The Caribbean, and British Virgin Islands in particular, are often know as the ‘billionaires playground’ given the concentration of billionaires and high profile celebrities that own real estate in the crystal blue waters of the BVI. Instead of simply building the most amazing house or purchasing the largest luxury yacht, these industry titans have taken it a step further – they just bought a private island all for themselves!
So if you’re dreaming of how you would spend your lottery winnings, or just need to be transported away from reality for a few moments, take a look these the amazing islands below. But be warned: some of these many insight a major case of envy and wanderlust! ???
1. Sir Richard Branson – Necker Island
Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, has called the British Virgin Islands, and Necker Island specifically, his home for decades. Necker Island is home to the ‘Great House’ in addition to multiple other villas that are often rented by celebrities and high profile world leaders (including former President Obama) when they want to relax in the low key, laid back atmosphere of the BVI.
photo source: nbcnews
2. Sir Richard Branson (again!) – Mosquito Island
When one British Virgin Island isn’t enough, you buy a second! Sir Richard Branson bought neighboring Mosquito Island and has just completed development of a stunning eco-lodge. Guests can rent individual villas or the entire island to experience a few days in the life of a billionaire.
photo source: forbes
3. Larry Page – Eustasia Island
Former Google founder Larry Page is Sir Richard Branson’s next door (or do you say next island???) neighbor after purchasing Eustatia Island in the British Virgin Islands. Eustasia is completely solar powered and offers luxury villa rentals for guests looking to experience the very best of the BVI.
photo source: caribjournal
4. Larry Ellison – Lanai, Hawaii
Oracle founder and billionaire Larry Ellison is hoping to challenge the British Virgin Island’s status as the billionaire playground, with his purchase in Hawaii. Ellison has purchase 98% of the Hawaiian island, Lanai, and is transforming it into ‘A billionaire’s vision of paradise’.
photo source: townandcountrymag
5. John Mallone – Sampson Cay, Exuma Bahamas
John Malone is the largest private land owner in the US – owning over 2.2 million acres of land through the United States. 31 of the acres he owns are Sampson Cay, an island in the Exuma chain the Bahamas. Sampson Cay is complete with a resort and a yacht marina.
photo source: cnbc
6. Dr. Henry Jareki – Guana Island
Dr. Henry Jarecki has called the British Virgin Islands home for nearly 4 decades since purchasing the 850 acre Guana Island in 1978. Guana Island is home to a luxury eco-resort that is self sustaining and gourmet meals are prepared with fresh produce from the extensive gardens and orchards on site.
photo source: cntraveller
7. Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye Island
Although not technically a billionaire, Leonardo DeCaprio has owned his own island off the coast of Belize for the last 10 years. He is now transforming the island into Blackadore Caye Resort with 36 villas which will run completely off solar power and rain water catchment systems. Half of the island is also be designated as a wildlife preserve to help reintroduce native flora and fauna.
photo source: educateinspirechange
Which private island is your favorite?? Share this list with a friend and maybe they would be willing to split their lottery winnings and go halves with you on a private island of your own! ???
Did You Know?
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