Since 1888, the aptly named “Fairview” Island has welcomed families to its 5 acres of gently sloping, user-friendly topography and over 2,200 feet of shoreline on lower Lake Rosseau. The island itself boasts some of the finest sand beaches in all of Muskoka and includes groupings of stunning granite rock outcroppings and rock ledge shorelines that fall off into the sparkling blue waters of Lake Rosseau.

Fairview Island is the ideal setting to build your new dream retreat with unbeatable redevelopment potential due to its extensive list of desirable attributes.  Alternatively, you can be one of the few families to enjoy the original cottage which still sits stoically on Precambrian granite as it has for over a century. This traditional “Olde Muskoka” cottage includes both walls and striking 12 foot ceilings of the finest handcrafted gum woods throughout the cottage. Most of the 7 uniquely designed bedrooms feature a combination of Juliet balconies, or covered verandas, perfect for a quiet morning coffee with the sounds of the waves breaking on the rocky shore. The 4th floor belfry tower and over 1,550 square feet of covered veranda surrounding the main floor with sweeping views of Lake Rosseau add even extra character to this exceptional vintage cottage. A winterized 2 bedroom pine-lined bunkie with screened Muskoka room plus a 2 slip boathouse with additional sleeping area, complete this exclusive family enclave.

Fairview island is currently listed for 2.9M and can be found at Private Islands Online.

Mark Goldman, professor of real estate finance at San Diego State University notes that “No clear-eyed investor should ever mistake owning an island as a safe haven for money.”  However, as  Chris Krolow of Private Islands chief executive officer of Private Islands Inc., noted “Islands are like diamonds,” said Chris Krolow, chief executive of Private Islands Inc. “Beauty is essential, but rarity makes any commodity infinitely more desirable.”

I think both Mr Goldman and Mr Krolow make good points. It would be unwise to purchase a private island stictily as an investment.  However, in my experience private islands have proven to be a reliable and lucrative investment opportunity.

To read the full article visit the Chicago Tribune

This Island is 15 miles away from an unprecedented new development which is situated in a place of incredible natural beauty, a blue-water bay near the end of a 23-mile long peninsula in the quaint town of Placencia, next to the famed Turtle Inn, owned by five time Academy Award-winning director Francis Ford Coppola and directly across from Chabil Mar Luxury Villas. Besides the mesmerizing scenery, this location places this upscale residential development and world-class marina right in the heart of all of the many natural wonders of Belize. Placencia is considered as one of the fastest growing development in Belize which attracks foreign investors from all over the world.

You will never get tired of strolling amid the shops and cafes at The Galleria at The Placencia Peninsula Club, where shopping reaches new levels. From designer clothing boutiques, international banking, international airport, health care and gourmet groceries to a coffee house, an ice cream shop and elegant waterfront dining. All your shopping whims can be satisfied at The Galleria at the Peninsula Club. Everything you need is here and ready to fulfill your discerning tastes.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

New technology is making islands more accessible than they have ever been. One new technology that is particularly intriguing is portable water filtration. One of the newest devices on the market is SteriPEN’s new Sidewinder portable water filter. This ingenious produc utilizes a crank-powered bacteria-killing UV light to create a full liter of perfectly potable water. Simple, practical, and potentially a way to build some arm muscles, look for the Sidewinder to hit shelves this September.

Read more: Crank-Powered Sidewinder Purifies Water With UV Light | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

The dramatic island offers high bluffs that overlook beautiful sand beaches with thick forests and two natural springs. Plenty of wildlife and rugged Maine coast yet still just minutes to Bucks Harbor making this one of the last inner harbor island on the coast without any building restrictions except for the normal shoreland zoning.

There is plenty of room for development of this island and you would still have full privacy because of the thick forests throughout or you can simply keep it for own paradise. The topography is absolutely incredible and the forests are laced with beautiful moss covered trees and rocks. There is a 4 bedroom custom home on the inner harbor side with plenty of room for a large family. There is an attached tree house that houses two of the bedrooms and a very large great room with cathedral ceilings.

For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Branson recently announced at the National Business Travel Association International Convention and Exposition that the award-winning Virgin airlines — Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin America and V Australia/Virgin Blue — known around the world for their stylish, innovative and value-based flying experience, are teaming up to offer each airline’s loyalty program members the opportunity to earn miles or points when taking flights on their sister-branded airlines.

As of today, guests flying on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, and V Australia/Virgin Blue are all eligible to earn miles or points for their flights that can later be redeemed under any of the carrier’s frequent flyer programs.  To celebrate this Virgin milestone, each Virgin airline is offering members who fly with at least two of the four Virgin branded airlines between now and January 31, 2011, the chance to win a week holiday in the British Virgin Islands on Sir Richard Branson’s private island Necker**.  For more information, visit: www.virginatlantic.com, www.virginamerica.com, or www.vaustralia.com.  For the Official Rules for the Sweepstakes, including complete details, please visit: www.virginatlantic.com, www.virginamerica.com, or www.vaustralia.com.

 If you’re looking for the ultimate lakefront property this might be for you. There are only three private islands on Lake Pend Oreille and for the first time in decades one has come on the market. Memaloose Island is a boat ride from Hope, Idaho.

“The island is a 13 acre piece of property with the shores of Lake Pend Oreille wrapped around the entire thing,” Tom Puckett with Century 21 Riverstone said. The current owners of the island are John and Laura Knight.

“Everybody that’s ever come here, all of a sudden they get a completely peaceful attitude about them. Something about the place you know,” Knight said.

Deer, moose, and other wildlife like stopping by. John an Laura say the name of the island – Memaloose – is native for a place to release the spirits. It’s hardly been developed and historic cabins sit untouched.

“It’s got the original homestead, which is 100 years old,” Tom Puckett said.

The island comes equipped with underground power, a well, and the potential of building three to four homes, though John would like to see the future owner preserve the rustic feel.

“I’d like to see it got to a family. I’d like to keep it from being developed,” John said.

Back in 1962, John’s parents bought the island but now the family is selling it. Their asking price has dropped from $16 Million dollars to $5 Million. The main reason for the sale is that taking care of an island is a lot of work.

Source: KXLY.com

Private Islands Online recently listed a unique opportunity to develop your own Private Island Marina. According to the website this offering presents a fantastic opportunity to develop a marina in the deep waters around Koh lanta, with strong financial support from the local government.

The land is split over 3 parcels with a private island of 50 rai and a further 350 rai two nearby islands. All parcels overlook the private island.

This would be a great opportunity for anyone lookng at developing a luxury private island resorts. Having a marina means guests can sail to your island on their yacht or just drop by for dinner and a spa treatment. For more information on this property visit Private Islands Online.

Now the resort is taking it a step further rebranding itself as an intimate culinary adventure for well heeled foodies. Accomodating up to 10 couples or 20 individuals at a time, guests will get up close and personal with Peter Island’s talented on-site chef Lisa Sellers. Guests will also also learning tricks of the trade from a visiting guest chef—culinary artists like TV sustainability guru Christopher Ivens-Brown and corporate executive chef of Norwegian Cruise Lines Jason Drysdale.

The program includes private cooking classes in a breathtaking villa called Falcon’s Nest, as well as a private boat tour to Paraquita Bay, a working agricultural farm where they will select local ingredients for an evening feast. “We have people coming from all over the world to attend these events and we want to create an unforgettable experience for them,” says Sellers. Prices for the event start at $575 per person or $1,150 per couple based on a fivenight stay (not including accommodations).

Source: Luxe Life

Here is what the listing agent had to say about the property. “The moment you step ashore- catch the fragrance of tropical fruit and bougainvillea -cast your eyes back across the opalescent lagoon and pearl white beach; you know this is a holiday destination you never want to leave.”

Opened first in 2008 the boutique resort comprising 11 bures and substantial infrastructure is now for sale regrettably for family reasons. Travel cognoscenti have been quick to recognise the destination’s allure. The resort is booked out until Xmas 2010 and beyond.

Hugging the beach, the resort is set amongst substantial organic vegetable gardens which are fed from two deep bores through coral and limestone providing near potable water which is further treated in a desalination plant. 

For more information on purchasing this island, or just arranging a holiday visit Private Islands Online.