Song Saa, which is set to open on December 31 is the vision of Rory and Melita Hunter who have turned their island dreams into reality. The construction of the 27 one-bedroom villas are near completion and will cost upwards of $2,000 per night. Here is what CNN had to say about the project.

Rory is a former advertising executive and Melita is a former set designer. Originally from Australia, they came to Phnom Penh and set up a business renovating old French colonial apartments and leasing them to expats. They never planned to become developers until they stumbled upon two small islands in southern Cambodia while on an excursion. The islands are called Song Saa which means “Sweethearts” in Khmer.

They bought the local land rights to the islands for $15,000 from two families living there. The Hunters knew they didn’t really “own” the islands because in Cambodia, foreigners are not able to own land outright. They negotiated with the Cambodian government to lease the islands for 99 years.

The Hunters then started their plan of developing a high-end villa resort. They put in $370,000 of their own money as seed capital. They’ve since raised several rounds of financing from mainly European investors for this $21 million project.

To read more about this exciting Private Island Development visit CNN.

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

“We are very excited about working with Luxury Living International, it’s such a natural fit for us. LLI is a wonderful platform to distribute private island information outside of our own publication Private Islands Magazine,” added Chris Krolow, CEO and principle of Private Islands Inc. “This partnership strongly supports our goal of providing engaging luxury real estate information for our adventurous and affluent readership.”

To read the full press release visit prweb

This adventure prompted Dixon to lease a private island and build a few houses for family and friends. Two years later, Nikoi has gained a reputation as a stealth hideaway for people in the know from Singapore and afar. There are 15 houses with a total of 21 rooms.

The price works out to about $330 per person, per room – the price includes activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and snorkelling. Meals cost an extra $80 per person per day while transfers cost $70 per person. Children get 50% off board and transfers.

To read more about this island development visit 4Hoteliers.com

Making it on to the Robb list is Parrot Cay the 1,000 acre island in the Turks and Caicos where islomaniacs can enjoy meditation and one-on-one yoga classes. Also on the list is Qualia on Hamilton island in Australia. The 30 acre resort off the coast of Queensland is famous for its pavilion style villas and 9-foot-deep plunge pools. Rounding out the list are Four Seasons Resort Maldives infamous for its three hour massages, Laucala island in Fiji, and the ultra exclusive Musha Cay in the Bahamas.

To read the complete list of the world’s top winter getaways visit the Robb Report.

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

Island Caretaker Job

Finally a job site I can fully relate too! Private Island Jobs is a new site dedicated to those wanting to work on a private island and to the island owners/resort managers seeking employees who can appreciate the benefits of private island employment.

Polish up your resume and post to one of the following sections:

Island Caretaker:  Responsible for general property maintenance, transportation, security, and preparing the island for owners or guests, caretakers are an essential part of island life.

Food and Beverage: Private or tourism-based gastronomy positions can include host or hostesses, wait staff, bartenders, chefs, and kitchen support personnel like dishwashers and cooking assistants.

Hospitality Services: Jobs in this category can include front desk staff, swimming/sports instructors, spa professionals, social directors and others geared to those who help make guest’s stays enjoyable.

Management: The behind-the-scenes employees who ensure that island resorts operate smoothly; this section includes general managers, bookkeepers, administrative assistants and customer service reps.

Post your Resume Today: PrivateIslandJobs.com

In addition to insightful articles, the magazine features 114 pages of high resolution images, including some islands that have never before been photographed!  As the world’s only publication devoted exclusively to luxury private island real estate and travel, the magazine is designed for the independent, entrepreneurial personality, and is dedicated to those who want to “make their mark.”

Included with your purchase of the magazine is the Island Buyers Guide, which is described as the essential guidebook to purchasing, developing, and selling private islands.  I have heard great things about it, and it’s being called the definitive resources for any investor interested in purchasing a private island.

I am really excited about this magazine and have already ordered my copy. Visit Private Islands Magazine to order your’s now, apparently supplies are limited.