14 of the most exclusive private islands owned by celebrities

The Virgin boss bought Necker Island – uninhabited until the late 20th century – for a mere $180,000 in 1978. Since then, Princess Diana, Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela have been guests. Ben Ainslie also became a surprise guest earlier this year when he had to be rescued by Richard Branson during his honeymoon.

Developed with a Balinese theme the island can now accommodate up to 28 guests and it is possible for luxury yachts to anchor off the leeward side of the island.

“I immediately fell in love with Necker Island when I visited it for the first time,” he says, “ I am very passionate about it, what with it being my home and spending most of my time there. My most treasured memories are pretty much all from times spent with friends and families on holiday on Necker.”

Branson purchased nearby Mosquito Island in the British Virgin Islands in 2007 which also offers luxurious getaway on an exclusive-use basis for 22 guests.

Livin’ La Vida Loca meant that the Puerto Rico-born singer Ricky Martin felt in need of an island hideaway. That song also ensured he could afford one. So in 2008 the Latino heartthrob reportedly spent €6.4 million on an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in the stylish resort region of Angra dos Reis. The name of the island has never been revealed but the area has some of the most scenic islands in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus it is also a handy location if Ricky fancies enjoying this year's Rio Olympics on a luxury yacht.

Hollywood star Eddie Murphy reportedly paid €12 million in 2007 for Rooster Cay in the Bahamas. However, there are some conflicting reports that suggest that the Bahamian government still owns the island and that it has only ever been leased to individuals.

The six hectares of unspoilt beauty is just a quick hop away from buzzing Nassau. The comic actor is no stranger to the business of buying a private island having previously owned a smaller island nearby called Pearl.

So US rock star Lenny Kravitz doesn’t own this island but we love the way he lives there: with his dog in an Airstream trailer, just off his private beach, a short stroll to his surf-side recording studio.

"I have a few shirts and a couple pairs of pants, and all I do is hose them down, hang them up and rotate them," Kravitz told Rolling Stone."I have no keys, no shoes and no money. I just live, and it's good."