Philippa Kaur

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    This 430-Acre Private Island in The Bahamas Can Be Yours for $45 Million

    Royal Island, a swanky Caribbean oasis in The Bahamas, awaits its next king or queen and their lucky retinue of family and friends.

    Less than a 20-minute boat ride from the picturesque North Eleuthera, famous for its pink sand beaches, the 430-acre private island is asking for a whopping $45 million, The Daily Mail reported. However, you can’t really put a price on paradise, can you?

    Altogether, the palatial spread has five residences, a private gym, a yoga center, a spa, and a large oval-shaped swimming pool. The turnkey property also comes with its furnishings, so essentially all you have to do is wire the purchase funds and pack your toothbrush.

    In 2021, Royal Island appeared in season one of the travel-centric Netflix series The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, hosted by Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Million Dollar Listing New York star Luis D. Ortiz. Awarded as one of the top resorts on the planet by Condé Nast Traveler, the idyllic private island was bookable earlier this year for a hefty $18,500 per night, Forbes reported.

    At the heart of the Caribbean compound is an oval-shaped swimming pool.

    J. Christie & Vladi Private Islands

    Surrounded by nothing but crystal-clear turquoise waters, the secluded island makes for the perfect party pad and can host up to 18 people at once.

    Royal Island will accommodate 18 guests among its five one-bedroom beachfront villas and separate guest house. Each of the tropical-inspired bungalows is nestled among the lush greenery and sports vaulted ceilings, an en suite bathroom, and a spacious wraparound deck for languidly gazing out toward the ocean.

    Accommodations on the 430-acre island include five waterfront villas.

    J. Christie & Vladi Private Islands

    “Royal Island, as set up currently, is excellent for private gatherings,” notes the listing, which is held by Vladi Private Islands. A perfect party pad for hosting friends and family, the secluded island has its own bar and restaurant within the grounds. 

    There are plenty of ways to keep busy during the day, but, naturally, the highlights of the property are the water sports. Think everything from snorkeling to paddleboarding, jet skiing, and kayaking.

    Of course, if you’re looking to create an even more epic escape, the island getaway was granted preemptive approval in 2007 for additional development, including an expansive marina. There are also plans for an 18-hole waterfront golf course; however, the sky is really the limit here. And if you’re ever worried about feeling too isolated, rest assured you’re approximately 40 miles northeast of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas.

    Click here to see all the photos of Royal Island. 

    J. Christie & Vladi Private Islands

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Royal Island in Photos

    Published on January 11, 2024

    J. Christie & Vladi Private Islands

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    A First Look at The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences in The Bahamas

    You can now permanently live in one of the world’s most glamorous resort communities. 

    A quick jaunt from Miami, the famed Ocean Club, now a Four Seasons Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, has long been an escape for the world’s elite. The Ocean Club first opened in 1962 and, thanks to its wealthy and well-connected bon vivant businessman owner Huntington Hartford II, immediately became the ultimate Caribbean getaway for a glamorous assortment of international jet-setters and multi-millionaires, Hollywood A-listers, and European royalty. Slim Aarons was a regular; The Beatles recorded a video here; and Zsa Zsa Gabor was a frequent patron. In 2017, Four Seasons was brought in to brand and manage the property, as well as expand the resort’s offerings while honoring its venerable legacy.

    Floor-to-ceiling windows open to covered terraces.

    Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas

    “The Ocean Club has that beautiful, elegant, understated sense of tranquility that very few places get, especially in Nassau or Paradise Island,” says Reid Boren, managing partner at Two Roads Development, a partner on the project. “There’s a really loyal following for The Ocean Club, and families have been coming here for generations.” 

    The brand recently unveiled the soon-to-come Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas, in partnership with Two Roads Development and Access Real Estate to bring a new ownership opportunity to the Bahamas. Set to open in 2027, the 67 turnkey residences will sit in close proximity to the hotel and will be managed by Four Seasons. The residences, designed by SB Architects and Champalimaud Design, will contain between two and five bedrooms and span from a roomy 3,124 to a commodious 7,459 square feet. There will also be a select number of penthouses measuring almost 5,300 square feet, each with a private pool.

    Pricing ranges from $6.5 million to $23 million, and, when not in use, owners can opt to put their Bahamian getaways into a vacation rental pool. 

    “The residential aspect is an experience that regular guests of The Ocean Club want,” he says. “When you’re there, you have your own home and space with your family and friends, yet you can still feel like you’re at the resort.”

    A spacious ocean view terrace is the perfect spot for alfresco meals.

    Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas

    Each home will have a neutral color palette infused with warm, organic materials and will feature a sophisticated take on classic, relaxed Bahamian style, with subtle hints of pink blush in the stonework, stately columns, and deep terraces. There will be seamless access to the outdoors from nearly every room.

    The residences are split between four low-rise structures with beachfront villas along the first levels of each building. At the center of the residential complex is an expansive resident-only pool area and pool deck with a private clubhouse and private cabanas. There’s also direct beach access. 

    The residences will be separate from the resort and have a dedicated team exclusively to service the residents. There will also be a bevy of exclusive amenities in addition to the pool, including an owners’ library, a wine cellar and rum room, a co-working space, a children’s playroom, a media room, indoor and outdoor spa treatment rooms, a fitness center, a beachfront restaurant and bar, and private dining rooms.

    The many amenities include a resident-only library.

    Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas

    Should you want to visit the resort, residents have access to the legendary Ocean Club’s five-star amenities. In addition to three swimming pools and Versailles-inspired gardens that showcase a 12th-century Augustinian cloister, there’s the restaurant Dune, helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, six Har-Tru tennis courts, and eight Balinese-style spa villas. The resort also offers daily yoga and Pilates, as well as a shuttle service to an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course.

    The Ocean Club isn’t your typical Four Seasons Resort; it’s infused with period details, European-style gardens, and glamorous grounds. There’s a 12th-century Augustinian cloister and impeccable gardens modeled after Versailles. It’s also set along a five-mile stretch of pristine, white-sand beach.

    Click here for more photos of The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas.

    Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas More

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    This Wooded Private Island in Canada Can Be Yours for $1.5 Million

    While the thought of an island may bring about visions of a tropical destination, that’s not always the case. For those who seek complete seclusion in a less sultry climate, this picturesque private island in Canada is the ultimate wilderness escape.

    The two-and-a-quarter-acre wooded oasis, dubbed Island 7, is located in the middle of Cowichan Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Nestled amidst thick pine forests and reachable only by boat, the island boasts a ten-person dwelling and a large dock ideal for swimming, sunning, kayaking, or fishing. The cabin is powered by an off-grid system that includes an array of solar panels but don’t worry, there’s also full cell service to keep in touch with the outside world, plus a genny shed as a backup.

    The island’s cabin features cathedral ceilings and a wood stove.

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    “One of only a handful of private islands on Cowichan Lake, Island 7 is an exceedingly private and accessible recreational retreat,” notes the listing. On the market for a cool $1.5 million CAD (or roughly $1.2 million) with Alan L. Johnson at Colliers International Unique Properties, the centerpiece of the serene, lushly forested spread is a 1,500-square-foot West Coast-style estate that keeps things simple and rustic. Think soaring cathedral ceilings, tons of exposed timber beams, a large deck, and oversized windows that frame the surrounding mountains and water.

    In addition to the wood-clad residence, there are also lots of fun amenities that let you enjoy lake life, like a wood-fired hot tub, a studio workshop for artsy types, and plenty of pristine low-bank shoreline, which means you’re able to walk directly to the water and back. This being an island, there won’t be any other humans except for the guests you bring along, but do do expect to find wildlife aplenty.

    There are views of Cowichan Lake from every room.

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    Cowichan Lake is about a 90-minute drive from Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, and is considered the second-largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island. Come summertime, the lake is the perfect venue for canoeing, water skiing, paddle boarding, or bird watching. Of course, if you’re ever interested in leaving your own private island paradise and want to check out the mainland, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails, bike trails, and campgrounds to explore.

    Click here to see more photos of Island 7.

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Island 7 in Photos

    Published on December 28, 2023

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    These New Beachfront Condos in Tulum Will Each Have a Private Plunge Pool

    Tulum has long been a popular getaway for travelers, but there’s a new residential development raising the bar for luxury real estate in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

    INKU Tulum, a high-end boutique condominium defined by its asymmetrical, curvilinear balconies draped with plantings, is part of the 130-acre master-planned Selvazama community by D&G Tulum Developers. The 12-unit property merges cutting-edge architecture with sustainable design and takes its inspiration from its tropical surroundings. The homes range in size from two- and three-bedroom condos to two-story penthouses, priced up to $1.3 million. Construction on the project is expected to be completed at the end of 2024. 

    “INKU Tulum, born out of our profound love for Tulum, encapsulates the essence of this captivating destination by seamlessly blending Caribbean allure, Mexican culture, and the lush jungle landscape,” developers Michael Dee and James Gold said in an email to Robb Report. “As a testament to our vision, INKU, meaning ‘my nest’ in Mayan, stands as a harmonious retreat, honoring local history and natural beauty.”

    Each of the 12 condos at Selvazama’s INKU Tulum will have a pool.

    Courtesy of Selvazama Tulum

    Highlights of the homes include buyers’ choice of a private plunge pool on the biomorphic balcony of the upper units or, if you’re located on the ground floor, a meandering, full-sized swimming pool. The condos will also sport additional water features, high-quality finishes, open-plan living and dining areas, and 24/7 security. Residents will also have access to concierge services, which can handle everything from airport transfers to dinner reservations and spa bookings.

    “We understand what makes the biggest difference to those looking to invest and live in this beautiful space,” the developers told Robb Report. “Socially and environmentally responsible, INKU fosters local employment, utilizes sustainable materials, and sponsors community initiatives, embodying a commitment to both luxury and community well-being in the heart of Tulum.”

    The residences will feature sustainable materials and pay homage to its jungle environment.

    Courtesy of Selvazama Tulum

    In addition to INKU Tulum, the Selvazama community is also planning for two luxury villas to join its residential portfolio. Dubbed Casa Cinq and Casa Siet, the properties are part of 11 custom-built home sites inside the ultra-exclusive, guard-gated Mondo neighborhood. Casa Cinq measures more than 2,800 square feet with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. Meanwhile, Casa Siet spans over 5,225 square feet with five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. Both will comprise fully-equipped kitchens and living areas that spill out to tons of outdoor space to enjoy the scenery. Elsewhere, the Selvazama development, when complete, will comprise a hotel component, Mexico’s first sustainable school, retail shops and fine-dining restaurants, a natural park, and exhibitions by local artists.

    Click here to see all the photos of INKU Tulum. 

    Courtesy of Selvazama Tulum

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    INKU Tulum in Photos

    Modified on December 28, 2023 ,

    Published on December 27, 2023

    D & G Tulum Developers

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Millionaires Are Flocking to These Five Countries, According to a New Study

    Where have all the millionaires gone? Down Under, it would seem.

    Australia had the highest inflow of high-net-worth individuals in 2023, according to new findings from London-based investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners. The report, which defines HNWIs as people with at least $1 million in assets, noted that roughly 120,000 millionaires migrated to a new country this year, with that number set to increase to 128,000. Over the last two decades, Australia has logged 82,000 newcomers, and this year, approximately 5,200 millionaires are expected to make the country their new home.

    “Australia consistently attracts sizable numbers of millionaires every year, mainly from Asia and Africa, but more recently also from high-income countries such as the U.K.,” explained Andrew Amoils, head of research at New World Wealth, which collaborated with Henley & Partners on the report. The study attributed Australia’s appeal to its safety, low tax rates, healthcare system, and advanced economy. Of course, the country’s high quality of life, wide open spaces, and natural beauty are also draws. 

    The UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, and the U.S. were also among the top five destinations with the highest net inflows of millionaires in 2023. The Emirates clocked approximately 4,500 high-net-worth individuals this year, most of whom are drawn to the area’s prime real estate and safe haven status.

    Roughly 82,000 millionaires have relocated to Australia between 2002 and 2022.

    Pexels

    “Pre-pandemic, the UAE traditionally saw net inflows of around 1,000 high-net-worths per year,” the report said, with most incoming millionaires in 2023 expected to come from India, with large numbers also coming from the U.K., Russia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Hong Kong, and China.

    The United States attracted around 2,100 high-earning newcomers. Per the report, those people mainly hail from Asia and work in the entertainment, finance, or tech industries. Singapore and Switzerland also maintained their status as wealthy hubs. The former is forecast to welcome 3,200 HNWIs, while the so-called “playground of Europe” is projected to attract a net inflow of approximately 1,800 high-net-worth individuals in 2023.

    Conversely, countries including the U.K., China, India, Russia, and Brazil saw the world’s largest exodus of millionaire residents. This year, the U.K. had about a 3,500 drop in HNWIs, while China has been negligible since 2017. “General wealth growth in the country has been slowing over the past few years, which means that the recent outflows could be more damaging than usual,” the report said.

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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