The World of Private Islands

Islands have fascinated me ever since childhood. They accompanied me throughout my youth—always playing a role in my favorite literature, on trips, and in my career ambitions. I was involved in over 2,000 island transactions and countless island lettings from 1971 till today. In these past 40 years, the island market has changed considerably.

Today, even the most remote island can be opened up easily: for instance, thanks to ultramodern facilities, which use alternative energies for generating electricity and processing water. In addition, there are, by now, the most comfortable prefabs, and much improved technical possibilities to develop and use a modern infrastructure have defined the island world—to say nothing of the electronic telecommunication. The island market had suddenly not only an increased demand to deal with, but also enjoyed the interest of many new market participants. In addition to private buyers, the operators of island resorts and luxurious spas also invested in the paradises located in rivers, lakes, and in the seas. Add to that wind and solar energy, telecommunication, and tourism companies.

And the popularity of rentable islands on which one can take a short break from everyday life grows exponentially. Here the island guest has the freedom to visit a new refuge every year; what is more, he is freed from managing the island.

I am proud and happy to have experienced and to have helped shape the development of the island market. It is very nice to see that most of the privately owned islands are opened up with care and love towards nature. For many owners, an island that has been opened up with devotion becomes a family member—and to part from it will be very difficult. For an island has no house number, an island has a soul.

Farhad Vladi
Vladi Private Islands