The Caribbean has long been a playground for the world’s elite. Renowned for its laidback lifestyle, endless array of private beaches, and lush landscapes, it’s no wonder the Caribbean hosts some of the most opulent properties ever sold.
For high-net-worth individuals seeking more than just a tropical getaway, these remarkable transactions set the benchmark for exclusivity, privacy, and luxury. Here, we take a closer look at three record-breaking Caribbean property sales that continue to captivate the imagination of the ultra-wealthy.
In a fitting tribute to the late pop legend Prince, his six-acre beachfront estate in Turks and Caicos made waves when it sold for $10.8 million in 2019.
Purchased by Prince in 2011, the “Purple Rain” star expanded his Caribbean retreat over the years by acquiring two adjacent properties, creating a sprawling sanctuary on the island’s northern coast. Known for its purple-hued driveway and an extravagant home theater draped in purple velour, the estate is a striking reflection of the artist owner’s eccentric style.
The buyer was North Carolina businessman Tom Barnes—a lifelong fan of the pop icon. Barnes vowed to maintain many of Prince’s original touches, including the signature purple driveway. He remarked on how surreal it was to own the property of an artist he had once idolized during his teenage years.
When it comes to private island and luxury real estate ownership in the Caribbean, few rival the legendary magician David Copperfield, who owns an astonishing 11 islands in the Exuma chain of the Bahamas. These aren’t just any islands—Copperfield spent five years and $40 million more (after buying the islands) to transform them into the epitome of luxury. He succeeded in turning his Caribbean domain into a private haven for some of the world’s most famous personalities, including Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.
The main island, Musha Cay, is the crown jewel of the “Islands of Copperfield Bay” and can be rented at a whopping US$60,000 per night. Spanning over 700 acres, it boasts five meticulously designed guest houses, a theater, and extravagant amenities that include private beaches, world-class dining, and 30 staff in attendance.
While Copperfield initially bought Musha Cay in 2006 for $50 million (the previous owner was Blockbuster Video co-founder John Melk), the total investment in remodeling the islands pushed the value of the property to new heights.
Back in 2004, Hollywood star Johnny Depp made headlines when he purchased his own slice of paradise, Little Hall’s Pond Cay, in the Bahamas for $3.6 million. Situated within the pristine Exuma archipelago, the 45-acre island offers a mix of white-sand beaches and lush tropical foliage.
For Depp, the island became a personal retreat, where he could escape the Hollywood spotlight and live a more tranquil life with family and friends.
Depp, inspired by his work on Pirates of the Caribbean, designed the island to reflect his love for privacy and seclusion. The island has six private beaches, each named after people close to him, including his children, Lily-Rose and Jack, and former partner Vanessa Paradis. While $3.6 million may seem modest compared to today’s prices, it’s the sentiment attached to the island and its bespoke design that makes it priceless. However, when Depp’s marriage to ex-wife Amber Heard went south, the island was sold in minutes for US$75 million.
For high-net-worth individuals, these luxury transactions exemplify how an island or property can be both a personal sanctuary and a symbol of glamour and success.
