For the super-rich, luxury mansions and enviable vacation properties are fairly commonplace. The ultimate way to showcase your wealth is to snap up your very own island paradise. From an exquisite eco island off the coast of Queensland, to a true paradise in The Bahamas, these idyllic spots could be yours – provided you can foot the hefty bill, that is! Ideal for billionaires in search of seclusion, click or scroll on to take a look at the exclusive private islands for sale right now...
As far as luxurious private islands go, this one is fairly cheap. Barberyn Island can be found just offshore from the town of Beruwala, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, just 35 miles south of the capital of Colombo. On the market with Sotheby's International Realty for £6.4 million ($8m), this pristine stretch of sand is a rare opportunity for someone hoping to snap up a piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Covering 11 acres, the island has a jetty for easy access to the sea and a breakwater to protect the isle when Mother Nature does her worst. According to the listing, building permits can be obtained with ease and the isle has already been registered as a resort and spa. Since Sri Lanka has very generous planning policies, the island can have a maximum built area of 60% plot coverage, meaning the lucky new owner can get straight to work on constructing their dream home, along with some guest accommodation.
A true slice of heaven, Barberyn Island is adorned with swaying coconut palms, a charming stone lighthouse, enchanting rock pools, idyllic beaches and plenty of lapping waves. Of course, the surrounding azure waters provide ample opportunities for water sports, fishing and wildlife watching – not a bad way to spend your days!
A natural haven of over 12 acres, the island of Ethereal is an untouched paradise a few miles from mainland Greece. The idyllic spot, which has been visited by notable names including Winston Churchill, the Greek Royal Family and rock stars like The Beatles, abounds with ancient olive and cypress trees, as well as a variety of fruit trees yielding pomegranates, apricots and peaches.
Rich in marine wildlife and white-sand beaches, the island has two traditional Greek homes, a church and a boathouse. The main property features four bedrooms, while a bungalow situated on the beach below would make an ideal guest cottage. With its own network of pathways and roads running between the structures, this is a great opportunity to own your own town.
A 15-minute helicopter ride from Athens International Airport, the main dock also allows direct access to the sea if you prefer to sail. With the island helpfully connected to a mainland water supply, all you need to worry about is which beach to sunbathe on next. Who wouldn't want to while away their days gazing at those crystal clear waters?
Over in Central America, you could get your hands on Fort Morgan Cay for a cool $10 million (£8m). Located directly on a breathtaking coral reef in the Western Caribbean, this private resort island offers unparalleled natural beauty, space and tranquillity.
Positioned in the heart of Port Royal Bay in Roatán, Honduras, this spectacular island is sandwiched between Port Royal National Park and the Marine Reserve, where sailing, hiking and world-class diving can be enjoyed. Spanning 33 acres, it comes complete with three white sand beaches, ruins of a 300-year-old pirate fort and 10,000 square feet of lounges, shaded terraces and sun decks.
As if that wasn't enough, there's even a seven-bedroom guest lodge ready to be occupied. With perfect year-round weather, this island is the ultimate choice for those seeking a dreamy holiday home. The island is less than an hour's drive away from the nearest international airport and then a quick five-minute boat ride across the bay. It's also a two-hour flight from Atlanta, Miami and Houston. For sale with Vladi Private Islands, Fort Morgan Cay is sure to be snapped up in a hurry.
This sweeping private island, fresh from the front of a postcard, can be found just off Panama’s Pacific Coast in Central America. Isla Porcada, as it’s known, is currently on the market for a whopping £8.7 million ($10.8m) should you happen to be in the market for your own island near Chiquiri Province, complete with its own cattle and horse ranch…
Numerous residencies populate the 2,471-acre idyllic escape, including the owner’s residence, a farmhouse, a caretaker’s house and four staff buildings. The island is fully self-sufficient and has the potential to be transformed into a golf resort or stud farm, though it's currently being utilised as a holiday retreat and ranch.
Fortunately, Isla Porcada boasts good phone coverage, a freshwater spring and a reliable electricity connection by means of its own solar power system. A boat is included in the sale, however, the isle does have an overgrown runway that could be restored and reactivated if you'd prefer to travel by plane. Plans are also in place to add a guest house to the island’s plateau, should you want visitors that is…
If you prefer a milder climate, then how about Turnagain Island? Located in the heart of Secret Cove in Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia, the forested isle stretches almost 95 acres and has been curated by the same family for over 60 years.
The island isn't just a paradise of forest and coast, either. It comes complete with two lovely homes that are move-in ready. The first is a custom-built post and beam residence that spans 3,000 square foot. It features a gorgeous interior with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a chef's kitchen and a stunning living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.
The off-grid property also has soaring beamed ceilings and extensive glass, allowing for unobstructed views from almost every room. The second property is older and measures approximately 2,800 square feet. It has an open-concept interior with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large living area. For the listing price of £8.9 million ($11.1m), you'll also acquire two docks, submarine hydropower, a private reservoir for irrigation, high-end security and several garages that could be converted.
If you fancy relocating to Australia, then perhaps Pumpkin Island will take your fancy. Nestled near the Southern Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, this pristine strip of land has been described by the listing agents, Private Islands Online, as "one of Australia’s best-kept secrets".
Covering 15 acres, the island is just off the coast of Yeppoon and is home to a stunning eco-friendly vacation retreat, designed for couples and VIP holidaymakers. At any one time, you could host up to 34 guests on your new private island thanks to its five self-contained oceanfront cottages with their own outdoor decks, plus two bungalows with outdoor kitchens.
The off-grid Australian retreat is entirely powered by solar and wind, but also comes equipped with plenty of rainwater storage for reuse. Pumpkin Island was named Australia’s most sustainable hotel in 2018 at the World Boutique Hotel Awards and was the first beyond carbon neutral island in the country, offering buyers the chance to take over the reins of this thriving eco-resort. Plus, with scenery like this what more could you possibly need?
If you've always wanted to own a true piece of tranquillity, now's your chance. This incredible private island in the region of Exuma in The Bahamas is a picture-postcard paradise. Known as Hummingbird Cay, the strip of land spreads some 175 acres and is only five miles from the main island of Great Exuma, making it the ultimate secret holiday escape for those looking to fly under the radar.
The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and what has been described as an "ever-changing view" of sandbars, reefs and the sky. Hummingbird Cay comes equipped with a 2,500-foot-long white sandy beach, two smaller beaches and endless diving, fishing and sailing opportunities. While most of the island is undeveloped, there are several homes ready and waiting for you to put to use.
As well as a 1,700-square-foot main house, there are also three guest lodges, numerous utility buildings and staff accommodation, so you could bag yourself land with a job thrown in. There are a total of 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 5,000 square feet of interior space. What's more, off-grid solar energy powers the island and phone and internet facilities are already in place. All you need now is £28.2 million ($35m), your swimsuit and a toothbrush!
Looking for another private paradise? Why not try Crown Pigeon Island? Found in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, with a $44.5 million (£36m) price tag, the 11-acre archipelago benefits from stunning white-sand beaches to the west and aquamarine shallows to the east, making it a true haven for nature lovers.
The island benefits from three natural beaches, as well as a restaurant and bar that could easily be renovated and opened up to tourists. Dotted across the island you'll find an array of stunning waterfront homes, too – there are five modern cottages, three plush villas and two infinity pools, not to mention jaw-dropping views.
As well as unrivalled outlooks, the accommodation comes complete with several patios, courtyards, gardens and outdoor kitchens, so you can host events, weddings and holidaymakers with ease. Getting there is easy, too: there's a large harbour with a 50-foot turning radius and enough dock space for five large vessels. Available through Sotheby's International Realty, this remarkable private island is definitely a piece of paradise.
If you have a bigger budget to work with, how about Royal Island, also in Eleuthera in The Bahamas? Up for grabs for a colossal £36.3 million ($45m), this billionaire bolthole is ready and waiting for you and all your VIP friends.
For sale with Private Islands Online, the luxurious strip of land stretches for 430 acres and can be found just off Russell Island in North Eleuthera. Home to spectacular beaches, luxurious private villas and a huge natural harbour, Royal Island is a turnkey resort that was created in 2007. It's been in operation ever since, making this ideal for someone looking to swoop in and take over the reins of a successful hospitality business.
The island boasts five separate one-bedroom villas, each with a beautiful wraparound deck. Modern and inviting, each home can be found within touching distance of the water. There's also a welcome centre, spa, gym, restaurant and bar, as well as a beach club, private catamaran and security facilities. What's more, the oasis lies less than 20 minutes away from North Eleuthera's international airport. So, what are you waiting for?
If you'd prefer to holiday in the Atlantic archipelago of Turks and Caicos, then look no further. Water Cay has just hit the market with a £39.6 million ($49m) price tag. For that sizeable sum, you'll gain 432 pristine private acres of land and 7,000 feet of uninterrupted beach frontage – this is a luxurious remote property that any celebrity would be proud to own.
Offering the best of both worlds, Water Cay is secluded but also lies just a 10-minute boat ride from Leeward Channel Marina, which in turn is a 15-minute car ride from Provo International Airport. Described by Sotheby's International Realty as the "finest private or commercial development opportunity" in all of Turks And Caicos, the luxurious piece of land comes complete with a welcome centre and a 3,000-square-foot office building in neighbouring Grace Bay.
The island boasts its own harbour and three untouched beaches: Half Moon Bay, Little Water Cay and Pine Cay. What’s more, the north shore provides the perfect foundations to build a luxury home. The pristine plot also provides access to sandy cliffs, crystal-clear waters and mangrove wetlands, so there's plenty of natural landscapes to explore.
Over in Florida, you'll find this lovely private island. Known as Pumpkin Key, the 26-acre isle lies in the tropics of Card Sound Bay, in the Florida Keys. Perfect for millionaires, it's positioned a 10-minute helicopter ride from Miami's infamous South Beach and 10 minutes by boat to Ocean Reef, a private club in Key Largo, with an airstrip for private jets.
Despite its close proximity to these popular spots, the island also provides plenty of privacy. Already developed, it comes with a main three-bedroom home, two caretaker's cottages and a dock master's apartment. Set up to be entirely self-sufficient, water and electricity are already in place, meaning you can move straight in!
The island also boasts tennis courts, a helipad and golf cart paths. The listing agents, Private Islands Online, suggest a development plan, including the construction of a family compound with several large bay front homes. Alternatively, the buyer could create a private club or resort, with up to 12 homes. The choice would be yours!
Located in one of the world's most beautiful places, as described by Forbes, the Vatuvara Private Islands can be found in the Northern Lau Group of Fiji. Totalling 5,187 acres, this incredible real estate opportunity is not for the faint-hearted – or those on a budget. On the market with Vladi Private Islands for an eye-watering £125 million ($155m), there's plenty of bang for your buck with this set of luxurious islands...
For your money, you'll obtain the 1,200-acre Vatuvara Island, the 800-acre Kaibu Island, the 3,085-acre Kanacea Island and the 102-acre Adavaci Island, as well as a Twin Otter aircraft, so you can island-hop or make a speedy getaway whenever the need arises. Talk about a home that comes with a surprising extra!
The islands have been run as a highly successful private resort for many years, seducing VIPs with their pristine white-sand beaches, tropical gardens, picturesque lagoons and coral reefs. Accommodation-wise, you're all set. There are endless incredible villas dotted across these isles, many of which are powered by solar and come with private swimming pools, jaw-dropping views and deluxe interiors. The sale also includes numerous high-end restaurants and bars.
There are glitzy estates galore on Billionaire’s Row in Palm Beach, but there’s only one island. And now it’s up for sale for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Christian Angle Real Estate. Tarpon Island, which includes an 11-bedroom mansion, a five-car garage, a tennis court, two swimming pools and 360 degrees of ocean views, is on the market for £176 million ($218m), making it the most expensive property for sale in Florida.
The man-made Tarpon Island, built in the 1930s by dredging crews (a process that removes silt from the seabed so infrastructure can be built), sits on around two acres of land. Its original 1930s Colonial-style villa, designed by celebrated architect Howard Major, has been renovated and extended to include a brand new 21,406 square-foot mansion, with 11 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, gym and weights room, a library and entertainments area, complete with billiards table and movie theatre.
The stunning new residence is more like a luxury resort than private home and includes an indoor spa, with steam, massage and wet rooms, sauna, hair salon, as well as a wine cellar and elevator. Isolated from other estates in the area, the property is accessed via a narrow bridge or by boat from two private docks. But with a 98-foot south-facing pool, outdoor kitchen and bar, we doubt you’ll ever want to leave.
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