If there is anything that iritates island dwellers  more than privacy intrusions its water pollution! Fortunately new technology is being developed to help clean up the oceans and make the water safer for both islanders and mainlanders!

Serbian designers have recently proposed a series of giant underwater skyscrapers that would be tasked with cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that would collect and recycle the waste into a source of energy.

Most people get discouraged when they see the prices that some private islands sell for, particularly those promoted in the media. However, not all private islands are out of reach. If you think outside of the tropical private island with the 20,000 square foot mansion the options become decidedly more affordable.

Currently one of the cheapest islands on the market is Barnard Island. This heavily wooded, buildable island is located in the 20-mile long chain of the Tsala Apopka Lakes near Hernando Florida. This beautiful island is in its natural state with abundant wildlife and excellent bass fishing. The island is very secluded, but is just ½ mile from shore, and 1 mile from a public launch. There are many waterfront homes around the lakes, and raw land is still available in the surrounding area for main land development.

Special Features: There are many attractions within an hour of the island including Disneyworld, EPCOT Center, Gatorland and Crystal River where you can swim with the manatees. This area of central-west Florida is renowned for spectacular fishing, hunting and water activities of every kind. The nearby city of Hernado has all amenities, including shopping, dining and a country club

The island is currently priced at just $55,000. For more information visit Private Islands Online.

The world famous PeterIsland Resort and Spa in the British Virgin Islands just got a little bit better…if that is even possible!

The luxurious  private island retreat in the British Virgin Islands, is offering the first night free and full board for the stay for all stays that are five nights or over.

This meands you book on a room-only basis but get breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner free for the duration of the stay. Book by March 15th for travel until December 19th. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

Five nights at Peter Island starts from £1,085 (€1,279), including tax in an ocean view room on a full board basis.

For more information visit http://www.Peterisland.com

The Financial Times often features private islands for sale or rent around the world. Recently they featured the hottest properties currently on the market around the world. The following are some of the properties that top their list.

Pipe Creek, Bahamas

Located in the Exumas, Pipe Creek is an exclusive $75 Million dollar property set on 38 acres of lush property. The property contains five individual dwellings including a Manor House with fitness centre, chapel and infinity pool, Beach Cottage, Harbourmaster house and two guest cottages.  Accommodating up to 22 people in total this island can be serviced via the private helipad or by sea plane. There are also domestic staff quarters for 29 people, a freshwater treatment plan, a power system, fuel and communications systems and service vehicles.

Celebrity neighbors would include Johnny Depp, David Copperfield, and the Aga Khan.

White Island, Carriacou

Less than two miles by boat to the southern coast of Carriacou, south of Cassada Bay and less than 10 miles by boat and road to Carriacou Airport, White Island is an uninhabited 9-acre island. Fringed by white sand beaches and coral reefs permissions are in place to build a boutique hotel and spa or luxury residence. The island also has a deep water channel which means that the super yachts that frequent the Caribbean can be anchored mere feet from shore.

To see more hot properties check out the Financial Times.

The Greek islands are where the rich and famous from all over the world come to rest, relax and be pampered. Therefore it comes as no surprise that owning your own Greek Island is the ultimate status symbol.

Despite their international popularity Greek Islands are still rare offerings. Recently Kaltsonisi Island came on the market which represents a rare and exclusive opportunity to own a piece of paradise within the Ionian ocean.

From every viewpoint is an expanse of crystal water, broken only by surrounding islands and far away coastlines. To the south and just a quick boat ride away is the island of Anti-Paxos, which boasts some of the most spectacular sandy beaches in the Ionian.

Mainland Greece lies across the eastern horizon and uninterrupted oceanstretches out to the west giving this island both sunrise and sunset views. A narrow fjord separates the southern tip of Paxos from Kaltonisi, offering perfect seclusion to its inhabitants as access must be by boat.

For more information on this 25 acre island visit Private Islands Online

The Villa at Dunbar Rock has long been a coveted property of island owners and dreamers.  It’s luxurious villa perched upon the demur dunbar rock creates a stricking contrast unlike anything else in the world.

Pacific Harbour, Fiji, is a sprawling South Florida-style condo development and instant culture village. The Arts Village presents island tours and firewalking several times a week.

The breadfruit is the plant most often associated with the South Pacific. When consumed with a protein such as fish or meat it serves as an energy food.

The Polynesians are a tall, golden-skinned people with straight or wavy, but rarely fuzzy, hair. They have fine features, almost intimidating physiques, and a soft, flowing language.

James Grant-Peterkin shares his local knowledge in A Companion To Easter Island, a 168-page guidebook which tries to bridge the gap between dry academic literature and often superficial tourist publications.

Moon Tahiti covers the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society, and Tuamotu archipelagoes. With historical summaries and feature essays on French Polynesia’s diverse cultures, this guidebook prepares visitors for an enriching travel experience.

I just received an email from an Australian reader who used Moon Fiji on a resort hopping holiday. His impressions of Denarau Island, the Coral Coast, and in the Mamanuca Group are enlightening.

British author Julian Evans has just published a revised Kindle edition of his 1993 travel book Transit of Venus. It comes with a preface by novelist and ex-spy Norman Lewis, and at US$2.99 through Amazon.com, it’s a buy.

The reef around the Fijian island of Vanua Levu provides a once in a lifetime experience. Daku Resort at Savusavu has recently teamed up with L'Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau to offer unforgettable diving at affordable prices.