Who Lives on 5 Star Island? The Billionaires and Celebrities Calling Miami‘s Exclusive Star Island Home

Miami‘s Star Island has been the pinnacle of luxury living from the time it was developed in the early 1920s. The man-made private island located just off shore from Miami Beach has attracted celebrities, business tycoons, and the global elite with its unparalleled amenities, security, exclusivity and prestige. But exactly who has lived and currently resides on this oasis for the rich and famous?

Star Island was meticulously constructed in 1922 by dredging sand from the bottom of Biscayne Bay to create an exclusive neighborhood inspired by the nearby man-made islands of Miami Beach. The island measures 82 acres and originally had 41 residential lots, though some have been combined over the years and it now hosts around 30 luxury estates. Only about 130 people reside full-time on the island, but its significance far outpaces its small size.

Let‘s take a look at some of the billionaires, celebrities, and other prominent residents who have called Star Island their home over the years.

Billionaires Flocking to Star Island

In recent years some of the world‘s richest billionaires have purchased lavish estates on Star Island:

• In 2021, billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin bought a property for $75 million, setting a new record sale price for Star Island. His 18,000 square foot mansion was previously owned by Calvin Klein.

• Phillip Frost, a pharmaceuticals billionaire, owns an extensive Star Island estate, hosting both intimate family gatherings and large non-profit fundraisers.

• Billionaire entrepreneur John Jansheski‘s Mediterranean revival mansion is arguably the largest on the island at nearly 18,000 square feet with 2.5 acres of land.

• Jeffrey Soffer, CEO of Fontainebleau Resorts, purchased and renovated an estate for around $16 million as a second vacation home.

(Table data sourced from published reports on highest recent sales)

The allure of living on Star Island for these billionaires includes state-of-the-art security features, amenities like private boat docks, the ability to easily entertain guests and conduct business dealings on the island, as well as seclusion from mainland Miami. Based on the recent buying activity, expect Star Island‘s reputation as a haven for the ultra-wealthy to continue growing.

Big Name Celebrities in Residence

In addition to lucrative business tycoons, Star Island has attracted a number of big name celebrities over the past few decades:

• Acclaimed musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan have owned a lavish Star Island compound since the 1980s. They often host celebrity guests and events on the island.

• Hip hop icon Sean "Diddy" Combs bought a sprawling waterfront Star Island mansion in 2003 that once belonged to Madonna. His home has been the site of star-studded parties and celebrity gatherings.

• Latin pop singer Enrique Iglesias owned a Star Island mansion for many years and was known to zip around the island on jet skis. The home sold for $30 million in 2022.

• Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal lived on Star Island for years in a home fit for his massive 7‘1" frame. He reportedly loved cruising the island on a custom tricycle.

• Actress Rosie O’Donnell previously owned an island property. And pop star Jennifer Lopez currently co-owns a plush estate with former fiancé Alex Rodriguez.

In addition to the lush amenities, many celebrity residents over the years have cited Star Island‘s privacy, security teams, and ability to control media access as reasons why they chose to live there rather than on the mainland. It allows them to enjoy South Florida‘s tropical climate without sacrificing privacy.

History of a Man-Made Marvel

How exactly did Star Island come to be? In the early 20th century, developers were dredging sand from the bay bottom to construct the man-made islands that would become Miami Beach. Seeing this success, the Lummus Brothers partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to create a similar man-made island further out in the bay as an exclusive residential neighborhood for the elite.

The crescent-shaped island was dubbed Star Island and construction began in 1918. Strict building codes were implemented to ensure the island would be an architectural marvel. Homes reflected Mediterranean style with terra cotta roofing and stucco walls amid lush tropical landscaping.

By the opening in 1922, the island featured 41 residential lots, a waterfront golf course, streets lined with palm trees, and even an on-island farm to supply tropical fruits and vegetables. Homes could only be built on lots sold by the Lummus Corporation, and came with membership to the private Star Island Yacht Club.

Over the decades, as Miami grew into an international vacation hotspot and haven for the rich and famous, Star Island‘s reputation only became more sterling. With its picturesque location and amenities, the man-made island has attracted everyone from wealthy families and business tycoons to legendary celebrities.

Next time you‘re boating around Miami, look northeast across the turquoise waters and you may just spot a billionaire or celebrity living the life of luxury on exclusive Star Island.