Island of your dreams, anyone?
The exquisite island paradise
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's sole private island, Piram, is an abode looking for new occupants to loiter away days in repose. The owner of Piram, Siddhrajsinh Raol, has been hunting for buyers who can develop the place into a sustainable human habitat, much like the high-priced islands that are homes of the super rich.
The use of non-conventional power, a museum to preserve and explore the natural history and an IT park, if the investors desire so, can be developed on this island, says Raol, who stays in Ahmedabad.
"We are looking for investors who do pollution-free business. I am quite sentimental about this place as our ancestor and ruler of the Bhavnagar state Mokhadaji Gohil had died while defending this strategically-located island against the Delhi sultanate in 1347," he says.
"There have been investors who would want sole ownership of the property but we foresaw that a single owner could exploit the place in future as Dahej special economic zone has come up in vicinity. There are enough chances that the island may turn into a ship yard or a jetty," says Raol, a farmer who also builds greenhouses for people.
Approaching the island
Raol is targeting the wealthy and famous people who buy islands because they crave seclusion.Nicholas Cage, Mel Gibson and Richard Branson are some of the high-profile figures who own private isle. Most buyers scoop up islands with the intent of living there part-time, but others buy with an intent of turning the place into a resort. For example, in 2005 Leonardo DiCapriobought the 104-acre Blackadore Caye in Belize for $1.75 million and plans to turn it into an eco-resort.
Ronde Island, Grenada, Caribbean ($ 100 million)
About 1,970 acres of the total 2,000 acres of this island was put on sale recently. There are a number of large bays for anchoring large yachts and several miles of beaches, which has a scope for waterfront development. The water around the island is so clear that one can see 100 feet deep in the sea to spot turtles. Just off the shore, there are also several underwater caves which are a repository of quartz crystals, which divers can explore.
Caye Chapel Resort, Belize ($65 million)
This private island boasts of an 18-hole golf course and a deep-water marina. There is almost five kilometers of beaches, an airstrip and an exquisite clubhouse with a large swimming pool. Owners and their guests stay in the eight villas here, each of these accommodations have two or three bedrooms. There are also 14,800 sq feet and two 1,500 sq feet casitas on the property. Apart from these there is a tennis court, basketball court, a volleyball court and three miles of jogging track.
Great & Little Hans Lollik Islands, Magen's Bay, USVI ($45 million for the pair)
This island is only accessible by boat or private jet. The major and adjoining minor islands aggregate to a total 610 acres and boast of pristine sands, punctuated with coconut trees and palms and nestled in crystal clear waters. Islands here have hilly terrain. There are secluded bays, a ready invitation for a swim and snorkeling.
Agria Trias, Athens, Greece ($28 million)
This island is at 90-minute drive or 10-minute helicopter ride from Athens. It has hundreds of olive and pistachio trees, and a variety of fruit trees such as pomegranate, apricot and peach. Other vegetation includes oleander and bougainvillea. There is a main house with four bedrooms. The island also boasts a staff house, a beach house, a church, three beaches and an outdoor dining area, which can accommodate 30 people.
Motu Tane, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
This private island boasts of just nine beach bungalows surrounded by coconut and palm trees. Each of the bungalows has its own private deck, a king-size bed and lone tub in the bath. Other facilities include great rooms for dining and entertaining and a library. The walls are decorated with a rare Polynesian art. The owners here enjoy scuba diving, shark feeding, horseback riding, canoeing, and windsurfing.
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