Three of the world’s richest men became embroiled in a billionaire tug of war over the purchase of Skorpios Island, with fashion legend Giorgio Armani ultimately claiming the spoils.
According to reports Italian fashion king Giorgio Armani shelled out $190 million to purchase the private island, after facing strong competition from Microsoft owner Bill Gates and Chelsea FC Oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Skorpios, the island in question, is found off the Greek western coast in the Ionian Sea, near the popular luxury holiday islands of Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Meganisi. It is known to be one of the most beautiful and luxurious private islands in the world. Formerly owned by Aristotle Onassis, the famous Greek shipping billionaire, the island played host to his 1968 wedding to Jackie Kennedy. Passed on to his granddaughter Athina, she recently put the island up for sale, attracting the billionaire buyers.
Much of the island remains undeveloped to ensure it maintains its astounding natural beauty. However, there is a fantastic villa named the Pink House that was built by Onassis for his new bride, along with extensive leisure facilities such as tennis courts and a helipad.