Category Archives: Private Islands

MIAMI, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but exactly how much is that water view worth, and why are property owners willing to pay so much to have it? More than just something pleasant to look at, water views give condo owners the true Miami lifestyle experience.

According to a new Ross100Condo Report by Ross Milroy, Miami's luxury condo expert who specializes in properties $2M and above, some condos that feature a direct 'water view' sell for as much as twice that of a comparable unit with a 'city view.'

Not surprising, the biggest price discrepancy was found on South Beach where condos with a direct view of the ocean or bay bring $1,950 per square foot while the same unit that overlooks the city sells for $970 per square foot; a difference of 101%.

"Property owners in South Florida are looking to immerse themselves in everything Miami has to offer," said Milroy, who has worked with luxury condo buyers in Miami for nearly 20 years. "They are looking to escape the stresses and confines of everyday life by living in a home that gives them the open-feeling and vast views that never end. One of the best ways to do this is to come home to the tranquility and dynamism that water views provide."

People's desire to live near the water is nothing new; while we are no longer reliant on the sea to provide life resources, the feeling of well being that views of water provide is long entrenched into our subconscious.

Water view premiums can be found throughout Miami at buildings adjacent to the ocean, Biscayne Bay and even the Miami River. Buildings in downtown Miami including The Epic, 50 Biscayne and 900 Biscayne all show a wide price gap between condos with views and those without. At Ten Museum Park, the 50-story luxury downtown condo development, comparable condos are listed for sale at $1.1M for water view, and $759k for city view, a 49% difference to overlook the bay.

Although the water is not for everyone's taste or budget, the majority of those buying in Miami seek to immerse themselves into what is quintessentially Miami, a tropical beach paradise. "Buyers want to see the ocean, hear the water, feel the ocean breeze, and have a seamless experience of bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out," said Milroy.

Some want to take daily walks on the beach while others rest easy knowing their view will never be interrupted by new developments, but overwhelmingly, buyers seek water views for a better quality of life. They are drawn to, and are willing to pay for, views of the water that eases everyday stress and allows them to immerse themselves in the Miami lifestyle.

It was once a common saying about waterfront real estate: "when it's gone, it's gone." But new feats of engineering and ever-creative developers are breathing new life into the insatiable appetite for man to be near the water. In addition to man-made barrier islands in places like Dubai, ambitious projects are currently underway to offer custom floating man-made private islands in the UAE, Maldives and yes, even in Miami.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ross Milroy, please contact James Goll, 305-577-3806, 162373@email4pr.com

Media and other services are granted permission to reuse, host, or report the information and images in this article. When doing so, we ask that you kindly attribute the author by linking to RossMiami.com. High resolution image available here: http://bit.ly/Waterviews

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capturing-the-quintessential-miami-water-views-ross100-condo-reports-what-that-miami-view-is-worth-300466901.html

SOURCE Ross Milroy Realty, LLC

http://www.rossmiami.com

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"Capturing the Quintessential Miami Water Views" Ross100 Condo Reports: What That Miami View Is Worth - PR Newswire (press release)

31 May 2017, 12:44 p.m.

The travelling festival that is Pippa Middleton's honeymoon has arrived in Australia.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews in Sydney on Wednesday morning. Photo: Janie Barrett

Pippa Middleton on a water taxi in Sydney on Wednesday. Photo: Janie Barrett

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews travelled on a water taxi with friends in Sydney on Wednesday. Photo: Janie Barrett

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews on a water taxi with friends in Sydney on Wednesday. Photo: Janie Barrett

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews kiss after their wedding at St Mark's Church. Photo: Getty Images

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks to Princess Charlotte and Prince George. Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

The travelling festival that isPippa Middleton'shoneymoon has arrived in Australia.

The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, and aunt to the third and fourth in line to the British throne, is enjoying some down time in Sydney with her new husband, financier James Matthews.

The pair were spotted by waiting paparazzi at Sydney Airport late on Tuesday night as they, reportedly, disembarked from a flight from New Zealand.

Photos of them touching down have since been snapped up by publications in Britain.

Sydney resident Steven Beale spotted the couple, who were incognito in large sunglasses and baseball caps, on Wednesday as he was walking to work just after 8am.

Pippa Middleton on a water taxi in Sydney on Wednesday. Photo: Janie Barrett

"I walked past her at the foot of the Harbour Bridge with her husband and, I think, a personal trainer," he told Fairfax Media as the couple ran toward North Sydney.

"[She] looked such a pro in her active wear," fellow Sydneysider Anna Frilingos told Fairfax Media, who also walked past them on her usual commute to work across the bridge.

"She was impressively keeping up with her husband and trainer, or guard dude. They seemed like they were loving running across the bridge and looking around."

Scroll through those wedding potos again. Just hit the image above.

Middleton, 33, is no stranger to rigorous work outs.

As an active runner and cyclist, she regularly competes in fun runs and ultra marathon events for charity. She completedher first marathonin the 30 degree heat in Kenya in 2015 and was the seventh female finisher. A week before that she rode about 87 kilometres from London to Brighton to raise awareness for the British Heart Foundation.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte served as page boy and page girl respectively.

The Duchess of Cambridge was in charge of wrangling the children, while princes William and Harry arrived at the ceremony together.

Harry's girlfriend,Suitsstar Meghan Markle, attended the receptionthat was hosted inside a glass marquee shipped in from Belgium.

The newlyweds have been holidaying since their nuptials on May 20.

They were spotted walking on the sand and paddle-boarding inTetiaroa a cluster of private islands in French Polynesia while enjoying the hospitality of The Brando, an exclusive $4000-a-night resort once owned by Marlon Brando.

The pair have arrived in Sydney at just the right time.

Their waterfront hotel, where suites cost about $2000 per night, will give them uninterrupted views of Sydney's Vivid Festival.

More here:

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews spotted honeymooning in Sydney - Camden Haven Courier

Hawaii Tribune Herald

State plans sale of 6 affordable housing complexes across three islands Hawaii Tribune Herald KAILUA-KONA The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation is moving forward with plans to sell six state-owned affordable housing properties on three different islands to a private buyer. The state agency connected to the Department of ...

Read the original here:

State plans sale of 6 affordable housing complexes across three islands - Hawaii Tribune Herald

An exotic vacation say, renting a castle or private island for a family or friends reunion is more affordable than you might think.

Check home-sharing sites such as Airbnb, HomeAway or TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals, as well as the Landmark Trust (www.landmarktrust.org.uk) for historical buildings in Europe.

On HomeAway, we found a 16th-century castle in northern France that sleeps 12. Rentals start at $1,066 per night; if you split the cost 12 ways, youd pay $89 apiece per night (taxes and fees are extra).

Or kick back at your own private island off the coast of Belize, starting at $1,500 per night on HomeAway. The 1.5-acre island with a five-bedroom house accommodates 14 and comes with a staff, and you can arrange pickup for diving or fishing excursions.

You can cruise through canals and explore riverside villages on a houseboat in India. It sleeps eight; book it through Trip Advisor Vacation Rentals and each guest will pay as little as $64 per night.

TripAdvisor also lists a multi-tiered treehouse in Kenya for six that overlooks baobab trees and has a view of the Indian Ocean. Rates start at $360 per night.

Use these strategies to lower the price of your next plane ticket.

Time it right: For domestic travel, watch for steep sales between Labor Day and Dec. 15 (except over the long Thanksgiving weekend) and then after the holidays until Feb. 15. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are typically the cheapest days to fly domestically.

Check fares from other airports: For international flights, watch for airfare sales at hubs near you.

You could drive or take a bus there or book airfare on a separate flight, making sure to leave plenty of time to catch the international flight (if the tickets are separate, youre on your own if you miss your second flight).

However, smaller airports sometimes have international bargains that larger ones dont, says George Hobica, of Airfarewatchdog.com. He recently spotted flights to Paris from Flint, Mich., with one stop, that cost half the price of nonstop flights from Detroit.

Use local transportation: A similar trick works for far-flung destinations that would be outrageously expensive to book with a single airline.

Say you want to go to the Greek Islands. Flights from the U.S. to one of the islands typically cost at least $1,400 round-trip. Instead, grab a sale round-trip fare to Athens (often less than $600), plan to stay a night or two there, and then fly to the island of your choice on a budget airline such as Ryanair (less than $100), says Scott Keyes, of ScottsCheapFlights.com.

More:

Kiplinger's Personal Finance: Get a great deal on your next getaway - Richmond.com

The idea of a private island vacation is unthinkable for most mortal men (i.e. not Richard Branson). But, there are, in fact, several destinations around the world where average folk can secure a semi-private slice of tropical paradise. Here are just three of our favorites.

The British Virgin Islands are among the most beautiful tropical islands in the Caribbean. Peter Island Resort describes itself as paradise in paradise. Indeed, this 1,800-acre semi-private island offers an accessible form of luxury that feels just right for regular couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime tropical vacation splurge. The massive island is home to no less than five long beaches one of which, Honeymoon Beach, is made available each day to a single couple who reserve in advance. Plus, theres a sea-view pool, two beautiful restaurants, a 10,000-square-foot spa overlooking a dramatic expanse of beach cliffs, and daily guided tours of the island. All these amenities are shared among just 53 rooms worth of guests. So, while the massive island isnt technically private, its easy to carve out a pristine stretch of sand all to yourself.

Pricing: deals can be found for just $450 USD/night per couple.

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort/Facebook

Just off the northern coast of Mozambique, a handful of tiny, impossibly white islands dot the waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago. An hour from shore by prop plane, Medjumbe Island is just one mile long and, with only 13 rooms, its the closest most people will ever get to a real, private island escape. Guests of the islands only resort will find everything they need a gourmet restaurant, private hammocks, plunge pools, in-room spa treatments, and plenty of non-motorized watersports and nothing they dont (like cell phone reception). Plus, the island is minutes from some of the best diving and most beautiful coral reefs in the world. The best part: the island is exclusive to adults and children under 16 arent allowed.

Pricing: deals can be found for just $700 USD/night per couple.

In stark contrast to the over-the-top luxury found at most private island resorts, Hatchet Caye Resort offers a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand feel. The island is just a one-hour boat ride east of the touristic town of Placencia, but it feels worlds away from anywhere. The 12 villas are relaxed, but upscale, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and semi-private beaches with hammocks. Beyond that, this isnt your typical luxury getaway. Services on the tiny island are limited, but guests will find all the essentials an open-air restaurant/bar, a full PADI dive shop, and regular snorkeling and marine wildlife-watching tours to Belizes world-famous barrier reef just 30 minutes away.

Pricing: deals can be found for just $350 USD/night per couple.

Excerpt from:

Three Surprisingly Affordable (Semi-) Private Island Resorts - The Manual (blog)

Youve worn the Giles Deacon dress, youve had the future king as your pageboy and your wedding has been front page news for days.

So where do you go on your honeymoon when youre related to royalty and your husband is a billionaire hedge fund tycoon?

Apparently, the answer is the luxury private island thats so beautiful it was snapped up by Marlon Brando in the Sixties and, more recently, inspired Barack Obama to write his memoirs.

Isolated in the Pacific Ocean, the remote atoll of Tetiaroa was relatively off the radar for most travellers, but the tiny private island has been firmly placed on the map this week as newlywed Pippa Middleton and James Matthews headed to its idyllic shores to unwind after the society wedding of the year.

Heres everything you need to know about the honeymoon hotspot of the super rich.

Tetiaroa is a breathtakingly beautiful atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti.

Its part of the Windward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territorial collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean.

Once the summer residence for the former chiefs and kings of Tahiti, the beauty spot is best known as Marlon Brandos private island.

The actor is said to have fallen in love with French Polynesia when scouting the islands for his 1962 movie, Mutiny on the Bounty - so much so, that he bought the island four years later with his French Polynesian wife, Tarita.

Idyllic: Tetiaroa (tahiti.com)

Following his death in 2004, the exclusive island was opened up to well-heeled tourists with The Brando, a luxury eco resort as the main draw for its wealthy patrons.

With access to the island by private plane only, the secluded island features a handful of private villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, mantra rays and exotic birds.

The sleepy island coast is fringed with swaying palm trees (tahiti.com)

As well as its stunning beauty, the luxurious resort is particularly unique in its sustainability.

Its powered by solar energy and coconut oil, cooled by a seawater air conditioning system and home to an innovative mosquito eradication project involving researchers from Oxford University.

Hot, sunny and dry. Temperatures in Tetiaroa this week are well above thirty degrees, so the couple will likely be spending a good proportion of their time sunbathing.

James Matthews and Pippa Middletonjetted off on their honeymoon this week (Beretta/Sims/REX)

With miles of white sand, turquoise water and barely another soul in sight the remote islands will give the couple plenty of time to unwind after their big day.

As well as romantic beauty spots around every corner, the island offers lots of different activities to sporty honeymooning couples like Pippa and James.

Couples can don a snorkeling mask and witness underwater life at a coral garden firsthand, while swimming with rays, reef sharks and tropical fish.

The newlyweds will likely spend their timepaddleboarding through the stunning lagoon

The spectacular lagoon, which is characterised by its turquoise waters, can also be explored by canoe, kayak or the ever-trendy paddleboard.

On dry land, Mermaid Bay provides the perfect spot for a day of blissful sunbathing - a gloriously white stretch of stand fringed by palm trees with crystal clear waters to paddle in.

But Pippa neednt worry about missing her gym sessions while taking a week away from London, as there are tennis courts, biking and private fitness classes to keep the couple active during their one week stay.

Much like the wedding, no expense has been spared on Pippas honeymoon.

The luxurious island, favoured by celebrities and royals, costs 3,000 per night to bed down in.

The couple will be staying in one of the 35 private thatched villas strung along the coastal path on the island, that each come with their own outdoor bath and infinity pool.

The resort offers couples their own private pool (The Brando)

The resort also has its own palatial spa area, which is hidden away in the coconut palms and offers sensual Polynesian treatments to stressed-out visitors.

The dining options include two-Michelin-star restaurant Le Grand Vefour, which you can also order directly to your door via a 24-hour room service.

One of the biggest draws to the resort, however, is its remoteness.

The sun-kissed sleepy isle will also offer the couple an extension of the privacy they asked for on their wedding day - where guests were asked not to take photos or videos on their smartphones.

The couple put a social media ban on their wedding (REUTERS)

According to sources, even the wedding party had absolutely no idea where the couple were planning to spend their honeymoon.

One friend told The Mirror: Nobody knew about the honeymoon plans. It was a very closely kept secret. And those who did know didnt mention a thing.

And just like the request to post no pictures on Facebook and Instagram none of their friends and family have let them down.

See original here:

Pippa Middleton jets off to 3K-per-night luxury island honeymoon destination - Evening Standard

Fancy your own island? Here are four islands on the market in Ireland

Independent.ie

Country pile? Tick. Flash car? Tick. Helicopter? Tick. Hot tub? Tick. So what do the wealthy folk of this world spend their money on when it looks like they already have everything? The answer, it seems, is their own fiefdom - a private island.

http://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/fancy-your-own-island-here-are-four-islands-on-the-market-in-ireland-35730879.html

http://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/article35730878.ece/470f7/AUTOCROP/h342/2017-05-19_lif_31239048_I7.JPG

Country pile? Tick. Flash car? Tick. Helicopter? Tick. Hot tub? Tick. So what do the wealthy folk of this world spend their money on when it looks like they already have everything? The answer, it seems, is their own fiefdom - a private island.

When you imagine islands, you may think of deserted sunny beaches, palm trees and luxury wooden huts, so it may be a surprise to learn that millionaires sometimes opt for Irish islands. They may not be sun-drenched, but that doesn't seem to deter overseas buyers who have the cash to splash.

Cork estate agent Dominic Daly is an expert when it comes to selling islands in Ireland. He currently has five on his books, ranging in price from 150,000 to 1.9m. After over 40 years in the business, Daly has seen it all.

So what kind of people decide that buying an Irish island would be a good idea?

"Dreamers," says Daly. "People who like the idea of having their own fiefdom, their own laws, their own money. Mainly overseas people. We sold an island last year off Donegal to some Belgians but I don't know why they bought it, because it's not exactly accessible."

The Belgians weren't the only people who had romantic ideas of owning an island. When Michael Jackson spent time in Ireland in 2007, he came to Daly in the hope of bagging a bargain. Daly found himself on a boat with Jackson, his three children and their nanny to view an island off west Kerry.

"He asked if a security fence could be built around it," says Daly. "He didn't want anyone else to come to the island."

As it turned out, the King of Pop was pretty broke at the time, so it's no surprise that he never came back to Daly to seal the deal.

Those who have owned Irish islands include John Lennon, Michael Flatley and the lateral thinking guru Edward de Bono. And famously Charles Haughey furnished his own private realm on Inishvickillane.

One island that is currently on the market was bought in 2001 by an American couple with a clearer vision than Jackson. Kevin O'Farrell and Lori Kearney knew the minute they saw Mermaid Isle that it was exactly what they were looking for.

"The most obvious attraction was its immediacy to the crystal clear sheltered sea," recalls Kevin. "For centuries, the seaside property was owned by generations of people who made a living by catching fish, lobsters, crabs, prawns and scallops. Most of my career has been devoted to designing aquariums and natural history museums. In all of my exhibits, I encouraged visitors to go outside, get wet and meet nature head-on. In aquariums, millions are spent developing artificial tide pools that stimulate nature. At Mermaid Isle, we were surrounded by the real thing, the whole ecosystems, from plankton to invertebrates, to fish, birds, seals and even dolphins."

Mermaid Isle, Illaundrane, Glanlough Lower, is a spectacular 25-acre oceanfront property close to Sneem in Co Kerry, on sale for 1.9m. The sale, through joint agents Majella O'Sullivan and Dominic Daly, includes two striking homes on 12 acres of the mainland. It also consists of half a 26-acre private island, turbary rights to three acres of bog and has over 4,000 ft of shoreline, two hot tubs, boat launches and moorings.

The main house and the guest cottage have been restored by Kevin and Lori, and both face south over the secluded cove with a hot tub each so you can enjoy the sea views in style.

Kevin says the name of the island came from local seanachies. "Mermaid Isle was named by elders from our three local communities - Sneem, Castlecove and Caherdaniel. The Irish mermaid story is based upon the seal people, selkies, who can remove their sea cloaks and become human. Those selkies come to our door every morning and I join them in my wetsuit," laughs Kevin.

Beatles fans have just missed out on the opportunity to snap up Dorinish Island in Clew Bay. The land bought by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1967 sold last year after a number of years on the market. The couple never got to live on the island themselves but Lennon rented it out to Sid Rawle in the 70s, who set up a commune for about 25 people. The self-sufficient bunch lived in harmony for two years, until bad weather eventually drove them off the island. Beatle Island, as it became known locally, was sold by Ono after Lennon's death.

Rawle wasn't the only hippie who enjoyed the freedom of island living. A group known as The Screamers took over the island of Inishfree off Donegal in 1974. They happily practised their primal scream therapy on the island until they split in 1988.

For those who like the idea of being lord of their own land, islands currently for sale through Dominic Daly include Shore Island in the Shannon Estuary in Co Clare, and Carbery and Cold Islands in Dunmanus Bay off West Cork.

Shore Island is 30 acres and about 10 minutes off the coast by boat. There is a shell of an old dwelling on the island, as well as a number of old ruins that could be used to create a unique home for someone who values their privacy. It is currently being used to graze cattle and has a guide price of 900,000.

Carbery and Cold Islands have been on the market for a few years. When they initially went on the market in 2007, the guide price was 1.26m. This dropped to 990,000 in 2013, and is now at 599,000; the same price as a four-bed semi in Rathfarnham.

It is a 34-acre island with a new four-bedroom property and its own beach. It also has a sophisticated generator house, which is timber-built with a slated roof in keeping with the main house. The elaborate electrical system is driven by both 500AM wind generator and also a separate 37.5KRB heavy duty generator driven by a four-cylinder Petta engine. There is also a provision for the installation of solar cells to provide an alternative source.

An island that won't break the bank is Mannion's Island, also in Dunmanus Bay off West Cork. The four-acre site is located very close to the shoreline and is accessible all year round.

With a guide of 150,000, the island doesn't come with any infrastructure, but on the eastern side there is a small, sheltered cove that is ideal for swimming or kayaking. Any building on the island would be subject to planning permission. This is for sale through Dominic Daly and Vladi Private Islands (www.vladi-private-islands.de).

For 100,000, Sherry FitzGerald Crowley is selling Roeillaun Island, just north of Clew Bay between Newport and Mulranny in Co Mayo. The 22-acre plot is a handsome site with no dwellings but about 18 acres of the island is of fair agricultural quality.

* Dominic Daly, Cork (021) 4277399

* Majella O'Sullivan (064) 2101

* Vladi Private Island (+4940) 338989, info@vladi.de

* Sherry FitzGerald Crowley (098) 29009

Indo Property

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Fancy your own island? Here are four islands on the market in Ireland - Irish Independent

Starts at 60

Top 10 travel deals of the week Starts at 60 Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa is the only resort set directly on breathtaking Aitutaki Lagoon, and this boutique resort is the only private island resort in the Cook Islands with the only Overwater Bungalows a true bucket list destination! At this ...

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Top 10 travel deals of the week - Starts at 60

Treasure islands - a choice of five on the market

Independent.ie

Country pile? Tick. Flash car? Tick. Helicopter? Tick. Hot tub? Tick. So what do the wealthy folk of this world spend their money on when it looks like they already have everything? The answer, it seems, is their own fiefdom - a private island.

http://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/treasure-islands-a-choice-of-five-on-the-market-35730879.html

http://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/article35730871.ece/5b64e/AUTOCROP/h342/2017-05-19_lif_31238764_I1.JPG

Country pile? Tick. Flash car? Tick. Helicopter? Tick. Hot tub? Tick. So what do the wealthy folk of this world spend their money on when it looks like they already have everything? The answer, it seems, is their own fiefdom - a private island.

When you imagine islands, you may think of deserted sunny beaches, palm trees and luxury wooden huts, so it may be a surprise to learn that millionaires sometimes opt for Irish islands. They may not be sun-drenched, but that doesn't seem to deter overseas buyers who have the cash to splash.

Cork estate agent Dominic Daly is an expert when it comes to selling islands in Ireland. He currently has five on his books, ranging in price from 150,000 to 1.9m. After over 40 years in the business, Daly has seen it all.

So what kind of people decide that buying an Irish island would be a good idea?

"Dreamers," says Daly. "People who like the idea of having their own fiefdom, their own laws, their own money. Mainly overseas people. We sold an island last year off Donegal to some Belgians but I don't know why they bought it, because it's not exactly accessible."

The Belgians weren't the only people who had romantic ideas of owning an island. When Michael Jackson spent time in Ireland in 2007, he came to Daly in the hope of bagging a bargain. Daly found himself on a boat with Jackson, his three children and their nanny to view an island off west Kerry.

"He asked if a security fence could be built around it," says Daly. "He didn't want anyone else to come to the island."

As it turned out, the King of Pop was pretty broke at the time, so it's no surprise that he never came back to Daly to seal the deal.

Those who have owned Irish islands include John Lennon, Michael Flatley and the lateral thinking guru Edward de Bono. And famously Charles Haughey furnished his own private realm on Inishvickillane.

One island that is currently on the market was bought in 2001 by an American couple with a clearer vision than Jackson. Kevin O'Farrell and Lori Kearney knew the minute they saw Mermaid Isle that it was exactly what they were looking for.

"The most obvious attraction was its immediacy to the crystal clear sheltered sea," recalls Kevin. "For centuries, the seaside property was owned by generations of people who made a living by catching fish, lobsters, crabs, prawns and scallops. Most of my career has been devoted to designing aquariums and natural history museums. In all of my exhibits, I encouraged visitors to go outside, get wet and meet nature head-on. In aquariums, millions are spent developing artificial tide pools that stimulate nature. At Mermaid Isle, we were surrounded by the real thing, the whole ecosystems, from plankton to invertebrates, to fish, birds, seals and even dolphins."

Mermaid Isle, Illaundrane, Glanlough Lower, is a spectacular 25-acre oceanfront property close to Sneem in Co Kerry, on sale for 1.9m. The sale, through joint agents Majella O'Sullivan and Dominic Daly, includes two striking homes on 12 acres of the mainland. It also consists of half a 26-acre private island, turbary rights to three acres of bog and has over 4,000 ft of shoreline, two hot tubs, boat launches and moorings.

The main house and the guest cottage have been restored by Kevin and Lori, and both face south over the secluded cove with a hot tub each so you can enjoy the sea views in style.

Kevin says the name of the island came from local seanachies. "Mermaid Isle was named by elders from our three local communities - Sneem, Castlecove and Caherdaniel. The Irish mermaid story is based upon the seal people, selkies, who can remove their sea cloaks and become human. Those selkies come to our door every morning and I join them in my wetsuit," laughs Kevin.

Beatles fans have just missed out on the opportunity to snap up Dorinish Island in Clew Bay. The land bought by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1967 sold last year after a number of years on the market. The couple never got to live on the island themselves but Lennon rented it out to Sid Rawle in the 70s, who set up a commune for about 25 people. The self-sufficient bunch lived in harmony for two years, until bad weather eventually drove them off the island. Beatle Island, as it became known locally, was sold by Ono after Lennon's death.

Rawle wasn't the only hippie who enjoyed the freedom of island living. A group known as The Screamers took over the island of Inishfree off Donegal in 1974. They happily practised their primal scream therapy on the island until they split in 1988.

For those who like the idea of being lord of their own land, islands currently for sale through Dominic Daly include Shore Island in the Shannon Estuary in Co Clare, and Carbery and Cold Islands in Dunmanus Bay off West Cork.

Shore Island is 30 acres and about 10 minutes off the coast by boat. There is a shell of an old dwelling on the island, as well as a number of old ruins that could be used to create a unique home for someone who values their privacy. It is currently being used to graze cattle and has a guide price of 900,000.

Carbery and Cold Islands have been on the market for a few years. When they initially went on the market in 2007, the guide price was 1.26m. This dropped to 990,000 in 2013, and is now at 599,000; the same price as a four-bed semi in Rathfarnham.

It is a 34-acre island with a new four-bedroom property and its own beach. It also has a sophisticated generator house, which is timber-built with a slated roof in keeping with the main house. The elaborate electrical system is driven by both 500AM wind generator and also a separate 37.5KRB heavy duty generator driven by a four-cylinder Petta engine. There is also a provision for the installation of solar cells to provide an alternative source.

An island that won't break the bank is Mannion's Island, also in Dunmanus Bay off West Cork. The four-acre site is located very close to the shoreline and is accessible all year round.

With a guide of 150,000, the island doesn't come with any infrastructure, but on the eastern side there is a small, sheltered cove that is ideal for swimming or kayaking. Any building on the island would be subject to planning permission. This is for sale through Dominic Daly and Vladi Private Islands (www.vladi-private-islands.de).

For 100,000, Sherry FitzGerald Crowley is selling Roeillaun Island, just north of Clew Bay between Newport and Mulranny in Co Mayo. The 22-acre plot is a handsome site with no dwellings but about 18 acres of the island is of fair agricultural quality.

* Dominic Daly, Cork (021) 4277399

* Majella O'Sullivan (064) 2101

* Vladi Private Island (+4940) 338989, info@vladi.de

* Sherry FitzGerald Crowley (098) 29009

Indo Property

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Treasure islands - a choice of five on the market - Irish Independent

With so many beautiful islands in the Philippine archipelago, numerous beach property developments, both private and commercial, have sprouted especially in Coron and Palawan islands.

Pristine bone-white beaches, unbelievably turquoise waters, rich marine life, World War II shipwrecks and jade-colored lakes hemmed in by karst limestone hills make Coron one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Often referred to as the countrys Last Frontier, it is located at the upper region of Palawan, 595 kilometers from Metro Manila.

In a cluster of islands boasting diverse terrain, secret lagoons and hidden beaches, several unique resorts have made Coron their playground, catering to more foreign tourists than locals. Respecting natures guidelines, well designed resorts enhance the islands pristine beachfront and tropical landscape.

With the calm seas during the summer, I find the best way to travel is by Air Juan Philippines with their seaplanes landing right in front of the island resort. Visit http://www.airjuan.com for bookings.

Coron is an excellent destination for family vacationers, hardcore backpackers, beach lovers, and adventurous divers. Accommodations range from backpacker-friendly to skys-the-limit rates.

Alternatively, one can also stay at the town of Busuanga where a handful of mid-range to luxury resorts are located and has its own set of island hopping tours.

Some of my favorite resorts are Busuanga Bay Lodge, Club Paradise, Huma Island Resort and Spa, and Two Seasons Island Resort and Spa.

On top of that list is Ariara Island, a private island resort secretly hidden in an untouched corner of Coron. Check out http://www.ariaraisland.com for details.

Ariara is the ultimate off the beaten track destination.

This private property would allow one the exclusive use of the whole island, managed and serviced by the owners personal staff. Voted No. 1 Most Fashionable Place to Stay in the World by British Vogue, Ariara Island landed the top spot among the 100 Best Holidays list.

The breathtaking 50 ha island has a 300-meter wooden dock for easy access for guests disembarking from yachts and boats. This dock has an integrated lounge area where the flooring is covered with sand.

Also, access to the water is possible to feed baby sharks that are frequently seen in the water.

Along the entire stretch of the beach is a rich and diverse marine life that is incredibly beautiful and visible by snorkeling thanks to the clear waters.

The resorts Island Manager Florian Mueller from Germany is also a certified PADI Dive Instructor and has a vast amount of experience of local marine life.

The main house has a spacious and cozy living area just behind the infinity pool.

Adjacent to this is the main dining room that sits 20 guests, the maximum capacity of the island. These two areas are where the WiFi is strongest.

Additionally, each villa is provided a mobile phone to make all on-island calls between members of your party and to contact staff as needed.

There are four kinds of villasthe Lodge Suite, Jungle Villa, Beach Cottage, and North Beach Villa. The beach cottages can accommodate up to four guests so its perfect for kids and young teenagers.

All suites have roomy bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.

Designed to capture the islands beauty, all rooms have spectacular ocean views and incredible sunset viewing. Just outside the cottages, giant lizards walk back to the jungle from the beach after being fed by the staff every morning.

The resort-chic interiors of the bedrooms are highlighted with Filipino touches of woven fabrics, seashells and capiz. Architect George Yulo made sure the essence of Filipino resort luxe is carried through the design.

With all the elements of great design, form and function present as well as exceptional service and attention to detail, Ariara Island is truly the most beautiful paradise in the heart of the Far East.

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Paradise in the heart of the far east | Inquirer Business - Inquirer.net