A once-in-a-lifetime auction for the rights to an Indonesian island archipelago
Lilit Marcus, CNN • Updated 24th November 2022
Up next
See the moment surfers are found after 38 hours lost at sea
00:43
Why this assassination site has become a tourism hotspot in Rome
02:06
Pilot explains what it's like to fly into the world's 'most dangerous' airport
01:52
See moment tour guide catches teenager defacing ancient landmark
00:46
Nudist explains what you should definitely not do at a nude beach
02:23
Woman attempts to get on plane with viral packing trick. See the result
01:44
It seats 18,000 and cost over $2B to build. See Vegas' new venue lighting up the skyline
00:54
Meet the couples who fell in love while traveling
04:50
This city has given us things we now can't live without
05:22
Video: The first time humans saw the Titanic wreck on the ocean floor
01:05
Editor's Note — Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments.
(CNN) — A group of Indonesian islands known as the Widi Reserve is about to go up for auction in what could be one of the most eye-popping real estate sales to ever take place in Asia.
The 100-plus islands in east Indonesia's "Coral Triangle" are spread out over 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres), roughly the same size as Bora Bora.
Indonesian law states that non-Indonesians cannot officially buy islands in the country. The Widi Reserve gets around that by having the eventual owner acquire interest in PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII), a holding company.
From there, the owner will be free to develop the island as they wish.
The Widi Reserve is located in east Indonesia's Coral Triangle.
Courtesy Sotheby's Concierge Auctions
However, should they feel a bit overwhelmed by the prospect, several experts -- chosen by LII -- are already waiting in the wings to support building a resort in the Widi Reserve. The lineup includes Bill Bensley, the star designer behind some of Asia's most exclusive hotels and resorts.
Charlie Smith, executive vice president for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) at Sotheby's Concierge Auctions, clearly expects the bids for this archipelago to be significant.
"Every billionaire can own a private island, but only one can own this exclusive opportunity spread across 100-plus islands," he said in a press statement.
The Widi Reserve comprises multiple coral atolls like this one.
Courtesy Sotheby's Concierge Auctions
While the eventual buyer of the Widi Reserve is under no obligation to work with Bensley, the Thailand-based designer has already worked on some design concepts for a hypothetical island resort, and a Sotheby's representative tells CNN that the architect is "an advocate for the responsible development of the reserve."
No matter what ends up happening to the Widi Reserve, it contains some of Indonesia's most beautiful landscapes, including coral reefs, mangroves and some 150 kilometers (93 miles) of beachfront.
The Reserve is only accessible by private plane. Bali's Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour flight away.
The auction kicks off on December 8 and will last until December 14. There is no reserve price, but bidders are asked to put down a $100,000 deposit to prove they're serious.
Widi Reserve offers dramatic indonesia landscapes.
Courtesy Sotheby's Concierge Auctions
Private island sales have boomed during the past few years.
Already a popular option for ultra-wealthy individuals (Shakira and Leonardo DiCaprio each reportedly own one), the desire for privacy and safe distancing made them an even more covetable asset during the pandemic.
Some islands, though, are deceptively cheap.
As Stacy Fischer Rosenthal, president of the high-end travel company Fischer Travel Enterprises, explained to CNN, it's the cost of maintenance and infrastructure that really makes owning an island pricey.
Many islands don't have existing structures, and some owners not only have to build houses but get plumbing, electricity and other infrastructure set up if they want to live there.
Add to that transportation, the cost of flying food and staff in and out, and owning an island can get very expensive very quickly.
