I know these underwater ocean cities are technicially not private islands. However, essentially they are no different than Private Island resorts, plus they are just so cool.

Forty years from now, Australia, as well as the rest of the world, could look dramatically different — possibly even underwater. Facing these future challenges urban planners are designing ‘Ocean Cities’ that aim to addres what could happen when land begins to disappear.

This particular ocean city evolves into a collection of organisms with specialized functions like energy generation and sustainable food production that work together to form a new underwater city. Ocean City is just one of many designs in a competition to design Australia’s future.

Got an extra $33M and would like to live adjacent to Mel Gibson. If so, you may be interested in a private island in Fiji is being sold online for $33.39 million  Located in the far east of Fiji within the Lau group, Blue Lagoon Island lies adjacent to U.S. actor Mel Gibson’s Mago Island.

Having a gossip - Fulmar's on the cliff tops

Puffins galore

Saturday 10th April comments:

It is not uncommon to find affordable islands in Canada or parts of the US, but to find affordable and habitable islands in Europe is rare. Therefore it is exciting for me to share with you Mannin Island which is currently on the market for 150,000 Euros.  Located in Danmanus Bay in West Cork Mannin Island could be your own four acre Irish Isle.

The Island is within 200m. of the foreshore and just a few minutes from the newly constructed pier, which is, five minutes walking distance from Durrus Village. The Island is approximately 60% fertile with this area south facing with a small sheltered cove to the east of the Island.

There are currently no development on the island, and I would advise any potential owner to explore development opportunities before purchasing the island. Needless to say the island is a gem and the price can’t be beat.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

msnbc recently published an article on how the average joe can get a luxury private island vacation on the treat. Here are some of the islands that they featured.

Dunbar Rock, Honduras
In the eastern corner of Honduras’s Bay Islands chain, the whitewashed, six-bedroom Villa at Dunbar Rock sits atop a 2,000-square-foot granite islet. Balconies encircle each of the three floors, and up to 12 guests can take in sweeping 20-mile views of the Caribbean on one side and, on the other, Guanaja island, an easy swim or 90-second boat ride away

Palagruza Island, Croatia
Two apartments in an 1875 lighthouse on an 104-acre island. Dinner is either something you bring over on the ferry or whatever the lighthouse keeper catches that day. Each apartment sleeps four. 011-385/1-2415-611, privateislandsonline.com, $233 per week.

Trinity Island, Ireland
A three-bedroom, solar-paneled lodge on a 150-acre island that’s a two-hour drive from Dublin. The island has the ruins of a 750-year-old monastery, as well as rowboats and canoes for guests to explore the interconnecting rivers and lakes of the island.

To see the full list of island that made it on the list visit msnbc

Probably one of the most unique island names, Silly Cay is a pristine 11 acre island located the Turks and Caicos. The Island is currently being developed by Silly Creek Estate and Marina Club, and presents a unique opportunity to enjoy water frontage in more ways than one in the 3 phases of the project.

Lots are located on a 46 acre peninsula, the tip of the peninsula being cut off by a new canal to create an attached virtual island of close to 3 acres (Emerald Cay), plus the third phase, an island called Silly Cay, comprising an additional 11 acres. All located on the Provo’s southern shore, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by the easternmost end of Silly Creek. A central roadway winding through the peninsula creates a natural property divide between ocean side and bay side plots, with the entire development boasting three miles of water frontage, permitting all lots to be waterfront.

The property was designed to permit owners to purchase cross lots, with the main residence built on the ocean side and a guest house or boat house, with private dock, occupying the bay side section.

For more information on how to take part in this project visit Private Islands Online

Like mainland properties, island prices occassionally drop. These price drops represent an excellent opportunity for prospective island owners to prick up a great island at a great price.

The Vacouver Sun is reporting that Jesse Island, one of British Columbia’s most beautiful island has been reduced to $4.5M. The island which is located near the beautiful city of Nanaimo British Columbia and situated at the mouth of Departure Bay near the Pacific Biological Station,

The island’s price has been reduced from %5.9M according to Re/Max realtor Michael Peterson, who has been trying to sell the nine-acre private island for his U.S. client for years, said while he has had expressions of interest from potential buyers from “a number of countries” there haven’t been any firm bites.

Jesse Island has a four-bedroom house near the island bluff which overlooks the home of the island’s caretakers, who guard the island year-round.

The island also has its own lighthouse, a dense grove of various tree species and the descendants of goats that many believe were brought there by explorers centuries ago. Water, power and telephone services are delivered to Jesse Island through submarine conduits which eliminate the utility problems encountered on other private Islands.

When many American’s are looking for a private island, they look to the Caribbean or overseas. It is unfortunate that more prospective island owners don’t see the amazing variety of islands that are available on our own doorstep. One of my favorite islands is Eagle Island

This pristine 6.8 acre wooded island is located on Lake Antoine, one the largest four seasons recreational lakes in Michigan.   Located just 5 minutes from downtown Iron Mountain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the entire property is over 7 acres and has over 3700 feet of lake frontage.

The island in its present state is undeveloped. However, the development opportunities are unlimited. The island could be turned into a private retreat or a multi home compound. Really this is one of the best advantages of purchasing an American island, they are purchased freehold and often the development laws are  lax.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

The lingering Black Redstart on Inner Farne (By Mark Breaks)

Sunday 28th March comments:

Upside down, self sufficient, floating island cities. The future will no doubt be an interesting place to be, where potentially millions of people will be pseudo-islomaniacs.

Touted as a self-sufficent floating city, Sarly Adre Bin Sarkum’s Water Scraper utilizes a variety of green technologies. It generates its own electricity using wave wind, and solar power and it produces its own food through farming, aquaculture, and hydroponic techniques. The surface of the submerged skyscraper sustains a small forest, while the lower levels contain spaces for its inhabitants to live and work. The building is kept upright using a system of ballasts aided by a set of squid-like tentacles that generate kinetic energy.

The architects “envision a future where land as a resource will be scarce; it is only natural progression that we create our own. Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is ocean, even more if climate change has its way, hence it is only natural progression that we will populate the seas someday.”

Source: Inhabitat.

Underwater floating sky scraper

Floating Island in Maldives

A low lying island nation, the Maldives is at the front line in the fight against global warming. Already facing damage from rising sea levels, the Maldives is facing a grim future if action is not taken immediately.

Refusing to go gently into the good night, Maldives is fighting back with plans to build a series of man-made artificial islands.  Maldives government and Dutch Docklands/Dutch Watervalley recently signed an agreement to develop several floating facilities for the islands, including a convention center and golf courses.

Designed by architect Koen Olthuis or Waterstudio.NL, the renderings for the amphibious mini-cities appear depict star-shaped, tiered islands with indoor spaces hidden under lush green-roof terraces, complete with interior pools and beaches. While exact design details of these new floating islands are still unavailable, Dutch Docklands does have a history of creating water developments using methods and procedures that reduce impact on underwater life and minimize changes to coastal morphology.

Macleans Magazine, Canada’s leading news magazine recently highlighted the uniqueness of an island getaway, featuring Little What Cay the immaculate 93 acre private island located in the Bahamas. Here is what Macleans had to say:

An easy flight from Nassau, Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, the island offers accommodations for up to 12 guests in three luxury villas amenities including an expansive main beach, marina, spa facilities, gym, sea-view infinity pool, tennis court and a selection of boats for skiing, sailing, fishing or cruising to small neighbouring islands. There’s even a chapel on the island.

Including spring discounts, the island is on sale for $9,025 per day for up to 12 people with a minimum 5-night stay in March and April. That works out to $3760 per person for a five-night vacation on a private island including accommodations, food, drinks and the use of all island facilities, boats, telephone calls and Internet connection.

To read the full article visit Macleans.ca

Thursday 25th March comments:

Ever thought about owning your own island, but hate the thought of missing church? No need to worry if you purchase Isola De Grado a stunning 11 acre island located in Grado Italy.

Isola de Grado is only a short distance from the port and in addition to the Church the island comes equipped with a Villa, Farmhouse,  Agricultural business and fresh water. The agricultural area is 11 acres in size and the water surface area is 10 hectares which produces organically raised fish without the need of expensive feed and chemicals.The 11 acres of land are suitable for the cultivation of vine plants, olive tress, arboreal essences and herbs

Even if church isn’t your thing the island is a tremendous opportunity. Island in Italy rarely come on the market and Isola de Grado is a true gem and worthy of any potential island buyers consideration. For more information on this property contact the island experts and Private Islands Online.