3 Island Destinations With Prime Properties Worth Investing In
From a pristine coastal property in Puerto Rico to a thriving cultural destination in Abu Dhabi and a billionaire enclave in the Bahamas, these are the best places to hang up your Panama hat.
By Kissa Castañeda
The perpetual sunshine, cool sea breeze and epic sunsets — there’s nothing more relaxing than having your own place in the sun. Those seeking a White Lotus-style tropical island retreat can choose a sleek, move-in ready villa in Koh Samui, while enterprising investors who wish to put their stamp on a historical property can explore the ‘one-euro’ home scheme in rural Sicily.
It’s long been tradition for the wealthy to choose a sun-drenched location for a second (or third) home. Sir Richard Branson famously owns several private islands, including Necker Island (British Virgin Islands), a posh playground for affluent guests. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, on the other hand, chose Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, Portugal — the same destination where Christian Louboutin set up his boutique hotel.
Pleasant weather aside, holiday homes are often a wise investment. This year, high-net worth individuals are doubling down on luxury residences in leisure destinations. According to Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2025, “44% of family offices plan to increase their real estate investments, underlining continued confidence in the market’s long-term prospects.” Over the last 18 months, allocations to real estate rose with 28% of family offices increasing their investment in direct real estate, particularly in luxury residential.
Seeking your own dreamy island escape? Here are three extraordinary destinations with super-prime developments worth putting on your radar.
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Esencia
Puerto Rico
Whether or not you’re into salsa, you’ll probably find yourself shimmying once you arrive in Puerto Rico. Visitors are greeted by a multitude of beautiful beaches juxtaposed with lush tropical rainforest — a wonderful contrast that’s the calling card of this popular Caribbean travel destination. Breathtaking nature aside, Puerto Rico has a thriving culinary landscape and a colourful music scene, a must for any good homebase.
Sounds tempting? Then you’ll like Esencia, a soon-to-open residential and hospitality development on the country’s untouched western coast. This US$2 billion-dollar coastal community stretches 2,000 acres (810 hectare) with 3 miles (5km) of immaculate beachfront for those lucky enough to call this home.
The masterplan is ambitious: 500 luxury hotel keys and 900 branded residence units in partnership with top brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Opening in 2028, one can get a sneak peek of Mandarin Oriental Esencia, which will feature 106 hotel suites and almost 300 homes designed by renowned São Paulo-based architecture practice, Studio MK27.
Uniquely, 75% of the sprawling site will be kept as an open space for recreation, including hiking and biking trails. The development aims to foster an active lifestyle with dedicated sports and racquet clubs (including padel, of course), an equestrian centre, as well as two golf clubs. With wellness being top of mind for HNW investors, Esencia will also have thoughtfully designed spa and wellness offerings.
Those who choose to live in paradise full-time will be well served. Esencia is building a K-12 bilingual school, state-of-the-art medical facilities, plus a vibrant town centre with a curated mix of restaurants, shops and other essential services.
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Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi
When one thinks of Abu Dhabi, one won’t immediately associate it with a tropical island. That’s exactly what Saadiyat is — a low-lying island off the coast of Abu Dhabi boasting 9km of natural beachfront with white sands and clear, azure waters.
Its name translates to ‘Island of Happiness’, which isn’t a hyperbole considering what’s already in place. Starchitects like Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry are shaping its skyline, and it’s currently home to an immense concentration of art and education institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Berklee Abu Dhabi.
It doesn’t stop there: the Saadiyat Cultural District will house the Foster+Partners-designed Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. This will be complemented by 60,000 sqm of luxury shopping and leisure facilities at Saadiyat Grove.
There are a handful of places to call home on this culturally rich island, mostly conceptualised by leading UAE property developer, Aldar. There’s Nobu Residences, nestled on a 50,000 sqm site with views of the glistening Arabian Gulf. The beachfront property will house 88 residences ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom lofts, and exclusive sky villas and penthouses. Set to open 2026, there will also be a 125-room Nobu hotel, as well as the city’s first Nobu restaurant and rooftop.
Over at Saadiyat Cultural District is a building made for those who prefer more calm than glam: Mamsha Palm, designed by Japanese architect Koichi Takada. Organic shapes characterise the biophilic building, which features 44 residences and amenities including a greenery-filled grand lobby and serene tea room.
Another one on the horizon is the first-ever Mandarin Oriental Residences in Abu Dhabi, due to be completed in 2028. Designed by visionary architect Bjarke Ingels, the development boasts 228 residences with floor-to-ceiling windows, flowing layouts, plush bathrooms, exquisite kitchens and private terraces. The interiors, which are designed by Lillian Wu, champion natural materials like wood and soft shapes creating a sophisticated escape that feels inviting and yet grounded.
As with any Mandarin Oriental, future residents enjoy five-star hospitality touches including access to the MO spa, concierge and private chef services, children’s programmes, luxury chauffeurs and more.
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The Exumas
Bahamas
A Bahamian archipelago with 365 islands and cays, the Exumas is revered for its white-sand beaches and world-class diving. And for those in the know, the Caribbean island nation has long been a byword for luxury. Nicknamed “Billionaire’s Row”, this sought-after destination is called home by the likes of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and celebrities such as Johnny Depp.
Located only an hour away from the United States’ Eastern Seaboard, the Exumas are easily accessible and yet the limited hospitality offerings make for a private experience. It’s no surprise that high-end developers are keen to carefully grow this slice of paradise.
Case in point: Miami-based Yntegra Group has acquired 367 acres (148 hectares) of prime real estate on two private islands. In the next three years, they have plans to open boutique resorts, branded residences, and full-service superyacht marinas expected to create US$2.5 billion in economic impact.
Hot on their heels is Aman, which recently announced Amancaya, located across two of the Exumas’ secluded private cays. Spanning 400 acres (162 hectares) of remote land, Aman’s third location in the Caribbean will house a 36-pavilion resort, an exclusive collection of fully-serviced Aman Residences, as well as amenities like an Aman Spa, a marina and a host of dining venues.
With a name that means ‘peaceful island’ in Taíno, one can expect utmost privacy in this low-density, ultra-luxury property. The Aman Group has also announced a sustainable approach to construction and development, aligning itself with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving LEED certification for the upcoming property.
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