Private Islands Magazine

Sugar and Spice- The Islands of the Grenadines

The Editor — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:06:01 +0000

A set of small scattered islands, so linear in formation that early European explorers referred to them as “the birds”, the Grenadines are a diverse and beautiful part of the lesser-travelled Caribbean. Stretching across the sea in a long chain from the sleepy country of Grenada up to elegant St. Vincent, the Grenadines offer authentic island life without domination by the mega-hotels and large cruise ports that have become commonplace in many of the surrounding nations. From remote reefs and charming colonial villages to one of the most renowned celebrity holiday destinations, experiencing these unique isles inevitably leaves visitors with a new perspective of what the Caribbean has to offer.

The southernmost point of the chain, the country of Grenada is known as The Spice Isle, from its long history as a source of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, first as a French and then British colony. The main port of St. George’s shows the influences of both cultures in its architecture, a picturesque little city built on the remnants of an expired volcano and wrapping around a stunning harbour. On the secluded south western side of the island is Grande Anse, a two-mile stretch of white sand and one of the most beloved beaches in the Caribbean, a prime tourist destination featuring numerous elegant fine dining restaurants. Grenada’s tourism is a thriving industry, and just off of the country’s coastline is one of the premier private islands on the world market with the potential for a truly first-class resort development. Also the largest island for sale in the entire Caribbean, Ile de Ronde (or Ronde Island) totals nearly 1000 acres and could easily encompass a large hotel, dozens of luxury villas and a marina complex.

Onward from Ronde and a few other scattered islands around the Spice Isle, the chain falls under the jurisdiction of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Many of the islands still lay undeveloped or within national parks. Few places could evoke the truly off-the-beaten-path feel of Caribbean seclusion more than the Tobago Cays, found centered in the Grenadines. A set of five islets tucked within the sprawling Horseshoe Reef, the Cays are widely known as the crown jewels of the region and as part of a wildlife reserve, have remained in a natural state with dazzlingly white beaches and clean, lush jungles. A prime location for diving and exploring one of the world’s most beautiful reef systems, the goverment permits no fishing, jet skiing or power boating to disturb the coral’s colourful wildlife.

And just northward up the Grenadines chain, the 1400 acres of Mustique have come a long way since the island’s days as a thriving plantation that was once a large supplier of cane sugar to the British Empire. Approximately 90 villas are hidden around the island’s forested grounds, and there are additionally just two small hotels and one charmingly rustic nightspot, Basil’s Bar. Made famous by Princess Margaret in the 1960’s, the island is favourite vacation spot for royalty, entertainers and heads of state, and known as one of the rare places where those in the public eye can experience complete privacy and relaxation, but in a fun and social atmosphere. Recent guests to the island have been as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Prince William and Mick Jagger. Visitors connect from St. Vincent, the country’s main island and home to an international airport.

The northernmost point of the Grenadines, St. Vincent has its own storied history as one of the sweetest spots in the Caribbean. The locus of the British Empire’s massive sugar growing campaign in the West Indies, until the late 19th century the island was covered with plantations that provided the cane sugar for millions of tables in Europe. Fruit groves are still found across the fertile island, and it’s also home to the oldest botanical garden in the Western hemisphere. Located just outside of the city of Kingston, the gardens were founded in 1765, and host rare species of palms, lilies, hibiscus and bougainvillea, and the 60ft Falls of Baleine, one of St. Vincent’s true natural wonders.

Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines share many commonalities, from their mutual histories as colonial possessions to their rapidly emerging places in the regional tourism market. Both countries also cater to visitors who are searching for a sense of authenticity, and offer glimpses into the real Caribbean- not just a shopping trip around a tourist area during a cruise or a week at a micro-managed chain resort, but a vivid portrait of the region’s peoples, cultures and industries. Even on the ultimately exclusive resort of Mustique, each night at Basil’s Bar you’ll find stars and royalty sharing drinks and laughs with local Vincentians, and it’s this kind of genuineness and intimacy that keeps the Grenadines such a special corner of the Caribbean.

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Ahe Atoll Motu, French Polynesia - US$ 640,000

The Editor — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:55:45 +0000

A sleepy coral atoll home to just a single village, Ahe Atoll is an off-the-beaten track part of one of the world’s most gorgeous island nations. Located at the northern tip of the Tuamotu Archipelago, the little atoll forms a closed ring with a clear lagoon in the centre, accessible by just a single entry point for ships. And sailors have always been fond of this outlying archipelago, including the famous French navigator and author Bernard Moitessier. An icon among sailors, he came across Ahe on one of his many South Pacific voyages, and was so struck by the abundant beauty and peaceful way of life that he stayed for years.

Few properties become available in this remote paradise, but one 20-acre island in Ahe is currently on the market. Offered at US $640,000, the island has everything one could want in a tropical paradise; perfect sandy beaches, exotic jungle, and a friendly and welcoming local community. The island is ideal for a relaxed seasonal home, or even a small eco-tourism venture to take advantage of the area’s incredible diving and snorkelling. Renowned for its natural beauty and thriving black pearl farms, Ahe is perfect for the adventurous spirit seeking a less commercial alternative to Bora Bora, and a place you may just want to drop anchor for good.

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Annual Private Island Charity Auction

The Editor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:41:55 +0000

One of the most glamorous occasions on the London society calendar, the Macmillan Christmas Celebrity Stocking Auction is a unique charitable event that Private Islands Inc. is proud to be participating in for the second year. Held on Dec. 2nd by the fantastic Macmillan Cancer Support organization, the auction raises much-needed funds for medical and care support for people living with cancer. Each year, fifteen celebrities are asked to describe what they’d most love to find in their ‘Dream Christmas Stocking’. These items are donated to the charity, and the “stockings” are then auctioned off to an exclusive audience at the Waldorf Hilton in London. In past years, participating celebrities have included Sir Elton John, Sienna Miller, Hugh Grant, Helen Mirren and Robbie Williams.

Last year’s auction of a relaxed week on Florida’s Melody Key was a huge success, and this year, bidders will be fighting over a holiday on Spectacle Island, Maine. Featured in Time Magazine and voted one of Travel and Leisure’s Top 10 Dream Trips, this charming slice of coastal Maine has long been one of the most popular island rentals in the USA. Spectacle has a classic hand carved post-and-beam house, and guests will enjoy swimming, boating and a fun lobster bake. Thanks to the generous donors and everyone who works to make the auction such a success, and best of luck to this year’s bidders!

For more information on Macmillan Cancer Support, please see: http://www.macmillan.org.uk

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Segway Inventor Dean Kamen’s Private Island

The Editor — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:22:08 +0000

The idea of a brilliant visionary secluding himself on a private island is an old one, from Doctor Moreau’s tropical isle of genetic mishaps, to the secret lair of James Bond’s arch nemesis Dr. No. But few would argue that inventor Dean Kamen qualifies as an evil super villain. Holder of more than 150 patents including the Segway, Kamen is a pioneer not only in the field of eco-friendly transportation, but is also the engineer of invaluable medical and robotic devices like prosthetic limbs and mobility chairs. And when he wants relative peace and quiet, he retires to North Dumpling Island, a 2-acre speck in Connecticut’s Long Island Sound.

Bought for a reported $2.5M in 1986, the island has a sprawling remodelled lighthouse for a home and boasts a small replica of Stonehenge. Living up to the “eccentric inventor” stereotype, denial of a permit for a wind-electricity turbine led him to (jokingly) secede as his own little country- complete with a newspaper, constitution and currency- not to mention an extensive cabinet of Kamen’s friends (including the Minister of Nepotism). But Americans can breath a sigh of relief, because the inventor’s island nation won’t pose much of a threat- “Lord Dumpling” willingly signed a non-aggression pact with his buddy, former president George H. W. Bush.

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Sri Lanka’s Exotic Island Paradise

The Editor — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:44:56 +0000

At the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka’s coast sits a small, lush island, with a luxurious mansion offering the ultimate in gracious colonial living. Discover the unique history of this pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Rarely has a country had such an evocative series of names as the beautiful nation now called Sri Lanka, or “sacred island”. Inspired by the verdant forests and perfect beaches, it was known as “Tenerism” in Arabic, meaning “isle of delight”, and the heroic nature of the country’s early warriors led neighbouring India to refer to it as the “place of lions”, a term from which the British Colonial name of Ceylon was derived. After a fortuitous discovery, the Persians called it “Serendib”, giving rise to the concept of serendipity. But it was ancient Greek geographers who gave the island the name of “Taprobane”- or “copper-colored”, after the bronze-hued beaches on which early mariners first landed- and a worldwide reputation as a hidden paradise.

Few could resist the descriptions in ancient Greek texts of the island as a place of perfect beauty and societal peace, where the citizens lived in harmony and industry amid tropical gardens and idyllic seas. But the exact location of “Taprobane” became obscured through key mapping errors, prompting thousands of quixotic adventurers to chase the dream of this fabled land. Much like the mythical city of Atlantis, its whereabouts were fiercely debated for centuries, with Sumatra, Madagascar and even the Maldives raised as contenders. When it was finally settled that the long-sought Taprobane was indeed the gorgeous isle to India’s south, it’s difficult to believe that any true paradise-seekers were disappointed.

A similar hunt for an earthly Eden inspired the creation of Taprobane Island, one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned luxury destinations. The horrors of the Great War had spawned an escapist, utopian mindset in many of Europe’s young elite, including Maurice de Mauny-Talvande, a descendant of a Napoleonic general and self-styled French aristocrat. In the 1920’s, the “Count” left behind London’s polite society for more exotic realms, to find what he described as “the one spot which, by its sublime beauty, would fulfill my dreams and hold me there for life.” During a Sri Lankan trip with the heir to the Lipton Tea empire, he waded to sit and gaze at the sea from the little island’s hilltop, and looked no further. And this must indeed have been the sublime spot he had dreamed of, since he stayed on the island until his death 30 years later, perfecting the mansion, hosting grand parties, and penning a well-received book about his island gardens.

Set along the country’s famous South Coast, just 30 minutes from the provincial capital of Galle, the small, thickly forested island perches 100 metres from the soft mainland beaches, so close that guests may choose to wade through the warm knee-high tide, or ride elephant-back to the island’s cliff-side dock. Facing out onto the turquoise Indian Ocean and with the lush South Coast jungles at its back, the island’s octagonal, 5-bedroom stone mansion has spectacular views in every direction- the sea views are particularly romantic, since not a single speck of land can be found between Taprobane and the Antarctic. Combining European colonial architecture with the languid, open style found in the tropics, the home has played host to heads of state, famous authors, and some of the world’s most prominent business elite.

Taprobane Island has an undeniable air of the exotic, from its unusual origins to the stunning, remote location. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, rates start in the off-season at US $7000 per week for the exclusive island rental.

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For more information or to book your stay, please see: http://www.privateislandsonline.com/taprobane-island.htm Similar Articles:

Teenager Inherits Island With Buried Treasure

The Editor — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:44:01 +0000

Imagine not just inheriting a private island, but an island with a secret hoard of buried treasure! Here’s one Michigan teen’s discovery that his eccentric grandfather left him more than he dreamed… he just has to find it.

The idea of an island with a hidden cache of buried treasure is an old one, and ingrained in popular mythology by centuries of tall tales of pirates and their chests of ill-gotten gold. Sandy Caribbean islands have long been rumoured to contain secret stores of plundered booty, particularly in the Bahamas, where the expansive 700-odd islands provided perfect spots for pirates like Henry Morgan and the infamous Blackbeard to attack merchant ships traversing the Windward Passage. Even more northern climates have their share of tall treasure tales, like Oak Island in Nova Scotia, claimed to be home to millions of dollars in loot hidden by pirates (or some speculate, a secret society like the Knights Templar). And sometimes, buried treasure can have a far more common origin… but the hunt is just as compelling.

Josh* wasn’t close to his grandfather and in fact, he had met him just a handful of times in his 17 years. He remembers him as a taciturn, intimidating man, who seemed to speak only when he felt it absolutely necessary. Stubborn and highly traditional, Samuel* disapproved of his daughter Susan’s* marriage to a man from outside of their religious faith, and had retreated from involvement in their family life. Susan said that the rift between her family and father was heartbreaking, but that he’d always had a soft spot for his only grandson, who shared his strong personality and love of Michigan’s forests and lakes. Although he hadn’t seen his grandson in years before his death in 2007, she said it wasn’t a big surprise when Josh was named the heir to what remained of his grandfather’s estate, including a 36-acre island and more than 80 acres of farmland. But there was something unexpected in the will… a detailed list of antique jewellery and loose gems contained “in the thermos.”

But there were no thermoses to be found in her father’s assisted-living condo, or any safety deposit boxes at the local banks. In fact, there was no indication at all of where this portion of Josh’s inheritance was. “It was that Great Depression mindset,” Susan said. “He didn’t trust banks, he always scrimped and saved even though we had more than most people in the area. And while he had inherited a small fortune from his own father, who had been a partner in a Russian jewellery firm before moving to Michigan at the turn of the century, the climate he was raised in just didn’t allow for much ostentation.” But Susan did remember the oblique references her father had always made when she was a child about his “treasure island”. Could this be the location of the thermos? “For the first time,” said Susan, “it really hit me that he wasn’t kidding around. Somewhere on that island must be a rusty old thermos with a literal treasure inside!”

The hunt is on, and while finding Samuel’s hidden thermos of precious gems is far from a sure bet, the family is confident that it will soon turn up somewhere on (or under) the island’s 36 acres. Several wells and the old foundation of the decaying cabin are thought to be prime spots, and the family intends to hire a professional excavator for some of the heavy-duty digging. The clock is ticking, however, because they hope to have the treasure found and the island ready to be put on the market by next summer, and are currently consulting with a private island specialty firm about the island’s marketing. Susan says that Josh has agreed to put the proceeds from the island sale towards a new family home, but if his grandfather’s treasure is found, Josh has (almost) free reign with spending this part of his inheritance.

And what would a 17-year old boy do with windfall that could be as high as $1.4M? Topping his list is sleek black Audi A4, maybe a trip on the Virgin Galactic shuttle (if the price comes down), and he says his dream 18th birthday party would be hiring a private jet to party in Montreal, where he’d have just turned the age of majority. But Josh says it won’t all be fun and games. “Mom keeps saying it’s not as much money as I might think- so I’d better put some of it towards university and get a good job if I want to stay a high roller!”

*The family has requested that all identifying details be changed until the search for the treasure is successfully concluded.

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Eori Island, Fiji

The Editor — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:55:29 +0000

Found at the northernmost tip of Fiji’s renowned Mamanuca Group, the almost 40 emerald acres of Eori Island are prime for a boutique resort or unique vacation home developments. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a prehistoric creature swimming through the warm South Pacific waters, the island has excellent elevations with many vantage spots for viewing the epic sunrises and sunsets. Proposed developments include luxury villas, a marina and dive resort complex, an exclusive hotel and spa, or keep it all to yourself as an ultra-private personal retreat. Found just over 50km from Fiji’s main international airport, this paradise island is also surprisingly accessible.

Price Upon Request

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John Lennon’s Irish “Beatle Island”

The Editor — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:56:02 +0000

At the height of his fame in the late 1960’s, it’s hard to imagine anyone needing a private island quite as much as the late John Lennon. Beset upon by screaming fans on both sides of the Atlantic and rapidly becoming an influential political activist, the superstar Beatle must have been relieved to spot the newspaper advertisement for a secluded, peaceful island in Ireland’s rustic Clew Bay. Bought in 1967 for just £1,700, the 19-acre Dorinish Island was intended to be the site of his holiday retreat, but after falling into disuse, became the permanent campground for a colorful group of 25 hippies (much to the dismay of local area residents). After Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, the island was sold to a neighbour by Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono, with the £30,000 proceeds donated to an Irish children’s charity. Dorinish has reverted from the hideaway of one of the world’s most famous men back to its modest roots as grazing land for sheep and cattle, but to this day still receives pilgrimages from enthusiastic Beatles fans from across the globe.

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Escape to the Conch Republic: Islands of the Florida Keys

The Editor — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:49:51 +0000

Proving that you don’t need to travel far to find a perfect sun-swept tropical isle, the Florida Keys offer Americans an exotic getaway right in their own backyard.

Ragged Key - 8 Acres - US$ 5 Million

Beautiful Private Island located in Biscayne Bay just 18 miles from Miami. Property features two guest houses, above ground pool and dockage.

A secluded chain of 1700 islands stretching from cosmopolitan Miami down to colourful Key West, the Florida Keys are the notable exception to America’s image as a place for rustic cottage islands. With a laid-back culture and a feeling of pleasant isolation from the mainland, the Keys have long exerted a gravitational pull on artists, writers and other eccentrics seeking to escape from the urban world… and more than a few unsavoury types on the run. Cemented in the public imagination as an underworld haven by Noir films like John Huston’s 1949 “Key Largo”, and a storied history as a hideout for pirates and smugglers, this slightly shady reputation seems to have only added to the islands’ romantic allure. And while the Keys may have undergone some gentrification over the past decades, the 1980’s move by the mayor of Key West to secede as the “Conch Republic” speaks volumes about the sleepy chain’s still-independent character.

Ballast Key - 23 Acres - US$ 13.8 Million

The celebrity owner of this island in the heart of the Keys has entertained the likes of Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and Dick Cavett.

Our tour of the Keys starts just south of Miami in Biscayne Bay, with one of the swankiest private islands to hit the American market. This long lagoon is home to several highly exclusive communities where you’ll find the homes of celebrities and some of Miami’s top executives, and manages to retain a natural feel even with the metropolitan skyline in the distance. Our first island’s name of Ragged Key may sound a little rustic, but the ultra-modern residence is surrounded by manicured grounds and comes with guesthouses, a pool, and just enough untouched land to add a little sense of wilderness. This 8-acre property is offered at US $5M, and for those who crave even more opulence or want to make a permanent move to the Miami area, an option to purchase the island together with a luxurious nearby mainland estate is available.

Fanny Key - 1.7 Acres - US$ 8 Million

The ultimate in luxury awaits you on this beautiful Florida Key, complete with a perfectly appointed home, freshwater pool, and unique lagoon.

The town of Duck Key is the next stop down the archipelago, with a rare opportunity to purchase two twin islands near this upscale community. Surrounded by excellent diving and close to all amenities, Tom’s Harbor Keys are prime for development into a resort or residential complex. Located right by multi-million dollar mainland homes, they total 46 acres and are offered at a very reasonable US $2.9M. Heading south towards the tip of the chain is the sleepy town of Summerland Key, an area that sees a fair amount of private island activity. Listed at US $4.5M, the 9-acre Howell Key is a rare larger property that currently offers adventure camping to guests, and could be further commercially developed or kept for personal use. Also close to Summerland is the celebrity-owned Melody Key, a relaxed and modern island retreat with a price that’s just been reduced to a highly attractive US $4.9M.

Howell Key - 9.5 Acres - US$ 4.5 Million

This jewel in the Florida Keys is an excellent prospect for tourist development, featuring extensive building permits and quintessential Keys charm.

One of the biggest towns in the Keys, the city of Marathon is spread over a number of individual islands, and prides itself on having a perfect combination of history, nature and sophistication. Here you’ll long sandy beaches, incredible fishing and the famous Seven Mile Bridge, which stretches across the ocean and is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque drives in the world. The little 1.7 acre Fanny Key is only private island found for sale in the Marathon area, and you can enjoy its beautifully designed home and sunset views for $8M. Concluding our tour, at the tail end of the Keys is an incomparable estate and one of the few private islands found in the pristine Key West Wildlife Refuge. With 26 acres of white sand beaches and tropical forests, the $13.8M Ballast Key has provided a relaxing retreat for cultural luminaries like Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. A short distance from the city of Key West, the island is also the southernmost inhabited point of the continental USA. Continue any further and you’ll only find little barren islets, and after a few hundred empty miles, eventually reach Cuba.

Melody Key - 5.5 Acres - US$ 4.9 Million

Everything you need is included in the sale of Melody Key: a fully furnished house, pool, two boats, and a canal lot on the mainland.

From Miami’s Biscayne Bay to the most remote reaches of the American continent, each of these islands offers a special kind of luxury, and an opportunity to create a new lifestyle within the vivid culture and natural beauty of the Keys. While their price point may be slightly higher than that of properties found in the lakes and rugged coasts of the northern states, Florida’s private islands are exceptionally well-priced when compared to the tropical isles for sale in the Caribbean, and have the added advantage of American property laws and ease of development. And unlike more exotic areas of the world, a majority of the islands on the market in the Keys are close to abundant shopping and fine dining, come in a finished state with a modern home ready to be enjoyed, and are easily accessed through numerous regional airports. Perfect for those who crave independence without the challenges of being truly remote, your piece of the Keys may not be your own Conch Republic, but will feel just close enough.

Tom’s Harbor Keys - 46 Acres - US$ 2.9 Million

The Tom’s Harbor Keys constitute two separate islands in the Atlantic, just south of Hawk’s Cay Resort. A perfect development prospect, the islands total 46 acres.

For more information on private islands for sale in Florida, please see: http://www.privateislandsonline.com/florida.htm

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Exclusive Cruise Line Ports of Call

The Editor — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:24:43 +0000

Some of the world’s biggest cruise lines are now snapping up private islands for their guests to enjoy, putting this exclusive experience within reach of almost anyone. While sharing a private island with a few thousand other guests may not seem quite so “private” after all, cruise line islands often do have the advantage of many fun amenities and adventures not found on your ordinary island destinations. And unlike with many island resorts you won’t just find luxury spas and fine dining, because the private ports of call of the top cruise line companies usually offer a uniquely child-friendly experience packed with activities for the whole family. As any parent who’s searched for a private island vacation will understand, the chance to experience an island catering to the little ones might be worth the cruise itself.

The Bahamas undoubtedly reigns supreme in terms of the number and variety of cruise line islands, with Disney, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Lines all having staked a claim on one of this Caribbean country’s beautiful cays. These purchases may have helped create a boom in Bahamas private island prices, and have definitely created thousands of new devotees to the charms of the private isle. Kayaking, volleyball, snorkelling and plenty of cocktails are all expected island fare, and you’ll often also find horseback riding and basic spas. Holland America’s Half Moon Cay has a full waterpark with slides and wave pools, and groups can rent their own Private Oasis with a personal swimming area and hot tub. Disney Cruise’s Castaway Cay is famed for its kid-friendly activities, but also has a secluded “adult only” beach and bar.

Cruise line islands are rarer finds outside of the Caribbean, but one gorgeous South Pacific “motu” does offer cruisers a chance to play castaway on a private isle. Inside one of the Society Island’s most stunning lagoons, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has created an authentic Polynesian experience for its guests to enjoy on Motu Mahana. A floating bar, thatched massage huts and adding a taste of true Polynesian flair, you’ll fall in love with “Les Gauguines”, young local hostesses who offer language, dancing and art lessons. Also in the South Pacific, the small and eco-friendly Captain Cook Cruises offers what may be the closest thing to a true private island escape. Their week-long Fijian tours can stop at five or more secluded islands, plus a variety of small towns and points of interest. A more intimate experience than most cruises, it’s a chance to get to know your fellow travellers and have a deeper look at local cultures.

A fantastic way to experience a day or two on a private island without a big price tag, private cruise line islands are growing in popularity and becoming a major attraction for holidayers. For more information on any of the cruise line islands mentioned here, please visit:

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Captain Cook Cruises
www.captaincook.com.au
+67 94 59 7441

Disney Cruises
www.disneycruise.com
1-800-951-3532

Holland America Line
www.hollandamerica.com
1-877-724-5425

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
www.rssc.com
1-877-505-5370

Norwegian Cruise Line
www.ncl.com
1-866-234-0292
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Live the Dream With Your Own Tropical Island Resort

The Editor — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:29:06 +0000

It’s a world away from the hectic life of the corporate city dweller. But could running your own tropical resort be the career move you’ve been waiting for?

Imagine trading your morning workout at the crowded gym for a leisurely swim in peaceful tropical waters. Switching your drive to work through the urban jungle for a walk along a wandering pathway lined with palm trees. And not simply having a job, but an enjoyable lifestyle in one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’ve been dreaming of an escape from the corporate grind, leaving it all behind to run a tropical dive resort may just be your chance. So get ready to throw away your suit and tie in favour of flip-flops, cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt (yes, they’re mandatory).

One of the best prospects on the market for your flee from civilization is the 12-acre Manta Caye Resort. Located beside Glover’s Atoll on Belize’s beautiful Barrier Reef, Manta was once a premier destination for hardcore dive enthusiasts from the USA and Europe, and with a little work could easily reclaim a strong following. Kept in a good state of repair and with a full-time caretaker currently on the island, Manta is a gorgeous stretch of sand and palms with a dozen brightly-painted bungalows scattered across the island, and plenty of room for expansion. It also comes with a relaxed central dining area, staff quarters and an owner’s residence. Since the property has been so well-maintained, it’s possible to be open for business and running dive and reef tours within just a month of purchase.

Perfectly located for tourism, Manta is surrounded by crystal clear Caribbean waters but close enough to the country’s capital (Belize City is about a 35 minute helicopter ride away) that accessibility will be a breeze for your guests. One of the most upmarket Barrier Reef locations, the Glover’s Atoll area is the mooring spot of choice for many luxury yachts, and with a little upgrading the island would be prime for a truly exclusive resort. With the booming eco-tourism market and the diminishing number of truly pristine areas left on earth, tropical private island resorts like Manta are also great investment and a very popular destination for an increasing number of adventurous (or just sun-worshiping) tourists- even actor Leonardo DiCaprio is developing a sustainable resort on his Belizean caye . And for the nature lover, it’s a great opportunity to educate your guests about the rare reef systems, “blue holes” and other unique local ecologies that will give even the most sophisticated city dweller a new appreciation for the environment.

If the laid-back life of a dive resort owner sounds too good to be true, well, of course there are a few drawbacks. If you’re living in quarters on the island, that means you’re pretty easy for staff and guests to find even in your off-hours (and there won’t be many of those). And without much access to labor and no quick drive to a hardware store, it helps to know your way around a tool box and be able to put “necessity is the mother of invention” to the test. But maybe the biggest dilemma for tropical resort owners happens when it comes time to take a vacation. Where are you supposed to go on holiday, when you’ve got the best sun, sand and adventure right there at work?

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For more information about Manta Caye Resort, the listing is available at: http://www.privateislandsonline.com/manta-caye-belize.htmSimilar Articles:

Johnny Depp’s Private Island - Little Halls Pond Cay, Bahamas

The Editor — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:05:18 +0000

After falling in love with the laid-back Bahamas lifestyle while filming “Pirates of the Caribbean”, Johnny Depp began a search for his own tropical island to get stranded on. And in 2004 he found it in the beautiful Exumas, buying Little Hall’s Pond Cay for US $3.6M as a retreat to enjoy with his songbird wife Vanessa Paradise and their two children. The actor recently made news by publicizing that his island will be run exclusively on eco-friendly solar power, as well as for having invited the (formerly) troubled ingenue Lindsay Lohan aboard for some time out of the public eye. There’s little question that escaping from the prying eyes of the paparazzi was also a prime motivator for Depp’s island purchase- he supposedly refers to his little piece of paradise as “F**k Off Island”.

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Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s Private Island

The Editor — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:22:07 +0000

You might imagine country music royalty preferring to relax on an old-school American horse ranch, but New Country stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are actually king and queen of their own Bahamian island. Their piece of paradise is located in the rapidly growing Exumas, home to many luxury resorts, quaint towns and the island and mainland retreats of other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan and Johnny Depp. Found in the sleepy mid-point of the chain, this couple’s beautiful little island is fully developed, with perfect sandy beaches and lots of trails throughout… perhaps for horseback riding?

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Marlon Brando- Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia

The Editor — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:54:03 +0000

In his twilight years, it was said that all Marlon Brando had to do was close his eyes, and he was instantly transported to the still waters and swaying palms of Tetiaroa, his South Pacific haven. Not simply an island, but an entire atoll, his personal paradise was more than 580 hectares spread over 13 “motus”, or islands. Purchased in 1965, the great actor fell in love with the country’s tropical beauty and relaxed charms while filming “Mutiny of the Bounty”, and lived on one of his islands regularly until his health began to fail in 1990. For nature lovers who want to experience Tetiaroa for themselves, there may soon be a chance. The atoll was recently purchased by hotelier Tahiti Beachcomber SA, who intends to transform the islands into a luxury eco-resort to be known simply as, “The Brando”.

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