Private Islands

Pulau Samosir: An Island on an Island

By Islomaniac | May 12, 2008

SamosirAlthough rare, from time to time you come across an island that is large enough that it has its own lake. Even more rare is to have an island with a lake that has an island on it.  So rare is an island within an island that I am not even sure if there are any on the market right now. Currently the largest island on an island is Samosir or Palau Somsir.  Pulau Samosir is a large volcanic sand located in Lake Toba which is located on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The island 245 miles or 650 square kilometers in size and is inhabited.

The lake and island were formed after the eruption of a super volcano about 75,000 years ago.  Samosir is a popular tourist destination due to the fantastic vistias it offers. In addition since the island is the centre of the Batak culture and many of the people’s artifacts reamin on the island.

Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »

The Most Expensive Private Islands: Part 5

By Islomaniac | May 11, 2008

Ronde IslandOver the last couple of weeks I have featured some of the most expensive private islands in the world. From Thailand to The Grenadines, from Portugal to Belize I have criss-crossed the world to feature some of the most expensive islands in the world. Today I close of the series with a beautiful and expensive Private Island located in Grenada.

Ronde Island,Ronde Island Grenada – 100,000,000

Ronde Island is the kind of property that demands your attention. At 2,000 acres in size these pristine and undeveloped island is comparable in size to some small countries.  The island is really one of the gems of the Caribbean and its immense size makes it one of the largest (if not the largest) private islands for sale in the Caribbean. Ronde Island is destined to become the next Mustique, the private island in the Grenadines home to musicians, movie stars, and British Royalty.  Even undeveloped some experts are saying the islands development potential is upwards of 1 billion dollars!

For more information, visit Private Islands Online

Topics: Island Luxury, Islands for Sale | No Comments »

Saturday Private Island Movie

By Islomaniac | May 10, 2008

Cast AwayI love nothing more than spending my Saturday nights on my island watching a good movie. Although almost any movie will do, I find the movies that feature private islands to be my favorites. Of all the movies out there that feature Private Islands (and there are a lot) I would say Cast Away is my favorite. 

The movie stars Tom Hanks who plays Chuck Noland, a FedEx employee whose personal and professional life are ruled by the clock. His fast paced life comes to an abrupt end when, after a plane crash, he becomes isolated on a remote island. Alone on the island he  must meet the basic needs of survival, including water, food and shelter. After four years, and a dramatic climax Chuck is successful in leaving the island and is eventually rescued.

The movie is amazing because it does an excellent job of capturing what it can be like to be on a Private Island. From the sounds to the over whelming feeling of isolation, the film allows its viewers to feel what it must be like to be alone on a private island.

Topics: Island Movies | No Comments »

Let There be Light!

By Islomaniac | May 9, 2008

Brunton Firestorm LighterIf you are camping on a private island the one must have is a camp fire, and unless you are a really resourceful boy scout it probably best to bring a good lighter with you.  The problem is, not any ordinary lighter will do. Given most private islands location on the open seas winds can be quite strong and can make starting a fire more challenging.

One product that is great for over coming this limitation Brunton Firestorm Stormproof Lighter. Weighing in at just 1.5 ounces the waterproof, refillable Firestorm lighter is the perfect pocket companion for the island camper.  Good for at least 30,000 ignitions, Firestorm  can withstand winds of up to 80 mph. 

To purchase this product or for more information Brunton.com 

 

Topics: Island Technology | No Comments »

The Most Expensive Private Islands: Part 4

By Islomaniac | May 8, 2008

Caye ChapelThis series on the most expensive private islands in the world has been a lot of fun.  I have been getting a lot of feedback from readers on their views about these islands. While some of you think they are worth every penny, other are curious whether or not there is anyone out there who can actually afford these islands.  For the skeptics out there the truth is a quick glance at the recent Forbes list of billionaires confirms there are indeed many people who can afford these islands. Caye ChapelIn addition, in the case of super expensive private islands development companies looking to turn these properties in to resorts or exclusive communities purchase most.  In any case, here is island four in my five part expensive island series.

Caye Chapel Resort, Belize – 75,000,000

At a paltry 75 million, Caye Chapel Resort is a steal! Located in the island rich nation of Belize Caye Chapel is 265 acres of pristine paradise. The island was originally designed and built as the ultimate private retreat and in 2002 it opened as a resort destination specifically or those seeking the ultimate in seclusion, personal safety and luxury life style.  Although experiencing extensive commercial interest the word of mouth marketing has kept the island one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean.  Tthe island and its 8 beachfront villas are on the market for $75,000,000.  The island comes complete with a private landing strip, a deep-water marina, and 18-hold championship gold course and a huge formal clubhouse and restaurant. This property is ideal for anyone with the dream of operating their own luxury resort.  For more information, visit Private Islands Online

Topics: Island Luxury, Islands for Sale | No Comments »

Private Island Resorts Going Green

By Islomaniac | May 7, 2008

luxury eco resortIt seems that everyone is trying to reduce their environmental impact.  Although private islands resorts have traditionally been more environmentally responsible than larger main land resorts many are beginning to take steps to make them truely green. A new article published by Forbes Traveler Features a number of resorts, some of which are on private islands that are going green.

The following is an excerpt from the article:

Eco resorts defy generalization. They can range from thatch-roofed huts on a beach to cabins afloat on raft foundations in fjords; their structures are influenced by sources as diverse as Robinson Caruso and Renzo Piano. Some, like the Avalon Coastal Retreat in Australia—a modern eco cottage overlooking Great Oyster Bay—tout a green theme alongside ultimate luxury. Others are minimalist in nature, such as the light-on-the-land canvas tents offered by Savute Under Canvas in Botswana.

To read the full article click here.

Topics: Island Luxury, Island Vacations, Environmental | No Comments »

Celebrity Island: Naushon Island

By Islomaniac | May 6, 2008

Naushon IslandAlthough I wouldn’t call them celebrities in the contemporary sense, the Forbes Family who own Naushon Island in Massachusetts is one of the great families of American enterprise…and they are islomaniacs!  The Forbes Family first purchased Naushon Island, part of the Elizabeth Islands, seven miles of Cape Cod a century and a half ago. 

First purchased by John Murray Forbes, a businessman who began his career in the family china trading business made much of his fortune investing in the early development of the railroads.  The island has been passed down through the generations and is now owned by the Naushon Island Trust Inc,. There are approximately 35 houses on Naushon, most near the islands east end.  There are no paved roads but many miles of trails on the island.

To read more about the island click here.

Topics: Family Islands, Celebrity Islands, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

The Most Expensive Private Islands: Part 3

By Islomaniac | May 5, 2008

Petit MustiqueOver the last several days, I have featured some of the most expensive islands in the world as part of a five part series on the most expensive islands in the world.  So far we have visited Lisbon Island in Portugal an island on the market for over 377 million and Rangyai Island an island of the coast of Phuket, Thailand currently on the market for 160 million. Today I am featuring a slightly cheaper island in The Grenadines.

Petit Mustique, St Vincent and The Grenadines – EUR 65,000,000

Many people have heard of Mustique, the exclusive 1,400 acre private island home to celebrities such Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, Tommy Hilfiger, David Bowie, Hugh Great and even British Royal Princess Margaret.  What most people do not know is Mustique has a little sister.  Petit Mustique is a lush 99-acre island sitting just south of its much bigger sibling.  The reason most people have not heard of Petit Mustique is because up until now she has been undeveloped.  Now with her emergence on the Private Island market it is likely that Petit Mustique will be purchased and developed into a mini version Mustique

For more information on Petit Mustique visit Private Islands Online.

Topics: Island Luxury, Islands for Sale | No Comments »

Portable Solar Power

By Islomaniac | May 4, 2008

Voltaic Solar BagSome people prefer to power the entire infrastructure on thier island, others need no power at all, and some need just need a little here and there to “juice up” a few devices. 

A great product that is perfect for island owners/visitors is the Voltaic Systems line of solar bags.  The Voltaic Solar Bags are mobile solar generators designed to charge virtually all handheld electronics.  The bags, which are essentially traditional backpacks, have been embedded with light weight solar pannels that can produce anywhere from 4 to 14 watts of power. Four watts of power over one hour of direct sunlight could power a i-Pod for 3 hours or provide 1.5 hours of cell phone talk time.  The 14 Watt generator has the capability of fully recharging a lap top with a days direct sunlight. 

What makes these bags so great is they are fully portable. Since you need to take a bag anyway you might as well take one with solar panels attached.  The bags retail for anywhere between $200 and $600 and can be purchased at Voltaic Systems

Topics: Environmental, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Private Islands Living

By Islomaniac | May 3, 2008

Private Island Living

I don’t normally like to endorse the competition, after all I would very much like to remain the number one Private Islands Blog. That being said, one of my favorite resources for island living is the Private Islands Living Blog, hosted by Private Islands Inc.,  The website features a wide array of intelligently written articles that provide a great deal of information about living on a private island.  The website reviews the best in alternative energy, water filtration and modular housing. In addition the website is broken down into tabs similar to mine, making it easy to find island living information that is relevant to you.  All in all, if I am going to have competition I am glad it is with an informative and interesting website.  To check out the blog click here

Topics: Island Advice | No Comments »

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