Once Aristotle Onassis’s private island on the Ionian Sea, the island of Skorpios is set to become a VIP resort following approval from the Greek government.

The permit allowing the changes to the island was issued by the government in a 55-page Joint Ministerial Decision signed on 31 December, 2020, said Greek Reporter.

The permit will enable the island’s owner Ekaterina Rybolovleva, the daughter of Russian magnate Dmitry Rybovlev, to turn the island into a VIP resort by 2024 at a cost of €165 million.

In 2013, Ms Rybolovleva and a group of companies bought the island and the adjacent Sparti islet from Athina Onassis Roussel, the granddaughter and only surviving heir of the Greek shipping magnate, for $153 million.

According to the ministerial decision document, the project will be divided into nine construction units covering an area of 430, 947.10 square metres that will include the construction of new buildings as well as the renovation of existing buildings such as the Pink Villa that was built by Christina Onassis and which will serve as one accommodation unit in the exclusive complex.

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The proposed complex will a main hotel building complex that will be known as the Master suite and which will serve as the main residence, along with two large villas, two medium-sized villas and two guest pavilions.

Also included in the proposed main complex, will be a conference centre, restaurant, wellness centre, screening room and entertainment area. A second residential complex will include four villas and auxiliary features.

Sports facilities will be built as well as facilities for staff members. There will be a helipad as well as an equestrian centre and a special area for hosting pets. There will also be an outdoor theatre with dressing rooms and storage facilities.

The island’s harbour will be significantly expanded and modernised to accommodate more vessels.

The project has been described as one of the first strategic investments in Greece.