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Caribbean Houses: History, Style & Architecture

Filed under: Decor, Estates, Journeys, Books


West Indian decorative arts scholar Michael Connors presents a lavishly illustrated and comprehensive history of architecturally significant dwellings and estates in the West Indies in his beautiful new book Caribbean Houses from Rizzoli. The book is divided into five chapters, one for each European heritage that brought their own influences and designs to the region: the Spanish, Dutch, English, French, and Danish. In addition to the gorgeous photographs done exclusively for the book, Connors discourses on the area's rich architecture and interior design history, and gives the reader a "unique view of houses that combine the tradition of European styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs." The featured islands include: The Spanish Antilles – Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic; The Dutch Leewards – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao; The English Islands – Barbados, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts; The French Lesser Antilles – Martinique; and The U.S. Virgin Islands (formerly Danish) – St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Luxury Homeowners Dream Of An Island Home


Recently Lisa mentioned the long list of celebrities who own private islands. It turns out that having a home on an island is the popular dream of those who have already invested $1 million on their primary residence. The 2008 Coldwell Banker Previews International Luxury Survey polled 305 U.S. homeowners whose primary residence is valued at more than $1 million and found that 27% of the respondents said their dream home would be on an island, followed by 22% who dream of a rural setting and 18% who chose suburbs or an international destination. The survey also revealed that the majority of homeowners already have designer kitchens (60%), 47% have custom home entertainment systems, 33% have indoor gyms and 31% have wine cellars. An overwhelming majority (95%) say landscapers are a must and 62% said housekeepers are essential. Those services might be harder to get on an island, depending of course, on the size of the island. For a look at an island home, check out our estate of the day later today on Tybee Island in Georgia.

Celebrities Who Own Private Islands

Filed under: Estates


While reading my morning guilty-pleasure blog, Celebritology, I came across a post that referred readers to All Property Management, which recently listed, in its blog section, a number of celebs who own islands, along with a few details about each island. With the way the press hounds celebs, no wonder they want to get away from it all. According to the post, private islands really cost (um, we knew that), with the owner buying the land, supplying their own water and electricity, creating a waste disposal system and building a dock or an airstrip. Also, don't forget security -- if you're off filming or do-gooding or having twins in France, you can't leave the island unattended.

Here's the list of celebs the post cited as island-owners: John Lennon, Marlon Brando, Mel Gibson, Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Gene Hackman, Robin Williams, Tony Curtis, Richard Branson, David Copperfield, Leonardo DiCaprio and Athena Onassis. See the gallery for a few of these retreat spots.

The Best Island Getaways: Vote for Your Favorite!

Filed under: Journeys


For some, reading about the latest island vacation hot spots and hearing other people's opinions about how it does or doesn't meet their expectations and stack up to the competition is where it ends, but for others that's just the first step -- after reading they actually head out and go there to see for themselves. If that's you, then here's the perfect way to weigh in your own opinions on something someone else will read before they book a flight: Concierge.com's "Vote for your favorite" island getaways. You can vote for your favorites, "sink" the ones you hated, and even submit a location or two of your own. It's fast, anonymous, and free, so there's no reason you shouldn't pop over and see what's topping the list!

Buy a Private Island

Filed under: Journeys

When you're in the market for a private island, there is more to consider than just location. The expense and availability of transportation, supplies and housing all can impact where you ultimate decide to go. But with what might just we the world's smallest private island, you can bring the island to you. In fact, you can put it in your yard or even your office. The island is equipped with two realistic, 2-meter high palm trees, and is just the right size for a double hammock (included). It can withstand all weather conditions, though you might want to secure it during hurricane season if the storms impact your area. The trees have an integrated misting mechanism concealed amongst the coconuts that will help to keep you cool on hot days, too. The only downside is, of course, that a private beach is not included. Price: $8,280.

The Best Islands in the World and When to Go

Filed under: Journeys

Conde Nast Traveler has a brilliant piece this month for those who love to - or want to - island hop. As they point out, at any given moment, some island, somewhere in the world, is at its peak. The trick to having a great island experience is knowing when it is and getting there at that time. To facilitate this, the article lists 72 gorgeous islands and, sorting by month, identifies the best times to hit their shores based on criteria that include weather, water conditions and local festivals, in addition to gorgeous wildlife and scenery. There are too many to list them all here, so do check out the full list, but these are our favorites for each month:

  • January: Cebu, Philippines; Djenné, Mali
  • February: Langkawi, Malaysia
  • March: Benguerra, Mozambique; the Maldives
  • April: Corfu, Greece; Fiji
  • May: Java, Indonesia; Mauritius
  • June: Capri; Galápagos, Ecuador
  • July: Bornholm, Denmark
  • August: Île Sainte Marie, Madagascar
  • September: Cook Islands
  • October: Cristalino Island, Brazil; Seychelles
  • November: Big Island of Hawaii; Gozo, Malta
  • December: Cyprus; Phuket, Thailand

The Rania Experience

Filed under: Journeys

The Rania Experience is one of the most exclusive, luxury vacations you can take, set around a private resort that only accommodates nine guests at a time. Rania is the name of and 86-foot yacht that carries guests smoothly through the waters of the Maldives to the 7-acre Water Garden Island. It is also used to provide cruises to nearby islands, taking guests through some of the most pristine waters and beautiful beaches in the world. Vacationers can divide their time between land and sea and there is plenty to occupy the time, and though complete relaxation is an option, there are myriad activities offered.

Thatch Cay U.S.V.I. Update

Filed under: Estates

Our readers are the most astute people out there. Apparently, my previous article was slightly inaccurate. Vladi Private islands is not an authorized agent selling my little paradise in the Virgin Islands. The island is still for sale, but at a small price increase and from only 3 official agents.. There is even a fantastic website promoting the island from one of the principals. Check it out and you should be totally convinced that you need this island.

Thatch Cay U.S.V.I.

Filed under: Estates

While recently in the Virgin Islands, I came across a delightful piece of real estate just north of the island of St. Thomas. Thatch Cay is a 230 acre island between St. Thomas and St. John that is completely undeveloped and waiting for the right buyer to come and snatch her up. With 5 miles of shoreline and elevations up to 500ft, the island would make a lovely vacation getaway. Right now, there are no docks or landing areas on the island so, development would be entirely at your discretion. Personally, I envision a James Bond villain-type compound complete with shark tank and inept henchman.


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