Branson’s Virgin Group will be offering rides in the winged submarine called the Necker Nymph at his exclusive private island Necker Island. For now rides are limited to relatively shallow depths with the vehicle offers open views as you ‘fly’ through the ocean.

Wings on the carbon fiber submarine operate in much the same way as wings on an airplane allowing it to dive, turn and rise again to the surface. The 15 foot submarine is built by Hawkes Ocean Technologies and cost $660,000 to build.

A week of crusising in Bransons submarine costs $113,000 which inlcudes a week long stay at Necker Island. Ever pushing the envelope a deep sea sub is in the works capable of diving down to 35,000 feet beneath the surface.

For more information visit Wired.com

According to the designers Turbine City is a way to “spin” turbines in a new light for people who might think of them as unappealing eyesores. Plus, it makes a lot of sense to have the structures perform double duty as both energy harvesting devices and a place for people to find shelter and enjoyment. To be located in Stavanger, Norway Turbine City would also be self-sustaining in terms of power, needing just 1MW (from 8MW turbines) to run. Since Norway is somewhat (in)famous for its production of oil, Turbine City could also help gain the country some fans in the clean energy arenas.

Moraine Cay is truly one of the Crown Jewels of the Abacos. The island is situated just 130 nautical miles from Palm Beach Florida, and about 9 miles offshore of Foxtown, Little Abaco.  It can be readily accessed by vessel or from the government operated airport near Treasure Cay, Abaco, located about 30 miles to the east of Foxtown.

Moraine Cay rises to elevations of 24′ above mean sea level, this exposure allows the villas to be more favorably drenched by predominating southeasterly ocean breezes in the summer. There are extensive reefs to the immediate East and North of Moraine Cay, which can be accessed from within just a few feet of shore.

Amenities include a dock, boulder breakwater, utility shed, and three separate villas in various stages of completion, with one being rented to vacationers over the last few years. You can locate Moraine Cay by name in a Google map search. To learn more about this island or to make an inquiry visit Private Islands Online.

An interesting article in Canada’s the Toronto Star examines the Gulf Islands a region well known among the elite for being a playground of the rich and famous. Here is a clip from the article.

.–”No peeking in people’s windows,” warns the captain as our ferry docks at Useppa, one of southwest Florida’s private islands.

This members-only country club allows day-trippers to sample its restaurant, tour its grounds, and visit its gem of a small museum. Noblesse oblige.

To read the full article visit the Toronto Star

On much of Frégate, a grand reversal is well on its way. Dogs and cats have been banished; rats, at huge expense, were exterminated. As Steve takes me across the island, there is so much to see: he points at a massive, ancient Banyan tree, high up on a cliff, the sea winds having carved its somewhat sheared-off shape. I cannot count but hundreds of thousands of terns are noisily settling in. There are more than 600 giant tortoises now, eating and reproducing. A tourist can “adopt” a baby, watch it grow. We come across the remains of a coconut plantation. “What do you hear?” Steve asks. I strain to listen. Nothing. Sea birds refuse to nest there. Only silence.

To read the full article visit the Financial Times

For more information on this island visit Private Islands Online.

Along with the redesigned resort, two new Estate Homes valued at $22 million apiece and stretching at least 9,750 square-feet will also debut. Each has distinct design style which compliments classic Caribbean, with unique pools, state-of-the-art kitchens, expansive outdoor space and use of resort services and amenities.

Caribbean Culinary Event: If you want to learn to cook and eat fresh Caribbean food with celebrity TV chefs in the Caribbean this year then head to Rex Resorts on 2 – 10 March for the ‘Taste of Rex Resorts Food Festival.’ Using locally sourced ingredients, celebrity chef Greg Wallace will be providing food demonstrations and tastings alongside chefs from Hawksbill and Halcyon Cove to present delicious Caribbean inspired dishes, such as Banana & Rum Tartin.

The only way to reach tiny Barbuda, 27 miles north of Antigua, is via the larger island. The main town is Codrington, officially the capital but referred to by all as “The Village”. Codrington consists of just a handful of streets and offers a glimpse of the Caribbean as it used to be. 

Long popular with islomaniacs, a new luxury hotel is opening the island up to more affulent travelers. Lighthouse Bay is the site of nine glorious ocean-front suites. With the Caribbean to the west and Codrington Lagoon to the east, it feels like a private island and a stroll on the sand that fringes the hotel is like walking in our own personal grounds.

Source: Telgraph

I recently came across an excellent article in the New York Times discussign the many benefits of island ownership. The article features Chris Krolow CEO of Private Islands Inc and discusses the advantages of both island ownership and island renting. To check out the article visit the New York Times.