Set to showcase mankind's ability to live in harmony with nature, this rare opportunity will auction in December.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve and sustainably develop one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems—the Widi Reserve—by acquiring interests in PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII) awaits. LII has spent several years carefully master-planning, designing and licensing one of the most environmentally sensitive low density luxury resort and residency developments in the world in partnership with world-renowned architect and hotel designer, Bill Bensley. While Indonesian law does not permit for private ownership of islands, shares in a business with development rights can be sold to anyone. This rare opportunity will be auctioned in December, selling with No Reserve to the highest bidder in cooperation with JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group. Bidding is scheduled to open 8 December and conclude 14 December live at Sotheby’s New York, the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Bidding will also be available on our online marketplace, casothebys.com, allowing buyers to bid digitally from anywhere in the world.
“Every billionaire can own a private island; but only one can own this exclusive opportunity spread across 100+ islands,” said Charlie Smith, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ Executive Vice President, EMEA. “We’re presenting a prime opportunity for any discerning buyer in the world to participate in the conservation and development of one of the most pristine areas on earth—all available for your bid price.”
The Widi Reserve, One of Earth’s Rare Treasures
Located in far East Indonesia in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Widi Reserve is a coral atoll archipelago boasting 100-plus uninhabited, pristine tropical islands fringed by 150 kilometers of powder white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and private, deep-sea, nutrient-rich waters. This island chain is one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems left on earth and an animal kingdom of epic proportions, home to hundreds of rare and endangered species including Blue Whales, Whale Sharks, 600 documented species of marine mammals, fish, birds, insects and lizards, and species yet to be discovered. Separated not only by space and time, but by extraordinary natural beauty and total privacy, it is one of the most breathtaking properties anywhere on Earth. Set within the 315,000-hectare (780,000-acre) Marine Protected Area, 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of rainforests, mangroves, turquoise lagoons, lakes, and beaches await for potential eco-conscious development. With a vision for private members, special guests, and top conservationists wishing to experience one of earth’s last great wildernesses, the Widi Reserve is a secluded, other-worldly paradise.
Location Prominence in the Resort Industry
Synonymous with world-class luxury resort locations, such as The Brando in French Polynesia—yet on a staggering scale fifty times larger—the Widi Reserve represents nature at its most pristine, benefiting from extremely high levels of biodiversity, ocean cleanliness (free from major plastic pollution), lack of human interference such as deep sea drilling or busy shipping lanes, and minimal poaching. The deep waters around the Reserve are ideal for deep-sea and advanced dives, as well as freediving. Whales and dolphins can be spotted from the Reserve year-round and the inner lagoon of the East atoll, with estimated depths of 200 meters, is home to a shark pupping area and nursery for many endangered marine species. Popular live-abroad destinations are just a night’s sail away, while southern Flores, also reachable by live-abroad boat, is known as one of the best dive sites around the Komodo National Park. Transport guests to the pristine islands via Candella boat or a Pilatus private jet with potential plans to construct a 1,000-meter-long runway on one of the largest islands. Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cairns and Jakarta, provide optimal access destinations, with flight times ranging from just two to four-and-a half hours.
Prime Development Potential Awaits
Sustainable development lies at the heart of the Widi Reserve and the 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) available for potential eco-conscious and gentle build-outs, be it for a significant resort business for commercial use or a tropical hideaway for personal use. As part of the exclusive licensed rights, at least 50 luxury eco-resort/residency ‘keys’ may be developed over the next several years with the maximum sustainable development capacity at 500 keys spread across 17 islands. While a single key has the opportunity to include a 1-8 bedroom villa, the number of rooms, however, is only limited to the total covered roof area of 16.5 hectares (40.7 acres). Permission to build out over the internal lagoons could potentially be secured over a further 8 islands, bringing the total potential developable islands to 25 with a further 20 hectares (50 acres) of covered roof area.
A top international team of already compiled experts may also be leveraged to produce a stunning development that is close to 100% natural and sustainable, including designs by world-renowned Hotel Designer, Bill Bensley and Builder, PT Tunas Jaya Sanur.
“The Widi Reserve is truly one of the most beautiful sights in all of Asia,” added Mr. Bill Bensley. “It has been an honor to work with this team to create a unique vision of eco-resorts specifically for Widi. We look forward to the future of what the Reserve becomes and the opportunity to participate in the process.”
Alongside the eco lodges, private island estates, and other possible structures, a wide range of sustainable and responsible business opportunities also exists, with attractive opportunities for returns in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. The local community, based on the mainland, will benefit significantly from skills training and a wide range of employment opportunities. Some will become rangers and join a top international team of conservation experts in, helping to protect this incredible oceanic habitat. The Widi Reserve’s Conservation center will lead cutting-edge research programs including tagging, tracking and monitoring of iconic and critically endangered species. Embark on one of the most important conservation and sustainable development missions of a generation.
PT Leadership Islands Indonesia
The Widi Reserve is set to showcase mankind’s ability to live in true harmony with the natural world. PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII) has spent several years carefully master-planning, designing and licensing one of the most environmentally sensitive low density luxury resort and residency developments in the world. The opportunity to conserve and sustainably develop the Widi Reserve by acquiring interests in LII presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Indonesian law does not permit for private ownership of islands however shares in a business with development rights can be sold to anyone.
Widi Reserve is available for showings by appointment and additionally available for private virtual showings.
As part of our Key for Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in a new home built for a family in need.
Agents will be compensated according to the information listed on the property page. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details.