Nurai Island | Share and Share Alike

Everyone knows its de rigeur amongst the really rich to purchase their own private islands. From Johnny Depp’s island in the Bahamas to Mel Gibson’s Mago Island in Fiji, David Copperfield’s magical Musha Cay to the British Virgin Islands owned by Richard Branson, these big spenders can relax knowing their beachside antics won’t appear in next week’s US Weekly. But don’t think Robb Report jetset don’t have a conscience, rumor has it they are now considering sharing an island. How very socially responsible.

Nurai Island is located northeast of Abu Dhabi, the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. The island promises to be the travel destination for the rich and famous with the construction of “a boutique luxury hotel resort with 60 suites, 31 beachfront estates and 36 water villas”. Speaking of the latter, “the multi-storey water villas alone will span 515 square meters each, and comprise three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a private rooftop garden with spa pool, private infinity pool, multiple decks, outdoor barbeque area, gourmet kitchen and concealed service quarters”.

The 130,000 square meter island will also boast private residences 3000 – 6050 square meter residences consisting of five-bedroom and six bathrooms. “Each Seaside estate will include a private beach and garden, rooftop garden with spa pool, infinity swimming pool, indoor reflecting pools, concealed service quarters, entertainment patios, outdoor dining areas, chef and show kitchens, and outdoor showers”. Very nice. The project is a collaboration between Studio Dror of New York who’ll design the residences and Paris-based AW2 who’ll do the hotel.

So if you’ve got a spare 20 million euros to purchase private residence (huh? Johnny Depp entire island only cost $3.6 million), you’ll have to wait until 2010 to meet your ethically-minded next door neighbors.