Shakira and Roger Waters’ Once Private Island Listed for $30 Million After Plans to Turn It into a Retreat for Artists Split

A private island in the Bahamas that was once a destination for A-list artists is set to go back on the market for the first time in 20 years—after the high-profile investor group behind the project failed to bring it to life.

The island, known as Bonds Cay, is located in the Berry Islands, and was once owned by a group of investors that included a pop star. Shakira again Pink Floyd a musician Roger Waters.

That group, which bought the property in 2006, originally intended to turn the 800-hectare Caribbean island into a luxury development that was intended to include a boutique hotel, luxury apartments and houses, private beaches, and a retreat for high-profile artists, according to reports at the time.

Their vision was an exclusive community where their few elite investors would live, at least for a while, and where artists could freely show their work to wealthy citizens and guests.

However, that idea never materialized, and the island is now back on the market for the first time in 20 years—offering a rare opportunity to own an unspoiled oasis in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, less than an hour from Florida.

“Bonds Cay feels incredibly remote, yet is only 37 miles from Nassau and 155 miles from Fort Lauderdale. You get complete privacy without sacrificing easy access,” the listing agent said. Gavin Christie of Corcoran CA Christie Bahamas notes.

“Bonds Cay is one of the most stunning private islands in all of the Bahamas with 650 acres of unspoiled beauty, from powder white beaches to miles of deep blue waters. It’s rare to find an island this size that remains completely pristine.”

Although Shakira, Waters, and their other investors failed to bring their island to life, Christie notes that their plans should be an inspiration to future buyers interested in similar developments.

“The master plan on the island shows how development can be both loving and sensitive to nature. With thoughtful design, new ownership can create something extraordinary here while preserving the ecological soul of Bonds Cay,” he said.

However, the island should not be viewed only as a business opportunity, he added, explaining that it could also serve as a secret getaway—for those with deep enough pockets to pay for it.

“Whether it’s a world-class resort, an exclusive residence, or a very private family residence, the size of the island allows for a spectacular view without compromising its natural beauty,” he said.

“The island can be used solely as a private island residence, and/or developed with multiple luxury residences, hotel accommodations, etc.—all pending government approval.”

When Shakira, Waters, et al. we bought this island, last on the market for $16 million; while it hasn’t been publicly listed since then, it’s unclear who currently owns the property—or whether that investor group quietly took it off the market.

However, the property’s new asking price of $30 million makes history as one of the most expensive private island listings in the Bahamas.

Anyone interested in purchasing Bonds Cay will likely need to be prepared to invest heavily in the development of the island, whether for commercial use or as a personal residence.

The island currently has a few properties, including “shiny” bungalows and a beachfront bar—and is only accessible by seaplane, helicopter, or boat.

Although perhaps not the easiest way to travel, its location is remote it does makes it good for anyone who wants to isolate themselves from the outside world.

The Berry Islands are located in the northern Bahamas where sport fishing is popular.

The island is also a special habitat for a species of land snail that was discovered there in 1921—and it has a lot of nature, including a variety of marine life.

“Bounded by the Tongue of the Sea, a deep underwater channel with a variety of marine life, it makes the waters some of the most abundant in the country,” a press release shared with Realtor.com® notes.

“Chub Cay, near Bonds Cay, is known as the ‘Billfish Capital of the Bahamas.’ Green marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and tuna, as well as wahoo, make this area famous for sport fishing.

“Bonds Cay is a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, with opportunities to stroll along the beach, picnic, and enjoy the warm Bahamian sun.”