The Colombian artist Shakira has put her private island, Bonds Cay, up for sale — an exclusive property located in the Bahamas that she acquired in 2006 as part of an ambitious tourism project that was never completed.
The island, located about 200 kilometers from Miami, was originally purchased with her former partner, Antonio de la Rua, for approximately US$16 million. Now, nearly two decades later, it has been listed for sale at an estimated price of US$33 million — more than double its original value.
The decision marks a new chapter in the history of this Caribbean property, which was once envisioned as a luxury tourism development but ultimately remained a largely untouched territory with significant real estate potential.
Shakira’s island in the Bahamas: an exclusive paradise with restricted access
The island stands out for both its size and natural features. With an estimated area of more than 260 hectares of undeveloped land, it includes private beaches, interior lagoons, and hills offering panoramic ocean views. Its geography allows for high-end tourism projects, ranging from exclusive villas to sustainable hotel complexes.
Access to the island is only possible by yacht, private jet, or helicopter, ensuring the complete privacy its owner sought. This isolation, combined with its relative proximity to the United States, makes it a highly coveted enclave within the luxury property market.
When it was purchased, plans included the creation of a high-end eco-resort with infrastructure designed to blend into the natural environment. However, the project never materialized, and the land has remained largely untouched, preserving its value as both a natural reserve and an investment opportunity.
Regarding its uniqueness, Gavin Christie, a real estate agent at Corcoran CA Christie Bahamas, told the specialized outlet Mansion Global that “it is incredibly rare to find an island of this size that remains completely pristine. It is one of the most impressive private islands in all of the Bahamas, with 263 hectares of untouched beauty.”
A strategic decision after nearly two decades of ownership
Although no specific reason for the sale has been publicly confirmed, industry experts note that maintaining a private island involves high logistical, maintenance, and development costs. The absence of an active tourism project for years may also have influenced the decision to part with the property, which has significantly appreciated over time.