Latest news with #privateisland
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Inside entire private island which could be yours for £350,000
An entire private island has been listed for sale - and it could be yours for just £350,000. With its white sand beaches and clear blue water, Iguana Island is located 12 miles off the coast of Bluefields, Nicaragua. The five-acre volcanic island is lined with palm trees for 'maximum privacy' and listed at £350,000 ($475,000) on the website Private Island Inc. 'A rare chance to own your slice of tropical freedom—whether for private getaways, a boutique retreat, or the ultimate island escape,' the description reads. To get to the idyllic island, visitors must take a 45-minute plane from mainland Nicaragua to Bluefields before hopping on a boat. But its remote location does have some perks as it is located safely below the hurricane belt where temperatures rarely drop below 25 degrees Celsius. The current owner has placed Iguana Island on the market at a reduced rate due to a death in the family. However, it is stated that 'reasonable offers' will also be taken into consideration. For the small price tag, the new owner of Iguana Island will be given the keys to the main house featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms with pressurised faucets and toilets, a wraparound porch and a 'breezy' living and dining area equipped with a bar. There is also additional accommodation for staff, who are described as 'reliable' and 'longtime' residents of the island. Although Iguana Island is perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city; television, internet and cell service are available. 'A back-up generator, septic system and water catchment system add to the island's self-sufficiency,' the description adds. Those who are passionate about angling may well take a second look at this listing as this part of Nicaragua is known for its plentiful fishing spots. Fishermen can cast off the island's dock in the hopes of catching snapper, mackerel and even barracuda. Meanwhile, abundant tropical fish on the nearby coral reefs will appeal to snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Elsewhere on the island, its lucky new owner will find a 28-foot observation tower offering panoramic views across the Caribbean Sea. Although you have to take a 45-minute flight followed by a boat to reach Iguana Island, it is located safely below the hurricane belt with 'pleasant year-round temperatures' and 'a noticeable lack of biting insects'. Notably, the island has an area suitable for building a helipad, which would further reduce travel time. The listing also makes sure to point out that the Nicaraguan government do not tax foreign-sourced income, granting the new owner of the island a low cost of living. 'With its well-maintained infrastructure and small monthly maintenance fees, Iguana Island easily could be reimagined into a retreat for an organisation or transformed into a source of rental income with more competitive rates than other island areas of Nicaragua,' the description on Private Islands reads.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I've been to Royal Caribbean's private islands 3 times. It's no surprise the cruise line is taking nearly all its Caribbean sailings there.
I've been to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private resort three times over the years. Cruise lines are all in on these private island resorts: Passengers love them, and they're insanely profitable. Royal Caribbean is set to debut three new resorts through 2027. Royal Caribbean's land-based portfolio is growing alongside its famous fleet of cruise ships. Three new private ports in Mexico and the Bahamas are set to debut in the coming years alongside three new Icon Class ships At first glance, it may seem ironic for a vacation-at-sea company to invest millions into land-based destinations. But after visiting Royal Caribbean's land-based attraction for myself — three times — I can see exactly why they fit perfectly into the cruise giant's plans. To understand Royal Caribbean's real estate conquest, look at the accomplishments of its first private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in October 2024 that its continued success can be partly attributed to its highest-rated port, Perfect Day at CocoCay. I've visited the in-demand destination three times since 2022. It's no surprise the 5½-year-old Bahamian retreat has become the inspiration for the company's quickly growing private port-folio. I love the thrill of ultra-planned, stress-inducing travel — but I also love indulging and relaxing at the beach. This wasn't a physically exhausting or emotionally taxing trip. Visiting here is a mushy-brained break where I get to rot on the beach and indulge in frivolous luxuries like guiltless naps and sugary beverages. That about sums up why cruisers love Royal Caribbean's private island. Some travelers criticize CocoCay for being an inauthentic Bahamian experience. That may be true in some cases, but was also never its promise. The island was designed as an extension of Royal Caribbean's ships — a beach resort on steroids. CocoCay is for people who crave the conveniences of an all-inclusive resort: secure confinement, glittery beaches, and plenty of snacks The island has options for every type of traveler. And much like going on a cruise, there's no need for planning as part of your visit (save for excursions like entry to its beach clubs). It's all set out for you. For kids, CocoCay has a waterpark, a zipline, a water playground, and easygoing activities like ping-pong tables. For adults, the island has two pool clubs: a boozy Vegas-style party at Hideaway Beach and a pricier high-end retreat at Coco Beach Club. For traditionalists seeking a no-frills beach day, CocoCay's sandy waterfront is lined with innumerable lounge chairs and slow-sloping banks. The island feels relatively safe. Several popular cruise ports are in destinations where the US Department of State has issued travel advisories, such as Mexico's Ensenada, Baja (Level 3 — "reconsider travel" ) and Manzanillo, Colima (Level 4 — "do not travel"). The agency also suggests travelers "exercise increased caution" when visiting the Bahamas, home of CocoCay. The island felt like one of the safest places I've recently visited. CocoCay is only accessible by Royal Caribbean Group's ships. As such, the only people there are its staff and the ship's crew and guests. My biggest fear there? Getting a sunburn. That's great news for concerned parents traveling with children or folks who may have read one too many cruise-related horror stories. That means it's a proverbial goldmine for Royal Caribbean. Travelers love splurging during their daylong visit. The island doesn't require third-party excursion operators, allowing Royal Caribbean to maximize profits from activities. Sections like the waterpark and beach clubs cost money to enter, from about $100 per person for the former to upward of $300 for Coco Beach Club. Free parts of the island also have rentals, such as snorkeling equipment and costly cabanas. Expect more opportunities to spend big at Royal Caribbean's coming properties. Liberty told analysts in 2024 that the cruise giant is "very mindful of having sizable significant returns" as it relates to its private properties. (It recently acquired the land for Perfect Day Mexico for $292 million.) The company is using what it learned from CocoCay to design the Mexico location, which would also have free and paid amenities. The same can't be said for the coming Royal Beach Club Collection. The inaugural Paradise Island resort will accommodate about 4,000 guests a day. All would have to pay to enter, which would it a strong revenue driver. For travelers, CocoCay is convenient, safe, amenity-rich, and beloved. For Royal Caribbean, the island is a source of demand and increased revenue. These private ports are a win-win all around, although competition could soon be stiff. Carnival Corp is also racing to expand its private port portfolio. The competing cruise giant plans to debut its $600 million private resort, Celebration Key, in 2025 and expand its existing private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, in 2026. It's already selling 2026 itineraries that include both destinations, starting at about $350 per person for a four-day sailing. Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas, is currently in the middle of an upgrade. The company is building a new pool and pier to keep up with all the competition for private resorts. Read the original article on Business Insider Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Bridgewater exec is still trying to sell his private island. He cut its price — and threw in a mainland house with a dock.
Bridgewater Associates' Greg Jensen has relisted his private island, Rogers Island, for $30 million. Part of the Thimble Islands, it has a 10-bedroom home and a pro golfer-designed putting green. Jensen cut $5 million off the price and threw in a mainland house to make boating to the island easier. Even private islands come with problems. One is the hassle of ferrying family members, guests, and goods back and forth from the mainland. The new $30 million listing for Rogers Island off the coast of Connecticut, owned by Bridgewater Associates' co-chief investment officer Greg Jensen, offers a solution. The island, which is $5 million cheaper than when it first listed last year, comes with a five-bedroom home on the mainland that has a private dock. "This gives you the perfect launching point to get to the island," said Leslie McElwreath, of Sotheby's, who now has the listing with her colleague Joseph Barbieri. Typically, Rogers and other nearby islands, all part of the Thimble Islands, are serviced by a public ferry that makes multiple stops throughout the day. Now, Rogers Islands' new owner can get to the island directly and seamlessly. Property records show Rogers Island was purchased by an LLC for $21.5 million in 2018; The Wall Street Journal later identified Jensen as the buyer. Jensen first listed the island in June of 2024 for $35 million. Rogers Island has multiple houses, a pool, a tennis court, and a putting green designed by famed golfer Jack Nicklaus. The New York area's financial elite have long had trophy homes in Connecticut. Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio and hedge fund boss Steve Cohen own palatial estates in Greenwich, which is a ferry ride and 60 miles from the Thimble Islands. Take a look around Rogers Island. Rogers Islands is part of the Thimble Islands, a smattering of 365 tiny islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut, in the Long Island Sound. A 1.1-acre property on nearby Potato Island sold for over $4 million in 2020. In 2017, eight of the islands were listed altogether for $50 million, the New Haven Independent reported. The main house on Rogers Island was built in 1902. The home is perched on a bluff 45 feet above sea level. The sprawling mansion totals 8,746 square feet. Jensen renovated the main house in 2024, adding Calacatta marble countertops, luxury kitchen appliances, and a new wet bar. The main house has 10 bedrooms. The main house also has six bathrooms and two half-bathrooms. Rogers Island also has a four-bedroom guesthouse, an artist's studio, a tennis court, and a pool. The artist's studio has its own outdoor shower. The pergola beside the pool is intended for seaside dining. There is also island-wide internet access. Many of the island's 7.7 acres are meticulously landscaped. There are three private beaches on the island. The putting green was designed by famous golfer Jack Nicklaus. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus won 18 major championships throughout his career and now runs a successful course-designing business. The mainland house last sold for $4.3 million on its own, according to McElwreath, the listing agent. The mainland home with a dock allows for easy boat parking and direct access to Rogers Island. The house, which last traded hands for $4.3 million, is now a deal-sweetener of sorts for the $30 million private island. Read the original article on Business Insider
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Watch the moment Virgin Island stars demonstrate raunchy intimate act – leaving one Islander breaking down in tears
IT is one of Channel 4's most daring shows yet as the broadcaster recruits 12 virgins who are all on a mission to finally lose their virginity. The first episode of the programme makes it debut on Channel 4 this Monday evening and promises to shock viewers with its raunchy content as well as its heart-warming stories from the 12 virgins opening up on camera for the first time. 6 6 6 But one eye-popping scene on the first day of the experiment, set in a luxury villa on a private island in Croatia, sparks a reaction that nobody saw coming. As the 12 virgins gather with the sexperts for the first time, The Sun's exclusive first-look clip at the series premiere shows how 23-year-old Emma is left in floods of tears as she watches them demonstrate some intimate acts. In the clip, leading expert Celeste demonstrates the "against the wall" technique that gets hearts racing and eyes fluttering. She tells the virgins that she hopes during the experiment they will be able to reach a position where they can partake in such acts. Calling upon one of her fellow experts, Celeste then pulls him in close to her body as she begins breathing heavily. He places his hand on her chest as he walks her back and presses her up against a wall. They then look into each other's eyes as Celeste begins to make more intimate noises as her fellow expert raised her hand above her head. The virgins can be seen looking around the room at one another - desperate not to make eye contact. Emma has a deeper reaction as she begins to sob whilst sat on the floor and watching Celeste take part in the racy demonstration. She is unable to hold back her tears as her face crumbles at the sight of Celeste's antics. Channel 4's shocking new show that sees contestants lose virginity has release date confirmed - and it's just days away When asked about her reaction, Emma says: "I feel quite uncomfortable watching that, to be honest." In a piece to camera, Emma opens up more about her insecurities and the way she was feeling as she admits that she fears no one will find her attractive based on her looks. She says: "When I was growing up, I would always get labelled as the DUFF - the designated, ugly, fat friend. "So, I would always believe that I was ugly. "I think that there is a lot I need to work on." Virgin Island will see the 12 singletons go on a journey of self-discovery as well as hoping they form connections and explore their sexual desires. With research by University College London showing that 1 in 8 26-year-old are still a virgin, compared to 1 in 20 in previous generations, the show will explore why more adults than ever are waiting longer before having sex. Amid a desire to free themselves of the stigma of being a virgin, the 12 Islanders will be hoping that sparks fly, confidence grows and that things may even go bump in the night! Virgin Island airs Monday night at 9pm on Channel 4. 6 6 6
Arabian Business
06-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai private island Swedish Beach Palace opens for exclusive bookings
Sweden Beach Palace, an ultra-luxury private island destination developed by Kleindienst Group, has officially opened for bookings. Located within The World Islands project, the venue is now available for exclusive events ranging from weddings and corporate retreats to brand launches and high-profile celebrations. With only nine palatial beachfront homes on the island – each exceeding 21,000 square feet – the property blends Scandinavian architectural elements with Middle Eastern touches. Interiors are furnished by Bentley Home, and each palace includes seven bedrooms, a rooftop terrace, private infinity pool, and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can arrive by private yacht or chartered boat, with the venue accommodating up to 300 people across its indoor and outdoor spaces. Amenities include Michelin-level catering, an on-site spa featuring a snow room, and full-service event planning and concierge services. 'We have created something incredibly rare with Sweden Beach Palace,' said Sneden Lobo, Director of Events. 'It's luxurious, yes, but it's also deeply personal. It's for people who want to celebrate life's big moments in a setting that feels entirely their own.' Part of The Heart of Europe development by Kleindienst Group, the venue emphasises sustainability alongside exclusivity. According to the company, its eco-conscious design and commitment to privacy have already made it a preferred choice for celebrities, luxury brands, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
