Futurist Transhuman News Blog

As popular as Private Islands are these days, luxury yachts are right up there in terms of status symbols. I know of a number of billionaires who own both!

Private Islands Online recently listed a unique opportunity to develop your own Private Island Marina. According to the website this offering presents a fantastic opportunity to develop a marina in the deep waters around Koh lanta, with strong financial support from the local government.

The land is split over 3 parcels with a private island of 50 rai and a further 350 rai two nearby islands. All parcels overlook the private island.

This would be a great opportunity for anyone lookng at developing a luxury private island resorts. Having a marina means guests can sail to your island on their yacht or just drop by for dinner and a spa treatment. For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Peter Island, which I featured a number of times on the Private Islands Blog is the largest private island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).  Home to one of the poshest hotels in the Caribbean the resort offers a 2:1 guest/staff ratio, an Ayurvedic seaside spa, five pearl-white beaches and unspoiled landscapes—and it’s steeped in pirate lore.

Now the resort is taking it a step further rebranding itself as an intimate culinary adventure for well heeled foodies. Accomodating up to 10 couples or 20 individuals at a time, guests will get up close and personal with Peter Island’s talented on-site chef Lisa Sellers. Guests will also also learning tricks of the trade from a visiting guest chef—culinary artists like TV sustainability guru Christopher Ivens-Brown and corporate executive chef of Norwegian Cruise Lines Jason Drysdale.

The program includes private cooking classes in a breathtaking villa called Falcon’s Nest, as well as a private boat tour to Paraquita Bay, a working agricultural farm where they will select local ingredients for an evening feast. “We have people coming from all over the world to attend these events and we want to create an unforgettable experience for them,” says Sellers. Prices for the event start at $575 per person or $1,150 per couple based on a fivenight stay (not including accommodations).

Source: Luxe Life

Fiji is one of those dream destinations for islomaniacs. From the beaches to the culture, Fiji is a close to paradise as any place on Earth. Recently a beautiful 12 acre island came on the market. Vanuaa Island is located in the popular Yasawa Island chain.

Here is what the listing agent had to say about the property. “The moment you step ashore- catch the fragrance of tropical fruit and bougainvillea -cast your eyes back across the opalescent lagoon and pearl white beach; you know this is a holiday destination you never want to leave.”

Opened first in 2008 the boutique resort comprising 11 bures and substantial infrastructure is now for sale regrettably for family reasons. Travel cognoscenti have been quick to recognise the destination’s allure. The resort is booked out until Xmas 2010 and beyond.

Hugging the beach, the resort is set amongst substantial organic vegetable gardens which are fed from two deep bores through coral and limestone providing near potable water which is further treated in a desalination plant. 

For more information on purchasing this island, or just arranging a holiday visit Private Islands Online.

Over the last couple of years Turkey has become a must see travel destinations with travelers from all over the world visiting to take in Turkey’s unique culture and geography.

Recently a number of private islands came on the market in Turkey. The unnamed islands range in price from 4 Million Euros up to 27 Million Euro for a 79 acre island in a popular tourist destination.

The most affordable island is 17 acres in size It is only 2.5km from Ayvalik, and has a zoning plan from state. This is a good opportunity to build a boutique hotel. Ayvalik is a seaside town in the west of Turkey in the province of Balikesir. The town had an important number of Greek people living there. After the Turkish Independence War the population changed with the Turkish popluation increasing and the Greek population decreasing.

To learn more about these unique island opportunities in Turkey visit Private Islands Online.

The great thing about Private Islands is that you don’t have to worry about neighbours. Well not always. Residents on a Private Island in Newport Bay are suing the California Coastal Commission to keep their pedestrian bridge from opening to the general public.

The Los Angeles Times recently explained the dispute noting that the Coastal Commission contends that the Bay Island Club, an association of 24 homeowners on the tiny island by that name, must allow public access to the bridge if the club wants to replace the aging 130-foot span. It’s a classic example of the struggle between private landowners and state government, which since the 1976 passage of the California Coastal Act, has aggressively protected the public’s access to shorelines and waterways.

The city owns the  canal under the bridge and the Newport Beach City Council voted unanimously July 27   to support the islanders in court. The island is about halfway down the Balboa Peninsula.

Defendants of the island state: “Yes, it’s across public property,” said Councilman Don Webb. “But it really has no use other than coming on and off the island.”

Travel Writing 2.0, available now from veteran travel writer and editor Tim Leffel, guides aspiring writers through the current transition period from print media to the digital era.

Paradizo recently released it’s list of the best hidden beaches in the world and it’s no surprise that number of private island resorts made the list. Among the worlds best hidden beaches is The Mozambique Private Island Medjumbe in the Quirimbas Archipelago.  Medjumbe is a secluded private island that gives you the feeling that you’ve found your own hidden corner of the world. Abundant gardens, teeming wildlife and discrete beach villas abound in the ultimate private island hideaway.

Also on the list is the ultra exclusive Mustique the secret spot of pink sand and lazy, turquoise waves. Mustique’s villas are a treasure onto themselves, offering exclusive amenities beachside on this Caribbean private island catering to a lucky few, well-heeled travelers.

To read more about the World’s Best Hidden Private Beaches visit Paradizo

At 5 acres, 5 Cove Island is a quaint island tucked away within the pristine wilderness of British Columbia. This rare island is connected to the mainland by white sandy beaches and enjoys the most unobstructed views of the sourrounding mountains and islands.

The island’s location is ideal for a smaller luxury development because it is only 30 minutues by boat to Vancouver, boasts some of the most spectacular untouched views and already has subdivision approval.

5 Coves’ micro-climate sustains an abundant variety of wildlife in and out of the water. Bears, seals and otters take in the sun, feed and play around Zoor Bay. Families of Orcas follow schools of herring into Howe Sound. Swans and geese pause to feed on their journey South. Eagles watch for prey from tall evergreens. Crabs, prawns and shellfish, slamon and mackerel are plentiful in the waters around the island.

Inquire at Private Islands Online for more images and a PDF of the proposed development.

Peter Island a private island wonderland in the British Virgin Islands, famous for its white, sandy beaches, palm groves, rolling mountains and 1,800 acres of undeveloped Caribbean tropics. Recently the romantic island launched an Eat, Pray Love promotion in celebration of the new film by Julia Roberts. The Peter Island Resort & Spa package is dedicated to discovering the best of Italy with through food, Mumbai through spirituality, and Bali through rejuvination.

Price: The package starts at $3,964.00 for a five-night getaway for two in an Oceanfront Room, all of the above, breakfast lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, use of the island’s non-motorized sports program, and access to five beaches, spa, spa gardens, walking/biking trails, snorkeling in the sea and hopefully many “ah-ha” moments.

How to Get There: Peter Island, a posh private island in the British Virgin Islands is easily accessible a direct flight to Puerto Rico, a 45-minute hop to Tortola and a 20-minute boat charter to the resort.  An Island Host, Peter Island’s version of a butler, will be on deck to great you and jumpstart this fabulous week-long journey.

In their popular online column Vanity Fair recently answered a readers question about how much one should expect to pay for a private island. Answering the question, journalist Peter Newcomb noted that

Ever dream of owning a piece of property in the tranquil and historic Aegean Sea? If so the perfect opportunity awaits you on Kardiotissa Island an impressive 280 acre island located in the Folegandros and Sikinos island chain.

The development possibilities are limitless in this region which has recently become a hotspot for resort development. A perfect tourist destination, area for holiday homes, and above all, a sought-after locale for permanent residence. Facilities for sailing, diving and adventure sports would take excellent advantage of the deep blue Aegean waters, and the rich sealife of the area could even sustain an off-shore aquarium or centre for oceanographic research.

The island is located between Folegandros (7min with speed boat) and Sikinos(10min with speed boat) in the heart of Cyclades. There is an every day all-year round link with ferries to Piraeus from both islands. With 280 acres of land ( 800 stremma) Absolute clear and solid titles and Greec State documentation.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

The Indonesian Island of Bali has long caputred the imagination of the World. Recently there has been an explosion of eco friendly resorts. One resort that has been getting a lot of attention is Alila Villas Uluwatu a majestic resort located on the sloping hills in Bali’s Uluwatu region on the Southern Bukit Peninsula of the charming Indonesian island.

This beautifully designed complex straddles a striking white limestone cliff and an arid savanna on the tropical island’s arid Bukit Pennisula. The Alilas Villas resort is the first of its kind to achieve the highest level of certification for Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD).

Cruise Lines are one of the major new proprieters of private islands, particularly in the Caribbean, something that has not gone unnoticed in the international news.

According to The Daily News the appeal of Caribbean cruising is simple  -  sun, sand, tropical drinks and exotic stop- offs. Unfortunately, many of the port towns on cruise ships’ itineraries become so crowded that the experience bursts the vacation bubble for passengers. In addition they note that some Caribbean islands welcome at least six mega cruise ships each day, which can mean an influx of more than 10,000 tourists queuing for taxis, tour buses and beds on the beach.

Therefore cruise lines are increasingly turning to private islands to offer their customers a bit of respite away from the hussle and bussle of major ports. Passengers are able to walk right off a ship or a tender directly on to a clean, safe beach where there are no hawkers or taxis.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1291881/The-cruising-castaways-How-cruise-lines-creating-new-wave-private-desert-islands-passengers-enjoy.html#ixzz0t0WTZpGy

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1291881/The-cruising-castaways-How-cruise-lines-creating-new-wave-private-desert-islands-passengers-enjoy.html#ixzz0t0VPBetg

Florida is a top destination for perspective island owners. A multitude of free hold properties combined with straight forward development laws and access to mainland resources makes Florida an ideal destination for perspective island owners.

One of the most luxurious islands to come on the market is La Casa de las Fuentas a stunning 46 acre private island located in Homosassa Florida. Privately gated and fenced this home is 11,000 square feet. The home features two custom pre-cast staircases with marble accents as well as an elevator. An inside wood burning fire pit is located adjacent to the downstairs summer kitchen. Kitchen displays custom cypress cabinets and a chef style six burner Wolf range with oven. Solar radiant floor heating has been installed throughout entire home as well as zoned central heat and air. Maids quarters are also located on 1st floor with full bath.

This remarkable home has four baths on main floor with travertine floors and showers. Private octagon office in west wing is solid black walnut from floor to ceiling with custom built in display cases and bookcases. Also enjoy a surround sound stereo system in every room on both levels. Even with all of the amenities and attention to detail you cannot overlook the breathtaking views from every window in this unique home. To look out over the water and the islands of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is truly indescribable.

The island is on the market for 7.9M. Visit Private Islands Online for more details on this property.

Islands are not just playgrounds for the rich and famous, or retreats for traffic weary urbanites. Like all property islands have tremendous investment potential, and although they are subject to market fluctuations just like mainland properties, the limited number of properties means they are more likely to retain their value during periods of economic depression. To read more about islands as investment property visit Stock Market Review’s article “Land investment: Buying and Selling Land for a Profit.”

Check me out – and the islands moth trap behind! (by Wez Smith)

Gannet up (by Wez Smith)

Gannet on the dock bank (by Wez Smith)

Thursday 22^nd July comments: Gannets don’t breed on the Farnes, never have and possibly (I’ll not stick my neck on the line) may never breed on the Farnes. So imagine our surprise when walking around Inner Farne and discovering an adult checking out our moth trap!! The bird, in good health, decided to walk along the dock bank area of the island, nonchalantly walking past the admiring wardens and walking down to the sea and away!

Apart from that, we’ve been closed today as strong winds whipped up the sea from the north but we are due to be open again tomorrow, so no lasting damage.

Latest news:

Puffins still with us, but just a matter of time before they leave!

Guillemots almost completely gone

Arctic and Sandwich Terns – large roosts on Longstone and Inner Farne

Roseate Tern – family parties starting to show throughout the day on Inner Farne – birds moving up from nearby Coquet Island

Sooty Shearwater – first of the year north on 22nd July

Bottle-nosed Dolphins 2 lingering offshore on 20^th-21^st July

Hummingbird Hawkmoth 1 on a visitor boat and then Inner Farne on 21^st July

Wood Sandpiper 2 – singles present Inner Farne and Brownsman on 22^nd July