A scandal-scarred island is getting a drop-dead gorgeous makeover that’s turning heads. Little Saint James, Jeffrey Epstein‘s former private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is being revamped into a luxury family-friendly resort, with a billionaire’s ambition to erase its sinister past. Sold in May 2023 for $60 million to private equity mogul Stephen Deckoff, the 70-acre paradise is humming with activity and set to debut as a luxury eco-resort in 2025. But can a place with such a notorious history really be reimagined as a dream destination?
Stephen Deckoff, the founder of Black Diamond Capital Management and a longtime resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands, snapped up Little Saint James and its neighbor, Great Saint James, for a steal compared to their original $125 million asking price. The deal wasn’t just about luxury real estate; it came with a purpose. Roughly $30 million from the sale is funding victim services through a settlement with Epstein’s estate and the U.S. Virgin Islands government, addressing the island’s grim legacy. Deckoff, who never crossed paths with Epstein, is betting big on turning this Caribbean gem into a 25-room resort that rivals the region’s best.
Construction crews are moving fast, carving out new pathways and erecting sleek, modern buildings that blend with the island’s natural beauty. Three private beaches, two sparkling pools, a private dock, and a helipad are just some of the features that will cater to wealthy families seeking an exclusive escape. Some of Epstein’s original structures, like the guest villas and the eerie blue-and-white striped “temple” that fueled countless conspiracy theories, are being repurposed for the resort. Recent photos from July 2025 show bulldozers reshaping the landscape, with lush greenery and turquoise waters as the backdrop. Deckoff’s team is working with top architects to ensure the resort is eco-friendly, a nod to the island’s recovery from the 2017 hurricanes that battered the Caribbean.
The project promises to be a game-changer for the local economy. Deckoff has emphasized job creation and boosting tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a region that thrives on visitors. With its pristine beaches and secluded vibe, Little Saint James could become a must-visit spot for the ultra-wealthy. But not everyone is on board with the transformation. The island’s dark history, tied to Epstein’s alleged crimes that victimized dozens, looms large. Survivors and advocacy groups are pushing for a memorial to honor those affected, arguing that a luxury resort risks sweeping the past under the rug. As of August 2025, no memorial plans have been announced, sparking heated debate about whether redevelopment can truly cleanse the island’s reputation.
Deckoff is undeterred, pouring resources into creating a “world-class” destination that families will flock to. The resort will offer privacy, luxury, and a chance to experience the Caribbean’s natural splendor, all while distancing itself from the island’s former owner. Yet, the challenge remains: can a place once called “Pedophile Island” ever fully shake its stigma?
