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When they need a break from their crazed schedules of movie filming, concert tours and paparazzi-dodging, celebrities know there's no better escape than an island in the sun. Options abound for the star seeking relaxation–from secluded private islands to opulent estates set in luxury developments. Many of the most famous stars of stage and screen have made their home-away-from-home in the Caribbean and Latin America. These tropical paradises are only a quick flight from the U.S. and Europe, yet worlds away from the hectic pace of their everyday lives.

We all need an escape sometimes–and with many of these celebrity villas available for rent, you could stay in the vacation home of Eric Clapton, Bruce Willis or Mick Jagger and enjoy the star treatment that comes with their homes, often including a private chef and a full staff. And just like the celebrities, if you decide you want to stay longer, you can find your own place in the sun and buy property in one of these fabulous spots.

Where to Rent Celebrity Homes in Paradise:

Eric Clapton – Rock Legend Eric Clapton owns a 45-acre retreat on the island of Antigua. Set on a bluff, the 10,000-square-foot "Standfast Point"–boasting grand terraces, alfresco dining areas, two pools and accommodations for up to 14 guests–rents with a full staff for about $50,000/week. www.standfastpoint.com

Steve Martin – Funnyman Steve Martin leases his St. Barth's home, featuring sweeping views of St. Jean Bay, Balinese-style gazebo and four bedrooms and baths, for about $30,000/week. www.stbarth.com

David Copperfield – Star magician David Copperfield offers guests a wondrous experience at his private Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay resort, found in the Exuma Cays chain of the Bahamas. Set amid the spellbindingly blue waters of the Exumas, the entire 700-acre secluded resort can be rented for up to 24 guests, enjoying five guest villas each with its own beach. Rates start at $37,500 per day for 12 people. www.mushacay.com

Mick Jagger – Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger escapes to a Japanese-style beachfront villa on the island of Mustique. Enjoy the lush landscaping, onsite tennis court, outdoor dining, and a staff that includes a personal chef starting at $15,000/week. www.unusualvillarentals.com

Bruce Willis – Movie star Bruce Willis takes his family to the Turks and Caicos when he needs some downtime. Set inside the exclusive Parrot Cay Resort, his six-acre oceanfront estate, called "The Residence," with a five-bedroom main residence and two three-bedroom guest villas rents for more than $20,000/night. www.parrotcay.como.bz/stay/the-residence

Christie Brinkley – Parrot Cay Resort in the Turks and Caicos is a favorite among the celebrity set–former supermodel Christie Brinkley has one of her many vacation homes here. Her beachfront villa, "Lucky House," rents with its own butler for about $8,000/night, and guests looking to unwind will enjoy having access to the 13,000-square-foot open-air yoga studio and ayurvedic spa. www.parrotcay.como.bz/stay

Keith Richards – The Rolling Stones' guitarist also makes his home at Parrot Cay Resort in the Turks and Caicos. His three-bedroom "Rocky Point Villa" has an infinity edge swimming pool overlooking two acres of beachfront property and rents for about $8,000/night. www.parrotcay.como.bz/stay/rocky-point

Richard Branson – Perhaps no celebrity Caribbean home is better known than Richard Branson's British Virgin Island retreat Necker Island. The island can be rented privately for up to 28 guests, with rates starting at $36,000 per night for a minimum of 16 guests, or during "celebration weeks" throughout the year couples or singles can book rooms and share the house. www.neckerisland.virgin.com

Celebrity Private Islands in the Bahamas: For the celebrity who really wants to disappear, a private island is the obvious choice. Set in spellbinding waters, close to the U.S. for easy stop-overs when their schedules permit and with many uninhabited islands available, the islands of the Bahamas are popular among celebrities.

Situated in the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in the Bahamas, 35-acre Little Hall's Pond Cay–with six beaches and a private lagoon–is Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp's place to escape. Other celebs who have laid claim to islands in the Exuma Cays include Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Nicolas Cage and David Copperfield. Eddie Murphy purchased Rooster Cay–located near the Bahamas' capital of Nassau.