Category Archives: Private Islands

Prime Minister of The Bahamas Perry Christie (left) and Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International (right), committed to a multi-year agreement.

FLORIDA, United States, Friday March 10, 2017 The worlds largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, has committed to enhancing a private island destination in The Bahamas.

The plan to construct a pier at Coco Cay, also known as Little Stirrup Cay, situated in the Berry Islands which will include additional guest features and amenities, and new opportunities for vendors and craftsmen is part of a multi-year agreement the cruise company signed with The Bahamas earlier this week.

Royal Caribbean says overall, the agreement will help grow The Bahamas tourism, rapidly increase the cruise lines employment of Bahamian nationals and invest in hospitality training to develop talent in the country.

At a signing ceremony attended by Prime Minister of The Bahamas Perry Christie and president/CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley, the cruise line confirmed the plans.

As part of the agreement, Royal Caribbean plans to work with The Bahamas government to develop a training programme to provide those who aspire to a career in hospitality with a unique opportunity to participate in innovative training and development.

The cruise line will create a curriculum that will prepare many thousands of students for careers at sea on board one of Royal Caribbeans ships. In addition to the classroom experience, students will receive on-site guidance and training from shipboard professionals.

Royal Caribbean has committed to rapidly growing the number of Bahamian nationals employed by the cruise line in the next five years. In addition, they have joint ownership of the Grand Bahamas shipyard in Freeport at which major revitalizations and drydock maintenance of its ships take place.

Tourism is an important engine of growth for the economy of destinations in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and we are excited to bring more visitors on our newest and most innovative ships to this popular vacation spot, said Bayley. Our commitment to The Bahamas is multifold. It is our responsibility to contribute to the countrys economic diversity, to its employment base and the training of Bahamian youth as well as the protection of the environment. We are excited about the continued growth of tourism in The Bahamas, and look forward to doing our part to keep that growth and progress moving along in the years to come.

Operators of the worlds largest ships with an additional two mega ships under construction and four on order, Royal Caribbean currently brings 1.7 million visitors a year to The Bahamas. But it has plans to significantly expand that number in the next decade as they add capacity in the region.

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A Cruise Line Commits To Developing Private Island in The Bahamas - Caribbean360.com (subscription)

(10:37 a.m. EST) -- A hospitality training program and the construction of a pier at CocoCay are among the improvements included in a multi-year agreement between cruise line Royal Caribbean International and The Bahamas to grow tourism in the island nation.

CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, will see a number of enhancements, from new amenities and spaces for Bahamian vendors and craftsmen to the construction of a pier, which will greatly improve docking at the port. (CocoCay is currently a tender port, making it difficult to call when the weather is poor.) The addition of a pier means the port will be able to accommodate the cruise line's Oasis-class ships, the biggest cruise ships in the world.

During a phone call with the media this morning, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said CocoCay will remain open while undergoing construction but added that passenger experience would not be affected. He also noted that some "minor redeployment" will be necessary but didn't elaborate.

Bayley called the renovations a "multiphase project" and alluded to the caliber of amenities that will eventually be available to visitors: "experiences like you find on Oasis Class. Expect CocoCay to deliver those types of experiences."

Construction will be complete in 2019, with some phases finished as early as next year.

The agreement also outlines a significant investment from Royal Caribbean to develop a training program intended to build and recruit the talents of Bahamian nationals, and to rapidly increase their employment with the cruise line over the next five years. According to the news release, students of the program will receive onsite guidance and training from shipboard professionals, as well as a classroom experience.

Bayley and Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, attended a recent signing ceremony to make the agreement official.

"Tourism is an important engine of growth for the economy of destinations in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and we are excited to bring more visitors on our newest and most innovative ships to this popular vacation spot," Bayley said at the ceremony. "Our commitment to The Bahamas is multifold. It is our responsibility to contribute to the country's economic diversity, to its employment base and the training of Bahamian youth as well as the protection of the environment. We are excited about the continued growth of tourism in The Bahamas, and look forward to doing our part to keep that growth and progress moving along in the years to come."

Itineraries for Symphony of the Seas -- Royal Caribbean's latest cruise ship, debuting in spring 2018 -- were announced today, and include Nassau, Bahamas, on fall sailings from Miami.

"Royal Caribbean has been a longstanding partner of the islands of The Bahamas, and their plans to significantly increase tourism to our country as well as to develop the talent of our youth and expand employment opportunities for Bahamians is commendable," Christie said.

Royal Caribbean currently brings 1.7 million passengers a year to The Bahamas, with plans to expand that number over the next 10 years as they add capacity in the region. Bahamian destinations already serve as ports of call for 13 of Royal Caribbean's ships.

Royal Caribbean and The Bahamas share joint ownership of the Grand Bahamas shipyard in Freeport, where maintenance and refurbishment of Royal's ships take place.

--By Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor

Continued here:

Royal Caribbean Signs Investment Agreement With Bahamas, Plans to Enhance Private Island CocoCay - Cruise Critic

Forbes

The Best of Cruise Lines' Idyllic Private Islands Forbes With their pristine beaches, aquamarine waters and variety of adventures both in the water and on the shore, a visit to a cruise line's private island is often a highlight of a cruise In fact, according to cruise experts CruiseCompete, private islands ...

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The Best of Cruise Lines' Idyllic Private Islands - Forbes

The mythical perfect honeymoon. Every couple has their own internal checklist, but if you're in the market for beaches so pristine you'll feel guilty about Instagramming them, private islandsand intimate hotels where you can quietly argue with your new spouse without the entire staff knowing about it, the British Virgin Islands certainly fit the bill. With around 60 islands, there's plenty of room for different types of honeymooners: white sand beaches and clear blue seas tick the relaxing boxes, but for the more adventurous there's everything from surfing and scuba diving to parachuting and canopy tours. Then there's celebrity spotting the Obamas, of course, chose Richard Branson's exclusive Necker Island for their first trip after leaving office.

What's more, a ban on franchises means that not only are there no McDonald's or Starbucks in the BVIs, but there are no chain hotels, either. So while it takes a little more effort to pick somewhere, you're in for a more interesting stay. We tried four hotels on four different islands, each offering something to make your holiday unique.

The mostly undeveloped Guanaisland: you're unlikely to stay indoors (Guana Island)

On its very own island, Guana began as the ultimate private members' club in the 1920sand, almost a centuryon, it offers a luxury travel experience without the oppressively obsequious service which so often comes with that. That doesn't mean you won't get everything you need (as well as things you didn't even know you wanted)from staff: co-managers Andrei and Antonia are happy to organise everything from spa treatments to scuba diving, but they'll also give you the space to relax and explore its unique surroundings in your own time.

As well as the opportunity to swim, snorkel, or just sit with a cocktail on the island's pristine beaches, Guana also offers incredible views from its 26 hiking trails. The island is 90 per cent undeveloped and has just a handful of staff living there, giving it an intimate atmosphere. Guests can stay in villas with their own infinity pools, or rooms which offer views over the Caribbean Sea. This is one place, though, where there's no need to splash out on an upgrade:evenhoneymooners won't want to spend too much time indoors.

Villas have private infinity pools (Guana Island)

The all-inclusive resort calls itself "a wildlife sanctuary with a cocktail hour". Three meals a day including wine at dinner are provided, but with chef Xavier Arnau using organic ingredients grown in the island's own orchard, the menu never gets samey.

'A wildlife sanctuary with a cocktail hour' (Guana Island)

With a maximum of 32 guests at any given time, three resident flamingos and a chef with a Michelin-star pedigree, it's no surprisepeoplekeep coming back we met a couple who had been holidaying there every year since the 1970s. As for location, it is just a 10-minute boat ride away from the BVIs' main airport. Guana's captain will pick you up and drop you off at your convenience.

Doubles from 570, all inclusive

Wifi: free

Access: On a case by case basis

Rooms:*****

Service:*****

Value:****

It's a 30-second roll out of bed to the beach at Surfsong (Surfsong)

Surfsong is three minutes from the BVIs' main airport and 30 seconds away from the beach but at night you'll hear the sound of waves crashing into the sand rather than airplanes landing."Intimate" is the key word at this secluded five-acre boutique resort on Beef Island, which was opened a decade ago by Canadian couple Cate and Mark Stephenson. Guests have the option to stay at one of seven uniquely designed villas: three havefour-poster beds, four face directly onto the beach and one is in atreehouse.

From four-poster beds to a treehouse, Surfsong's villas are all unique (Surfsong)

The accommodation is self-catering, but that doesn't mean you'll have to cook. Guests can organise private dinners in their villasor eat at the resort's restaurant, The Courtyard at Surfsong, where executive chef David Cioppa offers gourmet dishes made from local produce.

The villas are self-catering, but that doesn't mean you need to cook (Surfsong)

Villas from 337, room only

Wifi:free

Access: Showers are not accessible, though villas otherwise are.

Rooms:****

Service:****

Value:****

Peter Island's beaches are exceptional, even for the BVIs (Peter Island)

Peter Island has a unique sell: it provides a luxury experience while making it seem like you're discovering your very own desert island. The private island offers buzzing bars, hiking, free water sports lessons and an award-winning spa that's been tagged as one of the best in the Caribbean. The massages alone are worth a trip, but if that isn't enough to excite you, there's also the opportunity to enjoy lunch on a secluded beach or what might just be the best cocktails in a 100-mile radius at their bar. Most beaches in the BVIs are beautiful, but Peter Island's are exceptional. If you can afford it, book a Beach Front Junior Suite, where you're not only steps away from the sand but have a private hammock and hot tub too. Going all out? Villas each come with their own pool, bar, chef and butler.

No excuses here: Peter Island offers complimentary water sports lessons (Peter Island)

If you pick Peter Island, make sure you book a meal plan the rooms are relatively affordable but the food is pricey, at around $100 dollars for lunch for two with drinks. As for getting there, it's a 20-minute ferry ride from the biggest island of the BVIs, Tortola although high rollers make use of the island's very own helicopter pad.

Rooms from 356, room only

Wifi:free

Access:Two wheelchair-accessible rooms and wheelchair access at restaurants

Rooms:****

Service:*****

Value:***

Frenchmans' beach may be man-made, but that means it's truly private (Frenchmans)

Let's get this out the way: Frenchmans isn't on the beach per se, but don't let that put you off. The resort offers stunning views of Tortola and the surrounding islands, and its man-made beach means it offers one of the few truly private shores in the Caribbean, due to an idiosyncratic law which means all beachfrontsare publicly owned. The villas are pristine and gorgeously furnished, but the real reason for choosing Frenchmans is the hospitality. General Manager Peter is the perfect host,happy to cater to your every whim (even if that means driving you around the island). Not only does he know the best spots in Tortola, but he'll create a personalised itinerary for you to see them. An absolute must stay, even for a night.

Villas from 233, B&B

Wifi:free

Access:Not wheelchair accessible

Rooms:***

Service:*****

Value:*****

Getting there

There are no direct flights from the UK. The writer travelled as a guest of Norwegian, which flies from Gatwick to San Juan in Puerto Rico from November to late March from 318 return (excluding baggage, seat assignments and food). From there, it's a 40-minute flight to the British Virgin Islands' main airport on Beef Island (off Tortola). Airlines operating the route include Seabourne Airlines, InterCaribbean and Cape Air, which uses tiny nine-seater planes; fares start from 188 per person.

More info:www.bvitourism.co.uk

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Honeymoon ideas: try the British Virgin Islands if you like cocktails, pristine Caribbean beaches and private islands - The Independent

The retreat, in the United States, costs just 140,000

OWNING your own private island may seem like a dream reserved for the rich and famous, but it could be more affordable than you think.

These THREE islands, in the United States, cost less than a small house in Britain making them a reasonable investment, even if you dont have a billionaire salary to match that of Richard Branson.

machomes.com

The patches of land cover 108 acres and can be found in the Potomac River, near Washington and they cost just over 140,000.

Its not cheap but given that the average property in the UK now costs 232,000, and in London the average punter forks out 580,000 its not bad either.

The island even boastssandy beaches which are said to be perfect for camping, boating, fishing and enjoying the wildlife.

machomes.com

Bird fans can chill with ducks, blue heron and Canadian geese in among the willow and sycamore trees.

The islands are now up for sale with Mackintosh Realtors.

Current owner Peter Mertz, 57, who bought the plot of land back in 1987, told the Washington Post:Night time there in the summer is very interesting.

Youre in the middle of a big river and the sounds of wildlife engulf you from all sides, especially the sound of rushing water.

Theres nothing quite like owning your own island. There are only a handful of privately owned islands in the entire Potomac River.

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You can now buy THREE private islands with sandy beaches for less than the price of a house in Britain - The Sun

On-field workouts start Friday morning at the NFL Combine. Offensive linemen are up for the 40 first. Then, its the running backs, a group where were more likely to see a legitimate contender for beating Chris Johnsons record in the 40 and winning a private island from Adidas.

But heres the thing, nobodys winning that island.

If you read the fine print, Adidas can choose to swap out the island prize with a million dollars. Its a good bet thats what will happen.

Theres also the stipulation that a player has to wear Adidas cleats while running the 40. John Ross, who clocked in with an unofficial 4.22 time, was wearing Nikes:

John Ross runs a 4.22 unofficially. But no Adidas Island for Ross; he's wearing Nike shoes.

And maybe its for the better. Island living could be an expensive proposition by the time you figure in the costs of getting electricity, sewage, transportation, etc.

If a player can beat Johnsons record of 4.24 seconds, they can probably count on a spot in the draft and a professional contract which they can then use to buy their own island, probably a better one even. You can peruse the market for private islands here. A million bucks would actually go a long way toward a nice little starter island, one you could develop and sell when youre ready to move up to a bigger island with a walkout basement.

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Nobody at the NFL Combine is winning the island for their 40 time, sorry - SB Nation

Discover our remote Caribbean resort's world-class sea adventures Plan your escape to our private Caribbean island resort

Our private island resort is located off the coast of Belize, just 30 miles from the world-famous Great Blue Hole. Spend your days with fins or fishing rod in hand, and live the life of a castaway.

Happy Hour every night

6:30 PM

Houston to Belize City

2:30 HRS

Belize City to Turneffe Island

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Turneffe Island to Great Blue Hole

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Houston, Texas Miami, Florida Belize City Cayman Islands Great Blue Hole Half Moon Caye Turneffe Island Resort

This is the place where you cast your fly into the flats, chase a grand slam and hook a 200-pound tarpon. Its where you fight the line for hours a day, and go home with stories they wont believe.

4 Fishing Guides

4 Fishing Boats

6 Fishing Flats

Discover the depths of the Caribbean Sea, from age-old stalactites to Caribbean Reef Sharks. Belizes unrivaled dives are minutes from your doorstep including the legendary Great Blue Hole and its bottomless abyss.

6 Dive Masters

32 Dive Sites

15 Dives Per Week

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Turneffe Island Resort Private Diving & Fishing Resort ...

For some, a good book, a rectangle of sand to lay a beach towel onand a few days to bask in the sun like a lizard and gorge on local food is enough for a relaxing holiday. For others (namely those with deep pockets), a destination wont do unless it is a private island with access to a yacht, a spa, cigar humidor and a wine cellar.

Below, The Independent roundsup the newest luxury private island resorts from across the globe.

This five-acre stretch of land in the crystal blue waters of the Maldives is a record-breaker. Opened in late 2016, it is not only Four Seasonsfirst private island resort but also currently the only exclusive-use hideaway in the 463 square mile Baa Atoll UnescoWorld Biosphere Reserve, which is made up of 75 islands. Its exclusive use, so rented to single groups, with a maximum of 22 holiday-makers serviced by a full staff.

Guests can both relax and explore the natural beauty surrounding the island. There is access to three villas, a beach house complete with an open-air living room, kitchen, pool deck, library, gym anda spa. The 62ft yacht parked in the lagoon is all yours, whether it's to explore the biosphere reserve or simply snorkel with manta rays and sea turtles.

From 36,700 per night for 22 people

Butlers service every single one of the 77 villas at St. Regis first private island escape, which opened last year. While some rooms are nestled between the dense tropical plants, others are situated slightly off the lagoon of the 23-acre island. Their silver shingle roofs were designed by Singapore-based Wow architects to look like manta rays skimming across the water.

The outdoor infinity pool, spa and library caters to guests yearning for relaxation, while more active holiday-makers can visit the fitness centre, diving and sports centre, and tennis court. Want to get rid of the kids for a bit? Make for the childrens club.

From 1400 per night

Only 10 guests in total can stay on this island, a 45-minute helicopter ride north of Auckland. In 2010, before it was developed (it opened last year), the island was rated second on National Geographic Travelers list of 99 Worlds Top Rated Islands, Coastlines and Beachesin 2010. Its owner discovered it during his round-the-world super-yacht trip (of course).

As temperatures on the island hover between 22-26C in the summer and 14-17C in the winter, this isnt so much a resort for sunning yourself, but rather for wildlife watching. Each of the five suites on the purpose-built 29m property has a balcony overlooking Helena Bay and the South Pacific Ocean, and comes with a pair of Leica binoculars. The nearby Poor Knights Island is home to the worlds largest sea cave and is a habitat for orca, dolphins and hundreds of species of fish. The rugged landscape means its also perfect for hiking, biking and fishing.

The estate also features a gym, a 25m heated swimming pool, a library, and an outdoor fire pit for guests more into relaxing than hiking, and there's also a spa inspired by a Russian banya, over 1000 bottles of New Zealand and international wines in the cellar, and an offshoot of the Amalfi Coast's two Michelin-starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890.

Doubles from 1020, half board

This resort, which opened last year, is located on Flicit, among the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago. As a satellite of the nearby La Digue, Grande Soeur, Petite Soeur, Coco and Marianne islands, it means its ideal for Greek-style island hopping.

Its 30 one-bed villas,each shrouded by tropical plants,are a 20-minute helicopter ride from Seychelles International Airport on the main island of Mah, and look out onto the Indian Ocean. Each has a 20m infinity pool and access to the rock-edged pools and three private white sand beaches.

In a push for sustainability, the resort has a reverse osmosis plant and crystal water refinery removing the need for plastic bottles. As for food, the resort currently has a chicken farm and organic garden.

Doubles from 1,075

Set to open in April, this luxury lodge is on Nosy Ankao, on of the biggest of five islands off the north-eastern coast of Madagascar.

Miavana, by the team behind the award-winning North Island lodge in the Seychelles and Chinzombo in Zambia, is a resort for those hungry to experience Madagascars wildlife, 90 per cent of which is endemic. Its 14 villas are set across 5km of white beaches, with views across the ocean which stress to mainland Madagascar to the west. When you want to venture out, marine safari guides head explorations of the archipelagos beaches, lagoons and channels and aquamarine bays.

Villas from 3,360 per night

The winner of the Worlds Leading Exclusive Private Islandat theWorld Travel Awards 2016, this is the ultimate in luxury:atropical island withjust one villa.

Positioned in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania, Thanda, which opened last year, is in the middle of a coral reef, and is home to two species of turtle, with afurther three in the surrounding waters. Those headed to the island for an autumn or winter break might also spot whale sharks, which pass through the waters between October and February. Dugongs, an endangered sea mammal, also sometimes make an appearance.

Guests stay in the villa, which has five en-suite bedrooms as well as outr extras like an indoor aquarium, Steinway piano and cigar humidor. There is, of course, aninfinity pool. When that gets tiresome, you can move tothe two traditional Tanzanian banda tents, or head to the spa.

From 7,000 per night

Withexplorers wanted as its tagline, guests at this resort have access to six islands situated to the north-east of Singapore.

At Bawah, which is a 150 nautical-mile plane ride from the mainland, a maximum of 70 guests will be allowed to visit at any given time (it opens this year). Thats more than some other private island resorts. Still, it's set across 300 hectares of land and the destination offers nature-lovers access to a jungle canopy for trekking, three lagoons, and 13 white-sand beaches.

Aimed atcouples, the accommodation comes in the form of 35 tented villas. 21 of the have a view of the lagoons, three are surrounded by vegetation, while the remaining 11 are designed for watching the sun rise and set.

Price to be announced

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Your own private island for 7000: Seven of the most luxurious new private island resorts across the world - The Independent

For some, a good book, a rectangle of sand to lay a beach towel on, and a few days to bask in the sun like a lizard and gorge on local food is enough for a relaxing holiday. For others (namely those with deep pockets), a destination won't do unless it is a private island with access to a yacht, a spa, cigar humidor and a wine cellar.

Below, we've rounded up the newest luxury private island resorts from across the globe.

This five-acre stretch of land in the crystal blue waters of the Maldives is a record-breaker. Opened in late 2016, it is not only Four Seasons' first private island resort but also currently the only exclusive-use hideaway in the 463 square mile Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which is made up of 75 islands. It's exclusive use, so rented to single groups, with a maximum of 22 holiday-makers serviced by a full staff.

Guests can both relax and explore the natural beauty surrounding the island. There is access to three villas, a beach house - complete with an open-air living room, kitchen, pool deck, library, gym - as well as a spa. The 62-foot yacht parked in the lagoon is all yours, whether it's to explore the biosphere reserve or simply snorkel with manta rays and sea turtles.From 36,700 per night for 22 people.

Butlers service every single one of the 77 villas at St. Regis first private island escape, which opened last year. While some rooms are nestled between the dense tropical plants, others are situated slightly off the lagoon of the 23-acre island. Their silver shingle roofs were designed by Singapore-based Wow architects to look like manta rays skimming across the water.

The outdoor infinity pool, spa and library caters to guests yearning for relaxation, while more active holiday-makers can visit the fitness centre, diving and sports centre, and tennis court. Want to get rid of the kids for a bit? Make for the childrens club. From 1400 per night.

Only 10 guests in total can stay on this island, a 45-minute helicopter ride north of Auckland. In 2010, before it was developed (it opened last year), the island was rated second on National Geographic Travelers list of "99 Worlds Top Rated Islands, Coastlines and Beaches" in 2010. Its owner discovered it during his round-the-world super-yacht trip (of course).

As temperatures on the island hover between 22-26C in the summer and 14-17C in the winter, this isnt so much a resort for sunning yourself, but rather for wildlife watching. Each of the five suites on the purpose-built 29m property has a balcony overlooking Helena Bay and the South Pacific Ocean, and comes with a pair of Leica binoculars. The nearby Poor Knights Island is home to the worlds largest sea cave and is a habitat for orca, dolphins and hundreds of species of fish. The rugged landscape means its also perfect for hiking, biking and fishing.

The estate also features a gym, a 25-metre heated swimming pool, a library, and an outdoor fire pit for guests more into relaxing than hiking, and there's also a spa inspired by a Russian banya, over 1000 bottles of New Zealand and international wines in the cellar, and an offshoot of the Amalfi Coast's two Michelin-starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890.Doubles from 1020, half board.

This resort, which opened last year, is located on Flicit among the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago. As a satellite of the nearby La Digue, Grande Soeur, Petite Soeur, Coco and Marianne islands, it means its ideal for Greek-style island hopping.

Its 30 one-bed villas - each shrouded by tropical plants - are a 20-minute helicopter ride from Seychelles International Airport on the main island of Mah, and look out onto the Indian Ocean. Each has a 20m infinity pool and access to the rock-edged pools and three private white sand beaches.

In a push for sustainability, the resort has a reverse osmosis plant and crystal water refinery removing the need for plastic bottles. As for food, the resort currently has a chicken farm and organic garden.

Doubles from 1075

Set to open in April, this luxury lodge is on Nosy Ankao, on of the biggest of five islands off the north-eastern coast of Madagascar.

Miavana, by the team behind the award-winning North Island lodge in the Seychelles and Chinzombo in Zambia, is a resort for those hungry to experience Madagascars wildlife, 90 per cent of which is endemic. Its 14 villas are set across 5km of white beaches, with views across the ocean which stress to mainland Madagascar to the west. When you want to venture out, marine safari guides head explorations of the archipelagos beaches, lagoons and channels and aquamarine bays.

Villas from 3,360 per night

The winner of the "Worlds Leading Exclusive Private Island"at theWorld Travel Awards 2016, this is the ultimate in luxury - atropical island withjust one villa.

Positioned in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania, Thanda, which opened last year, is in the middle of a coral reef, and is home to two species of turtle, with afurther three in the surrounding waters. Those headed to the island for an autumn or winter break might also spot whale sharks, which pass through the waters between October and February. Dugongs, an endangered sea mammal, also sometimes make an appearance.

Guests stay in the villa, which has five en-suite bedrooms as well as outr extras like an indoor aquarium, Steinway piano and cigar humidor. There is, of course, aninfinity pool. When that gets tiresome, you can move tothe two traditional Tanzanian banda tents, or head to the spa.

From 7000 per night

Withexplorers wanted as its tagline, guests at this resort have access to six islands situated to the north-east of Singapore.

At Bawah, which is a 150 nautical-mile plane ride from the mainland, a maximum of 70 guests will be allowed to visit at any given time (it opens this year). Thats more than some other private island resorts. Still, it's set across 300 hectares of land and the destination offers nature-lovers access to a jungle canopy for trekking, three lagoons, and 13 white-sand beaches.

Aimed atcouples, the accommodation comes in the form of 35 tented villas. 21 of the have a view of the lagoons, three are surrounded by vegetation, while the remaining 11 are designed for watching the sun rise and set.

See more here:

Your own private island for 7000: Seven of the most luxurious new ... - The Independent

The 40-yard-dash is always the marquee event at the NFL scouting combine. A dude running in shorts may not seem like compelling TV, but were watching young men winningor losing millions of dollars based on fractions of a second. And this year, the stakes have been raised even higher.

Adidas football will give away an island to any prospect whobeats Chris Johnsons 40-yard-dash record of 4.24 seconds.

There are stipulations, of course. The prospect must be wearinghe 2017 adizero 5-Star 40 cleats and accept an endorsement deal with the company before the 2017-18 NFL season.

The island, which will be chosen by adidas, will be worth up to $1 million. Adidas offered$1 million to anyone who broke the record in 2016, so the value hasnt really change. But its so much cooler to say, Yeah, I totally won this private island because Im super fast.

And for all you evil genius draft prospects out there, no, you cant win two islands by breaking the record withboth of your heats. Adidas has its bases covered there. The rules state

Further, Athlete is only eligible to win the One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in connection with the NFL Scouting Combine one (1) Island (e.g., Athlete cannot break the Official Record in his first attempt and earn the One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), then break the record again in his second attempt and earn a second Island.

Anyone dreaming of winning a second island is out of luck. Islands dont grow on trees, you know. Its actually the other way around.

Originally posted here:

Adidas promises to give island to NFL draft prospect who breaks 40-yard dash record - For The Win