PRIVATE ISLAND NEWS (P.I.N.) - Island Market, Island Resorts, Islands for Sale

New Zealand: Teens to Visit the Remote Kermadec Islands

Alexis — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:12:20 +0000

A group of 30 New Zealand teenagers are getting ready for the trip of a lifetime; they’ve been chosen to travel to the far-flung, uninhabited Kermadec Islands to learn about conservation.

(Image of Raoul Island by NASA)

For young students, trips away from home are always an exciting adventure – and for 30 New Zealand teens, their journey will take them to a place where few people have ever set foot. The lucky secondary students are getting ready for a trip to the remote Kermadec Islands, a small and isolated chain located more than 800 km northeast from New Zealand’s North Island. The island visit, called the Young Blake Expedition, is the first of what may become an annual event, designed to teach talented youngsters about how to conduct scientific research and preserve the unique biodiversity of their region.

The Young Blake Expedition is named after Sir Peter Blake, one of New Zealand’s most treasured heroes. An avid sailor, he circumnavigated the world in a record-setting 74 days and 22 minutes, and he was also an acclaimed environmentalist who was tragically killed by pirates on the Amazon River in 2001. A more perfect place to visit in his honor would be hard to find; the Kermadecs are pristine and uninhabited aside from a scientific research station, although at one time, a small population thrived on several of the islands, composed mainly of whalers hunting in the rich South Pacific waters.

In the 19^th century, a few brave European settlers also lived on Raoul, the largest of the four main Kermadecs; a prominent Auckland journalist, Elsie K. Morton, wrote a book about one of the founding families, the Bells, entitled The Crusoes of Sunday Island. Her vivid accounts were filled with tales about life in the often-challenging islands. Like a Little House on the Prairie set in exotic Polynesia, she chronicled their struggles with starting a plantation, the frightening isolation, and eventually, their return to civilization after a cyclone destroyed their homestead.

(Image of Kermadec islets by Lawrie Mead)

The islands were completely abandoned by permanent residents in the 1930’s, but it was then that they became a site of scientific interest and a research base was established, similar to the Galapagos Islands. The Kermadecs were declared a nature reserve by New Zealand in 1937. Found along the same undersea ridge as the northward country of Tonga, the rocky, volcanic islands are home to a distinctive subtropical ecosystem. The dense, rainy jungle on the islands hosts a variety of endemic plants and bird species, and Bird Life International considers the area an important breeding area for seabirds.

Sir Peter Blake’s legacy of conservation initiatives is intended to make sure that the next generation treasures the islands as much as he did, according to Expedition program director Hannah Prior. “Sir Peter dedicated the latter part of his life to increasing the understanding of our fragile marine environment,” she said, “and he was a huge advocate for providing a chance for young people to reach their potential through challenging adventures.”

USA: Alaskan Plans Year Alone on Remote Island

Alexis — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:19:12 +0000

Within the frigid wilderness of America’s most northern state, one brave man is intending to strand himself on an uninhabited island and live like a hermit for a year.

(Latouche Island Historical Image)

For 17 years, oil company employee Charles Baird has harboured a usual dream; to strike out into Alaska’s forbidding wilds on his own, and test his limits with a modern-day “homesteading” experience. Much like the determined pioneers of yore, Baird will live largely without civilized conveniences and also telecommunications – he won’t even know the results of the upcoming American presidential election until six months after the winner has been determined. His only contact with the outside world will be one-way satellite uplink that will allow him to post Facebook updates.

Baird’s home for the next year will be a small plot of land he purchased on Latouche Island, which is located at the western entrance to Prince William Sound, in the southern part of Alaska. The island has a storied history, despite its current desolation; it was named by the famous Captain George Vancouver, and the globetrotting Captain James Cook was in the neighbourhood a decade previous. A copper mine kept the island populated with thousands of workers throughout the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, but a sharp drop in commodity prices after WWI led to the closure of the mine, and the settlement was quickly abandoned.

Now, Latouche has been reclaimed by endless forests, with little remaining of its once-bustling human presence. The occasional hunter may visit the island; however, Baird will likely spend most of his sojourn in a lonely silence. And if the solitude doesn’t bother him, there are plenty of other challenges – like the weather. The island falls along North America’s so-called “Wet Coast”, which, as part of a technical rainforest, has its name for a good reason. Latouche Island, according to local media reports, receives a staggering 70 inches of rain per year, plus snowfall that can range from 80-120 inches a season.

(Charles Baird, Alaskan Pioneer)

To protect himself from the elements, Baird plans to construct a small 12×12 residence, which will hopefully keep out some of the cold and dampness – not to mention the black bears that roam the region, which can weigh up to 550 pounds. Fortunately, he intends to be well-armed on the island, since hunting will be is primary source of food during his year as an intrepid pioneer. He will be bringing a few provisions with him, including building materials, a windmill, a large basket of grains, and 20 gallons of fresh water in case he hits a dry spell when he gets to the island.

In an interview with ABC News, Baird appeared optimistic, but he sounded cautious about the issues that will arise during his island adventure. “It’s meant to be as isolated as possible, that’s really the biggest challenge,” he said. “My main concern would be to make good decisions.” In preparation for his long period alone, he discussed his plans with two psychologists with expertise on human isolation. However, Baird will actually have some company to keep his spirits up– and just like the character played by Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway, his companion’s name is Wilson. Only for Baird, it’s a dog, who should be much better company than Hanks’ volleyball.

Europe: Irish Island on the Auction Block May 23rd

Alexis — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 +0000

An emerald isle near the quaint town of Kinsale is set to be sold via tender later this month, but as with many undeveloped islands in Europe, there is a catch.

(Island Image from www.corkcamera.com)

A small 18-acre island in County Cork is scheduled for a tender on May 23rd, by local estate agents and auctioneers Keane Mahony Smith. The last time Sandycove traded hands, it was for an impressive sum – more than €1 million – but that was in the boom years of the mid-2000’s. While no price has been listed by the auctioneers, media reports have suggested that the selling price this time around will likely be heavily discounted, and perhaps a quarter of what it fetched just a few years ago.

Times have certainly changed since the heady property market seen before the financial crash of 2008, and the prices of untouched islands in many regions have lowered dramatically. There are good reasons why this has occurred; one is that without readily available capital, the trend of “flipping” undeveloped islands from owner to owner for a quick profit died out, leaving some buyers holding the proverbial “hot potato” when the credit crunch hit.

Unfortunately, some of these islands fell under such strict environmental rules that development was either highly cost-prohibitive or outright impossible. Like many islands in Europe, this last catch applied to Sandycove – for ecological reasons, the construction of permanent buildings on the island would not be permitted. However, an article in the Irish Examiner did make mention of the fact that building underground could be a possibility – perhaps a private island bunker?

(Sandycove Island's shallow channel)

On the positive side, the island is blessed with both plentiful natural beauty and a rich history; Sandycove features a majestic rocky coast and the luminescent green foliage Ireland is famous for, and the inlet it sits in was the site of 17^th century battles between Spanish and British forces. The surrounding area has no shortage of interesting sights, like the nearby mainland hamlet of Sandy Cove, where James Joyce once took a holiday, and the quaint town of Kinsale, renowned for its colourful historic buildings and large sailing community.

Despite the building restrictions, it’s the uniqueness of the property and the sought-after area that may draw in interested bidders. While the island won’t be the site of a luxury island home, it may be an attractive spot for adventure camping, verdant grazing land for livestock, or an ideal place for avid boaters to drop anchor. Or, like one island recently sold up north in Scotland (link), Sandycove could make for a unique, envy-inducing burial plot!

Viewings can be made through the island’s agents, Keane Mahony Smith.

Phone:021-4270311

Location: Kinsale, Cork

Date: Wednesday May 23^rd, 3pm

Read more about this story in the Irish Examiner: Link

UK: £55,000 Scottish Island Bought for Romantic Burial Site

Alexis — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:56:12 +0000

After being struck with cancer, a teacher from Hertfordshire picked up a small uninhabited isle for a song, intending it to be the last resting place for him and his wife.

(Image of Mackenzie Island by Becky Williamson)

It was on the isle of Avalon, a place of tranquil beauty and filled with the apple trees from which it took its name, where the legendary King Arthur was said to have been lowered into the ground. Various places, like the Canary Islands and Glastonbury, have been suggested as the fabled “Isle of Apples”, but real proof of Arthur’s seaside gravesite has so far proven elusive. There will be no such confusion about the intended last address of Piers Casmir-Mrowczynski and his wife Pauline, however – Mackenzie Island is pretty easy to find on a map.

Perhaps inspired by the romantic notions of the Arthurian legend, the teacher from St. Albans had set about finding the perfect final home for him and Pauline, finally settling upon the idea of an island burial. He had been looking rather closer to his home in Hertfordshire , in the south of England, but as British isles proved too expensive, he expanded his search to Scotland. Eventually, just off the coast of Islay, facing out into the steely gray Atlantic, Piers found exactly what he was looking for – and at the right price, too.

Formerly owned by a successful French whisky distiller, Mackenzie Island was originally on the market for £90,000, but Piers was able to pick it up for a heavily discounted £55,000. The price seems quite reasonable, but of course, this is for an island with absolutely nothing on it aside from craggy rocks and grassland. One former owner used the island to graze cattle, which was a perfect fit, given that no fencing was required to keep them from running away!

(Eilean an Seamrag from www.vladi.de)

While this small and untouched – not to mention astoundingly cheap – Scottish isle may seem like an unusual offering, similar properties do appear on the market, according to Hamburg-based luxury real estate firm Vladi Private Islands. At just 3.9 acres and found to the east of the Isle of Skye, the tiny Eilean an Seamraig is on the market for a highly affordable £45,000 – perfect for anyone who may wish to follow in Piers’ footsteps.

There are reasons for the low price on Mackenzie Island – located in an area of special environmental protection, it’s unlikely that a cottage or other development would be permitted. On the plus side, however, there is potential for fun day-trips or camping – the island is quite close to amenities as it’s just across from the picturesque town of Portnahaven on Islay, and seals and other wildlife frequent the narrow channel in between. At over 42 acres, there is also ample space for what Piers intends to use it for.

He said in an interview with the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper that he hasn’t yet made the long trek to visit the island, he is thrilled at having bought it, and his children are excited, too. While it may seem like a bit of a morbid preoccupation, the schoolteacher’s search for a scenic burial place had its roots in his battle with cancer. Since he is now in remission, he intends to bring the family to visit the island a few times a year, despite the difficulty in getting there. “It’s not the easiest journey,” he said, “but after the difficulty of the last few years, it’s an adventure I look forward to.”

USA: Sugar Island Snapped Up for Detroit River Refuge

Alexis — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:41:21 +0000

A private island in Michigan’s Detroit River has been purchased by the government, but controversy is brewing over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s plans for its future.

(Detroit River Image by Mike Russell)

The Detroit River is now a rather scenic part of Michigan’s plentiful wilderness, despite being one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, and flowing past the state’s largest city and primary manufacturing centre. The river has come a long way since its notoriously chequered past; volumes of industrial and urban pollution dumped in the waterway since the early 20^th century had left it toxic and unsafe, but improved regulation and a cleanup effort mounted in recent years has made a dramatic difference in the river’s health.

Downriver of the city of Detroit, where the river feeds into Lake Erie, the joint American-Canadian Detroit River Refuge has undergone a preservation campaign to maintain the areas in and around the river, including the numerous islands scattered throughout its waters. It now controls a 20km square swath of land at the mouth of the lake, but is aiming to add another 50 square km through an aggressive purchasing program. Eventually, the organization intends to have the entire length of river from Detroit down to Lake Erie under its protection.

Most of the Refuge’s isles are small and uninhabited, but a few have interesting stories to tell; a couple of boulders peeking out of the water were once the 30-acre Mamajuda Island, virtually all of which was eroded and washed away – lighthouse included – by the 1950s. The larger Boblo Island was the site of many military adventures throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries, including an invasion by 60 Canadians during the War of 1812, and currently hosts the spooky ruins of an amusement park that closed in the 1930’s.

It was recently announced that the 30-acre Sugar Island has been added to the Refuge; it was purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from its Beverly Hills-based owner for the sum of US $434,100. This island has its own tales of a bygone era – much like Boblo Island, it was once home to an amusement park in the financial heydays of the early 19^th century, where a steam ferry, the SS Tashmoo, famously sunk into the river after departing Sugar Island’s docks. Nothing much remains on the island now, although it is beloved as a picnic and boating spot by local residents.

(Carnival Ruins on Boblo Island)

In fact, that is why the plans announced for Sugar Island have caused so much controversy. While the private owner didn’t seem to mind if people used the island for recreational purposes, the Fish and Wildlife Services have stated that it will be off-limits for most of the year. There is only one exception – during hunting season for waterfowl. “Hunting is a priority public use,” said Steve Dushane, assistant manager for the Refuge. The plan is to allow hunters use of the island during specific periods, while prohibiting other public uses.

The prospect of “No Trespassing” signs on Sugar Island’s shores has disappointed the many boaters and families who have been frequenting the island, albeit illicitly. However, local officials insist that they have good reasons for banning public use. Wild, alcohol-fueled parties on the island have been destroying its ecosystem with bonfires and mountains of trash, they said, and also leading to underage drinking, fist fights, and even instances of boats being set ablaze. “Although the decision to prohibit public use on the island will be controversial,” one official said, “our hope is that it will put an end to the unlawful activities.”

Read more about this story: The News Herald

Indian Ocean: One British Man’s £8,000 Seychelles Private Island

Alexis — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:20:47 +0000

On dreary days, many people fantasize about running away to their own tropical island – and a man from Yorkshire has managed to live that dream for the price of one luxury holiday.

(Image Courtesy of helicopterseychelles.com)

Set in the gorgeous sparkling waters of the Seychelles, Moyenne Island looks like wild and untouched paradise, brimming with lush jungle, lumbering tortoises and flocks of tropical birds. The island is, however, inhabited by more than flora and fauna – Moyenne is the permanent home of 86-year old Brendon Grimshaw, a former Yorkshire resident who first came to the remote island chain on holiday in the late 1950’s, and realized that he never wanted to leave.

Of course, most holidaymakers reluctantly drag themselves back to their quotidian jobs and lives, eagerly awaiting their next tropical vacation. Mr. Grimshaw, on the other hand, quickly set about making plans to escape the hectic lifestyle of the modern world for good. On the very last day of his trip, he heard about Moyenne – and after a quick visit, it was love at first sight. After a dinner with the island’s owner, a deal was made. It’s now been 50 years, and in spite of “blank cheque” offers from eager buyers like one Saudi prince, Mr. Grimshaw has no intention of leaving.

Despite the common perceptions of island living, it’s not as though Mr. Grimshaw spends all day lazing on the beach – creating a habitable environment out of Moyenne took some serious labour, and more than a few blisters. He does have some help with his work – his very own Man Friday, a local Seychellois by the name of Rene Lafortune, who helped him clear a living space, plant palm and fruit trees, and, most importantly, collect water. Without a running stream, water is an ever-present concern, and catching rainwater or lugging barrels from the mainland has been a top priority.

(Side View of Moyenne Island)

Adding to his busy schedule, Mr. Grimshaw also tends to a fleet of 120 endangered giant tortoises, gentle and long-living creatures who he knows by name. As reported in the UK’s Daily Mail, the visiting journalist spotted a sign outside the island’s simple wooden home; “Please respect the tortoises. They are probably older than you.” An avid conservationist, he has also helped thousands of birds, some rare in the wild or indigenous to the Seychelles, make Moyenne their home. Now a true Garden of Eden, Mr. Grimshaw intends for it to become part of a National Park after his passing.

Perhaps the most shocking element of Mr. Grimshaw’s story is that little Moyenne, sitting amid islands owned by billionaires and posh resorts frequented by royalty and Hollywood celebs, cost just £8,000, albeit in the 1960’s. It would cost roughly that much to rent a villa on North Island, the luxury resort chosen for by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the honeymoon, for a mere two nights. But the sizeable investment Mr. Grimshaw has made in the island has been one not primarily of money, but of his time, hard work, and plenty of love for Moyenne and its natural environment.

Indian Ocean: Maldives Island Resorts Sweep Condé Nast List

Alexis — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:14:50 +0000

With a new spate of accolades, it seems that the recent political turmoil in the small Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives hasn’t hurt its international reputation.

(Four Seasons Kudu Haraa/ www.vladi.de)

A mere few months ago, it seemed like the gorgeous tropical destination of the Maldives had a very uncertain future ahead of it. As reported previously in Private Island News (link), a shocking order to close down spas by the country’s President, Mohamed Nasheed, and then his equally unexpected forced resignation, caused rumours to swirl that booking agencies were receiving mass cancellations and that travel to these elite isles would grind to a halt. Fortunately for its many tony private island resorts, these dire predictions for Maldives tourism appear to have been nothing more than wild speculation.

Condé Nast’s prestigious “Gold List” for 2012 included three of the Maldives’ top private island resorts, adding to a pile of awards and accolades the country has received over the years. This year alone, it was named the “Best Dreaming Area” in the world by Japan’s renowned Dive and Travel Awards, and took the silver award for “Best Diving Area”. Lonely Planet magazine’s readers named a Maldives island resort as their top travel pick for 2012, and the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of the hospitality industry, have featured the country prominently in their nominees for this year’s event in December.

As for the discriminating tastes at Condé Nast, the three resorts on the Gold List all exemplify the perfect beauty and exquisite luxury the Maldives has to offer. Far from just being a sun-and-sand style holiday spot, many resorts strive to give visitors something a little more unique – in the case of Four Seasons Kudu Huraa, it was the delicious cuisine that won over Condé’s judges. The resort was awarded “Best for Food” by the magazine for its four excellent restaurants, which serve Italian, Indian, and Asian fusion dishes. Of course, given the resort’s location, freshly-caught seafood features prominently.

(One&Only Reethi Rah/ www.vladi.de)

The next category winner, for “Best Ambience and Design”, went to one of the Maldives’ most famous jewels, Soneva Gili by Six Senses. Surrounded by a vast lagoon of sparkling waters, this tiny coral isle packs a ton of luxury into its three acres. The whole resort was designed with the preservation of the surrounding environment in mind, and features three jetties lined with 45 deluxe overwater bungalows. Even the spa at this eco-friendly paradise floats above the sea, leaving plenty of space on land for nature.

In the more remote North Malé Atoll, a large island hosts One&Only Reethi Rah, the sprawling resort that took home the designation of “Best for Leisure Facilities” on the Gold List. With plenty to room to spread out, Reethi Rah’s 124 luxury villas, many with private pools, all offer supreme privacy whether facing out onto the white-sand beach or hovering above the sea on stilts. Activities at the resort include tennis, beach volleyball, diving and snorkelling, and exciting excursions to fish, cruise and explore local communities. Like the rest of the Maldives, it’s that special combination of glamour and nature that keeps luxury-seeking travellers coming back for more.

Read more about the Condé Nast Gold List winners: Link

Australia: Lindeman Island Sells at Discount to Chinese Firm

Alexis — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:48:29 +0000

One of numerous Australian private island resorts that have been put up for sale in recent years, the former Club Med property was just sold to a China-based company.

(Image Courtesy of Club Med)

The only Australian resort owned by France’s middle-market Club Med has just traded hands for a lower-than-expected AUS $12 million, according to media reports. An aging three-star facility in need of a significant capital investment, the resort closed on January 1^st, 2012 (link), and its brokers had been soliciting interest from a variety of different investment and hospitality firms, resulting in at least 200 inquiries and a dozen bids in the first offering alone. The successful bid came from White Horse Australia, a subsidiary of the China-based White Horse Investment Co.

The background of the purchaser will likely not come as a surprise to those who have been following the changing fortunes of Australia’s tourism industry, which has been actively courting foreign investment, especially from Asia. It may turn out to be a match made in heaven between Lindeman Island and White Horse chairman William Han, who has long promoted Australian products and businesses within China, fostering economic cooperation in diverse sectors like tourism, advertising, and mining. The sale has sparked hopes that Queensland’s lagging travel industry will be buoyed by an influx of Chinese investment.

Mr. Han said in a statement about the purchase that he intended to work hard to revive the ailing resort, which may not reopen for 12 months, or perhaps as long as several years. “White Horse is now examining how to reposition Lindeman as an attractive tourist destination, but the resort has been through some challenging times,” he said. “We are looking closely at a range of options to reinvigorate the island but it will take some time to assess the best way to move forward.”

It will take a large investment to transform Lindeman Island, but Mr. Han certainly acquired the property at a far friendlier price than Club Med, which had paid AUS $15 million for it in 1990, and spent millions more on upgrades. He also made it clear that any redevelopment would follow the eco-friendly trend in the region. “We are committed to resort developments that are in harmony with the natural landscape, with high environmental values,” he stated.

(Image Courtesy of Club Med)

As far as resort tourism is concerned, Queensland has had a rough go of it over the last few years, with a spate of natural disasters and a shaky economic climate resulting in empty hotel rooms throughout the state. White Horse’s Lindeman Island purchase is the first Queensland resort to be snapped up by a Chinese company, and may herald the start of a new era in tourism for the beleaguered region – after all, Asia is expected to account for more than half of Tourism Australia’s projected growth in the next ten years.

One of the brokers in charge of the sale, CBRE Hotel’s Wayne Bunz, is optimistic about Queensland’s future, and feels that its tourism slump has started to abate. ”Investors see that the leisure market has got over the worst and the recovery is starting to take place,” he said in a statement to The Australian newspaper. “The smart investors are the ones that are always ahead of the pack, and they are saying now is the time to buy.”

Read more about this story: The Australian