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Are you longing for an island getaway? Does it bother you when you have to share the beach with total strangers who might look better than you do in a bathing suit? There's a surefire way to have the whole beach to yourself: Simply rent an island! This article will show you how to rent an island and create that perfect getaway.
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Tips for Renting an Island
- Examine your budget.
- Choose the size of island you want to rent.
- Choose the region.
- Choose an island climate that fits your vacation needs.
- Search for an island that meets all of the above critera.
- Ask some good questions.
- Sign the contract and enjoy your stay!
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Introduction
- Looking for a private vacation spot? A really private vacation spot? Perhaps you are throwing your dream wedding, or a large family reunion. Whatever the situation, if it's total privacy you want, what better way to get it than by renting an island?LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island It's easier - and even cheaper - than you might think!
Types and Sizes of Islands for Rent
- Although renting an island sounds extremely expensive, some very small islands can be rented for the same amount of money as staying at a three star hotel, as long as you are willing to camp.Private Islands Online: Howell Key Other, larger islands do indeed require an exorbitant amount of funds and come complete with private butlers and chefs. Turtle Island: Rent the Entire Island Below are some examples of islands you can rent in very different price ranges. In Step 2, we will discuss how you can find more islands in your chosen price range.
Budget Islands
- Budget islands are usually very small islands that offer either very basic accommodation or none at all, which means you will camp.Private Islands Online: Howell Key You also might have to arrange for your own transportation to get to the island.
- Located in Croatia, Porer Island is only half an acre wide, which means it will take you a little over a minute to walk around it. Located smack dab in the middle of it is a lighthouse, where you will stay for the duration of your vacation.Private Islands Online: Porer Island
- -Renting this island costs $166.00 per week.
- If you'd like to stick closer to the U.S., you can rent Republic Island, located in Michigan. It comes complete with a cabin which features the luxury of electricity!Private Islands Online: Republic Island
- -Rental fees range between $100-$175.00 per night.
- If your budget is truly limited, and you don't mind going without the luxury of electricity, you can rent Howell Key Island, in Florida.Private Islands Online: Howell Key The island features camping spots and gorgeous views.Private Islands Online: Howell Key
Moderately-Priced Islands
- Moderately-priced islands are not inexpensive, but they can be a good deal if you are going to host a vacation for a large amount of people. They usually feature at least one nice house to stay in, along with water toys, but no staff.Private Islands Online: Sea Shell Key
- Florida is known for its islands, and there are many to choose from if you'd like to rent one.Private Islands Online: Islands For Rent in Florida Sea Shell Key is a tiny island which features a lovely home and dolphins in the surrounding waters.Private Islands Online: Sea Shell Key
- If you're planning a wedding, try Slipper Island in New Zealand.Private Islands Online: Slipper Island They offer lavish wedding packages.Private Islands Online: Slipper Island
- Breakwater Island, in British Columbia, Canada, has two houses and lots of deer, sea otters and bald eagles.Private Islands Online: Breakwater Island A boat is provided for your use.Private Islands Online: Breakwater Island
Lavishly Luxurious Islands
- If it's total luxury you're looking for, you won't have a problem finding it if you have the money to pay for it. Luxurious islands are numerous, extremely expensive and offer everything under the sun, including elaborate homes, pools, personal butlers and chefs, and guided outings.Private Islands Online: Islands for Rent: Over US $1,000/wk Interested? Lucky you.
- Want to rent an island that Tiger Woods likes to frequent?LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island How about an island that's been featured on Oprah and Dr. Phil?LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island For the mere cost of $10,000 per night, you can rent the whole island!LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island Cayo Espanto is located off the coast of Belize and is a favorite of the rich and famous.LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island
- -Prices range from $10,000 to 14,000 nightly to rent the entire island.Cayo Espanto: Rates
- -Prices include meals, drinks, your own personal houseman and the use of five houses.Cayo Espanto: Rates
- Turtle Island, in Fiji, offers 14 cottages, world famous food and guided activities, including deep sea fishing, scuba diving and horseback riding. Turtle Island: Rent the Entire Island Your child will even have his or her own personal nanny. Turtle Island: Rent the Entire Island
- Branson's Necker Island is located at the tip of the British Virgin Islands and is owned by the Branson family.Necker Island: About Us However, they allow people to rent it when they are not using it.LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island
- -Rental price comes with the use of one 10 bedroom house, three guest houses, three pools and a staff of 42 people.
- -Rates range from $20,000 to $42,000 per night, depending on season and number of guests.LA Times Travel: How to Rent Your Own Private Island And yes, you read that right.
Step 1: Decide Where You Want to Go
- Once you've chosen the type of island you want to rent according to your budget, you will need to narrow down the region.
- If it's a tropical island you want, consider Florida, Belize or Fiji.Private Islands Online: Island Dive Resorts
- If you'd rather hunt or fish, there are many islands for rent in Canada and Alaska.Private Islands Online: Islands for Rent in Canada
- If you'd like to stay close to the States, check out islands off the coast of South Carolina, New Jersey or Maine.Private Islands Online: Islands for Rent in Maine
- If you want an exotic adventure, consider islands off the coast of Africa.Private Islands Online: Islands for Rent in Africa
Step 2: Find Your Island
- Now that you've determined the location, you can finally search for an island to rent. There are many websites that cater to island rentals.
- Goin 2 Travel is a site that lets owners list vacation rentals, and it has a section for private islands for rent. The islands are not searchable by location, as they are all listed in one section.Goin 2 Travel: Private Island Rentals
- 4 Beach Nuts is another site that lists owner rentals of private islands. 4 Beach Nuts: Private Islands
- Private Islands Online is a popular and extensive site that lets you search for an island for rent by region, keyword, price or type.Private Islands Online: Islands for Rent This last search feature is great if you are looking for a specific island experience, such as good scuba diving or if you want to stay on a historically significant island. Private Islands Online: Islands for Rent
- Farhad Vladi has been selling and renting islands for over 30 years and is known to be the foremost expert on islands for purchase or rental.Vladi Private Islands: Islands for Rent
- -Check out his website for the most comprehensive list of islands for sale and for rent available on the Internet.Vladi Private Islands: Islands for Rent
- -His site also offers an island overview list and is searchable by region.Vladi Private Islands: Island Overview List
Things to Think About
- Once you've selected a possible island to rent, you need to consider the following before you sign a contract:Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- What is the deposit amount and is it refundable?Investopedia: Tips For Renting A Vacation Home
- Does the renting company offer vacation insurance?Investopedia: Tips For Renting A Vacation Home
- Is there access to emergency medical care, and how close is it?Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- What kinds of supplies are provided on the island?Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- What kinds of activities are available on the island or nearby? Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- How much will it cost to get to the island?Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- Are there hidden costs such as propane or gas for any boats or jet skis?Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- What is the weather like during that time of the year?Vladi Private Islands: Checklist
- What is the surf like around the island? Vladi Private Islands: Checklist Is it dangerous to swim in? (Some islands have strong tides, or poisonous jellyfish.)
Step 3: Sign the Contract
- You've chosen your island, and now it's time to sign the contract! First, ask for a copy so you can review it before signing. HomeAway: Sample Rental Lease
- Have the agency fax you the contract.
- Read over it carefully, including deposit and refund information in the event of a cancellation on your part.Investopedia: Tips For Renting A Vacation Home
- Sign it and make a copy of it.
- Return the signed copy and verify that the agency received it.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Stay!
- Having an entire island to yourself is truly the vacation of a lifetime. Take the time to explore the island. Build a treehouse. Live off the land. Then, return to your personal houseman and order a mimosa. Lucky you!