Category Archives: Private Islands

On Feb. 10 last year, the cable ship CS Dependable appeared off the coast of the island of Diego Garcia, an Indian Ocean atoll thats home to a discreet U.S. naval base.

Over the next month, the ships crew covertly laid an underwater fiber-optic cable to the military base, an operation code-named Big Wave, according to four people with direct knowledge of the mission, as well as a Reuters analysis of satellite imagery and ship tracking data.

The new super-fast internet link to Diego Garcia, which has not previously been reported, will boost U.S. military readiness in the Indian Ocean, a region where China has expanded its naval influence over the last decade.

The CS Dependable is owned by SubCom, a small-town New Jersey cable manufacturer thats playing an outsized role in a race between the United States and China to control advanced military and digital technologies that could decide which country emerges as the worlds preeminent superpower.

SubCom, a company born out of a U.S. Cold War project to spy on Soviet submarines, is living a double life.

Publicly, it is one of the worlds biggest developers of undersea fiber-optic cables for telecom firms and tech giants like Alphabets Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta Platforms.

Behind the scenes, SubCom is the exclusive undersea cable contractor to the U.S. military, laying a web of internet and surveillance cables across the ocean floor, according to the fourpeople with knowledge of the matter: two SubCom employees and two U.S. Navy staffers. The individuals asked not to be named because they were not authorized to discuss the operations.

This dual role has made SubCom increasingly valuable to Washington as global internet infrastructure from undersea cables to data centers and 5G mobile networks risks fracturing into two systems, one backed by the United States, the other controlled by China.

SubCom is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm that has invested in defense contractors and national security assets.Last year, Cerberus paid $300 million for a Philippine shipyard on a former U.S. Navy base close to the South China Sea, beating out Chinese competitors for control of a strategic site in a region where Beijing has been flexing its military muscle.

Cerberus is headed by Stephen Feinberg, a billionaire political donor whom former President Donald Trump drafted onto the Presidents Intelligence Advisory Board, which counsels the commander-in-chief on U.S. foreign intelligence matters.

SubCom, Cerberus and Feinberg did not respond to requests for comment.

Presented with Reuters findings, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navys Pacific Fleet confirmed the existence of a new high-speed undersea internet cable to Diego Garcia. It was the first official acknowledgement of that cable.

The resiliency, redundancy, and security of our communication infrastructure represents a top priority for U.S. Pacific Fleet, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

The statement said the Navy could not discuss specifics for operational security reasons. The Navy did not respond to Reuters questions about SubCom or name the company in its statement.

SubComs journey from Cold War experiment to global cable constructor and now a shadowy player in the U.S.-China tech war is detailed in this story for the first time.

Reuters is revealing details of the Diego Garcia project and SubComs deepening ties with the Pentagon. The news agency is also the first to report on a confidential contract the company secured from tech giant Google to build the worlds largest private undersea internet network.

That partnership is the kind of America Inc project that President Joe Biden has been calling for in his drive to promote U.S. advanced technologies.

Google did not respond to requests for comment.

Undersea cables transmit 99% of all transcontinental internet traffic, including instant messenger chats, stock market transactions and military secrets. This underwater network has become one of the key weapons in the U.S.-China tech war, as detailed in a Reuters investigation published in March. Subsea cables are vulnerable to sabotage and espionage, and Beijing and Washington have accused each other of tapping cables to spy on data or carry out cyberattacks.

SubComs increasing importance to the United States can be split into two categories, one military and one economic, according to two subsea cable industry officials who have worked on U.S. government projects.

First, Washington needs SubCom to expand the Navys undersea cable network so that it can better coordinate military operations and enhance surveillance on Chinas expanding fleet of submarines and warships, the people said. Second, the Biden administration wants SubCom to build more commercial subsea internet cables controlled by U.S. companies, a strategy aimed at ensuring that America remains the primary custodian of the internet, according to the two industry officials.

SubCom operates six cable-laying ships: bespoke deep-sea vessels fitted with vast storage drums to hold sheaves of fiber-optic cable. The Navy has only one such ship the 40-year-old USNS Zeus a vessel so old that it is limited to carrying out repairs, according to Eckhard Bruckschen, director of the UK-based Undersea Cable Consultancy.

SubCom is indispensable to America if it wants to control subsea cables. Theyve got no one else, Bruckschentold Reuters.

There are only four major companies in the world that manufacture and lay subsea cables: Americas SubCom, Japans NEC Corporation, Frances Alcatel Submarine Networks and Chinas HMN Tech.

For sensitive U.S. projects, Washington only works with SubCom, according to five industry sources who have worked on projects with the cable company.

The U.S. Department of Defense and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Picking sides

Until a U.S. crackdown on Chinese tech companies ramped up five years ago, SubCom laid cables for telecom and tech companies worldwide, including the big state-owned Chinese carriers.

Not anymore. The cable firm now works almost exclusively for the U.S. military and big U.S. tech firms, two SubCom employees told Reuters.

SubComs pivot reflects a sea change underway in the internet infrastructure industry, which has long seen choosing sides in great-power politics as bad for business. But U.S. sanctions on Chinese tech companies and an increase in trade-protectionist policies under Biden and his predecessor Trump have forced American tech firms to work mainly with companies and countries viewed as friendly to the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice in 2020 blocked Google, Meta and Amazon from building fiber-optic cables from the United States to Hong Kong due to concerns about Chinese spying.

Microsoft whose President Brad Smith said in 2017 that the tech sector needed to be a neutral digital Switzerland announced in May that it had discovered Chinese state-sponsored hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, a rare example of a big tech firm calling out Beijing for espionage. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at the time that the accusations were part of a U.S. disinformation campaign, describing America as the empire of hacking.

In December of last year, the Pentagon awarded $9 billion worth of Cloud computing contracts to Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Oracle, entrusting these companies to keep Americas most closely held secrets under digital lock and key.

Silicon Valley is waking up to the reality that it has to pick a side, said Jacob Helberg, former head of Googles news policy and a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a government agency.

Google did not respond to a request for comment. Amazon, Microsoft and Oracle declined to comment.

SubComs loyalty is especially important because it is the only major U.S. subsea cable company. Headquartered in the quiet borough of Eatontown, New Jersey, SubCom secured a $10 million-a-year contract in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to run a two-vessel fleet to provide undersea cable security, according to one SubCom employee and one Navy staffer with knowledge of the deal. A 2020 DOT notice to prospective applicants said winners would be responsible for laying, maintaining and repairing subsea cables to support U.S. national security and economic interests, in partnership with the Department of Defense.

The SubCom ships CS Dependable and CS Decisive now make up the U.S. governments first Cable Security Fleet, the people said.

The DOT and SubCom did not respond to requests for comment.

Operation Big Wave

One of CS Dependables destinations was Diego Garcia, a horseshoe-shaped atoll which hosts U.S. aircraft carriers and submarines, and has an airfield capable of landing long-range bombers.

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia is a British overseas territory. Since the 1970s, Britain has allowed the United States to operate a naval base there. The island is currently home to around 3,000 people, including Navy sailors, family members and support staff, two people who have worked on the atoll told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. Diego Garcia boasts shops, restaurants, bars and pristine beaches, the people said.

Prior to the laying of the new subsea cable, the island base accessed the internet via satellites, which are slower and less reliable than cables, the two people said.

The CS Dependables clandestine underwater operation on Diego Garcia was never mentioned publicly by participants in the business deal that made it happen. Rather, they carefully obscured the U.S. military component within a larger private-sector cable project, according to four subsea cable industry sources with knowledge of the arrangement.

In 2020, SubCom announced that it had been commissioned by an Australian tech mogul to lay a $300 million commercial internet cable from Australia to the Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula, a route that traverses the Indian Ocean.

That project, known as the Oman Australia Cable, was spearheaded by SUBCO, a Brisbane-based subsea cable investment company owned by Australian entrepreneur Bevan Slattery.

The industry was skeptical about the commercial viability of the route, given it would mostly serve a small pool of Australian telecom firms that already had access to multiple cables running through Southeast Asia to the Middle East, five industry sources told Reuters.

The Secret Splice

SubCom announced in 2020 that it was building a commercial subsea internet cable from Australia to Oman. The $300 million project included a clandestine link to a U.S. Navy base on the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, which was funded by the Pentagon.

Sources: TeleGeography; Natural Earth

What many of them didnt know was that the Pentagon had paid for around a third of the entire cable on the condition that it include a splice connecting its commercial trunk to Diego Garcia, two of the people with knowledge of the project told Reuters.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet, in its statement to Reuters, said SUBCOs Oman Australia Cable offered a unique opportunity to connect the remote island with an undersea fiber-optic internet cable.

The statement said the U.S. Pacific Fleet partnered with companies laying the Oman Australia Cable to extend a branch to Diego Garcia, but did not disclose how much it paid for the spur.

This partnership has increased the digital resiliency and security of our communication infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, the statement said.

While the Navy had said nothing officially about the cable until now, sailors on Diego Garcia were tipped off last year. Captain Richard Payne, then-commander on Diego Garcia, mentioned the cable during a Feb. 9 guest appearance on the bases local radio station, 99.1 The Eagle, a recording of which was posted on the Navy radio stations Facebook page.

Payne, who was fielding questions submitted by listeners, volunteered that an unusual vessel could be sighted off the western shore of Diego Garcia.

We're going to have fiber optics here on the island very soon, Payne told the programs host, Alex Kerska or DJ Special K, during the segment in which he also addressed complaints about high beer prices on the atoll and called on island residents to attend a kickball tournament.

Starting today (or) tomorrow, we have the cable-laying ship that is out there off the coast now. Its a commercial company doing that Its a very interesting ship, Payne continued, without naming the company or the ship.

Payne, who now works in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, did not respond to a request for comment.

The ship Payne was referring to was the CS Dependable, according to the SubCom and Navy sources with knowledge of the operation.

SubComs CS Reliance vessel laid the first half of the commercial cable from Perth, Australia, to the middle of the Indian Ocean. From there, the CS Dependable took over, running the splice to Diego Garcia and laying the rest of the main trunk up to Oman, the people said.

Reuters analyzed satellite images and ship tracking data on Eikon, the financial analysis platform owned by the London Stock Exchange Group. That information showed the CS Dependable operating around Diego Garcia in February and March of 2022, then sailing on to Oman.

The delicate operation was made possible by a decades-long friendship between three veterans of the subsea cable industry, according to two people with knowledge of the dealings.

Coordinating the Pentagons end was Catherine Creese, a former U.S. Coast Guard officer who is now Director of the U.S. Naval Seafloor Cable Protection Office, the unit that oversees the Navys subsea cables.

Prior to joining the Navy in 2006, Creese worked at SubCom for 11 years, a time when it was known as Tyco Telecommunications. There she worked closely alongside the man who is now SubComs CEO, David Coughlan, according to two former SubCom employees who worked with Coughlan and Creese.

Coughlan and Creese planned and executed the Diego Garcia operation, according to one current SubCom employee and one Navy staffer.

Creese and Coughlan did not respond to requests for comment. The U.S. Navy did not respond to questions about Creeses involvement.

Dreams come true

Selling the cable to investors, meanwhile, was the purview of Slattery, the Australian entrepreneur, who has made a fortune building and selling private undersea cables. In a conservative industry, the businessman stands out as a gregarious and outspoken character who is willing to take on risky projects, according to three industry sources who have worked with Slattery.

Slattery did not respond to requests for comment.

SubComs Coughlan helped Slattery pull off his first major cable deal in the late 2000s, setting him on course to become one of Australias wealthiest tech moguls, according to two industry sources with knowledge of the matter.

That project, a SubCom-built cable running between Brisbane and Guam, a U.S. Pacific island territory thats also home to a naval base, almost bankrupted Slattery, the businessman told the Australian Financial Review in a 2016 interview.

Thanks to sympathetic suppliers, Slattery got that cable, known as PIPE,over the line, according to the Financial Review article. Crucially, SubCom, the main supplier on the project, extended Slattery credit to get the cable finished, the two industry sources said.

Slattery sold the company that owned the PIPE cable for A$373 million ($248 million) in 2010, the first of a string of successful tech infrastructure bets. Slattery has a personal net worth of A$564 million ($375 million), according to a 2020 Rich List published by the Financial Review.

The entrepreneur pitched the Oman Australia Cable in public statements as an alternative to the traditional route between Australia and the Middle East that passes through Southeast Asia. The spur to Diego Garcia was never mentioned.

A blueprint for such a project already existed. Slatterys cable was essentially a revival and rerouting of a 2017 plan to build a cable between Australia and the Republic of Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, with a secret link to Diego Garcia funded by the Pentagon, according to a person directly involved in that deal. Djibouti is the site of Chinas first-ever overseas military base, which opened in 2017.

The earlier proposed cable known as the Australia West Express was never built because the U.S. company behind the project, GoTo Networks, couldnt secure the private investment needed to cover the portion not funded by the Pentagon, the person said.

SubComs cable ship tracked near remote U.S. Navy base

The CS Dependable spent weeks in the waters around Diego Garcia in February and March of 2022, ship tracking data shows. In this period, the ships crew laid a secret subsea fiber-optic internet cable to a U.S. Navy base on the atoll, according to SubCom and Navy sources.

Source: Refinitiv Eikon

John Mariano, who was the CEO of the now-defunct GoTo Networks, declined to comment. The U.S. Department of Defense did not respond to a request for comment. An official from the presidents office in Djibouti declined to comment.

Cables are typically owned by a consortium of telecom and tech companies that spread the cost and risk. Occasionally, entrepreneurs or private equity firms build a cable on spec with the aim of selling bandwidth to carriers and tech companies before flipping the cable for a profit.

Slattery is a master of such deals, two people who worked with him told Reuters. He used his experience and contacts to attract enough investors to supplement the Pentagon funding to get the Oman Australia Cable built, the two people said.

The 10,000-kilometer cable was officially opened by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October 2022. It includes a splice to the Cocos Islands, an Australian territory which comprises a cluster of tiny islands between Sri Lanka and Australia. Australias military has been seeking parliamentary approval for funds to upgrade an airfield there and make other improvements aimed at strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities in the region.

Slattery on Nov. 19, 2022, tweeted a group photo that included himself and Albanese, both with broad grins, celebrating the cable and the team that made dreams come true.

Albaneses office did not respond to a request for comment about the project, its funding or potential military uses. In an Oct. 22, 2022, tweet sent from his Twitter account, he lauded the cables speed, security and reliability, and boasted that it could stream over 65 million Netflix shows simultaneously.

The government of Oman did not respond to a request for comment.

Levers of power

SubComs role in the project marked a return to its Cold War roots.

The company was founded in 1955, according to its website, the year the first subsea transatlantic telephone cable system was laid between Scotland and Newfoundland. That cable was deployed by AT&Ts submarine cable unit, which would eventually become SubCom.

The true origins of AT&Ts subsea cable business go back five years earlier, when the company was commissioned by the U.S. Navy to build a network of undersea surveillance cables to listen for Soviet submarines, according to three former employees with knowledge of the matter.

The project was known as the Sound Surveillance System, or Project Caesar, according to a declassified document about the program available on the U.S. Navys website. The document does not mention AT&Ts involvement.

Once the Navy project was complete, AT&Ts submarine cable projectmorphedinto a commercial business, the former employees said.

AT&T did not respond to a request for comment.

In 1997, AT&T sold its cable-laying operation, including a fleet of ships, to Tyco International, a security company based in New Jersey. In 2018, Tyco sold the cable unit, by this time dubbed TE SubCom, for $325 million to Cerberus, the New York private equity firm.

SubCom doesnt make public many details about its business. The company has more than 1,300 employees and an annual revenue of $344 million, according to data on Eikon.

Last year, SubCom signed a master service agreement with Google, one of the worlds biggest investors in subsea internet cables, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

That contract, which the people said is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, could help Google build the worlds largest-ever private data network, connecting Cloud data centers around the world with a web of SubCom-manufactured undersea cables.

Google did not respond to a request for comment.

More undersea cables and data centers in the hands of U.S. companies like Google and SubCom is a win for Washington as it seeks to keep Chinese firms away from the internet hardware that will underpin global economic and military progress for decades to come, said Kellee Wicker, director of the Science and Technology Innovation Program at the Wilson Center, a Washington-based think tank.

Cables are an enormous lever of power, Wicker said. If you cant control these networks directly, you want a company you can trust to control them.

Excerpt from:

Inside the subsea cable firm secretly helping American take on China - Reuters

Stretches of white sandy beaches, gin clear waters and that quintessential Caribbean climate and backdrop makes the sale of Little Pipe Cay, in the Exumas, an incredibly tantalising sale.

I cant imagine anyone giving up the chance of owning Little Pipe Cay. Putting aside the $100 million US dollar asking price for the moment (thats about 87 million at the time of writing), this incredibly luxe private island is what tropical dreams are made of.

Its 40 acres are made up of powder white stretches of beaches and sandbars, turquoise waters and luscious verdant jungle, making this an island worthy of its title as the jewel in the crown of the Exumas.

Much of the island has been left untouched and remains in its natural state as much as possible, as it is home to a plethora of exotic wildlife and plants. Its also a playground for watersports and sea-based activities of any kind, whether that be kayaking around the shallow waters, snorkelling over the reefs or jet skiing into the sunset.

Its arrival onto the international premium real estate market via Engel & Vlkers will surely send waves of excitement amongst those currently in the market for a tropical private island.

Forming part of the Exuma archipelago, the island features a luxury resort with five residences, a spa, Olympic-length infinity swimming pool and a superyacht mooring.

The main residence is a 5,000 sq. ft colonial-style property, surrounding which are four guest houses, all connected by romantic, winding paths.

Handy, as new owners will no doubt be inundated with eager guests, keen to experience first-hand the luxury of staying on a tropical private island, something the majority of us can only dream or write about.

New owners could also rent the luxury resort, with current rates falling somewhere between the $75,000 $95,000 dollars (approximately 60,000 75,000) per night (yes, you read that right), depending on the season.

In total, the accommodation offers 11 bedrooms and equates to 22,000 sq. ft of living space. Each of the cottages is fully equipped and self-contained, ensuring the highest level of discretion and comfort, note the agents.

Also included in the sale are accommodation for staff and a 24 hour security service.

And for those curious about how to get to your new dream home, why not take the helicopter? There is a private helipad, after all. Or, if you prefer to travel by sea, then the private deep water dock (a rarity in these parts) can accommodate superyachts.

The extra-long mooring berth means there is plenty of space for boats of any size and the seaplane dock also allows owners and guests to arrive via both air and sea at their leisure.

The Exumas archipelago lies about 70 miles southeast from Nassau, made up of 365 islands. The perfect combination of total seclusion and pristine natural beauty makes the region popular with tourists and those seeking an escape from a life in the spotlight.

Its reported that Jonny Depp, Tyler Perry and a number of other high profile public figures own private islands near to Little Pipe Cay.

Although the market for private islands is comparatively small, Colin Lightbourn, from Engel & Vlkers, notes that their demand has increased over recent years as a result of the pandemic and political uncertainty, with buyers are prioritising privacy and well-being amongst all else.

So, if you happen to have $100 million to spend and dreams of escaping to your own tropical paradise, then look no further than Little Pipe Cay: the epitome of private island living.

Little Pipe Cay is currently on the market via Engel & Vlkers for $100 million or approximately 79.9 million see more pictures orenquire with the agent for further details.

Originally posted here:

The ultimate holiday home? A $100 million private island in the Bahamas that starred in James Bond and Pirates of the ... - Country Life

A secluded private island holiday might be more accessible than you think. There are numerous companies who will arrange this or, for a DIY approach, there are islands located around the world listed on Airbnb. In some cases, they can be more affordable than staying at a hotel in a crowded beach resort. For instance, the only private island in El Nido, The Philippines, is available through Airbnb from around 300/night and that includes all meals and daily housekeeping.

Eco-luxe private island resort

Blue Sky Luxury Travels

For travelers with a more generous budget, Shanna Dickerson, CEO of Blue Sky Luxury Travels, advises that anyone seeking ultra luxury travel should look for places offering uniqueness, privacy yet easy access to things they want to experience, full staff, including daily housekeeping, butler, chef, security, concierge and crucially, destinations should be easy to get to, with the least amount of hassle. Blue Sky Luxury Travels, based on St. John in the US Virgin Islands, specializes in booking luxury villas, private islands, yacht charters, and private jets. Their network of properties and yacht charters range from about $30,000 to $2 million+ per week. Here are some of the top private islands in the world for two to 70 guests.

1.Gladden Private Island in Belize / Sleeps up to 4 people / $3,950 for two per night or $4,950 for four per night.

Gladden Private Island (Belize)

Blue Sky Luxury Travels

The ultimate getaway for one or two couples, Gladden is an island fringed with coral and white sand, in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. This private sanctuary includes an elegant villa with the all-inclusive service of a luxury resort. Staff live on an island behind Gladden. This unique private island lies directly on the edge of the widest and most picturesque section of the Belize Barrier Reef in the Caribbean sea. It is the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world.

2.LHacienda in the Exumas, Bahamas / Sleeps up to 16 people / Rates from $28k per night for 8 guests. Add $1200 per person per night for guests 9 up to 16.

L' hacienda island

Sofia Whitehead Photography

This very exclusive private island is rarely advertised and features six white sand beaches, Spanish style villas, an infinity pool, billiards and board games, a 16-person theatre, snorkelling and scuba diving and its own marina.

3.Over Yonder Cay in the Exumas, Bahamas / Sleeps up to 30 people / Rates from $51,000 per night.

Over Yonder island

Blue Sky Luxury Travels

Guests on Yonder Cay stay in four stylish villas, all with private beaches and breathtaking views. A former remote fishing outpost, the island has been transformed into a unique eco-friendly haven for those seeking sustainable barefoot luxury. The island is powered by a state-of-the-art renewable energy system, which includes three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field. Full island rental rates include use of the islands extensive amenities, activities and facilities. Each villa has an infinity pool, jacuzzi, private beaches, private alfresco dining, satellite TV, as well as wifi and iPads.

4.Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands / Sleeps up to 40 people / Rates from $134,500 per night.

Necker Island is my home and favorite hideaway. I invite you to explore this idyllic island paradise for yourself and to be inspired by its beauty. Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Bransons private island paradise is in a stunning and unspoiled area of the Caribbean. At 74 acres, Necker Island sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs, fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches and is home to the most spectacular wildlife.

5.Laucala (Fiji) / Sleeps up to 70/ $231,000 per night

Laucala Overwater Villa

Jason Busch

One of the worlds largest private island resorts has 25 villas and its own airstrip for private planes. Treatments make use of the islands herbs, stones, flowers, fruits and soils, with the spa located on a forested hilltop location among the birds. The villas are suspended over lagoons, on hilltops, amidst rainforest and beside the rolling waves. Each Residence has an elegant lounge, private pool, spacious sundeck and outdoor bath.

6. Aerial Island in the British Virgin Islands / Sleeps up to 34 people / Rates from $25,0000 per night

Aerial island

Blue Sky Luxury Travels

The Aerial is an all-inclusive private island offering Deep Wellness Stays. The property has been designed as a bespoke island resort, delivering "Purpose Luxury." The experience provides guests with the space to eat healing food, connect back to nature and discover what matters most. The property, set on Buck Island, overlooking 14 surrounding islands and the Sir Francis Drake Channel, has over 43 acres and stunning sunrise and sunset views. The resort has five aptly-named residences - Unity House, Faith House, Serenity House and the Love + Grace Villas.

7.Royal Island in the Bahamas / Sleeps up to 18 people / Rates from $18,500 per night

Royal island, Bahamas

Royal island

This completely private 430-acre island has five chic bungalows on the sand and three additional suites, surrounded by miles of turquoise sea. Awarded one of the top resorts in the world by Cond Nast Traveller, Royal Island combines personalized luxury and island adventure in an exclusively private setting. A private chef with customized menus is also on hand.

8.Tagomago in Baleares, Spain / Sleeps up to 10 people / Rates from $21,352 per night.

Tagomago, Baleares, Spain

Tagomago

One of the very few, properly private islands in the Mediterranean, Tagomago has 600,000 square meters (148 acres) of land, paths for exploring, lovely beaches and views. The luxury villa, the sole and exclusive residence, features contemporary interiors with state-of-the-art technology, five double bedrooms, each with a spa-style, en-suite bathroom and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea and the Ibizan coastline. Outside is a large saltwater pool, outdoor whirlpool and a steam bath.

I've been writing on travel, food, fashion and culture for the past decade for a variety of publications. I co-founded PayneShurvell, a contemporary art gallery in London which is now an art consultancy in London and Suffolk. I'm the co-author of the YouTube art series, Great Art Cities Explained with James Payne. My photographer partner Paul Allen supplies photos for my features that often include a music or art event and our travels have taken us to music and art festivals across Europe. I am co-author of the Citysketch series of books that includes London, Paris and New York and I'm the author of Fantastic Forgeries: Paint Like Van Gogh. Follow our adventures on Twitter at @jshurvell and on Instagram at @joshurvell and @andfotography2.

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8 Of The Best Private Islands To Rent In 2023 - Forbes

My journey to become a PADI-certified diver started in a chilly Massachusetts poolcomplete with floating hairballswith a local instructor giving us the basics. It wasnt quite as exotic as Id imagined, but the certification process took a sweeping turn in Fiji last February, where I did my open-water dives.

Kokomo Private Island was about as five-star as it gets, starting with the resorts private Otter seaplane transporting us from the airport in Nadi to the resorts dock.

There, we were welcomed by the smiling staff, singing a traditional Fijian song. At that point, I realized this was going to be more than just a luxe holiday to get certified. It was going to be a bucket-list adventure that wasnt even on the list.

Theres really no bad time of year to visit Fiji. The islands share the same weather patterns as Australia and New Zealand, so the seasons are opposite to the US. Fijis winter (June-August) is the most popular season to visit, thanks to milder temperatures and drier weather. Its summer (Dec-Feb) is generally hotter and rainier. But either works for getting certified.

Thats because there are few places on the planet that rival Fijis diving, with the Great Astrolabe Reefthe worlds fourth-largest coral reefextending over 62 miles.

Kokomo has exclusivity to multiple dive sites, which let us get up close and personal with manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and dozens of fish species living in the extensive reef systems.

The instructors were all business when it came to teaching and demonstrating the skills needed to be PADI-certified, but were also clearly proud to introduce us to the warm, gin-clear waters around their remote South Pacific home.

The diving venues were exceptional, with names like the Grotto, which feature vibrant, mysterious caverns, or Wonderland, where bright clownfish float in and out of soft corals, or the sweeping slopes of Side Street, with its hard coral that abut a sheer cliff teeming with marine life.

Any nervousness I may have felt at the beginning quickly morphed into the confidence that comes from experience, thanks to the expert dive team. We settled into a pleasant rhythm that featured two tank dives on the pristine reefs surrounding Kokomo in the mornings.

The first four dives were dedicated to the skills needed for certification, but our instructors always built some time in to explore the local reefs that were only a short boat ride away. Of course, spending post-dive afternoons floating in the pool at our private waterfront villas was a relaxing counterpoint to the mornings adventures.

The island has a handful of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, as well as residences for groups or families, that share contemporary island-style interior design, with elegant stonework and artwork by Chris Kenyon. The one-bedroom villas have a large living space, master bedroom with rain shower, deep-soak bathtub and outdoor shower.

Two restaurants, the Beach Shack and Walker DPlank, offer cuisines ranging from upscale Mediterranean and Fijian to more casual Asian street foods, sourced with local seafood and vegetables. The islands facilities and private beaches are ideal for just kicking back after each dive.

During the underwater workwe did a total of 13 dives, including one at nightI came to love the feeling of weightlessness. Theres also something calming about swimming 50 feet below the surfaceincluding the time we encountered sharks while exploring a coral wall on the edge of an ocean shelf.

One of our dive instructors, also a marine biologist, helped us understand (both scientifically and emotionally) just how special it was to dive Fijis pristine reefs. She pointed out all the wildlife: black-tip and white-tip sharks, green and Hawksbill turtles, fish ranging from a Napoleon wrasse and damselfish to angel fish and clownfish, while explaining the reefs importance to the archipelagos eco-system.

Now that Ive experienced all the wonders of weightless exploration and a whole new world below the surface, I cant believe I waited so long to get certifiedthough fortunately it happened in an exceptional place. But diving in paradise doesnt come cheap: The experience ranges from $15,000 to $20,000 per week.

Click here to see other private islands and superyachts that offer certification in paradise.

See the article here:

Getting Scuba-Certified in Fiji Is the Best Way to Explore the Underwater World - Robb Report

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f youve ever dreamed of holidaying on a desert island, you were probably thinking of the Maldives. The 1,192 sand-circled islands that make up this exquisite archipelago sprawl across more than 870km of Indian Ocean. Indeed, this island nation is more sea than land, so flying into the atolls is quite an experience as you descend over endless ocean, fishing boats seem almost close enough to touch, before the Maldives international airport appears suddenly outside the windows.

The Maldives tourism model is utterly unique. Each resort nestles on its own private island, ensuring utter peace and seclusion. Stay offshore, in one of the islands exclusive overwater bungalows, and the rest of the world fades every further from view. Its the holiday Robinson Crusoe might have planned if he had the means and opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life.

RIU Palace Maldives, built into a tiny islet in a breathtaking setting

British Airways Holidays

Watch the sun go down from an overwater junior suite at RIU Atoll

British Airways Holidays

Experience a fitness class with a difference

British Airways Holidays

In the Maldives youll feel a million miles from the outside world,

British Airways Holidays

Youll need to dig a little deeper for a Maldives break, compared to beach holiday destinations closer to home, but some very stylish all-inclusive resorts bring the experience within reach of ordinary mortals. With your meals, drinks, room and activities (and fun for the kids) all taken care of, you can let stress slip away and focus on that endless horizon melting into a cloudless sunset.

Be an elegant castaway on Kedhigandu Island

South of the Maldivian capital, Kedhigandu Island is the merest sliver of sand on an endless expanse of sea. At the five-star RIU Palace Maldives All Inclusive 24H (main image, above), a white-sand beach encircles a tiny islet, topped by a verdant garden of palm trees. This is where youll find the pools and airy wood-lined rooms that face straight onto the sand. Privacy is dialled up even higher in the overwater bungalows, which splay out from the sandbars on curving boardwalks.

All-inclusive is a 24/7 concept at RIU Palace Maldives, so you can feast on lavish buffet spreads, Japanese sushi and novel-thick steaks, then sip cocktails infused with tropical juices in three bars, watching the waves break at the edge of the lagoon. Youll feel a million miles from the outside world, though in reality, it might really be just a few thousand miles

Though the resort has a tiny land footprint, lodges and villas are separated by stands of vegetation or open stretches of boardwalk, creating an overriding air of peace and privacy. Spend your days snorkelling or paddleboarding on the lagoon, or de-stress in the spa while the kids get active in the kids club. Either way, youll get the full castaway-with-extras experience.

Float over the water on Maafushi Island

Watch the sun go down from an overwater junior suite at RIU Atoll

An elevated boardwalk extends across the lagoon to the serene island of Maafushi, home to the equally appealing four-star RIU Atoll All Inclusive 24H. This is the larger of the two islands, meaning more of that white sugar sand to sprawl on. Should you need a break from the equatorial temperatures, the lagoon here is beautifully blue, with reef-edged channels offering superior snorkelling and diving.

Overwater suites are the big lure spacious, airy and with direct access to diamond-clear turquoise waters. If you fancy ending the day in front of theatrical sunsets, youve come to the right resort. And with the 24-hour, all-inclusive package, you can pace the days to your own schedule, so a midnight moonlight stroll followed by a room-service cocktail on the terrace is very much on the cards.

Get active out on the lagoon

Experience a fitness class with a difference

While youll want to devote a fair share of your time to the sand, there are plenty of ways to keep active on the lagoon, from kayaking and paddleboarding to fitness classes, boat trips to spot dolphins and swim on outlying islands. End the day with a top-class buffet meal or la carte steaks and seafood, then settle in for a memorable sunset something the Maldives does better than almost anywhere.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and come with a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your all-inclusive holiday now with a low deposit at ba.com/riu-atoll, ba.com/riu-palace

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Find your own island in the sun amid the blissful atolls of the Maldives - Evening Standard

Deutsche Bank AG agreed to pay $75 million to settle a lawsuit in which victims of Jeffrey Epsteins sexual abuse accused the bank of facilitating his sex-trafficking operation, according to attorneys for the plaintiffs.

Deutsche Bank agreed to settle after US District Judge Jed Rakoff ruled in March that the lawsuit filed by a victim identified only as Jane Doe may proceed against it, as well as a separate but nearly identical suit filed by another Jane Doe against JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The settlement will allow dozens of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein to finally attempt to restore their faith in our system knowing that all individuals and entities who facilitated Epsteins sex-trafficking operation are finally being held accountable, lawyers at Edwards Pottinger, one of the firms that brought the suit, said in a statement.

The suits were allowed to move ahead under the federal Trafficking Victim Protection Act because the plaintiffs sufficiently alleged the banks participated in a commercial sex-trafficking venture; knew or disregarded that force, fraud or coercion would be used; and benefited from their participation, the judge explained in a May 1 opinion that elaborated on his initial ruling.

JPMorgan is still fighting the suit against it, and opposing the womans request to be allowed to represent other victims in a class-action lawsuit.

Deutsche Bank hasnt admitted to any wrongdoing, a person with knowledge of the agreement said. The bank said it has bolstered its controls.

In recent years Deutsche Bank has made considerable progress in remedying a number of past issues, including investing more than 4 billion euros to bolster our controls as well as training and operational processes, Dylan Riddle, a spokesman for the bank, said in a statement. Further, weve increased the size of our anti-financial crime team to 1,900 employees.

In their lawsuits, the women alleged Epstein had access to large amounts of cash to fuel his operation and avoided cash withdrawals that would raise red flags. Epstein was a client at JPMorgan from 1998 to 2013. After the bank cut ties with him, he moved his accounts to Deutsche Bank until 2018.

Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and found dead in his prison cell weeks later, in what was ruled a suicide.

Both banks were accused by the victims or ignoring red flags in order to profit from Epsteins business.

The high-profile litigation has cast new light on the internal discussions at JPMorgan about keeping Epstein as a client in the face of mounting allegations of sex abuse. Epsteins relationship with Jes Staley has become the cornerstone of the litigation, with Doe alleging the former JPMorgan executive knew about Epsteins crimes. Staley has denied the accusation.

The US Virgin Islands is suing JPMorgan for facilitating similar activity, some of which took place on Epsteins private island there. That suit was filed after the two Jane Doe lawsuits.

The cases are Jane Doe 1 v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, 22-cv-10019; Jane Doe 1 v. Deutsche Bank, 22-cv-10018, and USVI v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, 22-cv-10904-UA, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

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Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse case: Deutsche Bank to pay $75 mn to settle a suit - Hindustan Times

JPMorgan Chase & Co CEO Jamie Dimon testifies during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill September 22, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Drew Angerer | Getty Images

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon in an interview Thursday said he was "so sad" the bank had any business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein but denied the firm is legally liable for the dead predator's sex trafficking.

Dimon also said, in the televised interview with Bloomberg, that if JPMorgan had known everything that has become public in recent years about its former customer Epstein "we would have done things differently."

Dimon is scheduled to give a deposition beginning May 26 for civil lawsuits filed in Manhattan federal court by the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and an Epstein sex abuse accuser. The suits accuse JPMorgan of enabling and benefiting from Epstein's sex trafficking, which included sending young women to the Virgin Islands to be abused by him and others at his private island there.

Court filings this week show in detail that for years employees of JPMorgan shared with each other concerns about having Epstein as a client well before the bank terminated its relationship with him.

"I am so sad that we had any relationship to that man whatsoever," Dimon told Bloomberg on Thursday.

"You know, we had top lawyers evaluating, from the [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission] enforcement, the [Department of Justice], you know, and obviously, had we known then what we know today, we would have done things differently."

"But it's very unfortunate, and I have deep respect for these women," Dimon said.

"That doesn't mean we're liable for the action of an individual, but I do have deep respect for them, my heart goes out to them," he said.

Epstein, who was a client of the bank beginning in 1998 and kept millions of dollars on deposit, pleaded guilty in 2008 to a Florida state charge of soliciting sex from an underage girl. He was sentenced to 13 months in jail.

Despite that conviction, Epstein remained a customer of JPMorgan until 2013.

A mugshot of Jeffrey Epstein released by the U.S. Justice Department.

Source: U.S. Justice Department

JPMorgan recently has tried to shift legal responsibility for its relationship with Epstein to Jes Staley, the former chief of investment banking at the firm, who had close contact with Epstein over the years when he was a customer.

But at a court hearing in March, a lawyer for the Virgin Islands, told Judge Jed Rakoff that "Jamie Dimon knew in 2008 that his billionaire client was a sex trafficker."

"If Staley is a rogue employee, why isn't Jamie Dimon?" the lawyer, Mimi Liu, said at that hearing.

"Staley knew, Dimon knew, JPMorgan Chase knew" about Epstein's criminal conduct, Liu said. "They broke every rule to facilitate his sex trafficking in exchange for Epstein's wealth, connections and referrals."

Liu said the bank should have flagged as suspicious cash transactions and wire transfers by Epstein, which included sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to several women.

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A lawyer for JPMorgan at that hearing denied that Dimon had any "specific knowledge" about Epstein, and a bank spokeswoman has said "Jamie Dimon has no recollection of reviewing the Epstein accounts."

Epstein killed himself in a New York jail in August 2019, a month after being arrested on federal child sex trafficking charges.

Since then, a number of former friends and associates of Epstein, among them Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, have been criticized for their relationships with the predator.

Staley stepped down as CEO of Barclays in November 2021 because of his ties to Epstein.

A Nov. 2, 2006, email made public this week in court filings for one of the lawsuits against JPMorgan highlights the concern a top bank official had about Epstein.

The email was sent from Ann Borowiec, then-head of investor relations for JPMorgan, to Staley, who was then CEO of JPMorgan's asset management division. The message's subject line is: "Epstein- please call me."

Borowiec began the message by asking Staley, who was on a plane to Hong Kong, to call her when he could regarding an upcoming meeting her team was scheduled to have, apparently with Epstein.

"Also, having done a little due diligence I have concerns on risk mgt with this client," she wrote. "We have a bad track record internally on risk. ... as you know. Is Jeffrey going to stay involved here? How are we managing risk here. Please call. Thx Ann."

In January 2011, several years after Epstein pleaded guilty to the Florida state case and become a registered sex offender, a JPMorgan executive director named Maryanne Ryan, who was a compliance manager, wrote an email to Philip DeLuca, the bank's compliance director, noting a "rapid response meeting on Epstein, the sleazy PB [private banking] client."

DeLuca replied, "This is the guy who likes young girls, correct? Hope they do not cave!!"

A June 2013 email chain between Ryan and DeLuca contains an attachment that detailed aspects of the bank's relationship with Epstein "which was previously escalated to the PB reputational risk committee."

The email notes that in July 2008, PB Risk "referred Jeffrey Epstein to AML [Anti-Money Laundering] Investigations for excessive cash activity."

"Similarly, during the course of the transaction activity review, an open source review of media reports yielded several negative media articles alleging connections between Jeffrey Epstein and the prostitution/underage sex trade."

The copied section of the email goes on to say that AML investigations and PB Risk held discussions that "reconfirmed" they had documented Epstein's negative background and "marked him high risk." The section notes that in October 2010 AML Investigations "escalated news stories indicating renewed law enforcement interest in Epstein and requested a Rapid Response call."

An email chain with DeLuca on it shows a Rapid Response Call was held in January 2011, after which Epstein was again retained as a client, but an agreement was made that "Catherine Keating and William Langford explain to Jes Staley how the existence of the Epstein relationship could undermine the Human Trafficking Project currently underway within AML investigations." Keating was CEO of the JPM Private Bank from 2005 through July 2011.

That anti-money laundering project was spearheaded by Langford, who prior to joining JPMorgan in 2006 was a regulatory policy official at the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

"Langford mentioned that he briefed Steven Cutler on the potential press and optics related to maintaining the Epstein relationship while at the same time spearheading the Human Trafficking effort within AML," the email states. Cutler was a former general counsel and head of legal and compliance activities.

"No change in retention," the email concludes.

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JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says he's 'so sad' the bank had relationship with Jeffrey Epstein - CNBC

Texas is known for its vast landscapes, rich culture, and diverse cities. It also has plenty of the countrys most lavish private flight gateways.

Texas has something for you if youre looking for a romantic weekend trip, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat.

In this article, we will discover the top seven luxurious private jet getaways in Texas, highlighting each destinations unique experiences, amenities, and activities. These getaways offer relaxation, adventure, and indulgence from private islands to luxury ranches.

So, prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Lone Star State.

Texas has always been a state that people want to visit, with so many attractions in one place. It can confuse you to choose where to go first.

There are various places in Texas from luxurious retreats to more affordable choices, which you can visit by booking private jets Austin Texas provided by Bitlux.

Vail Mountain is a ski resort in Colorado. Its located in the town of Vail and offers plenty of slopes, terrain, and facilities to satisfy everyones needs. The trails are wide enough for beginners but offer challenging runs for experienced skiers.

The mountain has two main areas: Copper Run, which contains more challenging terrain such as trees or moguls, and Telluride Village, which offers beginner runs as well as some intermediate slopes for those who want something easier to navigate around trees, etcetera.

Vail Mountain is one of Americas most popular destinations for skiing due to its wide variety of trails and excellent conditions year-round. However, March through May tends to be warmer.

The resort has an impressive fleet of lifts, including six gondolas that allow easy access between different sections at any time during the day/night cycle, depending on what types you would like accessed from each location or your own personal preference.

There are also many more amenities, including shops selling ski gear and souvenirs like hats and scarves.

At the same time, every guest is given complimentary lift tickets upon arrival so they can experience all aspects themselves without having any worries about how much it costs them too.

The Woodlands Ranch is a luxury hotel located in The Woodlands, Texas. Its situated near Houston and offers a wide range of luxurious services, making it one of the most luxurious hotels in Texas.

The resort features an eight-acre property with 400 acres of woods, lakes, and ponds for guests to enjoy in their own time. Guests can also rent a private residence if they wish to spend more time at the resort rather than staying there alone or with friends/family members only during vacations.

There are three different categories available: Luxury Suite, Luxury Villa, or simply RESORT SUITE WITH ACCESSORY ROOMS, which includes a kitchenette.

Cliffs Resort is a luxury resort in New Braunfels, Texas. Its located in the Hill Country and offers everything you need to feel like royalty.

Cliffs Resort has a spa with indoor and outdoor pools as well as an on-site restaurant with three different menus that cater to all tastesfrom breakfast to dinner and everything in between; there will be something unique for everyone at this resort.

There are also several other amenities here at Cliffs Resort, including a golf course; tennis courts; fitness centre; basketball court; baseball field; playgrounds for children; and a volleyball court. Regardless of the season, the most important thing is relaxation.

The Four Seasons Resort George Ranch is in the Texas Hill Country, a region of hills and plains that contains some of Americas most magnificent scenery.

This resort has a golf course, spa, restaurant, and bar, so it provides everything you need for a pleasant holiday.

The property stands apart from neighbouring projects while being accessible to major cities such as San Antonio, about 90 minutes about 1 and a half hours distance, and Austin, about two hours away.

There are several family-friendly on-site activities, such as horseback riding lessons every day at 10am and nightly campfires where guests can roast marshmallows while listening to live music from local artists playing acoustic guitar or ukuleles.

The Ritz-Carlton, Houston, is a luxury hotel located conveniently in downtown Houston.

Many prominent attractions, including Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Centre, as well as various museums and commercial districts, are just steps away from the hotel.

The hotel features concierge services, an outdoor pool with cabanas, and an elegant health center outfitted with cardio equipment, free weights, and treadmills.

There are also more than 20 restaurants within walking distance from the property, such as Hugos on Main Street (for lunch) or Mortons Steakhouse (for dinner).

Four Points by Sheraton Dallas Fort Worth Airport is the ideal choice for a luxury hotel in Dallas. The hotel is right outside the airport and within walking distance of the terminal, so if youre going out on a later departure than your connecting connection, you wont be stuck at a different airport.

You can also use their shuttle service if needed. The pool is open 24 hours per day so that everyone can enjoy it whenever they feel like itand theres also an indoor fitness center on-site as well with free weights.

Theres even an on-site restaurant called Tryst Restaurant & Lounge where guests can order from an extensive menu or just grab something from their snack bar area at any time during business hours during peak times when others might want some food too.

The Four Points by Sheraton Hill Country Ranch is located in Fredericksburg, Texas, and its a fantastic spot to board if you want to enjoy some luxury while exploring this lovely city.

This hotel has a pool, spa, tennis court, fitness center (with free weights), business center, and more.

If you plan a family holiday or business retreat to Texas, the easiest way to do so is to identify the ideal location and then book a private jet charter flight. Youll be able to fly anywhere in Texas easily and wont worry about traffic or weather delays.

You will find places like Vail Mountain or The Woodlands Ranch to more affordable options like Four Seasons Hotel Dallas/Fort Worth Airport West or Four Points by Sheraton Hill Country Ranch Fredericksburg.

Whether youre looking for something simple but memorable like a stay at Four Seasons Resort George Ranch or something unique like W Houstons The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Houston, above mentioned all are the top seven gateways you will find in Texas.

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Top seven luxurious private flight getaways in Texas - South West Londoner

Image via MARK J. TERRILL/AP

Everything in Hollywood is glamorous, even the divorces. Billion-dollar settlements, million-dollar homes, and everything from expensive jewelry to private islands is up for grabs as the lawyers divvy up the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Okay, maybe the legal battles arent exactly glamorous, but the spoils of these divorce wars are certainly extravagant. So, we just had to know between all the glitz and glam, drama and intrigue, who actually walked away from their marriages with the biggest settlement claim from fame? We dug deep to find out. Here are the most expensive celebrity divorce settlements to date.

From public showdowns to private legal battles and everything in between, these celebrity couples have done it all. While some had very public displays of non-affection, others settled their marital troubles fairly quietly and privately, which in Hollywood especially, is surprising. Dont worry because we were able to get all the dirty details on these celebrity divorces, including how much these marital mistakes cost them. Check it out.

For a man who made his millions singing songs about love, its surprising that even Paul McCartney still seems to have a thing or two to learn about it. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills had something of a whirlwind romance. They met in 1999 when Mills was engaged to Chris Terrill, but she quickly broke off her relationship with him to be with the former Beatles frontman. McCartney and Mills began their relationship in 2000, and by 2002, the couple was married. By 2003, they had a daughter together, whom they named Beatrice.

Yet by 2006, the couple was separated, and by 2008, the nasty and very public divorce was finally settled. All sorts of rumors flew as to why the couples marriage disintegrated so quickly, including everything from difficult family dynamics with McCartneys teenage daughter Stella to accusations the pair had gotten together too soon after McCartneys first wife, Lindas, untimely death. Regardless of the reason, the divorce, even by Hollywood standards, was dramatic. In fact, according to People, McCartney called his marriage to Mills one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Ouch.

When all was said and done, the four-year marriage cost Mr. McCartney a grand total of $50 million. We can see why he might not view the marriage so fondly. The immense final settlement made the McCartney divorce one of the most expensive (and dramatic) in Hollywood history.

Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva had, by Hollywood standards, a very long relationship. By all initial accounts, their marriage seemed destined for happily ever after. Yet, after 16 years of marriage and three children together, the couple finally called it quits.

Costner and Silva met in 1975 at USC, and within three years, they were married. As time went on and Costners career took off, rumors of infidelity plagued the couple, and Costners romantic and often sexual love scenes in movies supposedly did not help the couples cause. There were rumors that Silva even issued Costner an ultimatum, demanding he either quit the amorous movie scenes or the marriage. As Costner is still acting and no longer married, if the rumors are true, we can probably guess which one he chose.

As the couple had been married so long and Costners career had really taken off, there were a lot of assets to sort through. There was also, of course, the matter of the couples three children. When all was said and done, the marriage settlement equaled a whopping $80 million, which is no small feat, even for the Hollywood heartthrob. Apparently, Costner learned from his costly mistake, and when his next divorce came along, he made sure a prenup was firmly in place.

Another long-time celebrity couple, Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison are next on our list. The couple was married for 21 years (practically a lifetime in Hollywood) before finally calling it quits. Ford is, of course, a well-known actor, and Mathison is a screenwriter with plenty of credits to her name as well. The two met in 1976 on the set of Apocalypse Now, but Ford was still married to his first wife at the time. Then, after his starring role in Star Wars rocketed him to fame, he and his first wife ended up divorcing. Ford and his second wife Mathison got together very soon after, and within a year of dating in 1983, they tied the knot.

The couple was together for two decades and had two children together, but as they married with no prenup in place, their divorce got very messy and very costly. As many celebrity divorces do, it took almost two years to sort out all the assets and finalize the legal piece. In the end in 2004, the divorce cost Ford $85 million, launching him into one of the most expensive celebrity divorces in Hollywood.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie were one of Hollywoods hottest couples until they werent. While their breakup might have been very public, the details of their settlement were far less so. The couple announced their plans to divorce in October of 2008 after eight years of marriage and two children. The two met at a dinner party in 1998 and tied the knot in 2000, the same year their little boy, Rocco, was born. Eight short years later, the once-happy couple decided to part ways.

According to People, there were several contributing factors in the couples divorce. Allegedly, Ritchie was not supportive of Madonnas association with Kabbalah, the Jewish mysticism practice, and her feelings on adoption, which is a shame as the couple adopted a child from Malawi together. The two apparently also had different views on fame and celebrity, and all of these essential issues led to the pair going their separate ways.

Ritchie, a British film director, and Madonna, an international superstar, had an estimated combined wealth ranging in the hundreds of millions with Madonna making up the lions share of that amount. Ironically during the divorce, Madonna took on the legal council of Fiona Shackleton, who also had her hands full with the McCartney-Mills divorce. The couple was tight-lipped about what their actual settlement ended up being, but reports indicate it landed somewhere in the $92-$76 million range, making it one of the highest divorce settlements in Hollywood.

The Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving divorce is one of the most bizarre and costly on the Hollywood hot list. The director and the young actress met in 1976 and hit it off right away. Yet, it turned out the young actress preferred time in the spotlight and didnt like being in her director husbands shadow. The couple broke up in 1980 but reunited in 1985, and a wedding soon followed, but not before a prenup was drafted.

Now, heres where the story takes a bizarre turn. The prenuptial agreement was not drafted by a lawyer on a legal document it was drafted by Spielberg on a cocktail napkin. Then, three short years later, when the couple decided to divorce, Spielberg attempted to use the document as a prenup. Shockingly enough, it did not hold up in court, and the short-lived marriage and prenup debacle ended up costing Spielberg $100 million for his mistake. The story and the settlement amount itself became a legend in Hollywood circles, as the plot twists and turns of this divorce story sound more like something from one of Spielbergs movies than his private life. Yet, in this case, truth is stranger than fiction, and not only did it land Spielberg a spot in Hollywood folklore, it landed him a spot on our most expensive divorces list.

Michael Jordans basketball career was the stuff of dreams unfortunately, his personal life, especially his divorce, was more the stuff of nightmares. Michael Jordan and his wife Juanita were married for 16 years and had three children together, although their time together was so tumultuous, it landed them on several most toxic couples lists. Yikes.

The two got married in a small Vegas ceremony in 1989 right at the beginning of Jordans lucrative career, meaning most of Jordans wealth was acquired during the marriage. Interestingly enough, while their final divorce occurred in 2016, it was not the first time the couple had considered parting ways. A divorce was filed in 2002 but revoked after the couple decided to try to reconcile. The final divorce came through in 2016. The split was outwardly amicable with lawyers and publicists claiming the couple were still on good terms. Yet, the final settlement landed at $168 million, making it one of the biggest payouts in Hollywood history. So, what the divorce lacked in drama, it seemed to make up for in monetary compensation. Not exactly a slam dunk for Mr. Jordan.

Mel Gibson and Robin Moore experienced 30 years of marital bliss followed by one of the most dramatic and public divorces in Hollywood. The couple met in the late 1970s when Gibson was still a struggling actor and Moore was working as a dental assistant. The two got married in 1980 and share seven children together.

Moore filed for divorce following Gibsons very publicized Malibu arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence, which sparked his well-known anti-semitic rant. Moore left Gibson the next day and filed for divorce soon after. Earlier in the month, Gibson was also caught canoodling with Oksana Grigorieva, whom he later had a baby with. So, clearly, a lot of drama for what was once one of Hollywoods most likely-to-succeed couples.

Lets be honest, 30 years in a Hollywood marriage is as close to lifelong as many of them ever come. So, not only was it disappointing to see one of Hollywoods former heroes take a serious nosedive, it was sad to watch a marriage many believed in do the same. Yet, 30 years and a divorce settlement of $425 million later, Mel Gibson and Robin Moore parted ways. Surprisingly enough, however, while his marriage was toast, Gibsons career did recover with several hit action movies blowing up on streaming.

We are now entering the divorce settlement territory that actually makes the McCartney settlement look fairly reasonable. These divorce numbers leave the millions and start hitting the billions with the Murdoch family being a prime example. Rupert Murdoch and his former wife Anna Torv were married for 32 years and share three children. While the long-lasting marriage seemed good, as with many of the Hollywood marriages when they go bad, they go really bad. The newspaper journalist married the media mogul in 1967, but by the 90s, infidelity rumors plagued the couple. By 1999, it appeared Murdoch had found a new love interest, Wendi Deng, who he married 17 days after his divorce from Torv.

The couple did not have a particularly lengthy divorce process as the entire thing was wrapped up in three months. Torv allegedly was interested in an attempted reconciliation, but Murdoch had already moved on. Torv received an impressive $1.7 billion in the divorce.

Bill and Melinda Gates are household names. Their legendary advances in the technology field are matched only by charitable contributions. Not only is the power couple known for founding Microsoft, but they also founded a successful non-profit: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is known for donating over $4.5 billion to various causes. Yet, despite these two seeming like a dream team, behind the scenes, their marriage had turned into a nightmare.

The couple married in 1994 after meeting at Microsoft and dating for seven years. They were together for 27 years, share three children, a large non-profit, and several successful businesses. Yet after what seemed like a long, happy marriage, the two abruptly called it quits. Melinda Gates told Vanity Fair that a big part of the decision to divorce was her husbands association with the notorious Jeffery Epstein. Melinda states she knew working with Epstein was a mistake from day one, calling him personified evil. No argument here. Her husband Bill was also known for having at least one very public affair with rumors of others plaguing the marriage. At the end of the day, Melinda decided to call it quits.

As the two got together in the early Microsft days and were together nearly three decades, there were a lot of assets to sort through. When all was said and done, Melinda walked away with $6.3 billion in stocks. Considering the last Forbes estimate of Bill placed him at a net worth of $130 billion, wed say he got off pretty easy. Gates began dating again soon after the divorce was finalized.

Jeff and McKenzie Bezos divorce made headlines for more reasons than one. Its not every day that men worth $136 billion divorce without a prenup. Yet, that is exactly what happened with Jeff Bezos. He and his wife McKenzie decided to call it quits after 25 years and four children. The pair met in 1992 where McKenzie worked as Jeffs administrative assistant, and within a year, they were married. Eventually, Amazon, Jeffs company, would skyrocket, making him a billionaire and apparently putting a lot of strain on the marriage.

Finally, after McKenzie caught Jeff sending sleazy photos to his mistress, she decided to call it quits. The affair scandal was instantly public, yet despite the media frenzy, the two at least attempted to maintain an air of amiability. As the couple got together pre-Amazon success and had been together nearly three decades, a lot of the assets were acquired during the marriage, making for a messy separation process. Yet, when all was said and done, McKenzie walked away with $36 billion. The settlement made her the richest woman in the world via divorce. An odd accomplishment, but one McKenzie quickly turned to gold as she gave away a reported $1.7 billion to charity. Way to keep it classy, McKenzie! The settlement is, to date, one of the largest in Hollywood history.

Its becoming rarer these days to see high divorce settlements in Hollywood, the land of the prenups. Yet, when they do happen, they are often just as dramatic as the shows and movies the couples are known for. They serve as shining examples of what happens when seemingly good marriages go so wrong. It also goes to show that while everything might be bigger in Texas, everything is more glamorous in Hollywood, even the divorce settlements.

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What Are the Most Expensive Celebrity Divorce Settlements? - We Got This Covered

My journey to become a PADI-certified diver started in a chilly Massachusetts poolcomplete with floating hairballswith a local instructor giving us the basics. It wasnt quite as exotic as Id imagined, but the certification process took a sweeping turn in Fiji last February, where I did my open-water dives.

Kokomo Private Island was about as five-star as it gets, starting with the resorts private Otter seaplane transporting us from the airport in Nadi to the resorts dock.

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There, we were welcomed by the smiling staff, singing a traditional Fijian song. At that point, I realized this was going to be more than just a luxe holiday to get certified. It was going to be a bucket-list adventure that wasnt even on the list.

Diving with sea turtles.

Theres really no bad time of year to visit Fiji. The islands share the same weather patterns as Australia and New Zealand, so the seasons are opposite to the US. Fijis winter (June-August) is the most popular season to visit, thanks to milder temperatures and drier weather. Its summer (Dec-Feb) is generally hotter and rainier. But either works for getting certified.

Thats because there are few places on the planet that rival Fijis diving, with the Great Astrolabe Reefthe worlds fourth-largest coral reefextending over 62 miles.

Kokomo has exclusivity to multiple dive sites, which let us get up close and personal with manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and dozens of fish species living in the extensive reef systems.

More than 60 miles of protected reefs make Fiji one of the worlds most sought-after dive spots.

The instructors were all business when it came to teaching and demonstrating the skills needed to be PADI-certified, but were also clearly proud to introduce us to the warm, gin-clear waters around their remote South Pacific home.

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The diving venues were exceptional, with names like the Grotto, which feature vibrant, mysterious caverns, or Wonderland, where bright clownfish float in and out of soft corals, or the sweeping slopes of Side Street, with its hard coral that abut a sheer cliff teeming with marine life.

Any nervousness I may have felt at the beginning quickly morphed into the confidence that comes from experience, thanks to the expert dive team. We settled into a pleasant rhythm that featured two tank dives on the pristine reefs surrounding Kokomo in the mornings.

The view from the island.

The first four dives were dedicated to the skills needed for certification, but our instructors always built some time in to explore the local reefs that were only a short boat ride away. Of course, spending post-dive afternoons floating in the pool at our private waterfront villas was a relaxing counterpoint to the mornings adventures.

The island has a handful of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, as well as residences for groups or families, that share contemporary island-style interior design, with elegant stonework and artwork by Chris Kenyon. The one-bedroom villas have a large living space, master bedroom with rain shower, deep-soak bathtub and outdoor shower.

Two restaurants, the Beach Shack and Walker DPlank, offer cuisines ranging from upscale Mediterranean and Fijian to more casual Asian street foods, sourced with local seafood and vegetables. The islands facilities and private beaches are ideal for just kicking back after each dive.

The seaplane that gathers guests from the airport and drops off at the island.

During the underwater workwe did a total of 13 dives, including one at nightI came to love the feeling of weightlessness. Theres also something calming about swimming 50 feet below the surfaceincluding the time we encountered sharks while exploring a coral wall on the edge of an ocean shelf.

One of our dive instructors, also a marine biologist, helped us understand (both scientifically and emotionally) just how special it was to dive Fijis pristine reefs. She pointed out all the wildlife: black-tip and white-tip sharks, green and Hawksbill turtles, fish ranging from a Napoleon wrasse and damselfish to angel fish and clownfish, while explaining the reefs importance to the archipelagos eco-system.

Now that Ive experienced all the wonders of weightless exploration and a whole new world below the surface, I cant believe I waited so long to get certifiedthough fortunately it happened in an exceptional place. But diving in paradise doesnt come cheap: The experience ranges from $15,000 to $20,000 per week.

Click here to see other private islands and superyachts that offer certification in paradise.

Six superyachts and resorts that offer certification courses.

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Getting Scuba-Certified in Fiji Is the Best Way to Explore the Underwater World - Yahoo Singapore News