When the constant flash or paparazzi bulbs and crowds of adoring fans became too much to bear, the stars of the golden age went into hiding.
An island retreat was the obvious choice for solace, peace, and the chance to walk along a beach in total anonymity.
If you want to follow in their footsteps, we’ll introduce you to the island hotspots you should check out.
7 Golden-Age Islands to Escape Modern Times
From far-flung Europe to island hopping in the Caribbean, here’s where you can tread the path of ’50s glamour.
Before you jet off, here’s one simple travel packing hack: pack a book about your favourite star so you can read their story while sitting on the very beach where they once found refuge.
1. Jamaica
Noel Coward famously fell in love with Jamaica in the late 40s, eventually building a hideaway retreat he named “Firefly.”
If you are wondering, yes! You can tour Firefly (now owned by Chris Blackwell) and soak up the magnificent North Jamaican views.
Another fan of Jamaica is Errol Flynn, who settled in Port Antonio. He also purchased Navy Island, where he built a house to entertain his numerous ladies and throw decadent parties.
Unfortunately, you can’t visit the island, but you can hire a local to take you on a boat to view it from afar.
2. Hawaii
Elvis Presley was an avid fan of Hawaii, having first visited the lush islands in 1957.
He was so enamoured with the place, he eventually filmed three movies there: Blue Hawaii, Girls! Girls! Girls!, and Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
You can trace his steps by visiting Waikiki, O’ahu, and Maui.
3. Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
It’s easy to see why Marlon Brando purchased the Tetiaroa Atoll. Silk white sand and a crystal clear inner lagoon make this place special. More importantly, it served as a hideaway from the Hollywood spotlight.
His dream was to preserve the island and retain its pristine condition. That dream is still realized today.
Conserved by the Brando Family Trust, you can stay in this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime location. The island hosts a luxury resort with 35 private, beachfront villas.
4. Catalina, California
Catalina Island is known for having provided the filming location for over 500 movies and television programs.
Therefore, it was a natural location for many 50s stars to moor their boats and gain a bit of downtime.
Charlie Chaplin was often spotted there and loved to spend his days fishing for tuna with his wife, Paulette. Clark Gable, James Cagney, Joan Crawford, and Norma Shearer were also island regulars.
Nowadays, Catalina is host to abundant wildlife and is a mecca for adrenaline junkies.
5. Capri, Italy
Greta Garbo loved spending her time on the island of Capri. She tried to escape attention, but there are many paparazzi shots of her strolling the streets of Capri Town wearing dark sunglasses.
Other 50s starlets who loved this Italian isle include Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, and Sophia Loren.
The Piazzetta, Gardens of Augustus, mystical seacaves, and stunning coastal views make this location a Mediterranean gem worth visiting.
6. Ischia, Italy
Ischia served as the backdrop to the start of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s very public and scandalous affair.
After filming Cleopatra in Rome, the pair were snapped swimming and sunbathing on a boat moored just off the coast of the island.
Today, Ischia is a popular tourist destination offering a slice of ancient Italian charm.
7. Cuba
Before it was sanctioned, Cuba served as a hideaway playground where the stars could gamble, party, and let loose in style.
Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Nat King Cole were all fans. You could also spot Marlon Brando there, too.
Thankfully, Cuba is now easy to visit, and better still, it retains much of its 1950s-era splendour.
Final Thoughts
Although the Hollywood glamour has faded, these island locations still retain their charm and allure. All are worth visiting in their own right, so which will you choose?