Travel

The World’s Most Exclusive Island Getaways: A Peek into the Lives of the Ultra-Rich

Nestled amidst the splendor of nature are these exclusive resorts, strategically located and offering a host of additional privileges and VIP treatment. Think luxurious villas, indulgent spa therapies, private chefs, and yacht services. Presenting five such island getaways, accessible only to a select few with the means to afford them.

Administrator

2 December, 2024

These exclusive islands are considered the “crème de la crème” of secluded getaways. They offer absolute privacy, exclusive activities, and services tailored for those willing to pay a premium. Amidst lush natural settings, luxury resorts often find themselves in prime locations, with added privileges such as VIP treatment: luxurious villas, spa therapies, private chefs, and yacht services.

Here are 5 of the most expensive islands in the world that only a select few can afford:

**Rang Yai Island, Thailand – $160 Million:**
Nestled within the lush tropical forests of Thailand’s archipelago, Rang Yai Island stands out as one of the most coveted destinations. Despite its seemingly modest size, this island boasts an impressive array of amenities. It offers all the conveniences of modern life, including freshwater sources, generators, and mobile phone signals. Rang Yai Island is also linked to The Village, Coconut Island, just across the bay.

Its prime location between Phuket, Krabi, and Phangna ensures breathtaking panoramic views from every angle. Nestled among a bustling cluster of islands, Rang Yai boasts excellent transportation links, making it a top choice for development opportunities. A quick 20-minute flight to Phuket or a 10-minute boat ride to the nearest town makes it a convenient getaway to a true tropical paradise.

**Skorpios Island, Greece ($150 – $200 Million):**
Skorpios, an expensive island in the Ionian Sea, lies just east of Lefkada, Greece. This island has a famous history. In 2011, only five people lived there. Administratively, it is part of the Municipality of Meganisi.

Skorpios is where Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Some of its beaches are sandy, especially the East Beach, which was created by Onassis himself. Then, in 2013, billionaire businesswoman Dmitry Rybolovleva purchased it from Onassis’s granddaughter for a whopping $153 million.

By 2024, grand plans for Skorpios Island are expected to cost around $200 million. Transforming the island into a luxurious destination includes adding a 5-star hotel, villas, a farm, vineyards, a spa, a sports complex, lakes, a large marina, a theater, and a helipad. The island’s water supply, sourced from a mountain on a nearby island, is valued at approximately €100 million.

**Lisbon Island, Portugal – $310 Million:**
Lisbon Island, nestled in the heart of Portugal, holds immense potential as an exclusive private retreat. Plans are underway to transform it into a fully equipped, luxurious haven, attracting the ultra-wealthy.

Lisbon Island is now qualified for development, offering proximity to Portugal’s mainland and ample space. There are plans to build a golf course and upscale residential area, making it a hotspot for commercial projects. Over the years, its value has fluctuated, ranging from $310 million to $350 million. At present, it is one of the most expensive islands on the market.

This paradise promises thrilling adventures among all the Portuguese-owned islands. From exhilarating water sports to refined pleasures like luxurious spas, exclusive golf experiences, or a combination of both. These islands can become bustling tourist hubs, wildlife sanctuaries, or havens for exploring pristine nature.

**New Holland Island, Saint Petersburg – $400 Million:**
New Holland Island, named for its resemblance to Amsterdam, is an artificial island created by Peter the Great in the early 18th century for timber storage and shipbuilding. Later, it became a naval stronghold for the Russian Navy, with one of its main architectural features, the Bottle House, previously serving as a military prison.

In 2010, the renovation of New Holland Island was entrusted to Millhouse LLC, directed by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who spent a staggering $400 million to acquire this privilege. Millhouse collaborates with experts from diverse cultural fields and has also engaged the Iris Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing modern culture and art.

This triangular gem, located near the Neva River, boasts towering circular buildings that are hard to miss. Reborn as a city within a city, its classical facades have been meticulously restored, now surrounding a lush park and serene pond amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The triangular island is home to several restaurants, infusing new life into its historic space.

**Lanai Island, Hawaii – $610 Million:**
Lanai is the sixth-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Once hailed as the “Pineapple Island” due to its thriving pineapple fields, it gained rapid fame in 1992. That was when a pineapple mogul splashed out an astonishing $600 million to make it his own.

Considered the most expensive island in the world, Lanai stands out not only in Hawaii but also among the exclusive private islands owned by billionaires worldwide. Owned by Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and the fourth-richest person globally according to Forbes, it is Hawaii’s most luxurious private island. Ellison owns 98% of Lanai, leaving only 2% in the hands of the state.

There are a total of three hotels on Lanai, including two luxurious Four Seasons resorts. All are operated under the direction of Larry Ellison, ensuring guests are treated like royalty. The flavor of local culture is evident through the hotels’ extravagant Polynesian art collections. The penthouse, with its breathtaking ocean views and lavish amenities like a $21,000 drop-down TV, costs $21,000 per night. The surrounding lush greenery adds to the resort’s allure, featuring botanical gardens and koi ponds.