclusivity. Celebrities, entrepreneurs, and even royals have scooped up these isles as personal retreats or turned them into ultra-luxe resorts. Below, we explore 18 of the most remarkable private islands in the Caribbean – from billionaire-owned hideaways to islands currently on the market – detailing their history, ownership, purchase prices, and what makes each noteworthy.
Necker Island – British Virgin Islands
Owner/History: Sir Richard Branson’s 74-acre Necker Island is perhaps the Caribbean’s most iconic private island. The Virgin Group founder famously purchased Necker in 1978 for just $180,000 – a price so low it’s now legendary. (It was listed for $6 million, but after a lack of buyers, Branson negotiated a bargain.) He then invested about $10 million over the next few years to build a resort, and by 1984 Necker Island opened as a luxury retreat. Branson has called buying Necker “the best financial move” he ever made – by 2006, he estimated its value at $60 million (a staggering 33,000% increase).
Resort Status & Notables: Today, Necker Island operates as an exclusive 5-star resort (part of Virgin Limited Edition), doubling as Branson’s personal home. The island accommodates up to 40 guests who can rent it privately (often at over $80,000 per night for the entire island). It has hosted celebrities from Princess Diana to the Obamas. Branson even offered Necker as collateral to shore up his businesses during the 2020 pandemic, underscoring its tremendous value. Lush beaches, Balinese-style villas, and a famed wildlife sanctuary (with flamingos and lemurs) make Necker the quintessential billionaire’s playground.
Moskito Island – British Virgin Islands
Owner/History: Just two miles from Necker lies Moskito Island, another Branson-owned paradise. He bought Moskito Island in 2007 for an undisclosed sum and set about transforming the 125-acre island. Branson’s vision was to create a “community of like-minded homeowners” alongside his own estate. Over the next decade, the island was carefully developed into a collection of private estates with strict environmental preservation in mind. By 2014 the first villas were available for rent, and Branson’s own three-villa, 11-bedroom estate opened to guests in 2021.
Resort Status & Notables: Moskito Island officially launched as an ultra-exclusive luxury resort community in 2021-2022. There are now multiple opulent estates (with names like The Oasis, The Point, and the Branson Estate), each privately owned but available to rent when owners are away. Guests on Moskito enjoy three beaches, multiple pools, a full staff, and amenities rivaling any five-star hotel. The entire island can host up to 100 guests – at a price tag of about $1 million per week for a full buyout. Former U.S. President Barack Obama and Princess Diana have vacationed on Moskito. With its blend of private villas and resort services, Moskito Island represents the newest evolution of Caribbean private-island luxury.
Little St. James (& Great St. James) – U.S. Virgin Islands
Owner/History: Little St. James is a 72-acre private island with a notorious past. Financier Jeffrey Epstein purchased Little St. James in 1998 for $7.95 million and later added the neighboring 160-acre Great St. James for roughly $20 million in 2016 Epstein developed Little St. James with a luxury villa compound and various facilities, but the island gained infamy as the center of his criminal activities. Following Epstein’s death in 2019, his estate listed the two islands together for $125 million in 2022.
Resort Status & Notables: In 2023, billionaire investor Stephen Deckoff purchased Little St. James and Great St. James for $60 million – less than half the initial asking price. Deckoff has announced plans to transform the islands by 2025 into a 25-room ultra-luxury resort open to paying guests. It’s a dramatic rebranding for islands once dubbed “Pedophile Island.” Deckoff, who had never met Epstein, said he’s “humbled by the opportunity” to create an world-class destination that respects the USVI’s natural beauty and culture. Little St. James’s tragic notoriety may soon give way to a new chapter as a high-end Caribbean resort.
Mustique – St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Owner/History: Mustique is a 1,400-acre private island with a glamorous reputation. In 1958, British aristocrat Colin Tennant (Lord Glenconner) bought Mustique for about £45,000 (≈$60,000) when it was little more than scrubland. Tennant initially considered farming cotton, but instead decided to develop Mustique into an exclusive retreat. He famously gifted a plot of land to his friend Princess Margaret in 1960 as a wedding present, sparking Mustique’s status among high society. Over subsequent decades, the island was parcelled into private estates and villas. The Mustique Company, owned by the island’s homeowners, now manages Mustique’s development and infrastructure.
Resort Status & Notables: Mustique today is synonymous with ultra-exclusive luxury. The island has around 120 private villas (owned by royals, rock stars and business magnates) plus a single boutique hotel (the Cotton House) for non-villa guests. Rockstars like Mick Jagger and the late David Bowie maintained homes on Mustique, and Prince William and Kate have vacationed here. Privacy is paramount – paparazzi are banned, and Mustique’s allure is the “no schedule, no press” freedom it affords the rich and famous. From its humble purchase price in 1958, Mustique has become one of the world’s most exclusive island enclaves, where estates can sell for tens of millions (one 17-acre villa compound was recently valued at $200 million).
Petit St. Vincent (PSV) – St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Owner/History: Petit St. Vincent is a 115-acre gem at the southern tip of the Grenadines, run as a discreet five-star private-island resort. Two Americans, Haze Richardson and Doug Terman, originally leased and developed PSV in the late 1960s, building a collection of cottages for an exclusive “ Robinson Crusoe” style hotel. They opened the resort in 1968 and Richardson became full owner, operating PSV for decades as an off-grid hideaway (rooms famously had no phones – guests raised flags to request service). In 2010, business partners Robin Paterson and Philip Stephenson purchased Petit St. Vincent to preserve its legacy. They embarked on a careful renovation, upgrading the 22 cottages and adding facilities like a beach bar and spa, while retaining PSV’s castaway charm.
Resort Status & Notables: Today PSV remains privately owned (not part of any chain) and continues to offer a secluded 5-star experience. With only 22 one- and two-bedroom cottages spaced across beaches and hills, the island accommodates about 50 guests maximum. No TVs or mobile service intrude on the tranquility – a deliberate throwback to simpler times. PSV consistently ranks among the top Caribbean resorts for its intimacy and unspoiled natural beauty (it even has its own conservation program for island wildlife). Nightly rates often exceed $1,000. For those seeking true disconnection with barefoot luxury, Petit St. Vincent is a “best kept secret” of the Caribbean hospitality world.
Calivigny Island – Grenada
Owner/History: Not far from Grenada’s coast lies Calivigny Island, 80 acres of pure luxury privately owned by French billionaire Georges Cohen. Cohen, who made his fortune in technology, purchased Calivigny in 2001 to create the ultimate family escape. Over the next decade he spared no expense, reportedly spending over $100 million to transform Calivigny into “the definition of sumptuous”. He imported 5,000 tons of white sand to enlarge the beaches and planted tens of thousands of palm trees to landscape the island. By 2008, Calivigny Island emerged from development with multiple palatial villas, guest cottages, and its own infrastructure (desalination plant, generators, docks, etc.) to be self-sufficient.
Resort Status & Notables: Calivigny is primarily Cohen’s private retreat, but for a hefty price the island can be rented by guests seeking the pinnacle of luxury. Rates range from about $30,000 per night (for one villa for 12 guests) up to $124,000 per night for the entire island, depending on the accommodation and group size. There is a 7-night minimum, so a full private-island stay can cost nearly $1 million. The upside? Guests enjoy “haute cuisine by world-class chefs”, six pristine beaches, a fleet of boats, and every imaginable amenity. Calivigny’s Great House alone is 20,000+ sq. ft. of opulence. The island is often rented by A-list celebrities and ultra-high-net-worth individuals for special occasions. With its extraordinary build-out and price tag, Calivigny ranks among the most expensive private-island experiences in the world.
Norman Island – British Virgin Islands
Owner/History: Norman Island is a 600-acre, uninhabited island in the BVI steeped in pirate lore – it’s said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The island was owned for nearly a century by the locally prominent Creque family until 1999, when U.S. financier Dr. Henry Jarecki purchased it for $8 million. Jarecki, a former Wall Street metals trader and conservation-minded investor, also owns BVI’s Guana Island (see below). Under Jarecki’s ownership, Norman Island has remained largely undeveloped to protect its natural beauty. He has envisioned a low-density eco-resort and residential community on parts of the island, with plans revealed for ~75 home sites, but development is proceeding very slowly to ensure environmental preservation.
Resort Status & Notables: Though privately owned, Norman Island welcomes daytime visitors – yacht charter guests often stop to snorkel at The Caves, a famous site in Norman’s cliffs rumored to hide pirate gold. There’s also a popular floating restaurant/bar moored in the harbor (the “Willie T”). However, no permanent residents or hotels exist yet on the island itself. Norman’s protected bays (e.g. The Bight) are a favorite anchorage for sailors. In essence, Norman Island remains a wild paradise, with empty beaches and hiking trails that intrepid visitors can enjoy by day. Its eventual development, guided by Jarecki, will likely be very exclusive and eco-sensitive. For now, its intrigue lies in the mix of legendary history and untouched Caribbean nature – all technically private property, yet enjoyed by many.
Guana Island – British Virgin Islands
Owner/History: Guana Island is a privately owned 850-acre island in the BVI that operates as a secluded nature resort. The island has been family-owned since 1975, when Henry Jarecki (the same owner of Norman Island) and his wife Gloria purchased it. The Jareckis took over from the previous owners who had run Guana as a small guesthouse since the 1930s. Committed to conservation, the Jarecki family preserved 95% of Guana’s acreage as undeveloped sanctuary – the island has seven beaches, lush forests, and endemic wildlife. They also upgraded the accommodations and facilities in a charming, understated style to maintain Guana’s historic vibe.
Resort Status & Notables: Guana Island today hosts an intimate resort with just 18 rooms and villas, accommodating around 30 guests at most. With no public access or day-tripper traffic, guests truly have the island to themselves. Activities include hiking 15 miles of trails, snorkeling its reef, and enjoying gourmet farm-to-table dining (much of the food is grown on the island). Weekly rates can range from ~$7,000 to $15,000 per couple, all-inclusive. Guana is often praised for “what the Caribbean was like 50 years ago” – no cars, no towns, just serene nature and relaxed luxury. Notably, Guana is one of the few private islands in the region that remains family-run and not part of any hotel chain, reflecting the Jareckis’ personal passion for the island’s ecology and heritage.
Peter Island – British Virgin Islands
Owner/History: Peter Island (1,300 acres) is among the Caribbean’s most storied private-island resorts. Its modern history began in 1968 when Norwegian financier Peter Smedvig bought the then-deserted island and built the first cottages for guests. In the late 1970s, the island caught the eye of American billionaires Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, co-founders of Amway. They purchased Peter Island and significantly expanded the resort in the 1980s. Full ownership later passed to the Van Andel family, who have remained dedicated stewards. For decades Peter Island Resort & Spa was a flagship of BVI luxury tourism.
Resort Status & Notables: The resort featured 50+ rooms, beachfront suites, and villas, plus a marina and famously lavish spa – all set amid five beaches. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma in 2017 devastated Peter Island, forcing it to close. Rather than abandon it, the Van Andel family invested heavily in a rebuild. After six years of reconstruction, Peter Island Resort is slated to fully reopen in late 2023/early 2024 as a reimagined luxury retreat. The new resort will offer updated accommodations and amenities while retaining its private-island charm. Peter Island has always been accessible only by boat or helicopter, and it pioneered the “island buyout” concept for destination weddings and events. With its long legacy (even pirate ruins and old plantations dot the island), Peter Island’s revival is highly anticipated. It stands as a testament to deep-pocketed ownership with a commitment to Caribbean tourism.
Musha Cay (Copperfield Bay) – Bahamas
Owner/History: In 2006, world-famous illusionist David Copperfield fulfilled a dream of owning a tropical island – and he didn’t stop at just one. Copperfield purchased 100-acre Musha Cay in the southern Bahamas (Exuma chain) for a reported $50 million. He then acquired 10 smaller islands surrounding Musha Cay, creating a 700-acre private archipelago now branded as the “Islands of Copperfield Bay.” Over five years, Copperfield poured an additional $40 million into developing the islands. The result is a truly magical retreat: Musha Cay features five guest villas (accommodating up to 24 guests), each lavishly designed, plus amenities like a floating cinema, a deep-water marina, and even hidden “treasure” for guests to discover – all with Copperfield’s whimsical touch.
Resort Status & Notables: Musha Cay operates as a private resort-for-hire catering to one group at a time. The cost to rent Copperfield’s islands is about $57,000 per night with a 5-night minimum – roughly $285,000 for a long weekend of exclusive use. That includes a full staff, gourmet dining, and boats/jet skis for island-hopping among the 11 isles. Over the years, Musha Cay has attracted the ultra-rich and famous: Google co-founder Sergey Brin held his wedding there, and guests like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and Johnny Depp have vacationed at Copperfield Bay. The island’s tagline is “the most magical vacation destination in the world,” and with its blend of seclusion, luxury, and Copperfield’s curated surprises (rumor has it he scripted a special treasure hunt experience), Musha Cay lives up to the hype.
Over Yonder Cay – Bahamas
Owner/History: Once a remote fishing outpost in the Exumas, Over Yonder Cay was purchased in the late 2000s by Texas billionaire Dr. Ed Bosarge. He transformed the 72-acre island into a state-of-the-art eco-resort and personal playground. Bosarge’s vision was to create the world’s first fully sustainable private island. Over Yonder Cay is now powered 96% by renewable energy (thanks to three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar farm) with battery backup – a “micro-grid” prototype Bosarge touts for remote communities. Development-wise, the island features four lavish villas (each with its own pool and style), a marina with a fleet of boats, a 9-hole mini golf course, tennis courts, and even a 35-meter sailing yacht available for charter by guests. Bosarge spared no expense, reportedly far exceeding the original purchase cost to achieve his dream (hundreds of workers labored for years building the infrastructure).
Resort Status & Notables: Over Yonder Cay is available exclusively for private rentals by one group at a time – essentially a fully staffed private island resort. The starting rate is ~$44,000 per night for up to 12 guests, which includes all amenities, activities, and transfers by seaplane from Nassau. The island can accommodate as many as 28 guests across the four villas (additional guests above 12 are extra cost). Over Yonder’s appeal lies in its blend of ultra-luxury and eco-consciousness: guests can enjoy a beachfront hot tub or movie in the private cinema one minute, then tour the solar farm or go reef diving the next. The island is also a favorite stop for superyachts due to its deepwater marina. By marrying green technology with indulgent comforts, Over Yonder Cay has earned global accolades – and given the Exumas another must-see private island for those who can afford it.
Little Hall’s Pond Cay – Bahamas
Owner/History: This 45-acre Bahamas island is the personal tropical haven of actor Johnny Depp. Depp fell in love with Little Hall’s Pond Cay while filming Pirates of the Caribbean in the Exumas, and he purchased it in 2004 for $3.6 million. The island, which Depp once called “pure and beautiful,” has six beaches – each named after someone dear to him (including beaches named “Paradise” after his then-partner Vanessa Paradis, and “Gonzo” after Hunter S. Thompson). Depp built a cluster of solar-powered residences in a rustic style, plus a central dock and some modest infrastructure for comfort. Unlike many celeb-owned islands, Little Hall’s Pond Cay is not a commercial resort at all – it’s strictly Depp’s private retreat for family and friends.
Resort Status & Notables: As a wholly private island, Little Hall’s Pond Cay is rarely seen by the public except in aerial photos. Depp has hosted only close friends and chosen guests there – for example, there are reports of lavish New Year’s Eve parties and quiet family getaways. The island’s pristine lagoon and coral reefs make it a snorkeling paradise; Depp has said some of his best memories are watching the sunset with his kids on the unspoiled beaches. Amid Depp’s well-publicized financial ups and downs, the island’s value has undoubtedly skyrocketed – estimates have pegged it at $50–75 million in recent years, though Depp appears to have no intention of selling. For him, this island remains an idyllic refuge “where you can feel your pulse rate drop by 20 beats”, far from the spotlight of Hollywood.
Goat Cay (L’ile d’Anges) – Bahamas
Owner/History: In 2003, country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill acquired a roughly 20-acre private island in the Exumas known locally as Goat Cay. At the time it was undeveloped, so McGraw and Hill spent the better part of a decade “building paradise from scratch.” They constructed a sprawling compound featuring a 6,500 sq. ft. main villa, guest yurts on the beach, staff housing, and all the utilities needed for self-sufficient living. The project took far longer than expected – the family didn’t fully move into their island home until 2012, as the couple told Architectural Digest. “We had no idea we’d have to build everything – we basically built a little town,” Hill noted of the undertaking.
Resort Status & Notables: After enjoying their Bahamian escape for nearly 17 years, McGraw and Hill decided to list Goat Cay (dubbed “L’ile d’Anges”) for sale at $35 million in 2021. The listing boasted 1.3 miles of beachfront, a deepwater dock, and turnkey luxury across the multiple structures. By mid-2022, reports indicate the island found a buyer (close to the $35M ask), though details remain private. During their ownership, McGraw and Hill mostly used the island as a family retreat, occasionally granting magazine photoshoots that revealed its serene, breezy interiors and stunning azure views. While they never operated it as a rental resort, the next owner could choose to do so. Goat Cay exemplifies the dream of owning a secluded slice of the Exumas – and also the reality that maintaining a private island “home” can eventually lead owners to pass it on, often at a significant profit from their initial investment.
Bonds Cay – Bahamas
Owner/History: Bonds Cay is a 700-acre island in the Berry Islands (north of Nassau) that grabbed headlines when a group of artists and investors teamed up to buy it around 2011. Colombian pop superstar Shakira, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, and Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz were among the buyers, reportedly paying $16 million for Bonds Cay. The island was already partially developed with some resort facilities – including luxury condos, a golf course, and beaches – but the new owners announced plans to turn it into an artists’ retreat and boutique resort, blending hospitality with an arts center. The vision included art galleries, exhibition spaces, and residences where musicians and painters could collaborate in paradise.
Resort Status & Notables: Progress on the “creative retreat” concept has been slow and largely under the radar. It’s unclear how much of the ambitious plan has been realized to date. The sheer size of Bonds Cay (five beaches and varied terrain) gives the owners plenty to work with. For now, the island remains private and relatively undeveloped aside from the pre-existing structures. Shakira has mentioned her love of the Bahamas, so it’s possible the group still uses Bonds Cay privately. Given its high-profile ownership and initial cost, Bonds Cay is one to watch – if it re-enters the market or opens for guests in the future, it will surely generate buzz. As of now, it stands as a case of celebrities investing in Caribbean real estate not just for leisure but also with a creative, community-driven twist in mind.
Blackadore Caye – Belize
Owner/History: Blackadore Caye is a 104-acre island off Belize’s Caribbean coast (technically just outside the “Caribbean” Sea, in the western Gulf of Honduras) that is owned by actor Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio purchased Blackadore Caye in 2005 for around $1.75 million after a scuba diving trip left him enchanted with Belize’s ecology. A committed environmentalist, DiCaprio didn’t want to simply build a mansion – he envisioned an eco-resort that “restores” the island. In 2015, plans were unveiled for a groundbreaking sustainable resort featuring off-grid “living villas” and rehabilitation of the island’s overfished waters and eroded shoreline. The project (in partnership with a New York developer) was slated to open in 2018 but faced delays due to permitting and environmental reviews.
Resort Status & Notables: As of 2025, DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye Resort has yet to open, though reports suggest it is still in development. The concept is for a luxury resort with 36 bungalows and 36 estate homes all built with sustainable materials and energy systems. A large portion of the island will be a protected wildlife preserve. DiCaprio has said the goal is “the greenest luxury development ever built”, with features like artificial reefs and mangrove replanting to enhance the habitat. If it comes to fruition, guests will experience high-end comforts and participate in a cutting-edge eco-conservation effort. Blackadore Caye highlights the trend of celebrities leveraging their private islands for environmental advocacy. Even as a work in progress, the island is frequently cited among the world’s top celebrity-owned islands – proof that DiCaprio’s star power (and the allure of Belize’s barrier reef) have already put Blackadore on the map.
Ronde Island – Grenada
Owner/Status: Ronde Island (also called Isle de Ronde) is notable for its sheer size and price tag. At about 2,000 acres, this undeveloped island north of Grenada is one of the largest private islands in the Caribbean. Ronde made news in 2007 when it was listed for sale with an asking price of $100 million – at the time, the most expensive island offering in the world. The island’s then-owner (reported to be a European family) was seeking a buyer to either develop Ronde or preserve it. Ronde has lush hills, several bays, and even a network of caves; its waters teem with fish and coral, making it attractive for a resort or nature reserve.
Resort Potential & Notables: Despite periodic rumors of interested buyers, Ronde Island remains unsold and undeveloped as of the latest reports. This speaks to the challenge of finding investors for such a massive property (the development costs would be enormous, likely far exceeding the purchase price). However, Ronde’s allure is undeniable: 1,970 acres of pristine Caribbean land could host anything from multiple resorts to a single sprawling estate. For now, it’s a blank canvas. Fun fact: Ronde is so large it actually has a small local fishing community living on one shore (making it one of Grenada’s “inhabited” islands, even though it’s private). Whether Ronde eventually becomes a playground for billionaires or remains a wild jewel, it represents the upper end of Caribbean island real estate – where nine-figure prices meet tropical daydreams.
Leaf Cay – Bahamas
Owner/History: Leaf Cay is a small Exuma island that gained fame when actor Nicolas Cage purchased it in the mid-2000s. Cage reportedly paid $8.5 million for Leaf Cay, adding to a property portfolio that once included castles and mansions around the world. The island spans roughly 30 acres and, unusually, came with some development: previous owners had built a few structures and even a 1,500-foot airstrip for easy access. Leaf Cay is conveniently located near popular spots (not far from Johnny Depp’s island and others), and it has multiple beaches with vivid turquoise shallows.
Status & Notables: Cage’s financial troubles forced him to sell off many assets, and Leaf Cay was rumored to be on the market again around 2009, possibly selling to private buyers (current status is not public). During his ownership, Cage didn’t commercially develop the island into a resort – it was intended as a private getaway. Leaf Cay’s existing buildings and infrastructure (dock, airstrip, utility connections to the main power grid
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) mean it’s “turnkey” compared to raw islands. This made it one of the more usable private islands in Exuma, whether for personal use or tourism. Leaf Cay’s value today would likely be significantly higher than Cage’s purchase price. For context, nearby comparable cays in Exuma have listed in the $15–30 million range recently. While its Hollywood owner was short-lived, Leaf Cay remains a sought-after slice of paradise, illustrating the trend of celebrities buying into the Exumas’ beauty.
Rooster Cay – Bahamas
Owner/History: Rounding out the list is Rooster Cay, a petite 15-acre island just off Nassau that is owned by comedian/actor Eddie Murphy. Murphy purchased Rooster Cay in 2007 for roughly $15 million. Its proximity to the capital (it’s only a few minutes by boat from Nassau) makes it quite unique – a private hideaway that’s also conveniently near civilization. Little is public about Murphy’s plans or use of the island. Given its size, Rooster Cay could be developed into a compound with a main house and guest houses without too much trouble, or even a tiny resort.
Status & Notables: Thus far, Murphy appears to have kept Rooster Cay as a private family retreat (he also owns a private island home in California, so he’s no stranger to exclusive properties). The island remains pristine – essentially a green dot amid crystal-clear shallows, with no known large structures built. It underscores a different style of private island ownership: untouched beauty and privacy for its own sake. Rooster Cay’s value has likely increased thanks to Nassau’s real estate boom. Still, for Eddie Murphy, the island isn’t about ROI; it’s about the luxury of total seclusion a stone’s throw from a major city. In the fantasy realm of private islands, Rooster Cay represents the “hide in plain sight” option – a tranquil oasis visible from Nassau’s shores, yet completely closed off to the public.
Each of these Caribbean private islands has its own character – from ultra-luxe resorts where you can vacation like royalty, to personal sanctuaries known only through whispers and satellite images. What they share is a hefty price tag and a certain mystique. In the glittering waters of the Caribbean, owning an island is the ultimate status symbol and, for some, a deeply personal passion project. Whether currently welcoming guests or standing quiet and not-for-sale, these islands invite us to imagine the allure of having “a world of one’s own” in paradise. It’s easy to see why, for the wealthy and adventurous, the Caribbean’s private islands are the crown jewels of real estate – places where history, luxury, and tropical fantasy intertwine.
