6 Most Exclusive Private Islands Owned by CEOs

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Owning a private island is arguably the ultimate symbol of wealth. A mansion or a penthouse is nice, but an island offers something more: complete privacy, natural beauty and the power to reshape the landscape according to one’s vision. The exclusivity of these properties puts them in a class of their own.

For business leaders who can afford the multimillion-dollar price tags, owning an island gives them a truly personal escape. Several prominent CEOs have joined this exclusive club of island owners, each putting their own stamp on them.

Indigo Island Owned by Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault is the CEO of LVMH — the company formed by the merger of Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy. The company’s brands are synonymous with luxury and Arnault’s private island reflects that reputation.

Indigo Island is a 135-acre private island in the Bahamas. This exclusive spot features pristine beaches, a small marina, tennis courts and villas. For the right price, you can rent the island yourself and experience it firsthand — the entire island is available for rent at about $300,000 per week. You and eleven more of your friends will have it all to yourselves as you’re waited on by the first-class staff. 

Lanai Owned by Larry Ellison

Oracle founder and former CEO Larry Ellison owns Lanai, the sixth-largest island of Hawaii. Actually, he owns 98% of it, but close enough, right? There are two Four Seasons resorts here and three golf courses — one of which is free and open to the public.

Velaa Owned by Jiří Šmejc

Billionaire Jiří Šmejc is the CEO of Home Credit, a loan company. He owns Velaa, an island in the Maldives. Unlike many private islands, Velaa operates as a high-end resort catering to elite travelers. This ultra-luxurious resort has 43 private villas for rent as well as two four-bedroom houses. The restaurant is overseen by two Michelin-starred chefs. 

Gladden and Kanu Owned by Chris Krolow

Chris Krolow is the CEO of Private Islands, Inc. He’s made a business out of helping the ultra-wealthy buy their own exclusive island real estate and he’s made quite a name for himself doing so. He’s also the host of the HGTV show Island Hunters, where you can watch how he does it.

But he doesn’t just help broker islands — he also owns two himself — Gladden and Kanu, both of which are in Belize. Both can be rented and have eco-friendly villas where you’ll stay. 

Sampson Cay Owned by John Malone

John Malone, chairman of Liberty Media, is one of the largest landowners in the U.S. He owns Sampson Cay, a private island in the Bahamas. This island used to be home to a high-end resort called the Sampson Cay Club, but as reported by Bahamas Local in 2013, Malone converted it into a private retreat for himself and his family. 

Necker Island and Moskito Island Owned by Richard Branson

Billionaire Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, owns not one but two private islands in the British Virgin Islands: Necker Island and Moskito Island. 

Necker Island is just 74 acres, but there are multiple resorts, hotels and opulent villas where you can stay. Branson also owns Moskito Island, just two miles from Necker. Moskito is a little bigger, at 125 acres. Exclusive luxury villas can also be rented here.

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