Private Islands in the Virgin Islands

Sitting the on a white sand beach as the water washes gently ashore with a cold drink in your hand; it couldn't get much better, could it? Well it could be better if that white sugar fine sand beach wasn't just on an island somewhere, but on YOUR island somewhere. That's right, you got it, we're talking about your own private island. Sounds like an impossible dream, but it may be easier than you think to get a little slice of your own private paradise.

If you've been on our zip-line tour recently, you've probably heard your guides mention that there's a little island to the north called Hans Lollik that is for sale for a reasonable twenty nine million bucks. Now if you think that's a high price, we can put it in perspective for you, the most expensive property on St. Thomas, a monstrous waterfront villa, comes in at a cool thirty mil. 

At this point you're probably thinking that the island sounds like a much better deal. Well in terms of private islands many have paid much less than that for a piece of heaven. A good example is knighted billionaire, Sir Richard Branson, Whose island, Necker island, just a few miles to the north of the USVI, was purchase in the seventies for under two hundred thousand dollars. The story goes, Sir Branson wanted to impress a girl so he got a flight to the island which was for sale at the time, after taking the tour he low-balled at one hundred thousand dollars and was quickly asked to leave. After a few years he upped his offer slightly and was able to secure the island. Now he makes back what he spend on the island in a matter of months. He's noted with saying that it was his best investment decision. 

Now there actually are a few little islands on the market these days in the sub three hundred thousand mark, it wont get you anything in the Caribbean, but if a lake in northern Michigan is your cup of tea, then you too can join the select group who own their own island.

A little closer to our home on St Thomas, in the British Virgin Islands, which can also be seen from the top of your zipline adventure, there are over seven privately owned islands all of which have some development on them that serves as a resort which is usually a stipulation when buying an island in the BVI's to encourage economic development.  

Hans Lollik isn't the only private island in the USVI where no passport is required and only a short flight from the east coast! You also have Thatch Cay, Little St. James, Lovango Cay, Great St. James, and a few others. A great boat trip trough the islands should always include passing a few of these very exclusive islands. While some have magnificent and palatial villas atop the hills, some still have no development on them whatsoever. Private islands are just another unique feature in the vibrant and quirky culture of the Virgin Islands. So remember, the next time you zip at Tree Limin' Extreme, make sure to ask your guides about the private islands you can see from the platforms!