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GETAWAYPRIVATE ISLANDS

30 INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

dream islandsFind out what exclusive, ultra-luxurious, dreamyprivate-island lifestyle is all about. You can be certainthey offer much more than just the deep end of the ocean

The world's richest person and Microsoft Chairman andChief Executive, Bill Gates, is not known to own his ownisland but has stayed in Grand Bogue Caye, the largestprivate island in Belize, which is priced at $25 millionand has 314 acres and long stretches of pristine beach

ESCAPEPRIVATE ISLANDS


31June 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

LL BUREAU

EXUBERANT DANCERS, 500 cases of vintage Pol Roger champagne,

caviar and exotic seafood celebrating a European billionaire’s birthday

party taking place on a private island in the Maldives, where the guest

list includes George Michael and Jennifer Lopez. Such iconic images of

island excesses continue to attract public attention, while luxury seekers

continue, in turn, to look for even more remote and opulent hideaways.

And now, this dream is coming true for many, with people making

ever-new lifestyle choices. The aura that a mere mention of St. Kitts

used to create is now within reach of the growing tribe of the rich. You

can be one of hundreds of A-list celebrities arriving at Male airport for

instance pushing Louis Vuitton luggage, before being taken by

seaplane to a perfect Maldivian island resort.

So, what draws people to islands? It is, of course, the idea of getting

away from it all. The blue expanse, bordered by white sands and

swaying palms is a theme that never stops to thrill. But today, it is so

much more than that. The time and space that it gives couples who

lead busy lives cannot be underestimated. Hours of doing nothing

but staring into the blue, till you feel like a crab yourself, are moments

that define an island experience. But there’s much more than merely

deep sea gazing. Most private islands offer visitors a wealth of activities

that make for memorable lifetime experiences.

Take the famed twin island paradises of St. Kitts and Nevis, where

uninhabited jungles clothe the steep slopes of dormant volcanoes,

fringed by sandy tropical beaches. You can enjoy moonlight and soft

music, dinner at a Caribbean waterfront cafe or an elegant cliff-top

restaurant. You're staying in a private Caribbean beach villa, with your

own sauna and whirlpool, and champagne service at your call.

The island is yours to explore. Moving through the glorious days,

you can enjoy championship golf, cricket on the green, horse racing

at the savana, paraglidging, sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkelling,

sunset cruises or take to the sky with a helicopter ride. You can get in

touch with your inner self with a guided hike on a trail through the

rainforest and up steep ravines to the volcanic rim of Mount Liamuiga.

See Ospreys, frigate and other magnificent birds that rest in Barbados




on their long migration flights. See hawksbill, leatherback and green

turtles laying eggs along the beach. Learn about costal tides and life

along the Caribbean sea shore and island coral reefs.

The sun blesses the Mediterranean islands of Cyprus, home to the

most upmarket island hideaways. Living on an island in the Cyprus

offers an altogether different experience. You are not only surrounded

by the blue Mediterranean Sea and the mountains with spectacular

views, the unique villages also offer an unforgettable experience that

keeps you coming back for more. There’s water sports, walking and

hiking during the warm weather and skiing in the cooler months, and a

rich history worth exploring.

A perfect getaway in the Fiji Islands? This is the place to relax and

energise with fresh fruits and punches, ice packs and yoga, aromatherapy,

massage and meditation, acupuncture, or a private gourmet dinner on a

star-lit beach. Just breathing in Fiijian air exhilarates your soul. You can



A recent ad by Queensland Tourism seeking acaretaker for Hamilton Island with a pay of$150,000 dubbed it as "the best job in theworld". Best job or not, getting away to an

island far from the madding crowd figures onmost people’s list of top-ten dreams

either pack your swimsuit with your lap-top or get ready to do business

in the sea on an exclusive island, which is hi-tech and connected while

giving you a perfect hideaway retreat. You can also virtually vanish into

thin air at a quiet island, which proclaims: no news or shoes, you’re here

to chill out...even your cellphone won’t work here.

One of the few island experiences impossible to beat is to be found

on Faafu Atoll, 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé. The Rania is hidden

from the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean. From tip to toe, the

island is just 0.7 kilometre long, 0.5 kilometre wide and covers just seven

acres. It lies just 122 kilometres south of Male International Airport and is

the only one of its kind in Asia. This private residence is on the edge of the

seaplane fly zone and offers its guests total privacy and laidback luxury–

with only the fish and stars for company.

The stay is so private, exclusive and unique that you will find a private

island sanctuary all to yourself, as well as your own 86-foot yacht with a

crew, butlers and a team of chefs. It comes complete with superb

accommodation–both on the island and on board–a spa, a bar on the

water’s edge and gourmet cuisine prepared at any time of the day.

Cruise the Maldives and return to the seclusion of the island at

your leisure. Explore world-class dive sites with the island’s own

instructor, or go big-game fishing. Indulge in relaxing and pampering

spa therapies, then, dine wherever you wish.

The term “private island” is not only a tropical paradise lush with

palms; it can mean a remote archipelago that can only be reached by

plane, then car, then boat; or an estate close enough to help you

commute to work.

But visiting an island is altogether different from and

renting one out for your own. There’s an element of




fantasy to having your own private island, especially given the prices. Though

pocket-sized properties without beaches in dubious or chilly parts of the world

can be had for as little as $200,000, private islands are increasingly rare. "Islands

are very scarce, the good ones," says Farhad Vladi of the international brokerage

firm Vladi Private Islands in Hamburg, Germany.

ISLOMANIACSCeline Dion owns Île Gagnon, QuebecThe towering French-style chateau on this quiet island is all that people know about it.Leonardo DiCaprio owns Blackadore Cay, BelizeLeonardo DiCaprio purchased his 104-acre Belizean isle for a reported $1.75 million. He intendsto convert it into a landmark example of sustainable development, with a resort and eco-tours.Mel Gibson owns Mago Island, FijiJoining other Fijian island owners like the billionaire founder of Red Bull Energy Drinks, theAustralian actor purchased the 5,400-acre Mago Island in 2005 for a reported US $9 million. Apartfrom a modest personal residence, the island is in its pristine state.Nicholas Cage owns Leaf Cay, BahamasReportedly purchased for US $3 million, it’s now back on the market and could be yours for US$7million.Johnny Depp owns Little Halls Pond Cay, BahamasJohnny Depp’s haven is in the Bahamas, which he reportedly bought for US $3.6 million to enjoywith his family. The actor announced recently that his island will be run exclusively on solarpower. He is reported to refer to his little piece of paradise as “F**k Off Island”Marlon Brando owns Tetiaroa Atoll, French PolynesiaMarlon Brando loved the still waters and swaying palms of Tetiaroa, his South Pacific retreatwhich was not simply an island, but an entire atoll–more than 580 hectares spread over 13 islands.The atoll was recently purchased by hotelier Tahiti Beachcomber SA.


ISLAND HOTSPOTSHvar, Adriatic SeaAn emerging stunner in the Adriatic Sea is the Croatian islandof Hvar. Close by are other sun-drenched havens, whichencourage island hopping on the Dalmatian archipelago.Try out Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, or the moresporty Brac, the vivacious Vis, or the lovely Sveti Klementislands.Ibiza, SpainThe famous island of Ibiza located in the Mediterranean Seaabout 80 kilometres off the coast of Spain is well known forits summer club parties. It offers non-stop partying if that iswhat you want, or disappear into remote resort retreatswhere your privacy is guarded.Mykonos, GreeceMykonos, the Greek island, is renowned for its cosmopolitancharacter and intense nightlife. It offers white sunshine, bluebays, clear air and all the luxury activities you may want to optfor, or even opt out of.Musha Cay, Exuma Cays, the BahamasYou'll have to be friendly with the magician and ownerDavid Copperfield to visit this island, but once you've arrived,you'll never want to leave. Comprising four private islands,137 kilometres southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas, themini-archipelago offers some of the best diving anywhere.Huvafen Fishi, MaldivesA waking dream and set within its own lagoon, HuvafenFushi Maldives is a pristine island resort offering 43 naturally-modern bungalows. It is also home to the world's firstunderwater spa.Mustique, West IndiesThere's a good reason why rock stars and royal familymembers jet across the globe to vacation on the privateisland of Mustique. The 1,400 acres of tropical paradise, withaquamarine surf and pristine white beaches, will cast a spellon you.Turtle Island, FijiRecognized as the site of the Blue Lagoon film, starring BrookeShields, the Turtle Island is legendary for even more reasons.From hydroponic and organic vegetable gardens to 500,000trees planted over 30 years to being a hyper-romantic,gorgeous destination, Turtle Island has dozens of privatebeaches and a stunning resort comprising eco-friendly villas.Bermuda, North Atlantic OceanBermuda's mix of colonial-style architecture and paradisiacalsettings has attracted the rich for years. Enjoy Bermuda's pink-sand beaches, amber sunsets and green gardens.Barbados, CaribbeanThe island is completely flat, meaning luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants are a plenty along its white-sandcoastline. The Sandy Lane Luxury Golf & Spa Resort at St.James was the much-publicised wedding venue for TigerWoods, a few years back.Cocoa Island, MaldivesIf Robinson Crusoe had hung out with Kevin McCloud andGiorgio Armani instead of Man Friday, his desert islanddwelling would probably have looked a lot like Cocoa Island.The individual over-water villas have soothing white-on-white interiors and teak flooring. The scuba diving here isterrific, and after an afternoon of reef watching, you cansoothe away any aches and pains in the world-class ComoShambhala Spa.Mnemba Island, Indian OceanThe secret is out about Mnemba. Although quite near Zanzibar,Mnemba Island is about as far from civilization as you're everlikely to get, with only 10 beachside lodges, each with theirown verandahs overlooking white beaches, blue waters andglowing sunsets. The island is just one mile in circumference,with a conservation barrier that protects the coral reefs, giantturtles, ghost crabs and tropical fish surrounding it.Cousine Island, SeychellesIn the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, there is an islandlike no other, where nature thrives and man is just a silentobserver. Part-luxury resort and part-nature reserve,Cousine Island is just 62 acres in size and can only be reachedby a helicopter.

Necker Island is one of the most famous among the privately-owned Caribbean

islands, as it is the much-publicised private island paradise of Sir Richard Branson, the

CEO of the Virgin Group of Companies; Branson naturally had to choose the British

Virgin Islands to have his own holiday pad. All of 74 acres, Necker can house 28 guests in its

nine bedrooms located in the Great House and the five private Balinese houses. If one wishes,

one can hire Necker Island for exclusive use. And if you are planning to just make a

getaway to an island paradise sitting in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs

and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches, you can book individual rooms for

singles or couples during the Celebration Weeks and enjoy the fabulous island paradise

in ‘house party’ style.

The Indian Ocean, too, offers numerous options for an island getaway. Dhoni Mighili,

located in Ari Atoll in the Maldives, is a gorgeous island located southwest of the capital

Male. A 30-minute seaplane flight from the capital over the necklace of atolls glistening

in the Indian Ocean leads you to Dhoni Mighili. It happens to be the only island in the

Maldives that can be booked exclusively by an individual, or a group. Once on the

island, there are plenty of activities you can indulge in–there’s scuba diving, water

sports, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. A 68 feet luxury cruiser offers

private excursions that include sunset fishing and deserted island snorkelling. There’s an

inhouse bar where guests can help themselves to a fine selection of champagnes and

wines. The island spa’s philosophy revolves around nature-friendly therapies, with

internationally-trained therapists imparting the treatments.

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