Category Archives: Private Islands

Those in the know find their way to the island of Losinj via yacht or private plane: a charter from Venice, a seaplane from Split, or an international flight to Zagreb followed by driving, a ferry, and more driving. Its not an easy spot to reach, which has enabled the island to maintain its sleepy, seductive nature. And a select, savvy group of travelers has been descending upon the island for generations.

The island was a wealthy enclave beginning in the early 19th century when shipbuilding was in its prime, a period that left its mark in the form of stunning villas that were once the summer homes of royals and European elite. Archduke Carl Stephan was one of the first royals to gravitate toward Losinj for its health benefits, and other members of the Habsburg dynastyEmperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and Crown Prince Rudolfalong with members of the imperial court and the bourgeoisie were quick to follow. Losinj is home to around 200 medicinal plants, like myrtle, laurel, and oregano. In addition, the mild, warm microclimate and unusually clean air made the area particularly attractive to 19th-century travelers looking to recover respiratory issues. In fact, the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared Losinj to be a climatic health resort in 1892.

More than a century later, the island still retains its calming, healing quality, and a new wave of travelers is arriving to relax in the villas turned boutique hotels and their state-of-the-art spas. The Hotel Alhambra has an indoor seawater pool, Finnish and Turkish saunas, and an impressive spa menu, including the Alhambra Dream, a 180-minute treatment that includes a facial with lavender and immortelle, a deep-tissue massage administered with four hands, and a full-body exfoliation with laurel and oranges. If youre craving more privacy, the hotel also offers luxury villas nearby including the Villa Hortensia with stunning views, a private concierge, a chef, and butler service.

The larger Hotel Bellevue has indoor and outdoor seawater pools, a private beach on Cikat Bay, and can organize taxi flights that accommodate as many as six from almost anywhere in Europe. Its expansive spa menu offers multiple massages, including LCM (Light Color Movement), which combines quantum medicine, color therapy, and sound frequency. The noninvasive Eximia HR77 is available exclusively in the spa and is said to work wonders on cellulite.

As health driven as the island is, it is equally focused on great food and wine. Sit down for a meal at the Alhambras restaurant, Alfred Keller; peruse the extensive wine list featuring some impressive Croatian bottles; and then enjoy a meal from Chef Melkior Basic. Foie gras on aged sheep-cheese risotto with black truffle, and warm Adriatic octopus with buffalo mozzarella are merely his starters. For poolside plates and pours, the Bellevues beach bar, Meridien 443150, is best and offers a great deck for sunsets and sparkling ross.

Hotel Bellevues indoor seawater pool Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Bellevue

There are a handful of small local bars and restaurants on the waterfront. Villa Dianas (Cikat 8, 51550, Mali Losinj) homemade breads and dry-aged steak pair well with a bottle of the local Plavac Mali wine. The more isolated Lanterna Grill (Cikat ul. 24, 51550, Mali Losinj) on the cape overlooking the water is known for its grilled meat and stunning sunsets. If youre heading into town, the Borik Mediterranean Bar (Ul. Suncana uvala 5, 51550, Mali Losinj) is right on the beach, with tables in the sand and seafood front and center on the menu. Punta (Sestavine 17, 51551, Veli Losinj) in Veli Losinj is a great place to linger and enjoy a glass or two of the 50 or so Croatian wines on the list. The chef cooks a mix of meats over an open hearth on a deck overlooking city and sea.

Visitors to the area often fill their days with long walks or bike rides along the water on Cikat Bay or with a bigger hike in Cikat Forest Park, where 80,000 wonderfully fragrant Aleppo pines were planted in the late 19th century. Diving is big in the region and history buffs should make a point of diving at the Historical Underwater Park , where replicas of centuries-old cannons, amphorae, and anchors are on display. Though they arent the real thing, the dive is still beautiful, and because its relatively shallow, non-licensed divers can also enjoy the experience with a coach in tow.

The port of Mali Losinj, which dates back to the 14th century, is on the south side of the island in Augusta bay. Its the more commercial part of the island and is a great spot to shop, people watch, and stroll through the brightly colored former sea captains homes, largely dating from the early 19th century. On the southeast side of the island in Veli Losinj, the architecture and character continue with brightly colored houses, churches, chapels, and towers. For art lovers, the Baroque Church of St. Anthony Abbot the Anchoret has a gallery of the paintings of Italian masters, and the Church of our Lady of the Angels, redesigned in the Baroque style, has a collection of Venetian masters paintings. One cant-miss is the statue of Apoxyomenos, dating back to the 2nd or 1st century BC. The bronze statue was found on the sea floor southeast of Losinj in the 1990s. It took two years to dig out, aboout six to restore, and is now on display at the Apoxyomenos Museum , formerly known as the Kvarner Palace.

If youre looking to venture a bit beyond the islands, on Losinj you are within a few hours sail to the nearby islands of Ilovik, Silba, Olib, Premuda, Unije, and the Kornati archipelago, of which there are 140 islands. Jadranka Yachting will take you out for the day on one of its sailing boats, or you can hop on Croatias ferry network to navigate your way around the diverse islands.

Cres, which was once connected to Losinj, is a nearby drive from Losinj. Many of the islands small, stunning villages have fewer than 10 residents. One such place is the 4,000-year-old fort town of Lubenice, perched up high on jagged cliffs, with a scattering of stone buildings. There are also countless quiet coves, bays, and pebbly beaches all over the island that you can surprisingly have all to yourself.

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Croatia's Idyllic Island of Losinj Remains off the Radar - Vogue.com

Total Privacy . True Food . Aesthetic Harmony

Mindful small-space living mixed with the priceless luxury of your own private island all around it, complete with personal chef and friendly -yet discrete- staff. Our uniquely-designed bamboo huts have all the island life luxuries anyone would be entitled to demand: a million-dollar view, comfy seats, outside terrace, warm-white lights, a queen-size bed, super soft bed sheets, great pillows, a quiet fan, a mosquito net, great-tasting 3-stage-filtered+UV-treated drinking water, spotless bathrooms, fluffy towels, all-natural bath products, and a flashlight!

Life on the island revolves around the spacious, open-air main pavilion, situated right on the beach and featuring a sunset lounge, a reggae bar, award-winning kitchen and dining areas, all with commanding views of the surrounding waters, islands and mountainscapes

We take our food very seriously on the island and try to give you what others cant: a real, flavorful home cooking feeling using the best and safest local and imported ingredients we know. We grow our own vegetables, citrus, herbs and poultry, have access to the freshest non-farmed seafood and cook only with natural and fresh ingredients.

All our meals feature fresh salads and greens, grilled steamed seafood or meat, rice, potatoes or pastas, fresh fruits and home-made bread. We only use canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, no MSG, no Magic Sarap, no palm oil. Our organic farm provides Thai basil, sweet basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, mint and vegetables as well as calamansi (native lime), dayap (green lime, exact same breed as brazils famous limon gallego) and big native lemons and we use them all quite profusely in what we cook!

The island is as zero-carbon as it gets! Operations are 100% solar-powered by a 600-Amp system and battery bank. For water, huge rainwater collectors feed our 100 cubic meter tank and we use two solar-powered desalinators, eco-smart faucets and showers, plus all toilets are flushed with salt water!

As to materials used, we recognize the functional and esthetic superiority of wood, coco lumber, bamboo, rattan and other locally-relevant materials and they are all we use for buildings and furniture.

From absolute 'farniente' to reading, writing, thinking, loving and more!

Go for the classic island dream and chill or party like Richard Branson on Necker and Mick Jagger on Moustique! We offer all-inclusive tours and parties, customized for families or groups of friends or co-workers, as well as unique wedding/honeymoon escapes, traditional yoga/wellness retreats, culinary workshops in the best kitchen in Palawan, memorable corporate seminars, outings and photo shoots.

Located just 28km (15 N miles) South of Coron, Small Bamboo is nestled right the middle of the magnificent South-East Culion Bay, and a stone-throw away from such gems as Ditaytayan Is., Malcapuya Is., Calumbuyan Is. and the world-class Two-Seasons resort. It is easily accessed by banca or speedboat and the trip only takes about 1 hour!

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Bamboo Private Islands

GETTY/AUSTRALIAN ISLANDS

If youre sick of British weather endless cold, miserable cloudy days with a week of heatwave thrown in why not park yourself up on your very own private island in Australia?

ONS data from 2013 showed that, on average, around 43,000 Brits emigrate to Australia each year.

While the cost of a house in Australia's biggest city Sydney has skyrocketed, there is currently an entire island for sale for just $495,000 AUD (291,000).

People strip off for pictures taken around Australia

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This is a fraction of the cost it would be to buy a house or apartment in London and comparitively you can buy a two-bedroom flat in Newcastle for the same price.

Wedge island, the tropical island off the coast of Sunshine state Queensland, has had its price slashed as owners are looking for a quick sale.

The 23-acre island sits five kilometres off the coast of the mainland and the average temperature for July (Australian winter) is 21.4 degrees celsius. Yep, the same as a British summer.

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The island was originally listed for $850,000 AUD (500,000) by the owners a group of friends from Queensland who reportedly used it as their private party paradise.

Wedge island comes complete with boat mooring, rainwater tanks, a bio-toilet, electricity generator and gas hot water but it lacks a house.

The listing stated: The owner has created the magic on the island ready for new owners, who can take the island to the next level by building their island get away home.

AUSTRALIAN ISLANDS

Selling agent Richard Vanhoff said the island has been listed for 12 months: It was a party island for a group of single guys. They had a sort of golf course on the top and they used it for chipping, fishing and partying.

The reason they are selling is they are growing up a little bit, getting girlfriends and are spending more time elsewhere.

He added that the island is a prime development opportunity: The waters are teeming with fish and crayfish. Im told by the owner you have to hide behind a tree at times to bait your hook.

There are places to see on island, such as small private sandy beaches and water sports, diving, wake boarding or simply just exploring the island.

The grasslands on the island are perfect for all social activities, or just looking out over the waters to the other islands whilst preparing evening meal or BBQ and drinking your favourite beverage whilst you watch the sunset on another amazing day in the Keppels.

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You can buy this entire Australian island for less than a flat in ... - Daily Star

One size doesnt fit all in these days of huge mega-floating resorts.

More cruise passengers are opting for small-ship cruising with dozens, not thousands, of their closest friends.

Theyre looking at voyages with a few fellow passengers up to several hundred, not multiple thousands that disgorge boatloads of visitors all at once at private islands and ports of call.

These ships include the Tugboat MV Swell for 12 guests and the Schooner Maple Leaf for eight, both from eco-tourism Maple Leaf Adventures of Victoria, B.C., to expedition ships, riverboats and yachts.

Forget, also, the crowds onboard lined up at the buffet, dining rooms, shows and packed shore excursions.

The largest at sea is Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas that can carry a maximum of 6,687 guests and 2,193 crew.

Interest in travelling onboard ships with a smaller passenger capacity is on the rise, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Cindy DAoust, president and chief executive of the industry trade association, said small-ship cruising allows for a unique and intimate cruise unlike any other.

The association has reviewed the small vessel category and has the following observations to help plan that perfect vacation.

Cruise the world

Small ships have the ability to sail to many destinations around the world, some of which are unattainable by larger ships.

They often can cruise along famous and historic rivers while offering themed itineraries that focus on different interests.

As an example, Avalon Waterways Danube Dreams for Beer Enthusiasts is a 10-day European voyage with ale-centric activities onboard and on land.

Avalons Golden Myanmar and the Alluring Irrawaddy cruise takes 36 passengers from Bhamo, near the border of China, along the Irrawaddy River.

Next year, Paul Gauguin Cruises will be the first line to visit the port city of Vairao in Tahiti Iti with its wild coastline, ancient temples, Polynesian culture and incredible surfing.

Tauck is taking travellers to far-reaching destinations ranging from Costa Rica and Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands with a deeper understanding of each destination in association with BBC Earth.

More intimate travel

Seabourn ships have fewer than 300 suites similar to private clubs where travellers share open decks, social spaces and enjoy personalized attention.

At its Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue, staff members plunge into the water to offer guests iced champagne and caviar at a surfboard bar.

The lines cruisers can also accompany the executive chef to the local market to buy products to be cooked in the ships kitchen.

Many large ships travel through the Panama Canal, but small vessels can offer a more intimate experience.

Windstar Cruises offers wet landings and access to ports such as Bahia Drake, Puerto Jimenez, Parida and Bocas del Toro in Costa Rica and Panama for personal experiences.

The lines Barcelona and Grand Prix of Monaco voyage allows cruisers to meet a Formula One racing expert and attend a cocktail reception.

More fun onboard, on shore

Theres no lack of amenities or entertainment with many smaller ships having a crew-to-traveller ratio of nearly one-on-one.

Among the lines are Emerald Waterways, Uniworld for Danube itineraries, Ama Waterways for personalized trips, Silversea Cruises for onboard enrichment programs, Regent Seven Seas for all-inclusive trips, Oceania for meals cooked to order and SeaDream in the Mediterranean.

Top destinations

CLIA reports that 25.8-million people are expected to take a cruise this year, up from 24.2million in 2016.

Top seven destinations are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, rest of Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand/Pacific, Alaska and South America.

The CLIA-member fleet is made up of 458 ships with 26 new vessels including 17 river ships added last year.

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For more Out to Sea trip tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca

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Out To Sea: Small ships offer different experiences - London Free Press

Wedge Island could be yours for less than half a million dollars.

SICK of winter and the seemingly never-ending rise of capital city house prices?

For less than the price of an inner city studio apartment in Sydney, an entire tropical Queensland island could be all yours.

Wedge Island, just a kilometre south of Great Keppel Island, has just been slashed in price to $495,000 because its owners want a quick sale.

Wedge Island, has private beaches but no house yet.Source:Supplied

The 23-acre island sits five kilometres off the mainland near Rockhampton, in an area where the average July maximum temperature is 21.4C and the average minimum is just below 12C.

It had been listed by agent Australian Islands for $850,000 but has been reduced for a quick sale by its owners, a group of friends from Queensland who reportedly used it as their own private party island.

While Wedge Island comes complete with boat mooring, rainwater tanks, a bio-toilet, gas hot water and generator for electricity, it does not yet have a house.

The owner has created the magic on the island ready for new owners, who can take the island to the next level by building their island get away home, the listing says.

Located just a kilometre south of Great Keppel Island, the average temperature in July in a bit over 21C.Source:Supplied

Selling agent Richard Vanhoff told Rockhamptons The Morning Bulletin the island had been listed for about 12 months and had recently been reduced to facilitate a sale.

It was a party island for a group of single guys. They had a sort of golf course on the top and they used it for chipping, fishing and partying, he said.

It was just party central for these boys and the reason they are selling is they are growing up a little bit, getting girlfriends and are spending more time elsewhere.

Mr Vanhoff said while there had been plenty of inquiries, particularly from the southern states in the grip of winter, no offers had been made.

The island is five kilometres from the mainland.Source:Supplied

He said it presented a prime development opportunity, for either a private home or a tourist rest, subject to council approval.

The waters are teeming with fish and crayfish. Im told by the owner you have to hide behind a tree at times to bait your hook, he said.

There are places to see on island, such as small private sandy beaches and water sports, diving, wake boarding or simply just exploring the island.

The grasslands on the island are perfect for all social activities, or just looking out over the waters to the other islands whilst preparing evening meal or BBQ and drinking your favourite beverage whilst you watch the sunset on another amazing day in the Keppels.

For more information, go here

Did you know you could rent a private island for the price of a hotel room? Moneyish's Catey Hill tells you how to find one for as little as $200 a night.

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Wedge Island: Capricorn Coast island for sale for $495k - NEWS.com.au

For sale on San Juan Island: A rock star's private waterfront estate ... Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) It's a big real estate sales time in the San Juan Islands, from the high-end properties to those more affordable. Brokers are primed and at the ready, some coming ... and more »

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For sale on San Juan Island: A rock star's private waterfront estate ... - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle)

Searching for a private estate with thousands of feet of shoreline, a mansion, and room for servants, horses and livestock, all within a 25-minute boat ride from Portland?

Look no further than Hope Island, a secluded paradise in Casco Bay that is owned by developer John Cacoulidis. The 86-acre getaway that is part of the town of Chebeague Island is on the market for $7.95 million.

The sellers are no longer using the island as they had in the past, said John Saint-Amour, a real estate agent from LandVest, which is listing the property. Their plans have changed, they have made the decision to sell the property.

The property includes an 11,295-square-foot main house with six bathrooms and three bedrooms. The surrounding estate features two guest houses, a barn with workers quarters, outbuildings for equipment and machinery, a 10-stall horse barn, coops for chickens, ducks and geese, a tavern for entertaining, a private chapel and a boat house with a deep-water pier. In all, there are nine habitable buildings on the property.

Eight ponds dot the island, which is traversed by lighted concrete roads and powered by generators and submerged marine cables from Long Island. There are 15 drilled wells for water and nine separate septic systems. The 11,050 feet of shoreline mixes rocky coast and sandy beaches.

DESCRIBED AS A RARE COMMODITY

Cacoulidis bought the island in 1993 for $1.3 million and over the next 24 years no expense was spared creating this magical island kingdom, according to the listing. The island is technically owned by Scorpio Island Corp., a New York company. The tax bill on the property was $78,192 for the tax year that ended June 30, according to town records.

Cacoulidis, his wife, Phyllis, and staff lived on the island full time for many years. Phyllis Cacoulidis died in 2016. According to her obituary, the couple considered the island estate a source of great pride and joy.

An avid gardener, lover of animals and the outdoors, she transformed Hope Island into a beautiful working farm with chicken, geese, swans, ducks, peacocks, deer, horses, a mule named Emma and her five dogs. She routinely took in rescue animals and cared for local wildlife, read a portion of the obituary.

Considering the investment that Cacoulidis made in the property, the nearly $8 million price is reasonable, Saint-Amour said.

To have an entire island in Casco Bay with easy access to Portland is a rare commodity, he said. To be frank, the investment in the island far exceeds the asking price.

MAINLAND AND ISLAND DEVELOPMENTS

Cacoulidis is a developer with properties in New York and Maine. Last year, the Cacoulidis family resumed efforts to develop a 40-acre waterfront parcel near Bug Light park in South Portland. In a 2001 proposal for the same land, Cacoulidis proposed a massive hotel complex and cable car system across the Portland Harbor. Cacoulidis also bought the former Portland Press Herald building in 2009 before selling it to hotel developers in 2012.

The Cacoulidis family also has made waves over the island itself. In 2001, fed up with the local tax burden, Cacoulidis and his wife tried to secede from the town of Cumberland, which then had authority over Chebeague and nearby islands. In 2013, the Cacoulidis family agreed to pay $100,000 to the town of Chebeague Island to resolve multiple violations of shoreline protection rules that occurred during construction on the island.

Saint-Amour said he has received multiple phone calls and taken some prospective buyers out to show the property. The island could be converted into a resort, but it would need town approval, he said. He expects the estate will be bought by an individual or family that wants a turn-key island escape.

Whoever buys this has to have some connection to the water, Saint-Amour said.

Although the scale and price of Hope Island are jaw-dropping, it is not the most expensive residential property for sale in the Portland area. An eight-bedroom oceanfront home in Cape Elizabeth owned by former gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler is on the market for $11 million.

Peter McGuire can be reached at 791-6325 or at:

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Twitter: PeteL_McGuire

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Secluded 'island kingdom' in Casco Bay up for sale at $7.95 million - Press Herald

Are you a beach baby? Does the summertime excite you with the beachy vibes? Well, if the answer is yes, then get ready to hit the best beaches around the world.

This International Bikini Day, check out some of the some popular bikini destinations where the sun is hot, the water is balmy and the swimwear is itsy-bitsy.

1) Seychelles, Africa: A vacationers dream, Seychelles is an ultimate destination that boasts of tall stumbling plants, unflawed sea shores and blissful lagoons. This virtual paradise is home to some of the perfect beaches covered in white sands and rolling seas. Anse Source dArgent is the most popular beach around here.

2) Virgin Islands, United States: Virgin Islands might not be a popular travel spot, but this place is a paradise for anyone looking for a perfect bikini destination. With bluer than blue water, clearer than clear sky and finer than fine sand, the St. John Beach should definitely be on your bikini (bucket) list.

Virgin Islands might not be a popular travel spot, but this place is a paradise for anyone looking for a perfect bikini destination. (HTfile photo )

3) Mykonos, Greece: Greek Isles have been raging through the list of top travel destinations in the world for the last few years. One of these Isles is Mykonos and the most popular beach around this town is the Paradise Beach. Living up to its name, this beach brags some beautiful bikini bodies along with beach bars, old-fashioned shops and nightclubs.

4) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The amazing beaches in Rio have set a benchmark for all the other beach destinations in the world. These incomparable beaches are not only a treat but a visual therapy. Head to Ipanema Beach to discover serene beauty and of course, the most charming bikini clad goddesses.

The amazing beaches in Rio have set a benchmark for all the other beach destinations in the world. (Getty Images)

5) Sydney, Australia: Australias famous harbour city, Sydney is a perfect getaway with beautiful beaches like Coogee, Manly and Bondi. Relax under the sun and enjoy water sports like sea surfing for unlimited fun and adventure.

6)Goa, India: An awesome bikini destination in India, Goa is quite popular among international tourists especially Europeans and Americans. Head to Anjuna Beach, Ozran beach, Vagator Beach and Arambol Beach to enjoy a fun-filled holiday experience.

Goa is a popular beach destination in India. (AFP)

7) Phi Phi Island, Thailand: Loh Ba Gao Bay, situated on the other side of the main port on Phi Phi island, is simply awe-inspiring. The warm breeze swaying the coconut palms, the serene blue water and the majestic view is all you need for a relaxed beach day.

8)Mamanuca Islands, Fiji:Mamanuca Islands in Fiji is home to some of the most sought after private islands in the world. Impressing all the beach babies, this place will let you enjoy floating bars along with diving, surfing and much more.

Mamanuca Islands in Fiji is home to some of the most sought after private islands in the world. (Facebook/Tourism Fiji )

9) St Tropez, France: A leading resort town, St. Tropez is a popular destination among a number of Hollywood beauties that reach out to this place for beach fun and after hours party. One of the most popular beach at this destination is Plage de Tahiti

10) Miami, Florida, US: The much popular beach destination, Miami is ideal in every aspect. From miles and miles of sandy beaches, to gorgeous landscapes, awesome weather and astonishing bikini beauties, this place is indescribable.

Miami features miles and miles of sandy beaches, and gorgeous landscapes. (HTfile photo )

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Glam-up in bikinis: 10 iconic beaches in the world you must visit soon - Hindustan Times

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The stunning home, which is now on the market for $18.39 million, is named theThe Eva Gabor Estate.

It has been owned by a string of impressive Hollywood names including, Eva Gabor, Mia Farrow,and David Niven and of course, Hepburn.

The six-bedroom, four-bathroom house was designed in 1938, and the property includes a guesthouse, detached office, pool and tennis court.

If you wanted to take your Hepburn obsession to the extreme, you also have the opportunity to furnish the home with some of her personal belongings as well.

Hepburn's personal collection is being auctioned byChristie'sLondon inSeptember.

We've seen interiorslined with spooky clowns,and even a home that came with a mysterious guest in the attic, but nothing compares to the horrible interior choices of this newly listed home in Arizona.

Prepare to be terrified.

The exterior of the home looks like any other, albeit a little barren. But once inside, an overwhelming amount of catparaphernalia hits you like a dirty litter box.

Every possible surface is dedicated to cats, and by the looks of it, several cats recently lived on the premise.

Thelisting, which was posted last week and has since gone viral, describes the property as a "contemporary eccentric full log-sided custom home on 20+/- acres for the cat fancier. If you love cats this is the home for you! If not bring your sandblaster!"

Although most areas around Australia don't experience snowy winters like other parts of the world, we can all agree that many of our homes aren't equipped for the chilly season.

If you've shivered your way through the past week, this line-up of winter warming throws, bedding, sheepskins, and accessories will hit the spot. Starting from $4, you'll be cosy in no time.

Pictured: InBed Store Winter 17 range, cotton grey flannel sheet set from $130

Mind-blowing images show what looks like a science fiction megacity is in fact the most spectacular real-life architecture from one Far Eastern city.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

The incredible series of shots show the quirky structures from Singapore in all their glory, from the colourful lights of the Supertree Grove standing out against the rest of the skyline to the clinically white and curved Mandai Connection.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Inside the stunning five-star Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Mandai Connection.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Cloud Forest Waterfall

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Cloud Forest Waterfall at night.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

People's Park Complex.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Singapore University of Technology and Design.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Supertree Grove.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Images: Andy Yong / mediadrumworld.com

Weve all dreamed of vacationing on a private island like the rich and famous but its always seemed out of reach.

Turns out you can rent a private island for as little as $400 a night through holiday rental website Home to Go, making it much more affordable than youd think.

Royal Belize Belize

At $6,500K per night, this is the most expensive private island on the list. However it does sleep 18 people and comes with full staff.

Image: Home to Go

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10 private islands you can rent from $400 a night - 9Honey

The Committee on Government Affairs, Veterans, Energy and Environmental Protection will hear testimony about establishment of a tree law in the territory.

The bill, proposed by Senate President Myron Jackson, would create a Virgin Islands Tree Board, as well as permitting procedure for the removal or pruning of trees on public property.

The bill also creates rules for the removal of what it defines as public nuisance trees that grow on private property.

Mario Francis, the chairman of the Virgin Islands Urban and Community Forestry Council, said consideration of the tree legislation is important, coming on the heels of the recent Virgin Islands Native Trees and Flowers Fair on St. Thomas.

As the Virgin Islands continues to develop as an urban and commercial mecca in the Caribbean and the world, its once-forested areas will increasingly be replaced with businesses and residential sites. We will continue to lose an integral part of our natural heritage if we do not develop measures to save and protect the native trees of the Virgin Islands, Francis said.

He said the legislation, which will be heard in committee July 11, is critical. A Tree Law is indeed necessary, Francis said. He said the law will protect public and private trees of intrinsic value to the general public because of its species, size, age, location, ecological importance, historical and cultural significance, aesthetic value, economic benefit, special character or community benefit.

Francis said it is important to preserve the heritage of natural forests in the territory.

Native trees are already adapted to the local environmental conditions. They require less supplementary water than many introduced species, and are less prone to suffer from disease and pests, he said.

Gov. Kenneth Mapp praised the recent tree and flowers fair. There is ample scientific evidence which demonstrates the important role that forests play in preserving a healthy and habitable environment for humans and animals of every variety, Mapp said in his message to the fair.

He said promoting the planting of native trees and flowers serves to distinguish our islands among other destinations.

In his letter to the fair, Jackson said the event, held June 10 in Emancipation Garden, will spread awareness of the need to protect our local tree heritage.

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Bill seeks to protect trees on public and private land - Virgin Islands Daily News