:Private island

Southeast Asia has numerous islands, with Indonesia being an archipelago of 17,000 islands and the Philippines having around 7,100. Real estate laws restrict foreigners' ability to buy property in the geographical area, and many islands either have unclear ownership rights or are already settled. Private islands that are available in Southeast Asia's real estate market are also prohibitively costly due to being in high demand by hotel developers. Developments address these difficulties by selling private islands that have villas and neighbor islands that have high-end hotels; the proximity keeps costs of habitation down.{{cite news |last=McMillan |first=Alex Frew |date=November 25, 2008 |title=Buying a private piece of paradise |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/realestate/25iht-reisle.1.18917815.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208053936/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/realestate/25iht-reisle.1.18917815.html |archive-date=December 8, 2019}}

Europe has hundreds of thousands of islands, many of which are privately owned. With 17,000 islands in Finland, 221,831 islands in Sweden and thousands in Croatia, Europe is increasingly becoming a hotspot for private island holidays.{{cite web |url=http://www.visiwa.com |title=Visiwa Private Islands for rent in Europe – Island Holiday |website=Visiwa |access-date=2014-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116164635/http://www.visiwa.com/ |archive-date=2014-01-16 }} Many islands, although privately owned, are not suitable for development due to legal and governmental restrictions or due to the physical characteristics of the island.

The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean feature a number of private islands, typically run as sheep raising family farms and tourist destinations. Prominent among these is Weddell Island, one of the largest private islands in the world, with a surface area of {{convert|265.8|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}.H. Pichon, N. Rolland and N. Orlova. [http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/maritime-boundaries/inventory_report/inventory_report/at_download/file D2.1.1 Inventory Report.] European Coastal Erosion database. European Commission, 2002. p. 122 While the Hawaiian island of Lanai is still bigger at {{convert|364|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}, technically it might not qualify as part of its territory (about 2%) does not belong to the principal owner.{{cite web | last=O'Connor | first=Clare | title=Is Larry Ellison's $500 Million Hawaiian Island The World's Most Expensive? | website=Forbes | date=2012-06-21 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2012/06/21/larry-ellison-hawaii-lanai-island-david-murdock-dole/ | access-date=2021-09-27}}

Swains Island in the Tokelau archipelago has been owned by the family of Eli Hutchinson Jennings since 1856. In the late 1910s, the U.S. and Britain agreed that the island fell under U.S. jurisdiction, and in 1925 it was administratively joined with American Samoa. In the 1950s, after a labor dispute between the Jennings family and workers on its copra plantation, a form of local government was established for the island, but the Jennings's ownership of the entire island was affirmed.{{Cite book |last=Van Tilburg |first=Hans K. |url=http://npshistory.com/publications/noaa/unlocking-secrets-swains-island.pdf |title=Unlocking the Secrets of Swains Island: a Maritime Heritage Resources Survey |last2=Herdrich |first2=David J. |last3=Suka |first3=Rhonda |last4=Lawrence |first4=Matthew |last5=Filimoehala |first5=Christopher |last6=Gandulla |first6=Stephanie |date=September 2013 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries |series=Maritime Heritage Program Series: Number 6 |location=Silver Spring, Maryland |access-date=2024-04-25 |pages=1–2}}

Virtually all islands in the world are claimed and governed by some national government. That nation's laws apply, and any attempt by the owner to claim sovereignty would generally be unrealistic. Nevertheless, some people still try to set up their own micronations on islands, like real-estate millionaire Michael Oliver's attempt at building a libertarian city-state called the Republic of Minerva in the southern Pacific Ocean. There are widely varying government policies regarding private islands: for instance, islands off the coast of China, like any other land within the country,{{Cite web |title=Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress) |url=https://www.loc.gov/collections/publications-of-the-law-library-of-congress/about-this-collection/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201211029/https://www.loc.gov/collections/publications-of-the-law-library-of-congress/about-this-collection/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |website=Library of Congress}} cannot be purchased outright, but only leased from the government for a maximum period of 50 years.

"Private" islands in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Chile and some other countries are not always legally entirely private{{spaced ndash}}in some cases foreshore, such as a beach, is owned by the government, and is hence publicly accessible property, despite what the owners of the land on the island may wish to claim.{{Cite web |last=Janes |first=Mark |date=2018-02-06 |title=Access to islands and their foreshores |url=https://www.islandeering.com/access/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Islandeering |language=en-GB}} The same applies to freedom to roam in Nordic countries: only the yard of a house and the immediate vicinity is legally protected against trespassing, and the water bodies around the island are freely navigable.

There are many thousands of uninhabited islands in the world with potential for commercial development of tourist resorts or private recreational use. Some islands can be bought undeveloped, while others already have roads and/or houses. Islands are also available for rent.{{cite web |date=Dec 30, 2011 |title=Yksityisyyttä lomalle - vuokraa oma saari! |url=http://www.mtv3.fi/matkailu/ulkomaat/artikkeli.shtml/1466766/yksityisyytta-lomalle---vuokraa-oma-saari |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805011257/http://www.mtv3.fi/matkailu/ulkomaat/artikkeli.shtml/1466766/yksityisyytta-lomalle---vuokraa-oma-saari |archive-date=2012-08-05 |access-date=2014-01-15 |website=MTV.fi |language=Finnish}}{{cite news |last=Fung |first=Serena |date=2019-10-11 |title=Top 10 Private Islands For The Ultimate Escape |publisher=Destination Deluxe |url=https://destinationdeluxe.com/top-private-islands/ |url-status=live |access-date=2020-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918225949/https://destinationdeluxe.com/top-private-islands/ |archive-date=2020-09-18}} Many celebrities have their own private islands.

Commercial development of uninhabited islands can raise ecological concerns, as many have a fragile environment.

File:Dubaiworld.jpg off the coast of Dubai are privately held]]

File:Weddell-Island-Satellite-Image.jpg in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic, is privately owned.]]

The real estate market for private islands varies globally. Prices tend to be lower in Nova Scotia, parts of Michigan and Maine, and parts of Central America; and higher in Europe, the Bahamas, and Oceanic countries like French Polynesia.{{cite journal |last=Kolesnikov-Jessop |first=Sonia |date=November 1, 2008 |title=It Doesn't Take Millions to Buy a Private Island |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/166921 |url-status=live |journal=Newsweek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224182518/https://www.newsweek.com/it-doesnt-take-millions-buy-private-island-91511 |archive-date=February 24, 2021}} Islands with amenities have higher market value and are not sold as frequently.{{cite news |last=Marino |first=Vivian |date=September 25, 2005 |title=The Allure of Buying Your Own Private Island |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/realestate/25nati.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423044050/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/realestate/the-allure-of-buying-your-own-private-island.html |archive-date=April 23, 2020}} Some are available for travelers to rent, a trend which increased in the 2000s with economic recession making it more difficult for some owners to maintain them.{{cite news |last=Vatner |first=Jonathan |date=January 3, 2010 |title=Island Hopping to Your Own Island |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/travel/03journeys.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617113620/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/travel/03journeys.html |archive-date=June 17, 2022}}

In the 2000s, the United States housing bubble increased the cost-per-acre for private islands. The effect was fueled by the advent of the Internet, which provided greater access to island inventories. Conservation groups' efforts to restrict development reduced the supply of private islands in the market, raising prices.

Since 1992 a number of cruise lines have acquired "private islands" to offer their customers exclusive beach experiences. Such islands (or sections thereof) were further developed to have restaurants and perhaps additional attractions such as parasailing, waterparks, zip lines, horseback riding, spas and more.{{cite web |url=http://www.spiegel.de/reise/fernweh/kreuzfahrt-zur-privatinsel-strand-schnorcheln-seilrutsche-a-1131382.html |author=Michael Zehender |title= Privatinseln der Kreuzfahrt-Reedereien Wenn die Weltmeere nicht genug sind |publisher=Der Spiegel |language=de |date=January 30, 2017| access-date=January 30, 2017}} Some islands have piers, others are reached by tender. The purchase of an island allows the cruise line to achieve greater control over the venue and to influence the quality of experience of their passengers.{{cite journal | last=Selinsky | first=Debbie | title='Private' Island? |date=March 1996 | journal=Cruise Travel | issn=0199-5111 }} Certain private islands may be used not only by the cruise line that bought the property but also by associated lines.

• Perfect Day at CocoCay (Little Stirrup Cay), Bahamas, pier access
• Labadee, part of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, pier access
• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas, day resort (under construction)
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico, day resort (planned)
• Perfect Day Mexico, part of Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico, pier access (planned)

• Half Moon Cay or Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas, Holland America Line
• Princess Cays, part of Eleuthera, Bahamas, Princess Cruises, bought in 1992
• Celebration Key, part of Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Line, pier access (under construction)

• Castaway Cay, Bahamas, pier access
• Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, part of Eleuthera, Bahamas, pier access{{cite web |last=McKenzie |first=Natario |date=March 10, 2021 |title=Disney's Lighthouse Point development slated for early 2024 opening after pandemic delay |url=https://ewnews.com/disneys-lighthouse-point-development-slated-for-early-2024-opening-after-pandemic-delay |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Eyewitness News |language=en-US}}

• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, tender access
• Harvest Caye, Belize, pier access

• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas, pier access
• Sir Bani Yas Island 'Beach Oasis' at Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

===List of high-profile island owners===

• Gianni Agnelli, Estate of – Dino Island off the Calabria{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Pamela Anderson – Greece in The World, United Arab Emirates{{cite web |author=Hasan |date=December 10, 2012 |title=Celebrities Who Own Private Islands! |url=http://www.dirjournal.com/entertainment-journal/celebrities-who-own-private-islands/ |access-date=2010-07-18 |website=Directory Journal}}
• Bacardi family – near Grenada{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Amar Desai — Nova Scotia, Canada{{cn|date=April 2025}}
• Richard Branson – Necker Island & Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands; and Makepeace Island{{cite web|url=http://www.makepeaceisland.com|title=Makepeace Island Noosa, Luxury Accommodation, Private Island Noosa|website=Makepeace Island|access-date=15 January 2014}} Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.privateislandnews.com/richard–branson–opens–new–makepeace–island–luxury–resort–to–the–public/|title=Australia: Richard Branson opens new Makepeace Island luxury resort to the public|publisher=Privateislandnews.com|date=13 July 2011|access-date=19 August 2013}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Raymond Burr – Naitoumba, Fiji{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Nicolas Cage – Leaf Cay, Bahamas[https://web.archive.org/web/20170202064312/http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/nicholas-cage-leaf-cay/ "{{Sic|Nic|holas|hide=y}} Cage - Leaf Cay, Bahamas"], Private Island Magazine
• Arnaud Henry Salas-Perez Prince Obolensky – Patroklos Island, Greece{{Cite web |last=Muller |first=Michal |date=December 7, 2022 |title=The Rich and Famous Who Spent Big to Purchase Their Own Private Islands |url=https://www.heraldweekly.com/the-rich-and-famous-who-spent-big-to-purchase-their-own-private-islands/12/?xcmg=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230205221353/https://www.heraldweekly.com/the-rich-and-famous-who-spent-big-to-purchase-their-own-private-islands/2/?xcmg=1 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |website=Herald Weekly}}
• David Copperfield – Musha Cay, Bahamas{{cite web|url=http://www.mushacay.com/#/discover–paradise|title=Musha Cay|website=Musha Cay|access-date=15 January 2014}}
• Edward de Bono – Green Island, Australia; Tessera, Italy; Reklusia, Bahamas{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Caye, Belize{{cite web |date=12 September 2008 |title=Leonardo DiCaprio – Blackadore Cay, Belize |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/leonardo–dicaprio–blackadore–cay–belize/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Celine Dion – Île Gagnon, Quebec.{{cite web |date=12 September 2008 |title=Celine Dion – Île Gagnon, Quebec |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/celine–dion–ile–gagnon–quebec/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Larry Ellison – 98% of Lanai, one of the Hawaiian Islands.[https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2023-07-21/how-lanai-came-under-private-ownership-for-the-first-time "An island sold for a dollar? How Lānaʻi came under private ownership for the first time"], Hawai'i Public Radio, July 21, 2023. "A little over a decade ago, tech billionaire Larry Ellison made headlines when he acquired Lānaʻi for $300 million."
• Jeffrey Epstein – Little Saint James, U.S. Virgin Islands until his death in 2019{{cite web |last1=Ward |first1=Vicky |title=The Talented Mr. Epstein |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2003/03/jeffrey-epstein-200303 |website=Vanity Fair |date=March 1, 2003}}
• Disney family – Echo Island, San Juan Islands, Washington, US{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Du Pont family – Cherry Island, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, US{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Errol Flynn – Navy Island, Port Antonio, Jamaica{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Mel Gibson – Mago Island, Fiji
• Bear Grylls – St. Tudwal's Island West, Wales, UK{{cite web |last1=Hawtin |first1=Phil |title=St Tudwal’s Lighthouse upgraded |url=https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/articles/st-tudwals-lighthouse-upgraded |website=Trinity House |date=April 4, 2022}}
• Gene Hackman – Fawn Island, San Juan Islands, Washington State, US{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Nick Hexum – Melody Key, Florida{{cite web |date=12 August 2008 |title=Nick Hexum 311 – Melody Key, Florida |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/08/nick–hexum–311–melody–key–florida/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Faith Hill and Tim McGraw – Goat Cay, Exuma, Bahamas
• Jim Jannard – Kaibu Island & Vatu Vara Island, Fiji; and Spieden Island, San Juan Islands, Washington State, US{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Dean Kamen – North Dumpling Island, New York, US{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• John Lennon – Dorinish Island in Clew Bay, County Mayo, Ireland{{cite web|url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/10/john–lennon%E2%80%99s–irish–%E2%80%9Cbeatle–island%E2%80%9D/ |title=John Lennon's Irish "Beatle Island" | Private Islands Magazine |publisher=Privateislandsmag.com |date=23 October 2008|access-date=19 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Ricky Martin – Angra dos Reis, Brazil{{cite web |date=11 September 2008 |title=Ricky Martin– Island in Angra dos Reis, Brazil |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/ricky–martin–island–in–angra–dos–reis–brazil/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Dietrich Mateschitz – Laucala, Fiji
• Eddie Murphy – Rooster Cay, Bahamas{{cite web |date=12 September 2008 |title=Eddie Murphy – Rooster Cay, Bahamas |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/eddie–murphy–rooster–cay–bahamas/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Peter Nygård – Nygard Cay, Bahamas{{cite web |date=11 September 2008 |title=Peter Nygard– Nygard Cay, Bahamas |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/peter–nygard–nygard–cay–bahamas/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Aristotle Onassis – Skorpios Island, Greece{{cite web |date=10 September 2008 |title=Aristotle Onassis – Skorpios Island, Greece |url=http://www.privateislandsmag.com/2008/09/aristotle–onassis–skorpios–island–greece/ |access-date=19 August 2013 |publisher=Private Islands Magazine}}
• Michael Ondaatje – Several islands, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada{{cn|date=April 2025}}
• Roberto Ongpin – Balesin Island, in Polillo, Quezon, Philippines{{cite web |title=Life In The Fast Lane: How One Tycoon Bets On Luxury Playgrounds For Asia's Elites |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesasia/2017/08/23/laps-of-luxury |last1=Guest |first1=Forbes |date=August 23, 2017 |website=Forbes |language=en}}
• Baron Rothschild – Bell Island, Bahamas{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Steven Spielberg – two islands, in an undisclosed location in the Madeira Archipelago{{cn|date=March 2023}}
• Ted Turner – St. Phillips Island, South Carolina, US{{cn|date=February 2022}}
• Robin Williams – Pender Harbour, British Columbia, Canada{{clarify|reason=not the name of an island|date=February 2022}}

{{portal|Islands}}

• Uninhabited island
• List of islands
• List of uninhabited regions
• Phantom island
• Principality of Sealand
• :Category:Uninhabited islands

{{reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Private Island}}

Category:Lists of islands