A realization of a dream and years of planning Ratua Island resort has officially opened in Vanuatu. Ratua is an exclusive island retreat within the Vanuatu archipelago in the South Pacific offering travelers a rare chance to escape from the modern world.

Like many high end island resorts the resort focuses on sustainability. However, Ratua is unique in that 100% of its profits will be donated to surrounding island communities, supporting hospital construction and educational and cultural projects.

In fact, Ratua’s model of ethical and ecological tourism is the beginning of what will lead to a completely self-sustained retreat, while preserving better quality of life. Guests will find large fans in place of air conditioning, solar and 100 percent renewable energy, horses instead of cars and an absence of plastic and television.

After reserving Ratua, there is no need to book, no need to plan, just ask and it will be done in minutes. While Ratua offers 146 lush acres to traverse by electric buggy, bike, trek, horseback or boat – most of the amenities are centrally located just a short walk from the Yacht Club. Two villages offer 10 individual villa-style homes hand-crafted from 200-year-old teak wood with Indo-Oceania inspiration. Each is uniquely furnished and accommodates two to four guests who can enjoy their own beach and perfect privacy.

Although Ratua is remote and secluded, it doesn’t mean guests will be disconnected. The Game Room and Media Center offer computers with wireless Internet access and a GSM network covers the entire island.

Island purchase opportunities in St Vincent and the Grenadines are rare, therefore when one comes on the market I feel it’s important to share it with you all. Petit Nevis is a beautiful 71 acre private island.  There is a natural harbor in front of the island that is frequented by the many yachts that cruise through the Grenadines each year. The island is unoccupied and perfect for commercial development. There are great dive sites surrounding this Caribbean island and the nearby reefs are ideal for snorkeling.

Petit Nevis is located far enough south to escape the onslaught of major hurricanes. This part of the Caribbean is a haven for sailors and yachtsmen and some of the most beautiful boats in the world can be seen here. So, it’s a perfect location to cater to a very high-end clientele.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

The British Virgin Islands is now home to a brand new, beautiful, family friendly private island resort. Discovered 500 years ago by Christopher Columbus, Scrub Island is a 230-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands. Scrub Island is fringed by pristine beaches that shelve gently into the azure sea. Protected coves, panoramic views, and breathtaking nature trails invite exploration by adults and children.

After long days exploring this tropical paradise that is Scrub Island, families will find themself in a spacious, two-bedroom suite designed to evoke the charm of Old World Caribbean elegance. The 1,600-square-foot suite showcases a natural stone floor, carved wood furniture, luxurious fabrics and decorative accents to create a soothing blend of traditional, natural, and comfortable.

Room rates for the family-friendly, two-bedroom suite start at $959.00.
For more information on visiting Scrub Island, or to make a reservation, visit http://www.scrubisland.com

The Bahamas is perennially popular with island buyers.  One of my favorite new islands to come on the market is Bottle Cay in the Bahamas. This gorgeous island that looks like it would fit in among the islands of French Polynesia is actually located near Cape Eleuthera and is easily accessible via Little Harbour at Powell Point. Excellent elevations, access to water and beautiful beaches make it a perfect place for an secluded vacation home. The nearby development of Powell Point offers basic amenities and a national airport.

I am often amazed at how frequently private islands or private island resorts are the setting for m0vies. Islands provide the perfect backdrop for adventure, romance and horror.  The other night I decided to rent Couple’s Retreat after noticing it’s idyllic Bora Bora setting in the previews. The movie stars Vince Vaughn and involves four couples venturing to Tahiti for a little R&R and reluctantly, couples therapy. Unfortunately, the scenery was the best part of the movie, which otherwise was a bit of a stinker.

Part of the idyllic Sapodillas Cayes, Senenade island is a stunningly beautiful caye located in a world Heritage Area of Belize. Like most of the country, Serenade Islands is home to some of the World’s best diving & kayaking. This idyllic island is one of just eight southern isles of Belize.

The island would be ideal for the development of a boutique luxury resort with 6-8 luxury villas or over the water Bora Bora style cottages. But it would also make an ideal luxury private or corporate retreat, as well as being ideal for a sea kayaking or diving base camp.

For more information on this unique opportunity visit Private Islands Online.

Entrepreneur, adventurer and island owner Richard Branson is seemingly always pushing the limits of innovation and technology. One of Bransons new projects is aimed making is already exclusive private island in the BVI even more luxurious. 

Branson’s Virgin Group will be offering rides in the winged submarine called the Necker Nymph at his exclusive private island Necker Island. For now rides are limited to relatively shallow depths with the vehicle offers open views as you ‘fly’ through the ocean.

Wings on the carbon fiber submarine operate in much the same way as wings on an airplane allowing it to dive, turn and rise again to the surface. The 15 foot submarine is built by Hawkes Ocean Technologies and cost $660,000 to build.

A week of crusising in Bransons submarine costs $113,000 which inlcudes a week long stay at Necker Island. Ever pushing the envelope a deep sea sub is in the works capable of diving down to 35,000 feet beneath the surface.

For more information visit Wired.com

Could a combination between man made islands and wind turbines be the next tourist destination in Norway. Turbinism tourism could be the next “hot” thing in eco friendly travel is a Turbine City is ever built. Developed by On Office the project would house a posh hotel, swanky spa and culturally-stimulating museum right inside the base of a towering wind turbine.

According to the designers Turbine City is a way to “spin” turbines in a new light for people who might think of them as unappealing eyesores. Plus, it makes a lot of sense to have the structures perform double duty as both energy harvesting devices and a place for people to find shelter and enjoyment. To be located in Stavanger, Norway Turbine City would also be self-sustaining in terms of power, needing just 1MW (from 8MW turbines) to run. Since Norway is somewhat (in)famous for its production of oil, Turbine City could also help gain the country some fans in the clean energy arenas.

One of the most beautiful private islands in the Bahamas, Moraine Cay is also a deal  listed at $2.75M. Although this may seem like a hefty some it’s great value for a 30 acre private island in the Abacos chain of the Bahamas.

Moraine Cay is truly one of the Crown Jewels of the Abacos. The island is situated just 130 nautical miles from Palm Beach Florida, and about 9 miles offshore of Foxtown, Little Abaco.  It can be readily accessed by vessel or from the government operated airport near Treasure Cay, Abaco, located about 30 miles to the east of Foxtown.

Moraine Cay rises to elevations of 24′ above mean sea level, this exposure allows the villas to be more favorably drenched by predominating southeasterly ocean breezes in the summer. There are extensive reefs to the immediate East and North of Moraine Cay, which can be accessed from within just a few feet of shore.

Amenities include a dock, boulder breakwater, utility shed, and three separate villas in various stages of completion, with one being rented to vacationers over the last few years. You can locate Moraine Cay by name in a Google map search. To learn more about this island or to make an inquiry visit Private Islands Online.

I have noticed over the last several weeks an increasing number of articles about luxury private island retreats. Perhaps this is a sign of economic recovery as during the peak of the recession private island articles tended to focus on budget island retreats.

An interesting article in Canada’s the Toronto Star examines the Gulf Islands a region well known among the elite for being a playground of the rich and famous. Here is a clip from the article.

.–”No peeking in people’s windows,” warns the captain as our ferry docks at Useppa, one of southwest Florida’s private islands.

This members-only country club allows day-trippers to sample its restaurant, tour its grounds, and visit its gem of a small museum. Noblesse oblige.

To read the full article visit the Toronto Star

Islands are like gems, all are beautiful, but all are not alike. One of the most beautiful islands to emerge on the market is Diamond Cay.  A pristine 1.43 acres, the island is sure to get a lot of attention from prospective island buyers.  The island is surrounded by reef. This stunning tropical setting is as good as it gets. The island sits 20 minutes from East Harbour and water and power are available nearby making the island ideal for personal or resort development. For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

The Seychelles off the coast of Africa is magical place, beautiful scenery, combined with almost prehistoric flora and fauna make this a popular tourist destination. I recently came across an aritlce in the Financial times that highlights the magic and luxuriousness of  the Seychelles. The author discovers how at great expense Fregate island is being returned to it’s prstine state.  Here is a segment from the article.

On much of Frégate, a grand reversal is well on its way. Dogs and cats have been banished; rats, at huge expense, were exterminated. As Steve takes me across the island, there is so much to see: he points at a massive, ancient Banyan tree, high up on a cliff, the sea winds having carved its somewhat sheared-off shape. I cannot count but hundreds of thousands of terns are noisily settling in. There are more than 600 giant tortoises now, eating and reproducing. A tourist can “adopt” a baby, watch it grow. We come across the remains of a coconut plantation. “What do you hear?” Steve asks. I strain to listen. Nothing. Sea birds refuse to nest there. Only silence.

To read the full article visit the Financial Times

There is nothing better than when a beautiful turn key island comes on the market. One of my current favorites is Maude island. Situated in Sitka Alaska  the island offers incredible ocean and moutnain views. The beautiful island home is the ideal retreat for friends and family. Enjoy the fantastic views from the large decks or swap fish tales around the rock fireplace. This exclusive island home sits on nearly an acre of land and has plenty of room for expansion. Enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking and launch from your own private dock!

For more information on this island visit Private Islands Online.

When you hear the word Barbuda, people most often assume that you mean Bermuda or Barbado’s. However, the tiny island is unique detination that is starting to catch the eye of mainstrea tourists.

The only way to reach tiny Barbuda, 27 miles north of Antigua, is via the larger island. The main town is Codrington, officially the capital but referred to by all as “The Village”. Codrington consists of just a handful of streets and offers a glimpse of the Caribbean as it used to be. 

Long popular with islomaniacs, a new luxury hotel is opening the island up to more affulent travelers. Lighthouse Bay is the site of nine glorious ocean-front suites. With the Caribbean to the west and Codrington Lagoon to the east, it feels like a private island and a stroll on the sand that fringes the hotel is like walking in our own personal grounds.

Source: Telgraph

Here is a renovation that I would definately watch on HGTV!  Jumby Bay resort the luxury private island in the Antigua recently undrewent an impressive $28 million renovation.  Owned by Rosewood Resort’s and set on an impressive 300 acre private island the transformation is redefining private island luxury in a market already known for having high standards. New additions to the private island resort include Sense, a Rosewood Spa, offering treatments with indigenous natural ingredients which are performed before dramatic ocean views; plus the opening of 28 new suites and the enhancement of 40 Guest Rooms.

Along with the redesigned resort, two new Estate Homes valued at $22 million apiece and stretching at least 9,750 square-feet will also debut. Each has distinct design style which compliments classic Caribbean, with unique pools, state-of-the-art kitchens, expansive outdoor space and use of resort services and amenities.

Caribbean Culinary Event: If you want to learn to cook and eat fresh Caribbean food with celebrity TV chefs in the Caribbean this year then head to Rex Resorts on 2 – 10 March for the ‘Taste of Rex Resorts Food Festival.’ Using locally sourced ingredients, celebrity chef Greg Wallace will be providing food demonstrations and tastings alongside chefs from Hawksbill and Halcyon Cove to present delicious Caribbean inspired dishes, such as Banana & Rum Tartin.

Apologies for my lack of posts lately I have been feeling a little under the weather lately and needed to take a little break from the blog. However I am feeling much better and looking forward to reporting on all the hottest island properties around the world.

I recently came across an excellent article in the New York Times discussign the many benefits of island ownership. The article features Chris Krolow CEO of Private Islands Inc and discusses the advantages of both island ownership and island renting. To check out the article visit the New York Times.

The French tour operator Nouvelles Frontieres has sold its two Novotel resorts in French Polynesia. Beginning in 2010, Accor will no longer manage the Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort and the Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort. The Novotel Rangiroa will become the Maitai Rangiroa, while the Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort will trade under the name Antipodes Club Resort Bora Bora.

The Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia are one of the remotest island groups of the South Pacific. Jocelyne Henua Enana Tours in Taiohae on Nuku Hiva island can book accommodations and tours on Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, with extensions to Ua Huka and Ua Pou. Boat tours to bays on the south side of Nuku Hiva provide a chance to see dolphins.