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

The island is actually the largest artificial island, not connected to the mainland in the world. This rare offering is a unique gem of tremendous cultural importance.

Located just 15 minutes from the danish capital the island is home to an expansive fortress which is protected under Danish Law. In recent years the island has served as hotel, conference centre and seminary.  The fortress features 200 rooms and almost 4km of hallways. The fortress itself is constructed from solid granite.

The island is currently on the market for 10 million Euros. For more information on this rare offering visit Private Islands Online.

Jumby Bay a exclusive private island resort is leading Anituga’s reimaging with the recent completion of a 28$ renovation.  In addition to the hotel, where rooms are furnished with mahogany four-poster beds and marble baths, there are 49 privately owned homes. Prices generally start at about $4.25 million but can be more than $30 million.

Accessible only by private ferry, the island is owned and operated by Jumby Bay Island Co., and individual homeowners are shareholders. The hotel is managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the luxury company that also runs The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas.

 In 2008 some 683,000 people visited the Maldives as tourists, which is nearly double the island native population.  It has been reported that revenues from this tax will go towards the islands efforts to make the nation the first carbon neutral nation on Earth, as well as efforts to allow the nation to move en masse to higher ground with higher sea levels later this century.

I think this tax is a great idea. Although a small carbon emitter, it seems like island nations such as the Maldives are bearing the brunt of climate change. Therefore this tax seems like a measured and reasonable response to the growing threat of rising sea levels. Of course your thoughts are always appreciated.

However, new delvelopment is bringing new life to the island, transforming it into an ideal urban oasis for New Yorkers.  The new island will draw on the manmade topography of lower Manhattan as a starting point. The southern tip of the island will be transformed into an artificial landscape with occupiable mountains constructed of reclaimed materials from existing Governors Island buildings. Complementary wood bicycles will be available to ply the winding paths between the hills as well as access the adjacent tidal basin, a 10,000 seat amphitheater, and the perimeter promenade with is unique views of New York City and surrounding landmarks.

It will be fantastic to see what this island looks like upon completion. New York is really in need of more recreational space and I think the island will do a great job in achieving this.

The growth appears to be due to a number of factors including a revamped tourism website, more flights to the island and upgraded infrastructure. A new loop road on the main island of Efate, funded by the US and New Zealand governments, is due for completion in June next year. It will improve access to attractions outside Vila and, it is hoped, encourage investment in tourism businesses such as resorts and restaurants.

The most significant development, however, is the rise in boutique luxury accommodation options, which are fast eclipsing large resorts such as Le Meridien and Le Lagon in Port Vila. New properties  include The Havannah, which is due to open eight designer bungalows this month; Eratap Beach Resort, which has 12 private beachfront villas; and Tamanu, which has five cottages on a secluded island.

This is an exciting time in Vanutu and no doubt I will be featuring more island resorts in the future.

Source: WA Today

Tuvalu a small island nation in the South Pacific recently announced their goal of generating 100% of the islands energy needs using renewable energy by 2020. Kick starting that effort is a new solar power system, which supplies 5% of Funafuti’s, (the nation’s capital) electricity. To reach the nation’s 100% renewable energy goal will require an estimated $20 million.

It is inspiring that the tiny nation of 12,000 people has adopted such an ambitious goal. It is particularly inspiring considering that since the nation lies just above sea level the islands will be among the first effected by global warming. For the sake of the people of Tuvalu, we would be wise to follow their lead.

The island has just come on the market for the first time in 30 years after the present owner made the decision to move on. The island covers 14.5 acres and is open to offers over £1.25m. But the opportunity to build your dream home with outstanding views over the Severn Estuary is not an option as no building is allowed on the island.

According to the news reports the island also has a colorful history.In the 13th century, Alfredo de Marisco, a Norman pirate known as the Nighthawk, established a base there and during the Middle Ages it was heavily used by the local smuggling trade.

Source: Wales Online

Beginning with the accepted model for Robinson Crusoe’s remote abode, Mas a Tierra in the Pacific, Clarke takes the reader on a tour of his favorite islands, exploring their geography, history and culture. Extending from Jura where George Orwell’s wrote ‘1984′, to the beautiful Maldives. The book takes the reader to some of the most curious, evocative and exotic places in the world.  

You can find the book on Amazon.com