The world’s most luxurious prison on ‘devil island’ where each inmate gets a house

On a remote, pine tree-covered island off the coast of , there’s a prison like no other. 

Bastoy Prison, often referred to as the world’s most , sits on an idyllic piece of land known as “Devil Island”, far from the grim cells and harsh conditions typically associated with . 

Instead of bars, razor wire, and cramped quarters, the inmates here live in spacious cottages with stunning views of the ocean. 

It’s a place where convicted murderers and rapists not only have access to a range of leisure activities but also experience remarkably low reoffending rates.

Plonked on the remote Bastoy Island in 1982, the prison spans just one square mile, surrounded by natural beauty, tranquil waters, and dense forests.

With only 100 inmates at a time, the facility is more like a small, self-sustaining village than a traditional prison. Instead of being confined to cells, each prisoner is given their own cottage to live in, complete with farmland to tend.

The cottages are basic but comfortable, with kitchens and communal spaces where the convicts can enjoy a semblance of normal life.

Unlike many prisons where food options are minimal at best, Bastoy boasts a chef who prepares meals that are a far cry from the stereotypical prison fare. Inmates are served dishes like “fish balls with white sauce and shrimp,” as well as hearty meals like “chicken con carne” and “salmon.”

With access to fresh ingredients and time spent working the land, the food at Bastoy is a far cry from the pot noodles and stale bread found in many British jails.

Inmates at Bastoy have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society. 

Horseback riding, fishing, and tennis lessons are just a few of the options available, and many inmates spend their days tending to the island’s farm or enjoying the surrounding nature. There’s no sense of confinement here, prisoners are free to roam the island, taking in the beauty of the landscape, or spending time on the beach, weather permitting.

The low-security nature of the prison might sound more like a holiday retreat than a penal institution, and its reputation as such hasn’t gone unnoticed.

When interviewed by CNN in 2012, prison governor Arne Kvernvik Nilsen defended the facility’s unusual approach to incarceration, saying, “If we have created a holiday camp for criminals here, so what?”

He continued: “We should reduce the risk of reoffending because if we don’t, what’s the point of punishment, except for leaning toward the primitive side of humanity?”

While the idea of providing such freedom and comfort to convicted criminals might seem controversial, the statistics speak for themselves.

Bastoy boasts one of the lowest reoffending rates in Europe, with only around 16% of inmates reoffending within two years of their release, significantly lower than the national average in Norway, where 20% of released convicts reoffend.

This success can be attributed to the prison’s focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

By offering inmates a semblance of freedom, trust, and responsibility, Bastoy aims to foster positive behaviour and reintegrate them back into society as productive members.

The island’s unique model has drawn international attention as an example of how prisons can go beyond mere incarceration and focus on rehabilitation, social reintegration, and reducing the risk of reoffending.