Brazilian Butt Lift Pioneer's Former Private Island Lists for $100 Million
The 75-acre estate off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, once owned by Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, features modernist architecture, a private airstrip, and a history of celebrity visitors.
Pitanguy Island, a 75-acre private retreat off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been listed for sale with a price tag of $100 million (£75 million).
Once owned by the renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, a pioneer of the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), the island served as a secluded haven for his family, friends, and select VIP guests. Dr. Pitanguy, who died in 2016 at the age of 93, had significantly developed the island during his ownership.
The property boasts six modernist-style bungalows and nine suites, all designed with sleek lines and expansive windows offering panoramic views of the Bay of Kings. The architecture is noted to be partly inspired by the James Bond villain Francisco Scaramanga's lair from the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun."
Amenities on the island include lush tropical gardens, a swimming pool, three private beaches, natural freshwater springs, and a natural aquarium. For recreation, there is a tennis court, and golf carts are provided for transportation around the extensive grounds. The island also features a private 400-meter airstrip and a marina capable of accommodating large vessels.
Notable visitors to the island are said to have included Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, singer Frank Sinatra, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Beauchamp Estates, the agency handling the sale, has highlighted the island's potential for expansion. The new owner could potentially add a 30,000-square-foot mansion, which could increase the island's value by an estimated $135 million (£100 million), subject to planning approvals. There is also scope for refurbishing or rebuilding existing structures and upgrading facilities.
Gary Hersham, founding director of Beauchamp Estates, described the property as a "unique trophy real estate asset" with "extraordinary potential," suggesting it could remain a private retreat or be developed into an exclusive resort.
In a separate offering, Hawk's Nest Cay in the Bahamas is also on the market for £751,376, significantly less than the average price of a terraced property in London.