The $60 Million Transformation: What Is Happening To Epstein's Infamous Island Now?

The notorious Caribbean property known globally as "Epstein's Island" is finally shedding its dark past, not through demolition, but through a dramatic, multi-million dollar transformation. As of late 2025, the 71.6-acre private paradise, officially named Little St. James, is under new ownership with ambitious plans to convert the site of alleged international crimes into an ultra-exclusive luxury resort. This significant development marks the end of a controversial era for the U.S. Virgin Islands property, drawing a stark line between its infamous history and its future as a high-end travel destination.

The sale and subsequent redevelopment plan is the most significant update since the death of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, generating intense curiosity about the fate of the compound that once hosted some of the world's most powerful figures. The property’s new purpose is symbolic, aiming to replace the island's haunting legacy with a new identity, though the shadow of its past—and the ongoing legal and political reverberations—remain a major point of discussion.

The New Era: Billionaire Owner and the $60 Million Sale

The sale of Jeffrey Epstein's two private islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands—Little St. James and the nearby Great St. James—concluded a prolonged period of uncertainty for the properties. Originally listed for an ambitious $125 million, the islands were eventually purchased for a final price of $60 million.

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Biography of the New Owner: Stephen Deckoff

The buyer of the controversial property is Stephen Deckoff, a billionaire investor and financier who acquired the islands through his investment firm, SD Investments LLC.

• Full Name: Stephen Deckoff
• Primary Role: Founder and Managing Principal of Black Diamond Capital Management.
• Company Overview: Black Diamond Capital Management is a major alternative investment firm, managing assets exceeding $10 billion.
• Investment Focus: Deckoff's career has been spent building a powerful force in alternative investments since he launched Black Diamond in 1995.
• Acquisition Vehicle: The islands were purchased under his firm, SD Investments LLC.
• Future Plans: Deckoff has publicly stated his intention to transform both islands into a world-class luxury resort.

Deckoff, who is a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands, has committed to a complete overhaul of the properties. The goal is to open the new resort, which will be called the Amalfi Coast Resort, sometime in 2025, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

The sale proceeds were directed toward the Epstein estate's legal costs and a compensation fund for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking ring.

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Little St. James: The Infamous Structures and Features

Little St. James, often referred to simply as "Epstein's Island," is a 71.6-acre island located southeast of Saint Thomas. Epstein purchased the property in 1998, and over the years, he developed it into a sprawling, secluded compound.

The island's structures have become infamous due to their association with the alleged crimes. Recent revelations, including the release of new photos and videos by House Democrats in late 2025, continue to fuel public interest in the compound's layout.

Key Structures on Little St. James

The compound was designed for total privacy and luxury, but several buildings have garnered particular notoriety:

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• The Main Residence: A luxurious villa serving as the primary living quarters.
• Guest Villas: Multiple separate villas designed to accommodate numerous visitors.
• The "Temple" or "Dome": A mysterious blue-striped building with an onion-shaped dome, which sat near the island’s main dock. Its ambiguous purpose sparked numerous conspiracy theories before it was reportedly dismantled.
• Private Dock and Helipad: Essential infrastructure for accessing the remote island, facilitating the arrival and departure of high-profile guests.
• Pools and Amenities: The property included two pools and various extensive recreational facilities.

The adjacent island, Great St. James, is a larger, undeveloped 161-acre property that Epstein purchased in 2016. It was included in the $60 million sale to Deckoff.

The Continuing Legal and Political Aftermath

Despite the change in ownership, the legal and political fallout from the Epstein scandal continues to unfold, ensuring the island's name remains in the headlines. The US Virgin Islands Department of Justice played a key role in the litigation against the Epstein estate, a process that ultimately led to the sale.

Key Entities and Associated Figures

The investigation and subsequent media coverage have created a web of interconnected entities and powerful figures, many of whom are tied to the island's dark history. These names frequently appear in court documents, flight logs, and public inquiries, solidifying the island's place as the center of a global scandal.

Central Figures:

• Jeffrey Epstein: Disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who owned the island.
• Ghislaine Maxwell: British former socialite and Epstein's associate, convicted of child sex trafficking. She was heavily involved in the logistics and operation of the island.
• Accusers/Victims: The numerous women who came forward with allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking that occurred on the island.

Political and Elite Entities (Mentioned in Released Documents):

Recent releases of documents and emails by the House Oversight Committee have brought renewed scrutiny to the high-profile individuals associated with Epstein. While the nature of their connection to the alleged crimes varies and is often unproven, their names have been publicly linked to the financier's orbit.

• Donald Trump
• Steve Bannon
• Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor)
• Woody Allen
• Bill Gates

The conversion of Little St. James into a luxury resort is seen by many as a necessary step to close a painful chapter. However, the island's new identity will forever be tethered to its past, guaranteeing that the name "Epstein's Island" remains a powerful, if dark, entity in public memory and topical discourse.