Gadwall - a rare bird on the Farnes (Graeme Duncan)

Wednesday 30th March comments: It’s the build up to the big day – where opening to the public on Friday and we’re ready. We’ve worked hard getting the new interpretation ready, the Chapel polished, the boardwalks up to scratch and the jetties scrubbed. Its time we saw some friendly faces from the mainland. However the wardens have read the script but the birds haven’t – predictably the Auks have disappeared for a few days whilst everything else appears to be scarce apart from the Shags – some are now on three eggs! On the migrant front, a first-summer Iceland Gull roosted on Knoxes Reef whilst three Gadwall lingered around the Kettle – an unusual sight for the Farnes. Sandwich Tern numbers have peaked at 13 in the roost whilst common migrants such as Wheatear and Goldcrest continue to move through.

Many island owners are looking at ways to make their islands more sustainable and environmentally friendly. One way island owners achieve this is through the integration of their architecture into the natural landscape.

Mandarin Oriental has taken this approach to the next level on their new island resort in the Turks and Caicos. The 8 villas in the the on the island pay homage to the hyper sensitivity of the location’s unique natural setting. Situated on Dellis Cay, the villas are designed to integrate nature as a major component of their material palette. The architecture was kept as simple as possible, ensuring that residents are able to fully take in the changing sky and surrounding vegetation.

All villas are precisely oriented to make the most of their vaulted position above the treetops, and each individual project has been carefully planned to maximize performative and experiential qualities. Each villa channels prevailing winds to cool the interior spaces while framing sunrises, sunsets, and the path of the moon from one side of the structure to the other. Given the limited number of resources on the island, a mixture of passive and active green building strategies were implemented throughout the projects including large overhangs, cross-ventilation, the use of recycled materials, solar hot water heaters, insulating green roofs, and rooftop infinity pools that also serve as a rainwater collection tanks.

Source: Inhabitat

It is no secret that the world`s big hotel chains are opening resorts in some of the smallest regions of the world. Historically the domain of  boutique island resorts, regions like the Maldives and Seychelles are seeing an influx new high end resorts operated by some of the worlds best hotel brands.

Recently it was announced that the 111 villa Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa opened on Silhouette Island the largest private island and third largest island in the Seychelles.  Just a 40-minute ferry ride from the main island of Mahé, the resort becomes the second Hilton Resort in the Seychelles.

“We are delighted to add Hilton Labriz Resort & Spa in the Seychelles to our portfolio,” Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said. “Recognised as one of the world’s leading leisure destinations, the Seychelles offers a combination of unique wildlife, cultural heritage and beautiful surroundings for our guests to enjoy. Travellers now have two great Hilton Resorts offering premium experiences across these picturesque islands.”

The rooms comprise of 30 garden villas with private terraces, 63 beachfront villas, which open onto white sandy beaches, 17 deluxe villas with private pools and one presidential suite with a private lounge and swimming pool. With five restaurants, guests are able to choose from an array of dining options, from Italian cuisine under the stars to international wines and cocktails at the pool side.

The resort’s Aquum Spa allows guests to unwind in treatment rooms built on stilts, amidst the rocks which emerge from the island jungle. Resort facilities include a water sports centre featuring scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing, a swimming pool, tennis court, library lounge, island boutiques, a medical centre, Wi-Fi internet and a DVD library.

Source: 4 Hoteliers.

Ireland`s impressive landscapes are only enahnced when you pair them with the stunning beauty of their private islands.  One of the best known island retreats in Ireland is set deep in the heart of Mayfly Country on the Renowned Lough Corrib.

 Rabbit Island, a delightful 26 acre Island with a most charming and luxurious Fishing Lodge, is available for exclusive, short term Holiday and Angling Rental: Private, Serene, Magical; Your Own Fishing Haven is now available for bookings:

The property is accessed from Kennys Bay, a ten minute drive from Headford town: Galway is a half hour drive; Knock Airport an hour: Shannon one and a half hours.

The Accomodation Comprises: Living Room with feature fire place, french windows leading directly to the Verandah overlooking the lakeshore: Master Bedroom with En Suite, french windows leading to Verandah overlooking the lakeshore: Two Further Bedrooms downstairs, and two Upstairs Bedrooms with Shower Room: Pannelled Hallway, Fully Fitted Kitchen:

The Fishing Lodge dates from 1904 and has recently been extensively renovated and remodelled with all modern conveniences. There is a fine stone harbour with gated entrance to the lawns:

The Property can accomodate five persons comfortably: For bookings please contact: Helen Cassidy:

http://www.premierpropertiesireland.com
0035387 246 3748:

for more information visit private islands online.