Inside the luxury private islands once home to Rudolf Nureyev
THEY’RE some of the globe’s most luxurious, private islands. And now they could now be yours to rent.
LI GALLI, a tiny private archipelago of three atolls off Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is dubbed “the dance island,” and not just because it’s shaped like a jumping dolphin.
Its most famous owner was Russian ballet star Rudolf Nureyev, one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century.
Now you can rent the whole place to yourself, if you have money. BIG money, that is. Prices range between 55,000 to 150,000 euros per week ($AU79,884 to $AU221,786). But you can always split the cost with friends — the property can host up to 12 guests.
Nureyev couldn’t resist the lure of Li Galli. The archipelago was already well known among his fellow Russian artists, dancers and intellectuals. So, after a quick visit in 1989, he decided to purchase this piece of paradise and settle down on the main isle — Gallo Lungo.
He lavishly restyled the main villa formerly built by another Russian dancer, Léonide Messine. It’s no mystery that Nureyev was obsessed with dreams of grandeur and lavishness. He changed the decor, turning it into a Maharajah sumptuous palace. Bright blue and brown Turkish mosaics were pasted on the walls, the floors covered in precious Kilim carpets and the rooms adorned with Anatolian bronze statues. Nureyev even built a helipad to ease his frequent travels. Covered in thick vegetation, that’s the main means of transportation for guests today.
In order to better exercise each day, the Russian star widened the ballet room rising on top of the stone lookout tower originally built in the 14th Century against pirate raids.
Today it’s been turned into another smaller villa with panoramic bedrooms where the lucky ones wake each morning to a mesmerising view of the other two uninhabited rocks of Li Galli.
Too bad Nureyev had little time to enjoy his “golden” mansion and to see his dream come true: the opening of a ballet school on the island. In 1992, dying of AIDS, he set sail once and for all from the beloved archipelago.
Legend has it that before leaving the isle he kissed the ground, conscious that he would never again return. Four months later he died in Paris.
But Nureyev’s legacy, despite all its fascination, is nothing compared to the luxury — and exclusiveness — of staying on Li Galli today. Even if it’s just for one night.
The islands are completely off limits to locals. Wealthy boat owners not rich enough to stay on the island can only moor nearby and gaze.
The property, which rises on the ashes of an ancient Roman site, consists of Nureyev’s three bedroom mansion with stone terrace, the lookout tower which used to be his ballroom and is now another villa, an infinity saltwater pool and a whitewashed chapel where weddings are held. Near the chapel is the so-called “White House” — the honeymoon suite.
If one day you’re bored of the island’s isolation and silence, you can always move around.
Other than the private helicopter, there’s a motorboat for quick transfers to villages along the coast like Amalfi and Positano and also to nearby Capri. Plus a 35m yacht for cruises all around Italy — as if anyone would want to leave Li Galli even for an hour.
But that’s not all: you get to be pampered and served like a real king. A staff of seven people will attend to all of your requests. The menu features fresh fish and fruit and vegetables from the estate’s orchard.
Also, forget ordinary resorts and annoying, strict meal times. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner whenever you want.
After all, you’re the chief of the island. At least for a couple of days.
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