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VOYAGE
Buy Me an Island
Sea Spa
Ever dreamed of owning your own private resort? This Fijian hideaway awaits an owner to fulfil its potential, says Laura Challis
Kempinski The Spa, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Oman Where is it? Occupying more than six kilometres of Oman’s north-eastern shoreline, the
ocated in Fiji’s unspoiled Lau Islands, Katafanga has all the credentials to become a worldclass luxury resort. One of the last freehold islands in the South Pacific, it has had a considerable amount of groundwork put in place. There is already a ring road, runway, reservoir and staff housing on the 90-hectare site. Twenty high-spec villas are also under construction, leaving a new owner free to come in and complete the development with their vision. At 1.6 kilometres long and only 500 metres wide, Katafanga is covered in palm trees and tropical vegetation and is surrounded by sugarwhite beaches. But it’s the 2,000-hectare
Kempinski resort in Muscat is flanked by
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the Gulf of Oman and overlooked by a
Villa with a View
Commanding a secluded portion of Crete’s unspoilt northern coastline, this picturesque property is a turnkey summer residence, says Sophia Wilson
range of dusty pink mountains. Why the hype? This property maintains the brand’s European finesse while also embracing Omani flair. The hotel’s low and jagged rooftop matches
turquoise lagoon surrounding the island that’s likely to be the biggest draw for future visitors. Encircled by a vast, healthy reef, it’s home to schools of tropical fish and bioluminescent organisms which light up at night. Katafanga is an hour’s flight from Nadi International Airport, and by boat, the island is just over 200 nautical miles from Port Denarau Marina. Fortunately, there is a natural 60-metre break in the coral reef, which will allow superyachts to pass through and enjoy a sheltered anchorage within the lagoon.
the city’s surrounding skyline, while the impressive pillars lining the lobby replicate those found outside the Sultan’s palace. Winding, low-lit corridors lead to the nature-inspired spa with hot tubs, saunas and direct access to a seafront infinity pool. What to have? Embrace local fragrances with the Omani Experience. The treatment begins with an
et on a private beach near Elounda, with views across the island of Spinalonga, Villa Olivia is an architectural symbol of northern Crete’s luxury resurgence. With seven bedrooms, landscaped gardens and easy access by boat, it is perfectly set up for a new owner to enjoy long Grecian summers in a secluded setting. The main villa, which is split across three levels, was built in 2008 and benefits from having two master bedrooms. Located on the top floor to make the most of the sea views, they both have private balconies and spa pools. On the upper ground floor, the fully furnished villa has a bright living room, with
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invigorating sea salt scrub, scented with Arabian rose and woody frankincense, followed by a nourishing body mask made from sweet dates and honey. Finished with a
Fact file
massage using organic frankincense oil, you’ll
Location 17°31’37.3”S 178°43’00.0”W
adventure-packed coastline.
Price $17 million
Best by boat
Agent Vladi Private Islands, vladi-private-islands.de
Yachts up to 40 metres can dock at Al Mouj
USP A partially developed private resort looking for
Marina, which is just a 10-minute walk (or
a final flourish from a careful new owner
two-minute drive) from the Kempinski.
Celebrity neighbours Mel Gibson owns Mago Island,
kempinski.com, omanair.com
leave refreshed to ready to take on Oman’s
which is only 25 nautical miles away
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b oatinternational.com
b oatinternational.com
extensive wine storage, a dining room with a circular glass table and a separate kitchen. The lower ground floor has an additional four en-suite bedrooms and there is also a one-bedroom guest house. The villa’s large terrace and spacious verandas offer panoramic views around the Gulf of Mirabello. These vistas can also be enjoyed from its vast heated swimming pool and al fresco dining area with an outdoor kitchen. According to the agent, Danae Tsakiris of Savills Greece, it is the exterior details that make the property stand out. “The olive tree on the roundabout of the entrance, the rosemary-lined paths and flower-covered pergola are some of my favourite features of the villa,” she says. Even though Crete does not have as glitzy a reputation as some Greek islands, its prime property market is growing. “The island attracts highnet-worth purchasers searching for authenticity,” says Tsakiris. This is particularly true of the region surrounding Elounda. “The area has larger plots than some other places, so the villas offer more privacy,” she adds. Villa Olivia in Elounda, Crete is for sale with Savills for €10.5 million, savills.com
The lowdown Villa Olivia is a five-minute flip-flop stroll from the traditional village of Plaka, which is home to a handful of rustic tavernas. Plans are under way for a new superyacht marina as part of a luxury development at Elounda Hills. Until that is completed, Agios Nikolaos Marina, which can host yachts up to 70 metres, is 11 kilometres down the coast. Heraklion Airport, which has capacity for large private jets, is less than an hour’s drive away.
The villa’s outdoor dining area overlooks the Gulf of Mirabello
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