Buy An Island, Build A Vacation Destination: 5 Islands Worth Buying Right Now

by Willy Volk on

What I love about living in South Florida:
* I live 1 mile from the beach.
* Year-round warm weather.
* Lotsa sun.

What I hate about living in South Florida:
* Pretty much everything else.

If I win the lottery, I would keep this home, buy an island, renovate it into a ultra-laid back beach bungalow hideaway, invite chilled-out people to come enjoy it with me, and drink sundowners all day long. Naturally, I’d still write for Gadling, because the praise I receive as a result of my work here is a currency with infinite value.

Anyway, here are 5 islands that would be on the top of my list for purchase:

Mystery Cay
Located 8 miles north-east of Dangriga, Mystery Cay is a mere 10-20 minute wind-in-your-face boat ride from Belize’s coast. Included in the $725,000 purchase price are a number of mangrove islets, plenty of flat surfaces for building on, and perhaps some of the clearest water on the planet. The coral reef (second in size only to Australia’s) is only 4 miles away, which means that you could easily construct the Mystery Cay Dive Resort — “where great diving is no mystery.” I like it. I like it a lot.



Leaf Cay
Though perhaps the water surrounding the Bahamas’ Leaf Cay isn’t quite as gin-and-tonic-clear as that surrounding Mystery Cay, the benefit of this island is that it’s already developed. In addition to the island’s 1500-foot-long private runway, Leaf Cay boasts already-installed freshwater wells and underground cisterns, and hookups with Bahamas Electricity Corporation. Moreover, the island has 19 buildings (including a main residence, guest quarters, office, and various storage buildings), not to mention a boat dock and a tiki hut. A tiki hut! Situated in the chain of islands south of Eleuthera, Leaf Cay would make an excellent resort for serious anglers. Interested? Luxist points out that the auction for the property is June 28; the starting bid is $12 million.



Melody Key
If the other islands are too far away for you, then you might want to consider Florida’s Melody Key. Owned by Nick Hexum — lead singer for 311 — the $10 million island comes with a fully-furnished 3-story house, two boats, and a canal lot on the mainland, which is only one mile away. Formerly known as Money Island — after the pirate booty that was reportedly stashed on its shores — the island retreat would make an excellent base for people wishing to take canoe trips out among the mangroves; anglers who want somewhere special to dangle their worms; or anybody who loves boating.

Kwaikans Island
Located in British Columbia’s Queen Charlottes/Haida Gwaii, Kwaikans Island may not be much to look at, but when you consider that the island lies in protected waters; sports two natural harbors; has fresh water; features approximately 1.7 million cubic feet of standing timber; and boasts an old crown grant to “low tide mark” for easy access and development, suddenly Kwaikans sounds like a dream. Ideal for a wilderness retreat with its excellent hunting and fishing, or for a fishing shack for gathering the local shrimp and crab available in the bay, the site might also make a nice retreat for avid whale watchers. Asking price: $2.8 million.

Dunbar Rock Villa
Located in Honduras, Dunbar Rock Villa reputedly hides some of Blackbeard’s buried treasure, so investing may make you even wealthier. Teetering atop this rock pinnacle, the bedrooms of the resort are so close to the water, that you can fish out your window. Located only 10 minutes from Guanaja Airport and only a 2-hour flight from Houston, Dunbar Rock Villa is the ideal place for a dive resort.



What are you waiting for? Call your friends, pool your money, and build your own resort destination!

Other island-y goodness:

Haiti Part 6: A Few Last Words

by Adrienne Wilson on


Writing about my weekend fun and time spent in Haiti has been one of the most difficult dispatches to date. I spent a good number of hours in the country trying to come to terms that this magical western portion of Hispaniola was not living up to all the negative hype too often attached to the greater Haiti. On my plane back to the states I thought deeply about what I might want to tell everyone back home of the experience, of the people encountered and of the picklese I tasted on my last day. Part of me felt as though I should withhold the details of the paradise that is Jacmel as a reward to self for being “brave” enough to fly into one of the so-called “Most Dangerous” countries with one of the most unpredictable political climates. Even before I boarded my flight back I surprised many in the line waiting by telling them I had gone down to Jacmel. They were curious to know how I had found out about the area and I suppose they’ll be curious to know how you discovered the sometimes out-of-hand / many times peaceful and real Haiti when you arrive one day.

I do not believe travel to Haiti is built for all tourists and vacationing folks, just as I believe Bangkok, Paris, London and Rome travel is not meant for all and everyone. This could very well be my lame attempt in keeping the quiet beaches of Jacmel, Ti Mouillage, Kabik and Marigot quiet long enough for me to squeeze in another visit or two before they become the Caribbean’s next hot destination. However, I do believe the country is ready to welcome and receive visitors and is in need of tourism to help rebuild economy and to hopefully provide more jobs for the people of Haiti. If you are ready to ride the tap-taps in Port-au-Prince, try the food in Carrefour, dance like you’ve never danced before to the sounds of new and old Kompa or spend a day splashing in some of the coolest clearest Caribbean waters then you may already be ready to book a flight.

There are a few things you must keep in mind though. In all my good words about the country there is no denying that Haiti is still a very poor place. I witnessed the highest level of poverty my eyes I have ever laid sight on in driving through the capital. Public sanitation and restroom facilities can be a hard finds depending which direction you are headed. You will see many men peeing on the streets and if you’re a woman you may have to find a bush along your drive down to the beaches should you have to ‘go.’ Trash can be found scattered in many places and a heavy rain can bring it all into the muddy streets. You will see UN peace keepers with guns, but like it was told to me before I left on my trip: “You will not see gunfire. It is not like the situation in Iraq.” You will not see people carrying machetes unless you’re in the country and you will not need to pack one of your own. You will want to watch what you drink and eat. And if you are truly set on visiting someday plan on learning a little Kreyól if you don’t already speak French.

I’m not West Indian, but I feel very comfortable in the islands. My travel to Haiti was fashioned a little differently than I would go about most trips for a small handful of reasons. While I always try to make an effort, I speak only ‘tou-pa-ti’ or a little Kreyól and my French gets worse. Plus, there aren’t many updated guidebooks or enough online information to lead me around the volatile city that is Port-au-Prince on my own. These two things made it so I hired a driver and a translator along with the rental car for my three day sprint. As it turned out their company was nice to have and they told me many things about life in the country and helped me learn more of the lives of other Haitians through their translating. With my two-middle men or people, I didn’t feel a close, warm personal connection to the people as I might have if I spoke more of the language on my own, but that is something that can be fixed in time and does not mean that the people of Haiti are not warm-spirited.

Traveling in Haiti without a translator or driver can be done and will definitely save spending money during your trip. Should you plan on going without the help of a friend or family member in the country or even hired assistance be sure to check frequently on the current political climate. Every other day I made sure I went online to find news on Haiti a month before my trip. As of right now the only thing truly disturbing the masses is probably the early rains of Hurricane season. Traveling Haiti is a great online source of information and probably one of the best built sites with facts and basic info on planning a trip. Lonely Planet doesn’t carry much info, but they do have a picture with a view from the Citadel that makes me want to visit again ASAP. Other sites that may be of interest are Hands & Feet Project, FOSAJ and Yéle. For more Festival Mizik Jakmel pictures click here.

American Airlines has flights into PAP daily and Spirit recently started servicing the country as well. Travel within the country with a private car is easy and there are a number of rental agencies at the airport, though you may wish to have a reservation well in advance. Avis, Budget, Hertz and a number of island renters offer pretty decent rates. For a tiny 4-door Nissan Sentra I paid $76 per day.

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, the airport and car rental offices. Expect to pay cash when dining or souvenir shopping though there are some galleries where credit cards are accepted as well. US dollars are happily welcomed, but it doesn’t hurt to have Haitian gourdes on hand. Prices are quoted in Haitian dollars which do not exist. To get the cost in gourdes, simply multiply the amount of Haitian dollars by five. To get the amount in US dollars divide the amount of gourdes by the current exchange rate (approx 35-37).

For more details and photos on food, accommodation, arts and souvenirs make sure you check out the five part series leading to this closing plug. The links for all can be found below and while I surely wouldn’t mind your taking all my experiences to shape your trip, I encourage you to make discoveries of your own. Share them later if you so please or keep them as secrets of your own. I’ll understand.

Haiti Part 1: A Country with a VERY Bad Reputation
Haiti Part 2: Kreyól Cuisine
Haiti Part 3: Hotel Cyvadier & Other Jacmel Hotels
Haiti Part 4: Arts & Souvenirs
Haiti Part 5: Festival Mizik Jakmel Update

Photo of the Day (6/6/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on


Check out the blues in this shot! It almost makes you want to sing the blues for not being on board the tottering sailboat. This photo was submitted by Matava – The Astrolabe Hideaway Kadavu, Fiji and it looks as though they’re trying to win over some island deprived soul with their series of photos left in the Gadling Flickr pool.

Their caption states: Matava is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in Fiji.

Sign me up!

World’s Best Islands

by Willy Volk on

Guess what? There actually are people who don’t like islands. I know, I know, it seems crazy to me, too, but these are probably the same people who dislike ice cream, tax refunds, and heaven. For the rest of us… we’ll always have islands.

T&L recently compiled a list of their favorite islands. As you’d expect, the list includes some real hum-dingers:

  • Santorini, Greece
  • Cocoa Island, Maldives
  • Mount Desert, Maine
  • Capri, Italy
  • Kauai, Hawaii
  • Vancouver Island
  • Anguilla
  • Bora Bora, French Polynesia
  • Virgin Gorda, BVI
  • Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Of course, for the “real people” out there, I thought I’d drop in 5 more islands that are beautiful, accessible, and not bank-breakers — at least for those people living in the US:

Sanibel and Captiva are a boomerang-shaped pair of islands off Florida’s southwest coast. Known for their plentiful shells, warm waters, excellent kayak opportunities, and laid-back atmosphere, the islands are an easy jaunt for most people in the southeastern US. Sanibel is nice — but in my opinion, Captiva has more spark, and more of a “feel.” With its tightly-clustered village center, Captiva is among the most romantic islands on the planet.

Tybee Island, Georgia, is big enough to have options, but small enough to not feel overdeveloped. With a rich history and plenty of options for sightseeing, Tybee also features kayak opportunities, dolphin excursions, and the chance to dangle your worm in the water. Don’t let the island’s “barrier island” status fool you: it’s wild but comfortable.

California’s Channel Islands — known as America’s Galapagos — are a haven for wildlife and a dream come true for campers and hikers alike. With numerous opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and whale watching in the waters among the islands — which Traveler refers to as a Paradise Found — there are alos plentiful routes for you to explore on sea kayaks.

The hundreds of islands that make up Washington’s San Juan Islands, feature beaches, mountains, cliffs, and forests. The area also boasts plenty of fog, which gives it a dreamy quality. Between the flightseeing, horseback riding, boating, shopping, hiking, and kayaking, I’m pretty sure you can keep busy.

Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Outdoor adventurers can hike, sail, paddle, fish, and swim around the island. History buffs can inspect the local castles (castles!), or tour the island’s numerous museums. A hodgepodge of cultures, explorers can sample both French and Celtic culture on the same trip.

Photo of the Day (5/12/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Could it be me or does the man’s foot look like that of a baby or airbrushed? It looks perfect and almost soft to touch, but seriously everything grabs me about this photo. Every part of me wants to cut and paste myself into the scene and pretend as if I were on the boat sailing somewhere – anywhere. I can’t promise my feet would look as nice as the model or photographer found here, but you wouldn’t be paying attention to that after all with the blue water and the sunset out ahead. Sweet shot out of Australia, Kouiskas.