To make it easier Private Islands Online has a dedicated rental website that allows you to not only search by price, but by geographical region. Making finding the ideal private island escape a piece of cake. Rentals start as low as less than $300 a week for the Isle of Scalpay in the UK all the way up to Musha Cay which rents for $325,000/wk.

To rent your own private island or visit a unique private island visit Private Islands for Rent.  

German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently recommended that Greece should sell of some of its state assets, including some of it’s private islands. According to reports, Josef Schlarmann, a senior member of Merkel’s Christian Democrats, and Frank Schaeffler, an MP for the Free Democrats - the junior partner in the centre-right coalition  - apparently told Germany’s Bild daily that the Greek government should consider selling stakes in all its assets to raise more cash.

The BBC says that “dotted in the blue waters of the Aegean are some of the country’s most valuable assets - about 6000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited”. Some sources say that your own private island could cost as little as 1.5 million euro.

Chris Krolow of Private Islands Online, in a statement did note that more Greek Islands will be coming on the market over the next few months, but would not confirm whether or not these properties would be listed by the Greek Government.

If the economic crisis continues in Greece this could present a rare opportunity to purchase a prstine Greek Island, something that rarely comes on the market.

Source: BBC

Today online recently took readers to the Maldives a chain of 26 coral islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The island chain is a must see destination for millions of people every year and the dream of millions more. The article on Today online focuses on the Maldives largest industry, commercial fishing which next to tourism is the biggest contributor to the economy of the Maldives.  Here is what the author has to say.

The fishing only stops when you want to rest or have a meal. For those who love to eat fish, you can’t get fresher seafood than these.

At night, sipping a beer under a blanket of stars, with the boat anchored on a shallow hinterland reef, gently rocking in the breeze, it’s easy to believe that life is indeed beautiful.

To read the full article visit Today Online.

Around and between the islands, a mighty 8-foot tide flushes 378,000 acres of salt marsh with brackish, food-rich water: the chemistry of a great fishery. In May schools of 60 to 100 redfish start cruising the mud banks. In June, tarpon over 100 pounds roll a boat-length away. Tripletail, a fine fighting and dinner table fish, lie inches below the surface, and a kingdom of critters, from snowy egrets to wild boar, join in the feed. “It’s the last East Coast outback,’’ says Steve Holley, a tournament sportsman who manages a fishing camp here.

To read the full article visit the Boston Globe.

Fairy Island is a Wisconsin Private 1-acre wooded island located on a 120-acre spring-fed lake in the Kettle Moraine Valley region of southern Wisconsin. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and relaxing on your own private island only 90 miles northwest of Chicago. 

 Access the island using your new pontoon boat (or choose a new ski boat) that is seasonally docked on your own 40 feet long pier. After a short 5 minute boat ride (or 20 minute swim), enjoy cool island breezes while watching the sunset from your 40 feet long island pier that includes an expanded patio area.

This unique 1-acre island on Booth Lake in East Troy, Wisconsin provides a wonderful retreat from every day life with an emphasis on relaxation and fun. The island is currently listed at just $500,000 and can be found on Private Islands Online. Are there real farries on the Island? I guess you will have to purchase the island to find out!

“We are in the middle of changing the design to suit the market conditions,” Rahail Aslan, CEO of Select Group, told Arabian Business. “We have reduced the density and made it more attractive ” he added. The France and Spain islands were launched by Select Group in 2008 and are collectively known as Acquitainia. At the time, the private island development was valued at AED5.5bn ($1.49bn) and was said to comprise 816 residential properties and a 75-room boutique hotel.

The World is an archipelago of 300 manmade islands located 4km off the Dubai coastline and designed in the shape of the world map. Launched in May 2003, there are 17 major projects worth more than $30bn currently under development.

Source: Arabian Business.com

The current offer includes both an impressive sea side estate and a private island. The estate known as Villa Royale, is a unique, sprawling property, offering the perfect vacation rental for family gatherings, corporate retreats, weddings, and diving/exploration groups. Truly amazing, the 12,000 square foot villa contains seven acres of lush tropical gardens, charming courtyards, breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean, beautiful beaches, and a private island. This luxurious villa can comfortably host 14 people.

 The estate’s private island, Lime Cay, is only a short boat ride away. The cay has two quaint beach cottages and is an amazing place for secluded sunbathing, an afternoon picnic, or exploration.

For more information on this unique property visit Private Islands Online.

Although still just a concept, this upside-down, underwater eco-skyscraper (say that five times fast!) could be the future of building, especially if sea levels rise and we are forced to spend our lives living on floating islands. Designed by Victoria BC-based firm Zigaloo the Gyre is a floating eco development meant to be both a research station as well as an off shore resort complete with shops, restaurants, gardens and recreation.

Powered completely by the sun, wind and ocean, the Gyre would offer a zero emissions stay for both tourists and researchers hoping to gain a better understanding of the ocean’s ecosystem.

Source: Inhabitat

Like many high end island resorts the resort focuses on sustainability. However, Ratua is unique in that 100% of its profits will be donated to surrounding island communities, supporting hospital construction and educational and cultural projects.

In fact, Ratua’s model of ethical and ecological tourism is the beginning of what will lead to a completely self-sustained retreat, while preserving better quality of life. Guests will find large fans in place of air conditioning, solar and 100 percent renewable energy, horses instead of cars and an absence of plastic and television.

After reserving Ratua, there is no need to book, no need to plan, just ask and it will be done in minutes. While Ratua offers 146 lush acres to traverse by electric buggy, bike, trek, horseback or boat – most of the amenities are centrally located just a short walk from the Yacht Club. Two villages offer 10 individual villa-style homes hand-crafted from 200-year-old teak wood with Indo-Oceania inspiration. Each is uniquely furnished and accommodates two to four guests who can enjoy their own beach and perfect privacy.

Although Ratua is remote and secluded, it doesn’t mean guests will be disconnected. The Game Room and Media Center offer computers with wireless Internet access and a GSM network covers the entire island.

Petit Nevis is located far enough south to escape the onslaught of major hurricanes. This part of the Caribbean is a haven for sailors and yachtsmen and some of the most beautiful boats in the world can be seen here. So, it’s a perfect location to cater to a very high-end clientele.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.