There’s nothing more lavish and exclusive than owning a private island. Only the wealthiest individuals have the privilege of owning their own island. While most people just dream of having an island, a few Black celebrities have joined the elite club of private island ownership. Here are a handful of Black celebs who owned an island in the past and a few who are private island living right now.
Lenny Kravitz
Singer Lenny Kravitz has Bahamian roots that run deep. His mother is a first generation Bahamian-American and his connection to his homeland led him to purchase his property in the archipelago in 1989. In an interview with Travel + Leisure, Kravitz said he spends a lot of his time on his personal plot of land on the island of Eleuthera. Despite being one of the biggest artists in history, Kravitz said he enjoys the peaceful, simple life in Eleuthera.
“Where I am, there’s nothing,” Kravitz said in his interview. “Which is what’s beautiful about it. It’s more raw.”
Tyler Perry
When Tyler Perry purchased White Bay Cay in the Bahamas, the island was completely undeveloped. Today, Perry has transformed the island into a 14,000-square-foot mansion. Inspired by Balinese architecture and design, Perry has added a spa, marina, and guest bungalows to his extensive property. The film and cinema genius purchased White Bay Cay in 2009.
Beyoncé & Jay-Z
According to Style Magazine, international superstar couple Beyoncé and Jay Z own multiple beautiful islands. The rap and business mogul purchased an island off the Florida Keys for his wife Beyoncé in 2010 for an estimated 18 million dollars. A few years later, the couple purchased another island together. This time they invested in a 360-acre private island property in the Bahamas for $2 million.
Eddie Murphy
Comedian, actor, and entertainer Eddie Murphy also owns a private island in the Bahamas. Murphy purchased the island in 2007 for $15 million. The tropical Rooster Cay Island is now valued at over $19 million. The island isn’t too far from the tourist hub of Nassau. However, it is off-limits to the general public.
Diana Ross
Motown queen and superstar Diana Ross owned a private island in the French Polynesian. The singer honeymooned on the island in the 80s and spent much of her private time there. She originally purchased the island with her husband, Arne Ness Jr. When the couple divorced in 2000, they sold the island and split the funds evenly.