Master plan unveiled for the next “Asian Riviera”

August 18, 2010 - Cambodia

The Royal Group of Cambodia has unveiled its visionary Master Plan to transform the pristine island of Koh Rong into Asia's first environmentally planned resort destination.

A 6-month study by MAP Architects of Hong Kong and environmental consultants Scott Wilson produced the exciting vision for "one of the last undiscovered paradises in South-East Asia".

Focusing on high quality, sustainable tourism, it details how the "next Asian Riviera" - following Phuket, Koh Samui and Bali - will be created from scratch.

House prices on Palm Jumeirah sink to three year low

August 13, 2010 - Dubai

It is probably one of the most iconic pieces of real estate in the world, but Dubai's man made island Palm Jumeirah is now known for rock bottom property prices and delays in project openings.

Prices have fallen to their lowest level in over three years, with a three bedroom apartment on the prestigious Shoreline changing hands for just AED1.55million ($422,000).

It is reported to be one of a number of distressed sales that have come onto the market in the last few weeks showing that even a prestigious address does not prevent real estate owners falling on hard times.

Italian Government May Sell Palaces, Beaches, And Islands

July 22, 2010 - Italy

Perhaps is smacks of desperation but it is a great opportunity for wealthy property investors as Italian officials draw up a list of palaces, beaches and islands that could be put up for sale.

The Italian government is considering selling hundreds of pieces of real estate to reduce its national debt including palaces, beaches, islands and forts with an estimated value of more than $5 billion.

Falling Property Prices In Greece Presents Opportunity For Investors

July 20, 2010 - Greece

Average real estate prices in Greece fell 7.7% in the first quarter of 2010 from a year earlier as the country steers through its first recession in over a decade.

As the country struggles to over come its debt problems it is perhaps no surprise that property is not immune to the financial woes and it does provide opportunities for real estate investors to buy at a low price.

The picture is mixed as some parts of the country have seen prices fall more than others, according to figures from Propindex and the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research.

2.37 million square feet island in UAE is up for $190 million

July 09, 2010 - United Arab Emirates

A 2.37 million square feet island is up for sale in Ras Al Khaimah's Al Hamra Village for Dh711 million ($190 Million) according to Emirates Business.

"We are selling the island, located at the centre of the village, for Dh300 per sq ft with the buyer having to pay 40-50 per cent upfront.

The rest has to be paid within three years in quarterly instalments," said Dr Ayoob Al Faraj, General Manager, Al Hamra Real Estate.

Private Island in Australia Is Listed at $5.6 Million

June 04, 2010 - Queensland

Turtle Island, a small private island off the east coast of Queensland, Australia, is on the market for $5.6 million.

The seller is an Australian developer, Marcia Christofidellis, who bought the 23-acre island, near Gladstone, in 1999 as a family retreat.

Ms. Christofidellis renovated the five-bedroom beachfront home and added plantings to the gardens and grounds.

Private Island in the Bahamas for Sale at $110 Million

May 13, 2010 - Exuma

One of the most breathtaking vacation spots in the world, The Bahamas is now offering any person with $110 million a unique opportunity of owning a private island in the Exuma region.

This gorgeous natural beauty called, Cave Cay is located near David Copperfield’s famed Musha Cay and the island and will provide its owner with a protected deep-water harbor and marina, along with a floating dock system, as well as 35 dock slips.

Also, Cave Cay will come with a 2,800 ft. private airstrip and several completed buildings.

Cayo Espanto: Rent A Private Island for $12,000 Nightly

May 07, 2010 - Belize

If you are looking for the Ultimate Private Getaway, this is it. Discover your own private island at Cayo Espanto, where paradise and luxury come together as one.

Located three miles from San Pedro in the calm waters of the Western Caribbean, off the coast of Belize, Cayo Espanto is truly a spectacular and private retreat.

This ultimate boutique-island resort accommodates 16 guests, and depending upon the season, all six villas are available for $10,000 to $14,000 nightly.

Hainan Island Makover

April 21, 2010 - Sanya

Sometimes considered ‘China’s Riviera’ or the ‘Miami of China’, Hainan Island, and in particular Sanya, is the site of a booming property market and a vastly ambitious lifestyle revolution.

Arriving in Sanya, the only thing as conspicuous as the balmy weather is the island’s booming property sector.

Real estate ads dominate billboards along the airport expressway, project flags flutter throughout the city streets, and the faces of Chinese stars like Zhang Ziyi and Fan Bingbing adorn commercial banners – the latest branding experiment for developers.

Sicilian gems: little islands

April 14, 2010 - Sicily

When the first Greek colonisers saw the volcanic little islands that surround Sicily they must have thought that they were imposing and fearful, as they decided to move the residence of Hephaestus, the Greek God of Fire, from Greece to the Aeolian Islands.

Now these islands provide unique landscapes, each with its own characteristics and strong identity.

Sicily's islands are a wealth of history and folk traditions, such as the tuna fishing off the Egadi Islands, of typical buildings such as the Aeolian houses and Pantelleria's dammusi, of stunning views and wonderful sea-swimming, great beaches and marine reserves that are the ideal places for all the nature and diving lovers.