Kia Ora Island

kia-ora-1Although not a true private island Kia Ora is a unique peninsular property located in Point au Baril in Ontario Canada. This picturesque 2.8 acre private peninsula is surrounded by 1,650 feet of water and boasts an abundance of granite shoreline.

Kia Ora is situated on the back of the revered Ojibway Club Island. This immaculately kept pine covered property offers panoramic, open southerly exposure. The 2,000 square foot main cottage is perched on the edge of a large granite rock face and offers every modern amenity including a 1,500 square foot wrap around deck, stone fireplace and screened in sitting room.

The private two bedroom guest cottage is a jewel and makes this an enviable family compound. It also offers panoramic views from its wrap around deck and comes complete with its own kitchen, living room, stone fireplace and two generous bedrooms.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

How the Billionaire Vacations

cannes-festival-palace-boatsNow that the recession is over the world’s wealthiest individuals are once again starting to indulge in luxurios vacations and according to Fox business news the destination that is at the top of their list are Private Islands. Here is what Fox News had to say.

According to the American Affluence Research Center, 35% of America’s wealthiest households plan to spend more on domestic vacations this year, and 31% plan to spend more on vacations abroad. That means the rich are planning to do some serious spending on everything from private jets to private islands. 

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/06/10/adventures-in-affluence-how-billionaire-vacations/#ixzz1PAucGRdI

Rockstar Island

rockstar-island-1A unique Canadian island with an even more unique name, Rockstar island is a 1.21 acre island located in Ontario’s presitigious Pointe au Baril region.   Unique rock formations, windswept pines and a protected harbor round this package out perfectly.

The 3 bedroom main cottage is ideally situated to maximize the unobstructed westerly views and leave ample smooth granite untouched. It also has a small separate sleeping cabin which is perfect for guests.

The main cottage has been impeccably maintained and was designed with an abundance of windows and glass doors, which fill the cottage with natural light. Generous decks and an enclosed verandah surround the cottage allowing you to enjoy the sunset from inside or out in the spring, summer or fall.

The island is currently on the market for $1,195,000. For more informationon this property visit Private Islands Online.

Stunning Scottish Island

taransayEasier Property.com recently featured the Isle of Taransay a breathtaking 3,445 acre island which is currently on the market for 2 Million pounds. Located in an exceptional setting in the Outer Hebrides, Taransay is made up of two islands connected together by a peninsula of sand, with spectacular white sandy beaches, rugged cliff faces and heather moorlands forming its remarkable and unspoilt landscape.  

The island is steeped in history having been inhabited since about 300 A.D. when it was home to Celtic pagans. Throughout history it has been the site of fierce battles including the Massacre of Taransay in 1544, when the Morrisons of Lewis invaded.  It was recently home to a different kind of battle as it was home to the television show Castaway. Here is what Easier Property had to say. 

” The original buildings on the island were renovated and since 2002  have been used as self-catering holiday cottages.
The traditional farmhouse has been recently refurbished and combines comfortable modern accommodation with truly outstanding views across the beach.  The old school chalet has also been upgraded to a high standard with open plan accommodation overlooking the bay, whilst the bothy offers more basic accommodation, ideal for a group of up to 10.   

The island also offers the country sportsman an abundance of activity whilst protecting the biodiversity of the island, with hill lochs teaming with brown trout, first class coastal and sea fishing, as well as a herd of around 200 head of red deer providing some enjoyable and sustainable stalking. ”

For further information on the Isle of Taransay please visit: ckdgalbraith.co.uk

Fantastic Florida Island

ormond-by-the-sea-1Florida is a land of plenty when it comes to private islands and it is often a popular destination for individuals interested in purchasing a private island within US borders.

One of the newest islands to come on the market is Ormond by the Sea a 1.3 acre island located just north of Ormond Beach in Valusia County.

The island is high and dry and ready for development! The island is currently on the market for $500,000 OBO. For more information on Ormond by the Sea visit Private Islands Online.

Petit Private Island

ile-de-la-baie-bertrand-1Canada is often described as a country of wilderness and vast open environs.  For islomaniacs it is also a treasure trove of pristine private islands situated on fresh water lakes and adorned with quaint cottages.  Advantageous foreign ownership laws combined with a stable democratic government makes Canada one of the best places in the world to purchase a private island.

Quebec, the francophone part of Canada is an often overlooked island region that has many unique properties available. One of the newest properties in Quebec to emerge on the international island market is Ile de la Baie Bertrand. This 4.1 acre island which is located on 31-Mile Lake is known for being the most desirable lake in the Gatineau and is just 90 minutes from Ottawa Airport.

Situated on the island is an immaculate four-bedroom main house (built in 2003) and fully-equipped two-bedroom guest house with sleeping loft (2004), both constructed with best quality materials and careful attention to detail, fit and finish. Other facilities include:

  • Solar-powered from roof-top panels, with propane generator backup and state-of-the-art inverter and battery system in free-standing structures.
  • Direct telephone line to the mainland and satellite internet connection with Wi-Fi.
  • Propane stoves, ovens and water heaters.
  • Both houses insulated for winter use.
  • Separate septic system for each house, cleaned and serviced in 2009.
  • Stone firepit and terraced herb and vegetable garden.
  • Cedar tree house in the woods behind the guest house.
  • Double main dock with adjacent boat house, and second dock in private bay.
  • Boats and furnishings also available if desired.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

ile-de-la-baie-bertrand-3ile-de-la-baie-bertrand-2

Maude Island Alaska

maude-islandWith the weather getting warmer in the Northern Hemisphere people’s attention is shifting from the tropical islands of the south to the cooler islands of the north.  It comes as a surprise that arctic Alaska is actually one of the hottest island markets. It is also one of the best locations in the world to get great value for your investment.

 Maude island is one of the gems currently on the market. Located in Sitka, Maude Island offers sweeping views of the ocean that can be viewed from the exclusive island home. When not exploring the one acre island launch off your private dock to enjoy a day of fishing, boating or just exploring the incredible scenery of Sitka.  

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Musha Cay: Exotic Luxury

musha cayWith advances in communication, transportation and other techologies exploring private islands has never been so accessible. However there are some private islands that will forever be out of reach for all except the most affluent of the planet’s citizens. One such island is Musha Cay.

Recentlty a journalist with Industry Leaders Magazine explored the 150 acres of luxury that makes up Musha Cay here is what they had to say.

Owned by illusionist David Copperfield, Musha Cay in the Bahamas, presents itself as a super regal, uber exclusive luxury private island that allows you to invite your guests to make the most of the island’s lush green surroundings, a state-of-the-art giant outdoor movie theatre and exquisitely designed customized accommodations in addition to the private beaches.

The price ? $37,500 per day for upto 12 persons for a 4-night minimum. Steep? Maybe, but most definitely worth the “lap-up-the-luxury” experience we say!

With a staff of thirty-plus to attend to your every need, guests at Musha Cay have the option to stay in the commanding 10,000 square foot manor house on the cliff, the thatched roof beach house away from sight, or one of the two guest villas that hosts two bedroom suites in each, all of which have access to their own private beaches.

To read the full article visit Industry Leaders Magazine.

Farnes Flicker

Red-breasted Flycatcher on Brownsman (Graeme Duncan)

Showing well (Graeme Duncan)
Thursday 26th May comments: What a month. The breeding season is in full swing, warden’s work is cranking up by the day and visitors continue to increase by the day. However the main talking point has been the weather. The month of May has produced a mixed bag of weather with a dramatic conclusion on Monday as winds peaked at 70mph.

Amazingly the seabirds appeared to have generally got away with it but next time, they might not be as lucky. Where just hoping for calm weather and a successful few months ahead.

On another note, today produced a big surprise as we produced our first noticeable passerine of the spring – a female/immature Red-breasted Flycatcher on Brownsman! The bird arrived late afternoon and showed well to all admiring wardens. Although almost an annual migrant to the islands, this was only our fourth ever spring bird and the first since 1988!

Highlights: Red-breasted Flycatcher 1 on Brownsman, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Redstart.

Breeding bird news: Razorbills now on chicks, Sandwich Tern number low – estimated at only 400 pairs (potentially our lowest ever breeding number).

Its coming….

Puffins galore - chicks have started hatching (Andy Denton)

Sandwich Tern colony (Andy Denton)

Who are you looking at... (Andy Denton)

Sunday 22nd May comments: Today has brought plenty more activity as our first Kittiwake chicks have hatched whilst a pair of Ringed Plover now have a brood of three chicks to guard against predators. However our attention is now switching to a more serious matter...the weather.

The month of April brought wall-to-wall sunshine and glorious calm flat seas. Then came May. The month has produced a real mixed bag of weather with plenty of rain and unsettled conditions, but now we face another threat – the wind. The forecast over the next few days is severe gale force southerly winds which will bring heavy seas and potentially the loss of many nests on the south facing cliffs. How bad things will be, is any ones guess, but fingers crossed its not as bad as predicted. Here goes...

Its here…

Monday 23rd May, 15:00 update

The shipping forecast is just in…

Southerly gale force 8 imminent veering southwesterly and increasing storm force 10 soon

...and don't we know it. The Farne Islands are being hammered and it's not about to stop...

Storm Force 10

Waves over the East Wideopens (William Scott)

Inner Farne Lighthouse cliff - the storm pounds (William Scott)

Sea spray and waves over the island (Andy Denton)

Monday 23rd May (evening) comments:

Oh dear.

It really has been a shocker, as the wind has been off the scale today as the sea has battered and hammered the life out of the Farnes. Amazingly we may have escaped the worst of it as one crucial factor may have saved many nesting seabirds - the wind direction.

An easterly or northerly wind of this magnitude would have decimated the colonies but as its from the west, we may have escaped. When I say 'escaped', we still have experienced losses - we watched one Kittiwake nest being blown off the cliff side and across the island, taking the contents with it. However it could have been a lot, lot worse.

What we need now is some calm weather, preferably two months of it.

Private Island Parcel: Alligator Caye

alligator-caye-belize-1Although many people dream of owning a private island, sometimes economics keep the dream at bay.

Fortunately more freuqently private island parcels are emerging on the market giving more people a chance at owning a piece of a private island.
Alligator Caye is one of the latest additions to the market.

The current listing price of $99,000 is a significant reduction from the original listing price of $169,000. Located in Belize the parcel is located at the south end of the island . The island itself is located just a few hundred yards from the barrier reef, which is widely regarded as one of the worlds best diving sites.

For more on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Celebrity Private Islands: Bear Grylls

grylls1With the world still swooning over Prince William and Princess Kate’s Seychelles honeymoon there has been lots of attention on other celebrity private island owners. Most islomaniacs know about Mel Gibson, Richard Branson, and Leonardo DiCapprio.  What few people know is that TV show host and World Famous adventurer Bear Grylls is also a private island owner.

In a recent interview with the Telegraph Grylls reported “We spend a lot of time at our home in Wales every summer where we own a small island just off the coast. When I bought the island it was a stretch and I’ve had to put a lot of money into renovations over the years, but it’s a little private paradise. It has just one home on it and it doubles as a holiday property and an investment. We’ve really gained from it. ”

To read the full article visit the telegraph.

Clinton’s Vacation on Private Island

clintondanceoopsThe Turks and Caicos weekly news is reporting that formed US president Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are vacationing on the exlusive Parrot Cay with the Clinton’s daughter Chelsea and her husband Marc Mezvinsky.

Accoridng to the report the family spent six days at fashion designer Donna Karan’s luxury four bedroom villa, where they enjoyed 360-degree ocean views and personal chef and butler service.
The article also notes that “Under the safe watch of a 21-strong team of US Secret Service agents they relaxed on soft white sands and swam in the country’s famous turquoise waters.”
To read the full article about the Clinton’s Trip to the TCI visit the Turks and Caicos Weekly News.

Rarotonga Beaches

Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is one of the South Pacific’s premier vacation islands. Sheltered from the open ocean by uninhabited Koromiri Island, Muri Beach is a slice of paradise.

Weather takes a ‘tern’

Terns - now on eggs (Jamie Coleman)
A stunner - an adult Mediterranean Gull (Will Scott)

Migrants on the move - a Lesser Whitethroat (Will Scott)

Monday 16th May comments:

The breeding season continues to advance by the day and having been away for a week (hence the lack of updates...), much has changed. The Arctic Terns have now settled in their thousands with the first eggs discovered on 13th May, almost completing the full breeding range of nesting seabirds now on eggs (Common Terns been on eggs since 12th May). More Eider chicks are hatching on a daily basis whilst our first Guillemot chicks will be discovered very soon.

The weather has taken a distinctive turn for the worst with plenty of rain (causing some issues for Puffins) whilst strong wind is making life generally difficult. Staple Island, opened to the public on 1st May but the weather has resulted in almost a daily closure whilst Inner Farne has seen sporadic numbers of visitors. Hopefully everything will settle soon and both the breeding birds and visitors can start enjoying the summer once again.

Whilst away, there were some noticeable highlights on the islands as three different Mediterranean Gulls arrived in the Black-headed Gull colony on the islands and the prospect of potential future breeding has increased. The species only colonised Northumberland a few years ago and maybe the Farnes might be the next step in their UK advancement.

Pick of the days – 8th May highlights:Redstart, Whinchat (5), Sedge Warbler (5), Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler (2), Blackcap (3), Whitethroat (11), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Willow Warbler (25), Chiffchaff (7), Spotted Flycatcher (2) and Pied flycatcher.

Farnes action

Guillemot chicks start hatching (Ciaran Hatsell)

Gas cage (nesting) Eider (Ciaran Hatsell)

Chicks away (Ciaran Hatsell)

Wild or feral - today's Barnacle Goose (Ciaran Hatsell)

Thursday 19th May comments: The crazy period is just around the corner and Farnes action continues as chicks have started hatching and the Arctic Terns have intensified attacks against our visitors (and the wardens!). In recent days we've witnessed...

first Guillemot chicks hatch on Staple and Inner Farme

Puffin chicks found today on Inner Farne

Black-headed Gull chicks discovered in the main colony

On the migration front it was a stunning day yesterday (Wednesday) as the peace and quiet of the islands was shattered by an adult HONEY BUZZARD over (it flew over our heads!) before heading towards the mainland (only the 9th Farnes record although all have occurred since the first on 25 September 2000).

Recent highlights: HONEY BUZZARD, Little Gull first-summer, Roseate Tern 3 adults in summer plumage and Mediterranean Gull (second summer).

Honeymoons: The Cost of Romance

private island honeymoonIn the wake of the Royal wedding, and the impending island honeymoon of the Royal Couple people are taking a keen interest in private island honeymoons.

The Independent recently published an interesting article showcasing honeymoon destinations for princes and paupers alike and naturally a number of islands made the list. Here is what they had to say.

PrinceThe Maldives have proved a honeymoon destination worthy of royalty, with a mesmerising array of private island resorts falling over themselves to impress. Romance is everywhere, from overwater villas, to underwater spas and everything in between. Huvafen Fushi became the archipelago’s dream destination when it opened in 2004, so

about the forthcoming opening of sister hotel Niyama in October. This 86-room resort covers two islands and brings a more edgy feel to the sleepy Maldives with the world’s first underwater music club and a 24-hour spa.

Pauper: The Scilly Isles have been a hot contender for the royal honeymoon since the engagement. They may lack underwater spas, but they do share some tropical DNA with the Maldives. Just 28 miles south-west of Cornwall, the islands are caressed by the Gulf Stream, spawning palm trees, cacti and aloe to go along with the azure water. The tiny island of Bryher is the smallest of five inhabited islands, and on its west side is Hell Bay hotel which is a sublime honeymoon hideaway. “

To read the full list of Prince and Pauper Honeymoons visit The Independent