What Are the World’s Most Expensive Islands?

In 2012, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison purchased Lanai, the World’s Most Expensive Island, at an estimated price of $300 million. Guess what happened? It was all over the internet right after the purchase was made.

 In contrast to the usual trophy estates, Ellison transformed the 90,000-acre island into an experiment in sustainability. He has invested more than 450 million dollars in renewable energy systems, organic farming, and luxury resorts.

Today Lanai is not just a vacation destination but a prototype of how the rich can reinvent whole communities. The project by Ellison demonstrates that not only are some of the Islands in the World the most expensive to play in, but also to test on.

On the list of the World’s Most Expensive Islands to visit, we have Indian Creek Island. It is adjacent to Miami, known as the Billionaire Bunker, and it is one of the most heavily policed neighbourhoods in the United States. It has only 41 houses and a private country club, thus attracting the world elite, such as Jeff Bezos and Tom Brady.

In 2025, the land plot fetched a record price per acre of $105 million. The beauty of the place is not beaches but rather privacy and protection - residents are surrounded by full security and total confidentiality. It reminds us that silence and solitude may be as beneficial as ocean views in the luxury real estate sector.

High-value real estate is not new to Palm Beach, but Tarpon Island redefines exclusivity. This private island was purchased for approximately $150 million in 2024 and has a 28,600-square-foot mansion, a wellness centre, tennis courts, and docks.

Tarpon Island is only approachable by bridge and is a sign of a new era of ultra-luxury living. Old glamour meets the new demands of self-sufficient layouts, wellness facilities and home offices. To most billionaires, it is a fortress of comfort and strength.

Some islands have large villas and resorts, but Cayo Norte is left pristine. This 300-acre property, which Google's Larry Page purchased in 2018 for $32 million, is still mostly undeveloped.

The island has clean beaches, turtle nesting areas and concrete-free forests instead of luxury mansions. To Page, the worth of a building is not in construction, but in maintenance. Cayo Norte showcases that even on the Islands that are the most costly in the World, sometimes the best luxury is to leave nature to itself.

The Greek island of Skorpios has a history—it used to belong to shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. In 2013, Ekaterina Rybolovleva bought the island for approximately $153 million and initiated a EUR184 million redevelopment.

The development regulations permit the island's construction on only 5 per cent of the land, which still provides the island with its Mediterranean beauty. 

This luxury private island is a mix of history and sustainability, with wellness retreats, villas and organic farms. Skorpios reveals the way the Most Expensive Islands in the World are luxurious and highly managed to preserve their heritage.

Bell Island, located in the Exumas, was purchased by Aga Khan IV in 2009 at an estimated cost of 100 million dollars. Unlike other islands that became commercial resorts, Bell Island is a personal haven. On its 349 acres, the island has provided homes, guest cottages, and a helipad.

Another reason the Aga Khan is famous is his conservation efforts. He then sold the island and donated 1 million dollars to the Bahamas National Trust, which promotes the conservation of local marine parks. Bell Island shows that endowing some of the most expensive Islands in the world not only holds a personal and philanthropic value but also a personal one.

The Vatuvara Islands in Fiji are unlike other places where one may want to spend time. The portfolio, worth approximately $155 million, consists of 4,000 acres and an eco-resort that is completely off-grid.

The islands have limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests, which make them both a wonder of nature and a luxury investment. Fiji is quite scarce in freehold land, and Vatuvara's portfolio emphasises the scarcity element that increases an island's value.

Musha Cay is the most exclusive of personal resorts in the Bahamas and is owned by illusionist David Copperfield. The island was bought for 150 million dollars and accommodates just 24 guests simultaneously.

The main selling point of Musha Cay, however, is its customized experiences-- imagine personal concerts, treasure hunts, and custom shows. It is one of the World's Most Expensive Islands not only in terms of land value, but also in terms of the unique experience that it provides, which costs over $50,000 per night.

With the majority of the World's Most Expensive Islands located sporadically either in the Pacific, Caribbean, or Mediterranean, Dubai has developed its own solution: The World Islands. This artificial archipelago, located right on the coast, replicates the map of the world in more than 300 islands.

The Heart of Europe is one such project. Premium villas on their own islands, like Sweden Island, have been quoted at AED 100 million and above. They have underwater bedrooms, infinity pools, and direct access to the beach. They are built to be self-sufficient luxury resorts that allow Middle Eastern buyers to experience island living without the need to travel out of Dubai.

To both investors and residents, The World Islands, a luxury private island in Dubai, underscores how the city competes with and even outpaces its conventional island luxuries by combining architectural inspiration with a level of exclusivity never before seen.

• Privacy & Exclusivity – Secluded lifestyle away from crowds.
• Prestige Factor – Living among the world’s elite.
• Scenic Beauty – Stunning beaches and landscapes daily.
• Luxury Amenities – Access to world-class facilities.
• Strong Investment – High property value appreciation.
• Healthy Living – Cleaner air, water, and wellness-focused lifestyle.
• Networking – Chance to connect with global high-net-worth individuals.

Final Thoughts – From Islands to Dubai Luxury

The world's most expensive Islands represent what happens when money and fantasy collide: islands become living test subjects, historical relics, or personal retreats. They are unique, prized, and rich in terms of status and way of life.

At APIL Properties Dubai, we understand that although people cannot own an island, Dubai has a feeling of comparable prestige. Dubai real estate offers privacy, sophistication and exclusivity with waterfront apartments, exclusive communities, and luxurious homes in the centre of the Middle East.

Whether the concept of living on the island motivates you or not, look at the luxury properties for sale in Dubai with APIL—where luxury and opportunity meet.

Which is the most expensive island in the world?

Lanai Island in Hawaii, bought by Larry Ellison for about $300 million, is considered the most expensive private island.

Why are private islands so expensive?

They offer exclusivity, prime location, natural beauty, and limited availability, making them highly valuable.

Can you buy an island in Dubai?

Yes, islands from projects like The World Islands and Palm Jumeirah are available for sale to investors and residents.

What are the perks of living on a luxury island?

Privacy, waterfront views, luxury amenities, and a high-status lifestyle.

Is buying a private island a good investment?

Yes, prime islands often appreciate and attract high rental yields, especially in global luxury hubs like Dubai.