Scattered around the world are stunning islands offering gorgeous stretches of fine, powdery white sand, breathtaking vistas of cobalt blue waters, deep lagoons and atolls and those romantic sunsets that seem to linger a tad longer than usual. Couple that with premium five-star hotels and posh resorts providing impeccable services, and what you have is an unparalleled experience beyond ordinary.
Indeed, a cursory look at images of these famed destinations alone would be enough to excite and elicit awe, making one yearn even more to own a piece of such paradise.
Fortunately for today’s well-heeled market, some of these islands offer that luxury of buying into that exclusive island life—whether it’s for the prestige, for its investment value, or simply for your own need of an exclusive breathing space.
But while there may be a thousand destinations on the map, only a fraction can lay claim to being a truly exclusive, idyllic paradise getaway befitting the affluent. Here are a few of those islands where you may find your dream vacation home.
BALI, INDONESIA
This Indonesian island lends a certain charm and allure that have “long lured foreigners, from surfers in the ’70s to Eat-Pray-Lovers in the mid-aughts, with its jungly interior beauty, volcanic-sand beaches, and incense-filled rituals of Balinese Hinduism.”
Today, Bali continues to attract tourists from all over the world, as it is home to some of the most stunning beach destinations, as well as the most exquisite resorts, including the “#1 Best Resort in the World” for 2018, as named by Condé Nast Travelers.
If you fancy the Bali culture and lifestyle, you can try finding a home in this famed island, where high end property prices have reportedly increased 15 percent year on year, according to asiapropertyhq.com.
However, Indonesian laws on property ownership are quite stringent and foreigners can’t buy and/or directly own freehold property—although there are still several allowances that will allow access to the homes here.
GREECE
Many Hollywood movies have long romanticized its whitewashed houses clustered in villages atop the mountains, traditional tavernas, and the stunning blue seas that seemed to stretch out endlessly. Greece has long been a favorite destination not only of affluent travelers, but also of artists who are said to have found their muse in its islands that include Santorini, Mykonos (named one the Best Islands in the World: 2018 by the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards), and of course, Skopelos, the shooting location for the first Mamma Mia movie.
According to worldwidelawyers.co.uk, foreign buyers are welcome in Greece as the country is keen for investment from EU and non-EU property purchasers. It, however, cautioned that the property market in Greece is still recovering, which means that while prices are at an all time low, any purchase should not be seen as an investment opportunity given uncertainties. Simply put: make sure you’re really in love with the place before investing in this dreamy destination.
SEYCHELLES
There are more than enough reasons why Conde Nast included this small African nation in its list of Best Islands. As pointed out by Traveler contributor Derek Blasberg, Seychelles’ “bright blue sky, crisp white beaches, and natural ecosystem…very nearly felt like a religious experience.” Even Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as Victoria and David Beckham were said to have spent their honeymoons here, enthralled by Seychelles’ remote beauty and unique allure. Add to that its rich flora and fauna and extraordinary wildlife, aptly protected by its government.
THE BAHAMAS
Islands and resorts in the Bahamas seem to be a staple in Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards, and a favorite among affluent travelers. According to Condé Nast, the scene at the Bahamas is “set for unforgettable land and sea adventures in one of the most escapism-worthy destinations on earth” as it is home to some of the world’s best beaches and the largest barrier reef on the planet. It also offers 315 days of sunshine each year.
CEBU, PHILIPPINES
Readers of Travel+Leisure ranked Cebu as the 8th Best Island in the World last year, further cementing its attractiveness as a world class tourist destination, given its striking beaches, impressive upscale accommodations, heritage attractions and distinct delectable cuisine.
Beyond these offerings, Cebu’s tourism sector is expected to grow further this year due to infrastructure projects that should open up new opportunities, including the modernized Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2, said Colliers International Philippines.
These infra projects should spur demand for more hotels and serviced apartments outside the Metro Cebu corridor.
This year, Colliers said it expects property firms to take a more aggressive approach in exploring parcels of developable land especially in the Mandaue and Mactan areas, which are seen as highly viable for resort-oriented townships.
And while Mactan already has its fair share of upscale resorts, a new concept will soon rise, giving Cebuanos an unparalleled respite and lifestyle on the lap of luxury. With units ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom, the property will contain an array of amenities perfect for resort living: an all-day dining establishment, a multi-purpose pavilion, pool, and bar.
The 4.7-ha Aruga Resort and Residences-Mactan, Rockwell Land’s first residential-resort development located along Punta Engaño, is a premium innovative residential concept that mixes the perks of resort relaxation with Rockwell’s signature community living. The residential component of this development will offer 200 units including exquisite beachfront villas, while the hotel and resort will have around 250 rooms.
This P6.2-billion Rockwell development is indeed a private escape turned into a high-end piece of real estate. Complementing the relaxing atmosphere by the beach, the property’s open areas are expected to adorned by manicured gardens, keeping the area cool and energizing. Within the resort itself, one can simply take in the serene surroundings, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or explore the taste of Cebu at the resort’s floating dining hall.
Aruga Resort and Residences-Mactan is Rockwell Land’s second development in Cebu. It comes four years after the upscale developer’s first foray outside of Metro Manila and in this province through the 32 Sanson by Rockwell in Lahug.
To know more about investing in Rockwell’s slice of paradise in Mactan, visit https://arugaresortandresidences.com/mactan/
(Sources: www.bahamas.com; www.expatfocus.com; www.cntraveller.com; www.asiapropertyhq.com; nowbali.co.id; www.tripsavvy.com; worldwidelawyers.co.uk; www.globalpropertyguide.com; www.travelandleisure.com)