Depp reveals his island hideaway

Johnny Depp has bought his own island hideaway to get away from the pressures of fame and movie making.

"You can feel your pulse rate drop about 20 beats - it's instant freedom and a little morsel of anonymity," the film star told the July issue of Vanity Fair about his 45-acre private Bahamian island, Little Hall's Pond Cay.

"That rare beast - simplicity - can be had," he added.

Depp went on: "(Life on the island) is my decompression. It's my way of trying to return to normalcy. Escapism is survival to me."

The island has six beaches. Johnny has named one Paradis after partner Vanessa Paradis, and others Lily Rose and Jack after their children. One is called Brando after his actor mentor Marlon, and one is named Gonzo for his late friend Hunter S Thompson.

There is also an area which Depp has named 'Heath's Place' after late actor Heath Ledger.

"Whenever I was getting frustrated about being 'novelty boy' and making movies, I told myself, 'calm down, I can come down here and disappear'," said the 45-year-old actor.

"I spent the Christmas season here with Vanessa and the kids. You can feed hot dogs to the nurse sharks in the Exumas (the out islands of the Bahamas) - but it's best to not swim when doing it. I don't think I'd ever seen any place so pure and beautiful."