The Private Islands Blog » Private Island Experts

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Private Island

The Islomaniac® — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:13:30 +0000

In their popular online column Vanity Fair recently answered a readers question about how much one should expect to pay for a private island. Answering the question, journalist Peter Newcomb noted that

Five years ago, Mel Gibson bought a spectacular 5,400-acre island in Fiji’s northern Lau chain for $10 million—a steal at $1,800 an acre.

Generally, tropical islands fetch more than those in temperate climates, as do islands with quick access to civilization. Another factor: the stability of the local government. An islet off the coast of Nicaragua is currently selling for $144,000 an acre, while a 45-acre beauty in the British Virgin Islands is listed at more than $1 million.

Although generally speaking this is a pretty accurate summary. However when purchasing a private island their are and endless number of criteria that one should look at. In addition to climate and local government one should also look at development opportunities and laws, size of the island, access to resources such as fresh water, access to the mainland, whether the property is freehold or lease hold, commute time to island and of course investment potential. The importance of any one of these factors varies from person to person which is why it is important to have a private island expert available to assist you in the purchase process.

For more information on owning, selling and renting a private island visit the resources section at private islands online.

Private Island TV

The Islomaniac® — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:14:48 +0000

Private Islands Inc., the premier firm for private island marketing and sales has a published a small micro site featuring their online commercials. Some of the titles include:

1) Island owners are entrepreneurs by nature, independent, adventurous and unwilling to settle for less than the best life has to offer.

2) “Private islands are about passion and adventure. Imagine your own secluded little world, where life is your own creation.”

3)Exotic cars, designer clothing and extravagant jewels… most luxuries just provide material pleasure, but an island touches your soul.

4)Live life as you choose is easier said than done. However, island ownership gives you a sense of freedome like nothing else

5)Open your mind to the exciting world of private islands with our new online and print magazine. Explore the people, places and properties.

Visit the Site: http://www.privateislandstv.com

New Private Island Job Site

The Islomaniac® — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:27:33 +0000

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

Private Islands: The Magazine has Officially Launched!

The Islomaniac® — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:19:53 +0000

It’s an exciting day in the island world! Private Islands are going mainstream with the launch of Private Islands magazine the world’s first and only publication devoted to the world most exclusive island properties. Published by Private Islands Inc., the magazine offers a unique look at some of the hottest island regions around the globe.

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.

Private Islands Commercial

The Islomaniac® — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:52:56 +0000

Private Island Inc., has been releasing new commercials for its different companies. It’s latest commercial is for their Virtual Island Broker. The Virtual Island Broker or VIB is a revolutionary system designed and for the marketing and sale of niche island properties. The VIB contains all properties from the Private Islands Online marketplace, in addition to listings from all the major island brokers in our industry- including black book properties impossible to find anywhere else. The program is truly amazing and if you are interested in buying or selling an island I would recommend signing up.

New Private Island Commercial

The Islomaniac® — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:12:17 +0000

Over the last several weeks I have featured various private island commercials from Private Islands Inc. There latest commercial is geared towards women, who are often neglected in the island world. Essentially the commercial emphasizes the fact that private islands can be santuaries for women. Historically private islands were seen as the domain of men, which of course is far from true. Many women own private islands and private island resorts and this commercial is for them.

New Private Islands Magazine

The Islomaniac® — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:05:55 +0000

Until now there has never been a magazine entirely dedicated to Private Islands and Private Island living. Recently the first edition of the Private Islands Magazine was published.

The magazine is truly an islomaniacs dream, and I am must say I’m envious of their accomplishment. The magazine has an increidble variety of articles about all aspects of private island life. There is an excellent article about Teva Victor who grew up on a private island in Bora Bora, and an interesting article about Mel Gibsons Mago Island in Fiji. The best part of this magazine is its amazing high resolution photos of islands around the world, many of which have never been seen before.

Another unique feature of this intrepid magazine is you can take Google Earth tours of unique island destinations. One click of a button will have you whisked around the world visiting popular celebrity islands or the world’s most exclusive island resorts.

The magazine available exclusively online at www.privateislandsmag.com. Expect to see the print edition in stores in early 2009. To subscribe in advance for the print edition click here.

The Virtual Island Broker: The Next Generation in Island Buying

The Islomaniac® — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:59:51 +0000

I often write about how technology is making it easier to purchase a private island. Islands have made purchasing private islands easier than ever.

Now Private Islands Inc, the parent company of Private Islands Online is introducing a revolutionary concept aimed at matching potential island owners to their dream private island. Aptly called the Virtual Island Broker or “V.I.B.” the unassuming website contains a massive database of virtually every private island currently on the market.

Unlike other websites where you browse private islands, visitors to the V.I.B. select the criteria that they would like in their potential island. This criteria is matched with the V.I.B.’s catalogue of private islands, including their black book islands (islands not marketed publicly). When an island comes on the market that meets your criteria you are automatically put in contact with the island representative (with your consent of course). This system is remarkable because its confidentiality allows potential buyers and sellers to preserve their anonymity, which is important in this celebrity saturated market.

The best part of the V.I.B. is that is complimentary and confidential. I am confident this new brokerage is going to be massively successful. Even if you are just curious about buying a private island the system will provide you with your own personal catalogue of islands that are suited to your needs and lifestyle.

To check out the Virtual Island Broker or to Register CLICK HERE.

Calling all Island Owners

The Islomaniac® — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:11:30 +0000

Last summer I posted an article about the qualifications for becoming a private island caretaker (read the article here). Since that time I have received numerous inquiries from enterprising, educated and often highly skilled individuals looking to obtain a position as a private island caretaker.

Unfortunately it is difficult for these individuals to find an island to care for. Therefore if there are any island owners out there who are in need of an island caretaker I would be happy to help you connect to someone. Similarly if you are interested in becoming a private island caretaker let me know and I will add you to a list. Hopefully we can help keep more islands safe and well maintained, and at the same time provide more people with an interesting private island experience.

If you are interested in having a private island caretaker or you would like to be a private island caretaker e-mail me at mark.amherst (at) gmail.com

How to Market your Private Island

The Islomaniac® — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:28:05 +0000

I am not in the island business but I ran a business for a number of years and in that time I think I picked up a few tips for successful marketing of a product, and after all when it comes to selling your island you have to think of it as a product. Here are a few Do’s and Don’t for marketing your island.

Do: Consult with Professionals

There are two big companies in the private island world, Private Islands Online, these guys know what they are doing and have been doing it for years. They have experience in the industry and have qualified, knowledgeable and helpful staff that can provide you with excellent marketing of your private island, whether it be for sale or rent. Therefore if you want to get excellent and appropriate exposure for your island contact these companies.

Do: Know the Law

There are all kinds of regulations when it comes to buying and selling private islands. Therefore before you market your island make sure you know the rules. For example, if your island is in New Zealand the island must be offered locally for sale. In order to know the rules you can contact the aforementioned experts or contact a local licensed agent.

Don’t: Over Expose Your Island in the Media

If you are an island owner you probably enjoy your privacy, therefore when you are attempting to sell your island keep this in mind. Marketing your islands to the media is a good idea, but only in moderation. Having your island advertised in every news paper, magazine and web blog is likely going to discourage rather than encourage buyers. People don’t want to buy an island that has been seen, reviewed and dare I say it “whored out” everywhere. Once again I would recommend working with Private Islands Online or, they tend to market islands in appropriate way without overexposing them in the media.

Do: Advertise Honestly

All too often you come across islands on the internet with different names. For potential island owners this is really confusing not to mention unethical. If you wish to keep the name of your island a secret that is your right. However if your representative wants to change the name of your island it probably has more to do with ego than helping you in any way. In addition to keeping the name consistent you also want to advertise the features of your island in an honest way. If someone tells you that your island is worth ten million but your gut is telling you it’s not worth it, it probably isn’t and prospective buyers will not think so either. An agent who gives you a super inflated figure is likely a liar or a scam artist and most definitely does not have your best interests in mind. I recommend working with a certified island appraiser and/or getting a second opinion. It is also possible that your island is worth more than you thought. If you purchased your island many years ago, or you live in a region such as the Caribbean which has seen prices rise drastically, it is very possible that you are sitting on a gold mine.

In summary, approach marketing your island with the same planning as if you were buying it, ask questions, be diligent and be honest.