7 Island Retreats of the Rich and Famous By Nina Terrero The gap between you and Hollywood celebrities just got a little bit bigger. Sumptuously decorated mansions, rare luxury vehicles and five-star exotic vacations aren't enough for several members of the business and Hollywood elite. Instead, a number of A-list movie stars and millionaire moguls have poured funds into the most exclusive investment possible: their very own personal island. Some islands have been converted into opulent resorts, like Richard Branson's Necker Island, while celebrities such as Johnny Deep use their island as a haven of private seclusion. It's the best way to flex your star power, said Carlos Greer, reporter at People magazine. It's a statement by the cream of the crop and the ultimate show of wealth for celebrities. Johnny Depp Oscar-winner Johnny Depp's island â named Little Hall's Pond Cay â is located in the Bahamas and has no fewer than six beaches, all with different names. One is "Gonzo," a tribute to Hunter S. Thompson, the notorious Rolling Stone magazine journalist, said Carlos Greer, People magazine reporter. "Depp purchased the island because he was looking for privacy," said Greer. The island is completely isolated and he enjoys snorkeling there. It's his haven to escape to as a space for instant freedom, especially because someone like Johnny Depp can be reclusive. Aristotle Onassis Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, husband to legendary fashionista and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, was among the first millionaire to invest in a private island with his purchase of Skorpios Island, located in the Ionian Sea. The privileged retreat was reportedly for sale a few years ago, attracting interest from potential buyers such as Bill Gates, Madonna and Giorgio Armani, said Greer. The estate ultimately was bequeathed to his granddaughter, Athina Onassis, the sole heir to the Onassis empire. David Murdock David Murdock, former chairman of Dole Foods, received his island, Lanai, as part of the acquisition of Hawaiian company Castle & Cook in 1985, according to a Forbes magazine profile of the businessman. Murdoch has since developed the tropical island as the site of a Four Seasons resort, which features a marine preserve, two golf courses and a luxurious spa complete with red cedar saunas and rainforest showers. Mel Gibson Mel Gibson reportedly purchased his tropical island in Fiji for $15 million in 2005. The island is one of the largest privately owned islands in the South Pacific, approximately 5,400 acres. Although it's not known how much time the actor spends on the island, Fiji is well known for its luscious flora, wonderful weather and serene ambience. Richard Branson Virgin Empire mogul Richard Branson purchased his private island residence in the British Virgin Islands in 1978 as an investment of a few hundred thousand dollars. Now lively parties held in the compound's "Great House" are attended by Hollywood's most prominent celebrities and Europe's royals, although anyone can stay at the ultra-exclusive resort if they can afford the nearly $50,000 a night price tag. Necker Island recently made headlines when actress Kate Winslet saved Bransons' mother Eve from a house fire that unxpectedly struck the resort in the middle of the night. David Copperfield David Copperfield's Musha Cay is part of an archipelago that stretches out for more than 100 miles near the sunny Bahamas. Copperfield, who hosted Google founder Sergey Brin's wedding at the island estate in 2007, isn't the only celebrity who calls the area home. Nearby islands are owned by actor Nicholas Cage and comedian Eddie Murphy. Ted Turner Media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner purchased St. Phillips Island, off the South Carolina coast, in 1979, according to the Los Angeles Times. As a prominent land owner and businessman, Turner has found a second career as a philanthropist and has given away billions to charities, most recently as part of Warren Buffet's "The Giving Pledge" last year. Of giving, the entrepreneur told ABC News, "Everybody who's rich has considered it. It's just a question of whether they do it or not because it's so much easier not to do it.