10 of the most expensive private islands for sale right now


Hayley Skirka
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With social distancing now the norm, holidaying on a private island could be one safe solution for those keen to get away.

For anyone with more than a bit of spare change in the bank, buying a private island would guarantee year-round holidays and sunshine served in stunning isolation.

One of the largest islands in the Bahamas has become the latest secluded paradise to hit the market and become top contender for a safe holiday hotspot for the world's elite.

Little Ragged Island, also known as St Andrew's, is one of the biggest private islands currently for sale in the Caribbean.

Little Ragged Island is billed as a developer's dream with space to build a luxury retreat, private accommodation and an 18-hole golf course with land leftover. Courtesy Concierge Auctions
Little Ragged Island is billed as a developer's dream with space to build a luxury retreat, private accommodation and an 18-hole golf course with land leftover. Courtesy Concierge Auctions

Located about 220 kilometres north of Cuba and 600km south-east of Miami, the island spans 295 hectares and is home to rolling hills and endless stretches of beaches, all surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Listed for $19.5 million, with no reserve price, the island is going under the hammer on March 26.

Bidders will need a $100,000 deposit to take part in the auction, which will result in a new owner of the southernmost island of the Caribbean's Ragged Island Chain.

Billed by Concierge Auctions as "a perfect blank canvas" for developers, the island has plenty of space to build a luxury resort, an 18-hole golf course, residential properties and still have land leftover.

With kilometres of beaches, freshwater ponds and forested hills, St Andrew's also comes with access to prime snorkelling and sailing grounds. On its eastern side, it also has deep water access, making it easy for yachts, superyachts and large ships to dock. And getting to the island by air is easy, too, as it's just a 10-minute boat ride away from the nearest private airstrip.

From the Maldives to the South Pacific: the world's most expensive private islands

If the Bahamas isn't your dream destination, but escaping the pandemic to a private island paradise still appeals, there are plenty of other secluded retreats up for grabs.

With asking prices up to an eye-watering $155m, here are 10 of the world's most expensive private islands for sale today.

  1. Vatuvara Private Islands, Fiji – $155m
  2. Private Island Paradise, Thailand – $153.8m
  3. Pumpkin Key, Florida, United States – $95m
  4. Long Caye private island, Belize – $75m
  5. Ifuru Resort, Raa Atoll, Maldives – $65m
  6. Spectabilis Island, Bahamas – $62m
  7. Cave Cay, Bahamas – $60m
  8. Water Cay Private Island, Turks and Caicos – $49m
  9. Motu Tane, French Polynesia – $39m
  10. Pakatoa Island, New Zealand – $35.9m

Click through the gallery above to find out more about each private island.

Whether you fancy your own islet in the Maldives, are craving an 44.5ha retreat off the coast of Thailand or want to unwind in French Polynesian waters, if you have the capital then the world's island real estate market likely has the perfect spot for you.

And for the rest of us, there's nothing like a spot of island-induced daydreaming or paradise musing to get you through another week at home.

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Surianah's top five jazz artists

Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.  

Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.

Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.

Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.

Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

Racecard
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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

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About Okadoc

Date started: Okadoc, 2018

Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Healthcare

Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth

Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February

Investors: Undisclosed

How to get there

Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
 

Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
  • If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”