13 TV Stars Who Chose Islands Nowhere Near L.A.

Some TV stars love the excitement of big cities, but others prefer the peaceful vibes of island life. These celebrities have chosen to escape the hustle and bustle of L.A. for more serene locations. Whether it’s for a quieter life or a change of pace, their island choices stand out. Get ready to discover where they’ve decided to lay down roots. 

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Matthew McConaughey – Costa Rica

Matthew McConaughey made waves when he decided to settle in Costa Rica, far away from the Hollywood scene. The actor has long expressed a desire to live a laid-back lifestyle, and Costa Rica offered the perfect balance of nature and privacy. He purchased a sprawling property in the jungle, where he can enjoy surfing, outdoor activities, and the peace of the Pura Vida life. For McConaughey, it’s a place where he can focus on his family, personal growth, and his environmental initiatives.

His choice to live in Costa Rica also reflects his commitment to sustainability and his efforts to minimize his environmental footprint. With a love for wildlife and nature, McConaughey spends much of his time advocating for ecological conservation in Central America. This shift from L.A. was a personal one, as he sought a lifestyle that focused more on experience than on fame. His decision to make Costa Rica his home aligns with his desire to live authentically and close to nature.

Chris Hemsworth – Byron Bay, Australia

Chris Hemsworth, best known for playing Thor, chose to settle in Byron Bay, a coastal town in New South Wales, Australia. Hemsworth and his family enjoy the laid-back lifestyle the town offers, away from the overwhelming pace of L.A. The beautiful beaches, lush nature, and tight-knit community provide a perfect environment for his family. This decision was driven by a need for privacy and space to enjoy life outside the spotlight.

Byron Bay holds personal significance for Hemsworth, who spent his childhood in Australia, making the area a natural choice. In addition to its beauty, the town has become a hotspot for celebrities seeking a quieter lifestyle. Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, have raised their children there, opting for more time with family and less exposure to public life. His decision is a clear reflection of his desire for balance and peace, prioritizing family over fame.

Nicole Kidman – Sydney, Australia

Though she spends much of her time in L.A., Nicole Kidman has chosen to maintain a permanent residence in Sydney, far from the typical Hollywood hustle. Kidman’s choice to live in Sydney has been influenced by her Australian roots and her desire to remain close to family. The city provides a balance of urban amenities and coastal beauty, allowing Kidman to focus on her career while enjoying a quieter lifestyle. With a blend of city life and access to the great outdoors, it’s a place where she can recharge between projects.

For Kidman, Sydney is more than just a place to live, since it’s a return to her roots. The actress, who was born and raised in Australia, values the cultural and emotional connection the city offers. She’s also said that Sydney’s vibrant arts scene is one of the main reasons for her staying there, offering opportunities to connect with the local community. This peaceful environment enables Kidman to focus on her personal life, which is important to her in the midst of her busy career.

Ethan Hawke – Puerto Rico

Actor and filmmaker Ethan Hawke chose to settle in Puerto Rico, finding the island’s unique energy and vibrant culture a perfect fit for his family. Hawke, known for his roles in both film and theater, enjoys the slower pace of life in Puerto Rico while being able to connect with his artistic roots. The island’s thriving arts scene and natural beauty offer an inspiring environment for creativity. The decision to move to Puerto Rico also stemmed from a need for privacy and a break from the Hollywood grind.

Hawke’s life in Puerto Rico is marked by a sense of freedom and connection to the community. He has expressed a deep appreciation for the island’s warmth and culture, often attending local events and immersing himself in the art scene. While his career continues to bring him to different parts of the world, Puerto Rico remains his home base. This choice reflects Hawke’s desire to cultivate a life where he can nurture both his personal and professional growth outside of the L.A. spotlight.

Hugh Jackman – Sydney, Australia

Hugh Jackman has spent much of his time in Sydney, Australia, where he maintains a home with his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. The actor, who has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, finds Sydney to be the perfect place to escape the pressures of the L.A. scene. The city offers a blend of cosmopolitan life and natural beauty, with stunning beaches and a vibrant cultural scene. Sydney allows Jackman and his family to live more privately while still enjoying all the benefits of a world-class city.

For Jackman, Sydney is not just home, as it’s where he finds a sense of peace and connection to his roots. Born and raised in Australia, Jackman has always held a deep bond with his homeland, and Sydney provides him with a strong connection to his past. The city also allows him to stay grounded while juggling his international career. Jackman’s move to Sydney highlights his desire to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life, surrounded by the people and places that matter most to him.

Catherine Zeta-Jones – Bermuda

Catherine Zeta-Jones, alongside her husband Michael Douglas, opted for a quiet life on the island of Bermuda, a place they’ve called home for many years. Known for its stunning beaches and warm climate, Bermuda offers Zeta-Jones a reprieve from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. The actress has spoken about the island’s allure, noting its charm and beauty, which make it an ideal place for relaxation. Away from the flashing lights of L.A., she can enjoy a slower pace of life with her family.

Bermuda also provides a great escape for Zeta-Jones to focus on her personal and family life. The island’s tight-knit community allows her to maintain her privacy while enjoying the serene surroundings. The decision to move to Bermuda aligns with her desire to balance her acting career with quality time at home. With its blend of beauty and peace, Bermuda remains a special place for Zeta-Jones to relax and recharge away from the public eye.

David Letterman – St. Barthélemy

David Letterman, the former late-night talk show host, found his paradise in the Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy. Known for its exclusivity and stunning landscapes, St. Barth’s offers Letterman the seclusion he sought after his years in the spotlight. The island’s calmness and beauty have made it the perfect home for Letterman and his family. Here, he can enjoy a quieter life, far removed from the bustling city life of L.A. and New York.

St. Barthélemy has become a haven for Letterman, offering both peace and a sense of privacy that he values. It is a place where he can immerse himself in activities he enjoys, like nature walks and fishing, without the constant attention he would receive in major cities. Living in St. Barth’s allows Letterman to step away from the demands of Hollywood and focus on the things that matter most to him. It’s a lifestyle choice that highlights his desire for simplicity and solitude.

Shakira – The Bahamas

Pop sensation Shakira has chosen to raise her family in the Bahamas, where she can enjoy a more peaceful existence away from the hustle of the entertainment world. The beautiful beaches and tranquil environment provide a perfect escape for her and her children. Shakira, known for her busy touring schedule, appreciates the island’s serene nature, which offers her a chance to unwind and recharge. The Bahamas also allows her to maintain privacy, far from the constant media attention she faces elsewhere.

In addition to the island’s beauty, the Bahamas offers Shakira a safe and family-friendly environment. She has expressed how much she loves spending time with her children in such an idyllic setting. The move to the Bahamas allows Shakira to keep a low profile while still continuing her work in music. For her, it’s the perfect place to balance her career with family life and personal well-being.

Tina Turner – Zurich, Switzerland

Tina Turner made the bold decision to live in Zurich, Switzerland, far away from her American roots. After years of success and a demanding career, Turner found peace in Zurich, where she married her longtime partner and embraced a quieter lifestyle. The city’s picturesque views of the Alps and its calm atmosphere drew Turner to make the move. Zurich provides a much-needed retreat from her high-profile life, allowing her to enjoy the later years of her career and personal life in comfort.

Turner has always expressed her deep love for Switzerland, calling it her home for many years. Zurich offers the privacy and security that was important to her after a turbulent period in her life. The city’s mix of cultural richness and natural beauty makes it a place where Turner can focus on her personal happiness. It is a place where she can relax and enjoy life outside the spotlight, free from the pressures that came with her legendary career.

Daniel Craig – The Bahamas

James Bond actor Daniel Craig chose to purchase a home in the Bahamas, drawn to its stunning natural beauty and remote location. The island offers a perfect getaway where Craig can enjoy both solitude and a high standard of living. His choice to live there was driven by the island’s privacy and the need for a break from his international fame. The laid-back atmosphere of the Bahamas is ideal for Craig, who enjoys the serenity it provides, away from the bustling life of L.A.

Craig has expressed how much he appreciates the calmness of island life, with the ability to live outside the public eye. The Bahamas offers him a peaceful environment to unwind and escape the pressures of Hollywood. His love for the region has grown over the years, making it a place where he feels truly at home. The decision to live in the Bahamas speaks to his desire for a more grounded and personal lifestyle.

Johnny Depp – The Bahamas

Johnny Depp made headlines when he purchased an island in the Bahamas, where he has spent much of his time since moving away from L.A. The island, known as Little Hall’s Pond Cay, is private and offers Depp the solitude he seeks. Far removed from the chaos of Hollywood, Depp finds comfort in the island’s natural beauty, often citing it as a place where he can truly relax. The decision to live in the Bahamas also came after years of seeking privacy, allowing him to escape the intense media scrutiny that follows his every move.

Depp’s Bahamas retreat has become his sanctuary, offering a perfect environment to get away from the pressures of fame. The island provides not only privacy but also a space to reflect and be creative. Depp has even said that the island inspires him and gives him the freedom to live in a way that feels more authentic. It’s an ideal spot for a star who values his independence and a life outside the public eye.

Kirsten Dunst – Luke, Louisiana

Actress Kirsten Dunst has chosen to live in the small town of Luke, Louisiana, far from the glittering lights of L.A. Dunst, known for her roles in “Spider-Man” and “Interview with the Vampire,” has embraced the charm and slower pace of Southern living. The decision to leave the West Coast was influenced by her desire for privacy and a more grounded lifestyle. Luke offers Dunst a chance to raise her family in a quieter, close-knit community.

In Luke, Dunst has found peace and solace, often mentioning how much she appreciates the slower rhythm of life. Her choice to live in this small town is a departure from the fast-paced lifestyle she experienced in L.A. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and its slower pace have made it the perfect place for Dunst to focus on her family and her work without the pressure of fame. It is a place where she can reconnect with herself and enjoy the simpler things in life.

Eva Mendes – Miami, Florida

Eva Mendes decided to make Miami, Florida her home, choosing the vibrant city for its mix of culture, beauty, and comfort. Far from the spotlight of Hollywood, Mendes finds the city a perfect fit for her personal and family life. Miami offers the perfect balance of urban living with access to beautiful beaches, making it a favorite for many looking to escape L.A.’s fast pace. Mendes, who has often spoken about the importance of family and peace, enjoys a more private lifestyle in Miami.

Miami’s charm lies in its unique blend of multicultural influences, providing Mendes with the opportunity to immerse herself in different cultural experiences. The city also offers her the privacy she values, allowing her to raise her children away from the media’s watchful eye. Mendes’ move to Miami is a testament to her desire to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. The city provides her with a space where she can relax, create, and enjoy life on her own terms.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.