Some of you may be wondering about the lack of updates at The Private Islander over the last week. There’s no need to worry, as I have been in Japan and unable to update the blog for some time. I spent a week in Japan seeing the sights and studying the culture of this island country, and as a special treat to my readers here at The Private Islander, have made this post all about Japan. Read about the amazing places I visited, and see some amazing photos of Japan in this 8-page feature.

(more…)

Do you think your island is cool? You won’t after you see Aiola Island, a bowl-shaped island located in the middle of the river Mur in the city of Graz, Austria. Built by New York architect Vito Acconci in 2003, the island sports a cafe, bar, sun bathing area, and nightclub. The island serves the important role of bridging both sides of the river, and even lights up at night! See more pictures after the jump.

(more…)

Buying an island is an expensive proposition. In an unforgiving world such as ours, it is easy for an unsuspecting buyer to be led astray. From failing to hire a licensed broker to arousing hostile natives, many things can go wrong in the island-buying process. The following guide shows ten of the most common mistakes island buyers make, and ways to avoid them.

(more…)

A Maryland man has caused uproar in the Isle of Man after, in what he calls the “ultimate in true-life fairy tales”, he declared himself king. The man, David Drew Howe, is a 38-year-old who claims to be a cousin of the Queen, and claims heir to the throne because of his lineage.

Though originally viewed as a joke by residents, the islander began to take the new in a different light after Mr. Howe began selling titles, starting at £50,000. The self-idolized king declares the money will go to a Malawi charity to help AIDs orphans. However, he seems to have forgotten that the Queen of England is the official monarch of the isle with the title Lord of Man.

If you really believe this guy’s claims to kingship, you can check out his site here. He has never even set foot on the Isle of Man believe it or not. Ironically, he did file his claims to the throne to Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, the proper way to claim kingship in England, a year ago and his claims have yet to be contested by the Queen.

If someone would please visit this “king”, and give him a reality check, everyone would appreciate it.

Didn’t find what wanted under the Christmas tree this year? Don’t be too upset, because I didn’t get the private island I’ve been dreaming of either. Not wasting too much time on such a disappointment I knew would come, I put together a list of four things every island owner must have to be an island king. Sure, anyone can be an island owner, but if you want to be king of your island, you’ll need to check out the list after the jump…

(more…)

Because of the secluded nature of private islands, basic medical supplies like band-aids and cold medicine can be hard to come by. The absence of these basic necessities can dramatically worsen the effects of even the slightest injuries, so it is a good idea of any islander to always have a first-aid kit at the ready. Doing so will make living on your private island safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Learn how to make your own first-aid kit after the jump…

(more…)

Though The Private Islander has only been live for two days, that won’t stop me from wishing all my readers happy holidays. As a special holiday treat, I’ll be making a post later today. It will be really cool, but remember, it’s going to be a surprise! ;)May everyone’s holidays be full of cheer and joy. Most importantly, stay safe!

One of the biggest obstacles met in developing an island of any size is generating enough electricity. Unless their islands happen to have access to a nearby power grid, private islanders are usually stuck having to find ways to make their own power. Usually this comes in the form of solar or wind energy. While good for the environment and self-sufficient, solar panels and wind turbines are very expensive to install. A new solar technology invented by a group of folks at the Nanosolar company is expected to drastically reduce the price of solar panels, a bit of news private island builders will be happy to hear.

The technology, conveniently referred as Nanosolar panels, allows for the development of ultra-thin solar panels that are currently being produced for 90 cent/watt. Compared to the typical $3/watt conventional solar pane;s cost, you can see how these panels could revolutionize electricity on private islands.

The Nanosolar company has already shipped the first Nanosolar units out. You can read more about them here.

In keeping with a trend among Middle Eastern countries to build islands, a Bahrainian developer has announced plans to create a 776 square mile mile along the country’s northeast coast. Accurately dubbed ‘Health Island’, the island will feature numerous health care units as well as a luxury hotel and boutique. 50% of the island will supposedly be reserved for beaches, private homes, and businesses. Included in Health Island’s repertoire of medical facilities include an alternative medicines facility, a diabetes treatment center, and a women’s hospital.

Developers are hoping the island will bring more tourists to Bahrain, which is geared towards patients in Europe and the Far East. Health Island will be constructed over the next 36 months and is backed by Ithmaar Development Company (IDC). It will cost a whopping $1.6 Billion.

Hello and hi. Welcome to The Private Islander. For many years, it’s been my dream to own a private island, a little paradise of my own where I can relax in privacy and seclusion. No loudness, no interference. Just me, the waves, the wind, and the sand.

Over time, reality has come upon me. As nice it would be to have a private island, the economics of it just wouldn’t work out. Rather than let my private island dreams go awash, I’ve decided to place them here. Here I will post all kinds of things about personal islands, including buying tips, news, and pictures. Just because I don’t own a private island doesn’t mean I can’t blog about islands!

Maybe some day I will be able to buy my own island. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy reading my blog!