10 Islands That Are Privately Owned by Billionaires
A few billionaires have taken beachfront living a step further—by buying the entire island. These personal slices of land come with their own rules and sometimes even herds of flamingos. It’s lifestyle real estate with helicopters, golf courses, and maybe a staff of 60. Here’s a look at islands that have billionaire names on the deed, and what makes each one interesting.
Lānaʻi, Hawaii – Larry Ellison
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When Larry Ellison bought 98% of Lānaʻi in 2012, he was picking up two resorts and the chance to turn it into a sustainable tech experiment. The island spans around 90,000 acres, and Ellison reportedly paid $300 million. It’s still home to about 3,000 residents and has become a testing ground for clean energy and organic farming.
Musha Cay, Bahamas – David Copperfield
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Musha Cay looks like a postcard, but it functions more like a stage. Illusionist David Copperfield bought it in 2006 for around $50 million and added ten neighboring islets. Guests arrive by private plane, stay in custom-designed villas, and even participate in a hidden-treasure scavenger hunt.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands – Richard Branson
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Back in 1979, Richard Branson picked up Necker Island for about $180,000. It’s now worth closer to $100 million, thanks to decades of renovations and branding. The island runs on renewable energy and functions like a luxury eco-resort. Guests may cross paths with flamingos and the occasional celebrity wedding, all managed by a full-time staff of over 60.
Bell Island, Bahamas – Aga Khan IV
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Bell Island doesn’t sprawl across thousands of acres, but its location in the Exumas archipelago makes it one of the most valuable. Aga Khan IV paid roughly $100 million for its 349 acres in 2009. The price per acre rivals top-tier Manhattan property. Private docks and proximity to luxury circuits explain why it costs nearly 87 times as much per acre as Lānaʻi.
Laucala Island, Fiji – Dietrich Mateschitz’s Estate
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Owned by the estate of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, Laucala is a 3,500-acre island turned private resort. Bought in 2003 for about $10 million, it now features overwater villas, a golf course, a private airstrip, and deep-sea fishing spots. It’s not open to walk-ins; guests are invited, and the whole island operates with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Dunk Island, Australia – Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes
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Mike Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of Atlassian, bought Dunk Island in 2022 with his wife, Annie. The Queensland retreat spans roughly 970 acres and had previously operated as a resort. The couple has plans to redevelop it into an eco-luxury destination. It’s part of the couple’s broader push to invest in renewable energy and climate-focused real estate.
Hans Lollik Islands, US Virgin Islands – Larry Page
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Larry Page, co-founder of Google, doesn’t own just one island—he has a collection. Among them are the Hans Lollik islands in the US Virgin Islands, bought in the 2010s. With no public ferry access and plenty of reef-lined coastline, they’re about as off-grid as it gets. The reported price is around $23 million.
Great St. James and Little St. James, US Virgin Islands – Stephen Deckoff
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In 2023, hedge fund manager Stephen Deckoff bought both Great and Little St. James Islands for $60 million. They previously belonged to Jeffrey Epstein and became infamous in the process. Deckoff has announced plans to redevelop the islands into a private luxury resort.
James Island, Canada – Craig McCaw
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Craig McCaw bought James Island, near Vancouver Island, in 1994 for $19 million. Once home to an explosives plant, the 780-acre island now includes a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a 5,000-square-foot home, and its own airstrip. McCaw also built six guest cottages and banned smoking island-wide.
Sampson Cay, Bahamas – John Malone
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John Malone, chairman of Liberty Media, owns Sampson Cay in the Bahamas. It’s not massive—just 31 acres—but it includes a marina and resort facilities. The island was closed to the public in 2013 and now serves as a private retreat.