5 Celebrities Who Own Private Islands—And How They Could Turn Them into Million-Dollar Ventures

Imagine owning your own private island—a slice of paradise untouched by the outside world, where the sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters belong to you and you alone. Now, picture that island not just as a luxurious getaway, but as a goldmine of untapped business potential. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood—Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Johnny Depp, Eddie Murphy, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tyler Perry—already own their own tropical retreats, but what if they flipped the script and turned these secluded escapes into powerhouses of entertainment, tourism, and culture? From a next-level music festival to an exclusive filmmaking boot camp, here’s how these A-listers could transform their private paradises into million-dollar empires.

Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye, Belize

In 2005, Leonardo DiCaprio purchased Blackadore Caye, a 104-acre island off the coast of Belize, for $1.75 million, according to Architectural Digest. Known for his environmental activism, DiCaprio announced plans to develop an eco-friendly resort that would restore the island's natural ecosystems. The ambitious project aimed to include sustainable villas and a research station focused on climate change and habitat restoration. However, as of December 2024, the development has faced delays, and the resort has yet to open.

Money-Making Concept: Airbnb Experience Meets Sustainable Retreat—The Most Exclusive Eco-Getaway

DiCaprio could scale back traditional resorts and offer The Blackadore Experience, an exclusive Airbnb-style eco-retreat with a minimalist luxury focus.

What Makes It Unique:

• Tiny Luxury Homes & Floating Pods: Ultra-exclusive, high-tech eco-villas available.

• Immersive Nature Experiences: Guests participate in conservation projects like reef restoration.

Tyler Perry: White Bay Cay and Surrounding Islands, Bahamas

In 2009, filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry acquired White Bay Cay, a 25-acre island in the Bahamas, along with its adjacent 7-acre island, reports Architectural Digest. The islands boast pristine beaches and are located near Nassau, providing both seclusion and accessibility. Perry has reportedly developed the property into a private retreat, featuring luxurious accommodations and facilities.

Money-Making Concept: A Filmmaking Boot Camp & Reality Show That Launches the Next Hollywood Stars

Perry could turn White Bay Cay into an invite-only film & acting boot camp for Black creatives. It wouldn’t just be a bootcamp—it would be a televised reality series, combining elements of Big Brother and Shark Tank.

How It Works:

• Aspiring actors, writers, & filmmakers compete for a contract with Tyler Perry Studios.

• Rotating celebrity mentors (Oprah, Will Smith, Viola Davis) train the next wave of Black Hollywood.

Johnny Depp: Little Hall's Pond Cay, Bahamas

In 2004, actor Johnny Depp purchased Little Hall's Pond Cay, a 45-acre island in the Bahamas, for a reported $3.6 million, as reported in Housedigest. The island features six beaches named after Depp's close friends and family, as well as a lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation. Depp has described the island as the most pure and beautiful place he has ever seen.

Money-Making Concept: The Rapids of Palm Beach meets Disney World

Depp could build Pirate’s Cove Adventure Island, an immersive pirate-themed resort & water park where guests live out a high-end pirate fantasy. Imagine sailing in on private yachts to a full-scale 17th-century Caribbean pirate town, complete with:

• Real-life treasure hunts with crypto rewards hidden across the island.

• Luxury water park rides themed around Pirates of the Caribbean.

• Interactive dinner theater where Depp himself makes special guest appearances.

• Exclusive rum distillery & tasting experience, with custom-aged pirate rum.

Eddie Murphy: Rooster Cay, Bahamas

According to Housedigest, in 2007, comedian and actor Eddie Murphy purchased Rooster Cay, a 15-acre island near Nassau in the Bahamas, for $15 million. The island's proximity to the capital city makes it a prime location for development, though Murphy has kept his plans for the property private.

Money-Making Concept:  Luxury Meets Laughter—A Comedy-Fueled All-Inclusive Resort

Murphy could transform Rooster Cay into a Sandals-style retreat where comedy is woven into every aspect of the experience.

Resort Features:

• Stand-Up Comedy Dinner Shows featuring top comedians nightly.

• Comedy Writing Retreats for aspiring screenwriters and stand-ups.

• Celebrity Roast Nights, where guests can pay view the roast.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z: Strangers Cay, Bahamas

In 2013, music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z reportedly purchased Strangers Cay, a 360-acre island in the Bahamas, for $3 million, according to Vagabuzz. The expansive island offers ample opportunities for development, though the couple has kept details about their plans under wraps.

Money-Making Concept:  Coachella meets Woodstock—A Billionaire-Backed Musical Festival

Strangers Cay Music & Arts Festival would be the world’s most exclusive music festival, blending old-school festival energy with the luxury and prestige of a Roc Nation production.

Money-Making Angles:

• Tier Ticketing: General admission and VIP tickets

• Brand Partnerships: Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Tesla, and Cartier could create immersive festival activations.

• Live Streaming: Global fans pay for exclusive virtual access with interactive AR features.

Private islands are more than just luxury retreats for the rich and famous—they’re blank canvases for limitless business potential. From star-studded music festivals to exclusive film industry incubators, these celebrity-owned escapes could become cultural hotspots, entertainment empires, and luxury destinations that rival the biggest names in travel and hospitality. Whether they choose to cash in or keep their paradises private, one thing is clear: when vision meets opportunity, even the most secluded island can become a global phenomenon.