The process of transforming a pristine, untouched island into a hospitable place for vacation homes, resorts or even permanent residences can be an intimidating task, but as the first instalment of The Basics of Private Island Development has shown, there are a variety of resources available to help ease the process. Your local agent is an invaluable source of contacts and information, and from obtaining permits and utilities to clearing, filling, and landscaping an island, all aspects are simplified by learning as much as possible about the challenges of island development, researching portable, “green” technologies, and cultivating helpful relationships with your new neighbours. Some investors may wish to stop at the partial stage of development, which adds a significant premium to islands for resale, but much work remains for those seeking additional profits or who intend to use the island personally. This article will cover constructing residences, docks, and the growing trend of private island airstrips and helipads, and the environmental and financial considerations associated with these developments. Read more »
Many private islands come complete with fully-functioning dwellings, utilities and docks, ready for immediate use by their lucky new owners. However, particularly in remote regions, the majority of islands on the market are in a pristine, natural state. While undeveloped islands are usually less expensive, and this clean slate also affords often-individualistic owners the chance to give the island their own unique mark, development is a time-intensive and potentially expensive project. Each region and property will pose distinctive challenges, however a wealth of information is available to help ease the process of making your little island paradise liveable. This instalment of a two-part series covers planning permission, cleaning and filling, pest control and utilities. Read more »
Natural beauty, fragile ecosystems, and often wild and untouched surroundings: there are many reasons that private islands may come with restrictions on development that exceed those of mainland property. However, many modern eco-friendly technologies and a sensitive understanding of environmental concerns will allow for island development that adds to not only your enjoyment of the property, but will preserve your island’s character and appeal for generations to come. Read more »
Set against the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the 2000 acres of Grenada’s Ronde Island leave a powerful first impression. “It’s the ultimate paradise,” describes the island’s exclusive agent, Trevor David, ” and a blank canvas waiting for the right artist.” The striking cliffs, pristine tropical forests and rolling green hills evoke a younger earth, and in fact, that this highly desirable island is untouched by development comes as a surprise to many international real estate specialists. Chris Krolow, CEO of Private Islands Inc., is among them. “With billions of dollars being pumped into resort projects in the surrounding areas, it’s amazing that the property has remained undeveloped,” he says. “This is the largest private island available in the entire Caribbean- just imagine the possibilities.” Read more »
The country of Greece is home to more than 2000 stunning isles, and surrounded in a mystique that may arguably be credited with inspiring the world’s love affair with private islands. The glamour of owning one of these unique properties was popularized nearly a half-century ago when Jacqueline Kennedy wed Aristotle Onassis on his isle of Skorpios, and the ensuing storm of paparazzi immortalized the private island as an unequalled symbol of prestige and luxury for the jet set. But from the rocky outcroppings of the Mediterranean to the forested mountains rising from the Ionian Sea, these isles have long been the playground of the elite- both mortal and otherwise. Read more »
From the star-studded Bahamas to emerging markets in Central America, private islands are a unique- and increasingly profitable- real estate investment.
Attracted by the celebrity caché and skyrocketing price tags, a growing number of savvy real estate investors are turning an eye to private island purchase. From established enclaves like the Bahamas to rising Central American stars like Belize, privacy-conscious individuals, development firms and even cruise lines are driving this exclusive luxury market. Read more »
Imagine gazing from the window of a small aircraft, soaring across a coastline brushed by the sea and dotted with thousands of beautiful, unspoiled islands. Below you, the tide is visibly broken by whitecaps at each island’s shore, and you notice how seemingly uninhabited the area feels. Few houses, little population, no excessive maritime traffic; this is Nova Scotia, Canada’s ocean playground, and yet it doesn’t appear to be the huge private island market that its geography all but demands.
On the other hand, Georgian Bay, two hours north of Toronto, Canada, is a huge market. Fly over the area and you’ll see not only islands but any number of houses, cabins and cottages of all sizes. So many, in fact, that overcrowding can potentially be an issue for those at the end of a mass exodus from the metropolis, bumper-to-bumper in cottage country- the retreat of choice, it seems, for the weary urbanite. Read more »
Islands are unique ecosystems steeped in mystery, adventure and novelty. The isolation of islands effects the types of plants and animals found on them. Ninety five percent of Hawaii’s plants are found nowhere else in the world. How islands are formed is equally unique. Geologically speaking, not all islands are created equally. Geographers claim two major classifications of islands: oceanic islands and continental islands.
Oceanic islands exist in the open sea and are not attached to any continental mass. These islands are a result of two processes, volcanic activity or coral deposits. Most of the oceanic islands originated from ancient volcanic activity. Volcanic islands occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates, sections of the Earth’s crust that collide and move apart, often causing land to rise above sea level. Read more »
There’s something special about a private island. An isolated piece of paradise, its beaches and forests yours alone to enjoy. A virtual private kingdom under the sun. While this is enough for most of us, for some, only a real kingdom (or republic, or principality, or …) will suffice. For these folks, a private island is but a means to an end - the establishment of a new, independent country. But is such a thing really possible?
The short answer is a pretty conclusive ‘ no’. Since the early 20th century, every square foot of dry land on Earth has been claimed by at least one country or another, which pretty much rules out discovering an unmapped tropical paradise, planting your flag, and setting yourself up as the local sovereign. Similarly, existing countries are more than a little reluctant to part with pieces of their national territory, no matter the financial incentives offered. However, 30 years ago one man hatched an enterprising (if a little bizarre) scheme at getting around these little details. Read more »
One of the great island regions of North America is actually located hundreds of miles from the ocean. Here, private islands are a dime a dozen (just an expression - they actually go for a bit more than that!), and sailboats and motorboats take pride of place over cars as the preferred method of transportation. Million-dollar homes are located within site of humble cabins, and cruise ships ply the waters with nary a calypso band in sight. This is the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River, between Ontario, Canada and New York, U.S.A. Read more »
Click here for Part One
Many private islands come complete with fully-functioning dwellings, utilities and docks, ready for immediate use by their lucky new owners. However, particularly in remote regions, the majority of islands on the market are in a pristine, natural state. While undeveloped islands are usually less expensive, and this clean slate also affords often-individualistic owners the chance to give the island their own unique mark, development is a time-intensive and potentially expensive project. Each region and property will pose distinctive challenges, however a wealth of information is available to help ease the process of making your little island paradise liveable. This instalment of a two-part series covers planning permission, cleaning and filling, pest control and utilities. 
Natural beauty, fragile ecosystems, and often wild and untouched surroundings: there are many reasons that private islands may come with restrictions on development that exceed those of mainland property. However, many 
By Liam Gladstone 10/02/2007 
The country of Greece is home to more than 2000 stunning isles, and surrounded in a mystique that may arguably be credited with inspiring the world’s love affair with private islands. The glamour of owning one of these unique properties was popularized nearly a half-century ago when Jacqueline Kennedy wed Aristotle Onassis on his isle of Skorpios, and the ensuing storm of paparazzi immortalized the private island as an unequalled symbol of prestige and luxury for the jet set. But from the rocky outcroppings of the Mediterranean to the forested mountains rising from the Ionian Sea, these isles have long been the playground of the elite- both mortal and otherwise. 
From the star-studded Bahamas to emerging markets in Central America, private islands are a unique- and increasingly profitable- real estate investment. 
