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.

In the wake of the Royal wedding, and the impending island honeymoon of the Royal Couple people are taking a keen interest in private island honeymoons.

The Independent recently published an interesting article showcasing honeymoon destinations for princes and paupers alike and naturally a number of islands made the list. Here is what they had to say.

“PrinceThe Maldives have proved a honeymoon destination worthy of royalty, with a mesmerising array of private island resorts falling over themselves to impress. Romance is everywhere, from overwater villas, to underwater spas and everything in between. Huvafen Fushi became the archipelago’s dream destination when it opened in 2004, so

about the forthcoming opening of sister hotel Niyama in October. This 86-room resort covers two islands and brings a more edgy feel to the sleepy Maldives with the world’s first underwater music club and a 24-hour spa.

Pauper: The Scilly Isles have been a hot contender for the royal honeymoon since the engagement. They may lack underwater spas, but they do share some tropical DNA with the Maldives. Just 28 miles south-west of Cornwall, the islands are caressed by the Gulf Stream, spawning palm trees, cacti and aloe to go along with the azure water. The tiny island of Bryher is the smallest of five inhabited islands, and on its west side is Hell Bay hotel which is a sublime honeymoon hideaway. “

To read the full list of Prince and Pauper Honeymoons visit The Independent

Now that the Royal Wedding is over, people are speculating where the newly weds are planning on going for their honey moon.

Some have reported that the couple will jet off to Mustique the ultra exclusive island community in the Grenadines. However more recent reports suggest that the couple will enjoy their honey moon in the  Seychelles, the beautiful island archipelago off the coast of Africa.

Seychelles has a number of high end resorts private island resorts to choose from and their seclusion from the outside world will provide a measure of privacy for Will and Kate.

Although I do not know where they are staying, I have two guesses that would make excellent choices.

My first guess is Fregate Island  the posh island resort that has just 16 villas that start at 2,700 Euros per night. My other guess is North Island, a 462 acre with just eleven luxury villas.  Prices for North Island start at 1,835 Euros per night.

Which ever island they choose, I am sure it will be a fantastic experience.

Some people have suggested they will honeymoon in Kenya as this is where they became engaged. However, Canada’s The Globe and Mail is suggesting that the couple may want to escape somewhere more private and secluded.  Here is what the Globe had to say:

Kerri Lisa, of ultra-high-end, invitation-only concierge lifestyle management service Four Hundred, calls Calivigny Island an untapped gem. “It’s super secluded and you have to take a helicopter or boat to get there,” says Ms. Lisa, whose clients include Fortune 500 CEOs and entertainment-industry celebrities. “This is the most talked-about proposal in 20 years,” she says. “I think they should tie in over-the-top luxury with seclusion and relaxation. They have to go somewhere where no one’s going to be able to find them.” Nestled off the coast of Grenada, Calivigny Island definitely fits the bill. Turquoise seas, sporting activities, top-notch service and, best of all, sweet solitude far away from the paparazzi.

To read the full article visit the Globe and Mail.

An online article recently published out of Australia notes that favourable exchange rates have expanded their jet-setting horizons to a level previously only experienced through the pages of glossy travel magazines.

The article goes onto highlight a number of private island resorts such as Lizard Island Resort in far north Queensland. A night in one of the resort’s villas with its clifftop views and private plunge pool will set you back about $3800.

Also featured is media darling Necker Island the 30ha island that is run like a resort by a staff of 31 and accommodates only 26 guests. The late Princess Diana once stayed on the Caribbean retreat.

To read the full article visit the link below

The island also has a wonderful choice of wedding venues and accomodations.  It is possible to get married virtually anywhere on Anna Maria Island. Popular choices include The Sandbar and The Beachhouse Restaurants. But becoming increasingly popular are luxury vacation rentals.

To read more about Anna Maria Island click here.

Iririki also offers four bars, some alongside the two stunning pools, a great selection of cuisine in a number of restaurants, tennis courts, a day spa and the tropical, crystal clear waters of Vanuatu, with the word  ‘paradise’, quickly springing to mind!

For more information on Iririki, visit www.iririki.com

In collaboration with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Barclay house is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to marry on legendary St.George’s Island. The island is known to date back to 1139 and includes the ruins of a Benedictine chapel, legend also states that Joseph of Arimethea landed here with the child Christ. The island was inhabited by two sisters who lived in the stunning surroundings until 2004.

For more information on this unique opportunity click here.

The merger allows guests can now choose to split their time between the resort’s luxurious bungalows situated along Bora Bora’s lavish beach or on Muto, Sofitel’s pristine private island.  Private island guests arrive to the isolated location which is just a short two-minute boat ride from the mainland.

The island features 30 bungalows, many offering breathtaking views of Bora Bora. Seemlessly integrated with nature, the bungalows are located along the beach, on the lagoon or hillside facing the ancient volcano, Mount Otemanu.

The combination of these two properties offer guests the exclusive experience of enjoying two breathtaking locations in one world-class resort. Rates at Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach & Private Island begin at $444 per night, not including taxes. For more information or to make reservations, guests can visit www.sofitel.com.

Recently featured on the Examiner.com Necker Island  is not only breath taking, but a place where your fantasies for your wedding will come true. Here is what the author had to say about the island.

Weddings on the island are popular at all times throughout the year. Every wedding is by definition unique, personal and each request is tailored especially for the Bride and Groom. This is their chance to let their inspiration run riot, as the staff delight in pulling off the seemingly impossible! Here there is no such thing as a ‘set wedding package’.

Arrivals in 2009 for exclusive use from $51,000 per night for up to 28 guests  ($1,822 per person per night).  Naturally there are more affordable options on other island resorts for those who may not be able to afford such a steap price. But I guess we can all dream!

Source: The Examiner.