At Jumeirah Private Island Phuket, scheduled to open in 2011, your expectations will be surpassed time and time again.  Koh Raet, Thailand, is an untouched tropical island just off the shored of Phuket, close to Ao Po Bay.

To keep the island as close to its natural state as possible, only electric cars can be used as transport.  And in addition to being environmentally friendly, every luxury is catered for in the island’s 72 suites and pool villas.

A 70-metre freshwater infinity pool and the resort’s saltwater pool beckon guests to their edges.  But for those really wanting to experience the feeling of a private island, head to Koh Raet’s 500 metre, white, sandy beach.  From the island’s shores you can take in spectacular views of the limestone caves of Phang Nga Bay, as well as the beaches of Ao Po Bay.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket’s opportunities for uninterrupted tranquillity are endless, but for those in search of a little more action, a 115-berth marina and private yacht club will accommodate those with a taste for life on the ocean waves.  The marina is situated on the east coast of the island, in a protected lagoon with a natural rock breakwater and direct access to the Andaman Sea.  The yacht club will be home to invitation-only events, regattas and black tie functions, as well as featuring a deli, wine cellar, bar and captain’s lounge.

For those preferring dry land, a tennis court, boutiques, a business centre and even a library are available.  Four restaurants and three bars and lounges offer a wide variety of taste and atmospheres to while away the afternoons and evenings.  But the on-shore gem of the island has to be Talise, Jumeirah’s spacious signature spa, with 10 treatment rooms and a sense of calm unlike any other. 

The ecology of the island of Koh Raet has been painstakingly preserved, with a minimum of 75 per cent of the island’s surface area to remain untouched.  Much is also being done to conserve energy and reduce consumption on the island, including an integrated rainwater collection scheme, thermal installation to minimize air conditioning use and double block cavity walls and double glazing in all windows and patio doors.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket offers a great variety of rooms, ranging from Spa Villas with their own private treatment rooms and tropical rainforest view to two-bedroom Beach Villas leading directly onto the soft white sands.  Each villa has its own private 25-metre lap pool, and Ocean View Pool Villas and Marina View Pool Villas offer their own special sights each day when the curtains are flung back.  Two Presidential Pool Villas offer three-bedroomed luxury, and the four-bedroom Royal Pool Villa is the jewel in Jumeirah Private Island Phuket’s crown.

For information on the private residences, please contact Matt Millen, tel +66 8 1968 5357 or email matt.millen@tgr-asia.com

JUMEIRAH PRIVATE ISLAND PHUKET OFFERS A GREAT VARIETY OF ROOMS, RANGING FROM SPA VILLAS WITH THEIR OWN PRIVATE TREATMENT ROOMS AND TROPICAL RAINFOREST VIEWS TO TWO-BEDROOM BEACH VILLAS LEADING DIRECTLY ONTO THE SOFT WHITE SANDS

View article in Jumeirah Magazine Sept 2009

At some point in our lives we have all imagined living on an idyllic island, surrounded by turquoise waters and edged with soft, white sand beaches. Rather than an uninhabited desert island, in my dreams such an island is serviced by a five-star deluxe hotel, and my home is a state-of-the-art property built to my own highest of standards on a capacious plot. Obviously, my superyacht is moored nearby at the island’s private Marina, and my neighbors are some of the world’s elite – hugely successful business owners and celebrities, keen to live their life away from prying Paparazzi lenses. A world-renowned spa is just minutes from my infinity pool, and my family, flown in on a private jet and landing on the Island by helicopter to visit me on days when I allow company to disturb my bliss.

Having travelled the world, in the name of property research – both for my own portfolio, and for my clients – I never believed that such a place existed. While one could, of course, purchase one’s own island paradise, the investment on such a piece of land would be considerable. Thanks to insider contacts, I was given the opportunity to visit a new island development in the Andaman Sea, just off the eastern shores of Phuket in Thailand.

As I made my way from the mainland to this Xanadu, called Jumeirah Private Island, I took in the truly stunning views of Phuket’s verdant mainland and the hundreds of limestone islands that appear to float in the crystal clear waters.

Having heard enough hyperbole to fill an encyclopedia during my many years of reporting on property, I have to admit that I approached my meeting with the island’s developers with more than a little skepticism. They were selling a ‘lifestyle’, with ‘the most exclusive’, ‘the most luxurious’ and ‘absolute privacy’ all mentioned – I have, sadly, heard it all before. I’d obviously done my research before arriving in Thailand, and the literature which the team behind the project had sent me was suitably impressive – it invariably is – and included some rather tasty news items that inbounds magazine  editor would pull from my text to highlight just how amazing this new development was going to be: a private deep-water marina (with 24hr access), a five-star deluxe all Villa hotel managed by world-renowned Jumeirah Group out of Dubai, a private yacht club, spa and wellness centre and luxury estate homes – they certainly had all of my boxes ticked. However, despite the slick packaging, beautiful design and alluring photographs, nothing had quite prepared me for the sheer beauty of the island itself.

The Development

Let me give you some background, so you can understand why my skepticism was beginning to melt away under the Thai sun. Jumeirah Private Island is just a five-minute helicopter ride from Phuket International airport.

If you prefer, estate owners can take a 20-minute chauffeur-driven limousine journey to the coast, and then be whisked to their rather generous portion of paradise with its own jetty on a private launch. This limited journey time is a priceless bonus for executives wanting to escape the day-to-day as quickly as possible – something that endless internal flights and long car journeys can only mar.

What really impressed when I studied, in-depth, the developers’ project was the way that they had planned, in great detail, every aspect as to how the island will be developed, and as well as the headline-grabbing amenities, it was clear to see that the island would also be of low density and environmentally friendly.

On more of an aesthetic bent, in order to avoid a clash of architectural styles, the developers have already confirmed that the hotel, spa, yacht club and residential estates will all have an Asian theme throughout, with substantial use of local teak, granite and stone, utilizing the skills of local craftsmen for wood and stone carving, which will feature strongly in the designs. 

The Hotel

The island’s hotel is, in fact, a series of individual villas, each with their own pool and based around the contours of the land and the existing vegetation. The administration centre of the hotel will be located on the mainland, so guests will benefit from the maximum of recreation areas on the island. All villas will have a dedicated butler service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the list of amenities that will be available for hotel guests is seriously impressive: a 1400 square meter spa and wellness centre, three themed restaurants and two bars, a state-of-the-art business centre, tennis courts, gym and fitness centre with personal trainers, yacht charter and accredited dive centre.

Plus, the island will be an affiliated member of the Blue Canyon Golf and Country Club, consistently voted number one course in Asia, which will offer membership as part of an optional premium package. As for who runs the hotel, this Jumeirah Group is one of the top hotel management groups in the world. The chosen group will also take on the management of the entire Island and they will manage the estate houses on behalf of the owners, and provide them with hotel service 24/7, including in-house dining.

The Residential Estate

Those building their own customized estate homes will be an exclusive breed, as very limited number of estate homes are planned on plots ranging in size from over one to five acres, many with direct frontage to the beach and all with stunning sea and island views. As one can imagine, estate owners will have many exclusive privileges, and their homes will benefit from their positioning on a private island with 24-hour security. Furthermore, available options in their purchase will be preferential mooring rights in the Marina, together with a membership in the exclusive Jumeirah Private Island Yacht Club, as well as full access to the hotel and spa services.

The latest fiber-optic technology will ensure a complete communications system so that homeowners are assured of the latest high speed internet access in the privacy of their own Villa . Privacy and security will be an important factor with access to the island only possible by helicopter or the island’s launches, and all estate owners and yacht club members will have their own biometric identification, whilst hotel guests will be issued with ID passes incorporated within their room keys.

Having waded through the literature, and walked the island with the developers, I became more and more impressed with the concept and vision that has created this idyllic package. As well as the glossy brochures, the developers have put together a management structure including a Board of Directors that boasts international property developers who, between them, have over 120 years of experience.

Having already searched for a succession of clients, I can safely say that I know of nowhere else in the world that compares to what the team at Jumeirah Private Island are putting together. Show me another development where you can arrive at an international airport in the Tropics and after just a five-minute helicopter ride, be at your beachfront estate home, with your yacht waiting for you in the adjoining marina and a wealth of high-end amenities on your doorstep. It’s a perfect and highly exclusive mix and although not cheap, the prices quoted for a piece of this paradise are very competitive compared to similar developments underway around the world, which lack Jumeirah Private Island’s enviable location, quality infrastructure, luxurious amenities and proximity to international links.

The Marina

Adjoining the marina will be a yacht club, which will have outstanding facilities and where membership will be by invitation only. As part of the Hotel and Marina there will be a connoisseur deli, where residents can buy their staples (fresh fruit, meat and vegetables and freshly-baked bread) and order items from the mainland (which will be delivered directly to their door), or even partake in a daily international newspaper over a croissant and latte at the village café.

The Marina is being built within a natural protected bay, with a total commitment to preserve the established mangrove and other flora and fauna, which form a lush backdrop – all work being undertaken will be to the highest environmental standards.

Situated adjacent to an existing deep-water channel, the Marina will allow even the largest private yachts to have access at all states of the tide, and boats up to 90 meters can be accommodated. Anyone familiar with this part of the world will know that accessible deep-water marinas are extremely rare in Thailand, unless they are commercial ports – I certainly do not know of a marina that can take these superyachts and offer all of the facilities that Jumeirah Private Island offers.

The developers say – and I have to agree – that it will set new standards across. Remind your accountant after you’ve placed your order at Sunseeker, that  tax and fuel prices are significantly cheaper here than in Europe, the US or Australasia. Work on the Marina is over 50% completed and is targeted to accept yachts by the spring of 2011.

I think my portfolio has found itself the most enviable addition of all.

+DETAILS
For more information on this project, and to enquire about residential plots,
please contact Matt Millen at TGR Marketing in Phuket, Thailand on:
Email: matt.millen@tgr-asia.com  Mobile: +66 (0) 19 685 357
www.tgr-asia.com

Phuket, 1st August, 2009. The ASA Group has signed a memorandum of agreement with TGR Group Asia to provide aviation and VIP security services to TGR Group Asia at the Jumeirah Private Island Phuket. ASA will provide private charter flights, VIP travel and security services for visitors to the island, by helicopter, or luxury vehicle and a four-minute boat ride across from the Phuket mainland.

Simon Wagstaff, ASA’s Chief Executive, says: “It is a privilege to be part of this exclusive and exciting project. As a regular member of the Forbes panel that decides the world’s best hotels, I can see that this development is something special. Our extensive experience taking care of VIPs means that we can offer visitors the service they will naturally expect.

In 2007 TGR appointed Dubai-based Jumeirah Group to manage the resort, set to open 2011. Jumeirah Private Island Phuket is situated just 600 meters off the north eastern shores of Phuket, encompassing the entire 70 acre island called Koh Raet, an untouched tropical island. Set on 56,000 square metres of private land, the resort will offer spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay to the north, the beaches of Ao Po Bay to the west and white sandy beaches with views of both Naka Yai and Naka Noi.

The island will feature 72 pool villas each with an infinity pool and Jacuzzi, including 16 Jumeirah Private Estates and 38 Jumeirah Private Residences. To ensure visitors are totally pampered there will be extensive leisure, spa and fitness facilities, including a large freeform swimming pool and a 400-metre private beach, as well as four restaurants and bars. In addition, the resort will offer a tennis court, several boutiques, a business centre and a library with dedicated reading room.

Dilokpol Sundaravej, TGR’s Development Managing Director, says: “We are delighted to be associated with a company that, like us, provide the best VIP services with an emphasis on privacy and security. We feel our clients will appreciate this additional service available to them.”

Getting there

ASA will also provide fixed base operation (FBO) services to visitors to the island at its new executive aviation terminal at Phuket International Airport, scheduled to open later this year. In May 2009, Airports of Thailand (AOT) has given the go ahead for ASA to develop Thailand’s first world-class FBO, which will offer aircraft operators, passengers and aircrew a range of professional services for business and private flights, including tailored solutions for high end, diplomatic and large aircraft operations.

ASA will also offer several other VIP services, including security, aircraft charter, concierge services, over-flight and landing clearances and customs and immigration. Wagstaff adds: “Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will enhance Thailand’s reputation as a luxury destination and we look forward to ensuring visitors’ travel experiences are an enjoyable part of their holiday.

ASA Group Ltd

The ASA Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and has bases all over Southeast Asia, as well as in Dubai, the UK and the US. ASA is the leading provider of elite travel, private aviation and security services for VIPs in Asia Pacific. For over ten years its experts have given clients the security, knowledge and integrated facilities they need to travel, tour, or do business. With an in-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding travel throughout the Asia Pacific region, ASA is able to provide its customers with advice and suggestions to help ensure the smoothest trips possible.

Formed in 2006 by the association of individuals with substantial development experience in North America, Europe and Asia, TGR-Asia is leading the way in the Southern Thailand luxury resort and estate development market. In TGR-Asia’s debut project in Southeast Asia, TGR-Asia purchased an entire island for the development of Jumeirah Private Island Phuket, a mixed-use project having hotel, residential and marina components.

Just as the Burj Al Arab is Jumeirah’s flagship hotel in the Middle East, TGR-Asia’s private island will be home to Jumeirah’s flagship resort hotel of Asia. The 115-berth marina will provide 24-hour deep water access and will be capable of berthing up to 100-meter mega-yachts. The island will also be the site of approximately 50 private estates owned by some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and professional athletes

www.jumeirahprivateisland.com.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket, one of Asia Pacific’s most exclusive developments is scheduled for completion in Q4 2010 and set to offer levels of luxury, privacy and security as yet unseen in Asia Pacific.

It will also be home to an elite mega yacht Marina and the invitation-only Jumeirah Private Island Yacht Club.
Designed to top international specifications, the fully-inclusive Marina is being built in a protected lagoon on the East coast of the island and will offer a range of facilities including 104 larger than standard berths (from 10-100 metres) capable of accommodating super yachts of up to 100m with 24-hour security, electronic surveillance and fully lit walkways.

 
24 hour deep water access is available with a 5.5-metre depth at the Marina entrance to accommodate larger berths (3.5 metre depth for rest of basin), power pedestals, wireless internet, electric vehicle pick up and complete yacht maintenance and repair services.

 
The phase I of the Marina program is now completed, with the basin preparation and the rock revetment in place.  Phase II is now under way which will see the installation of pilings and pontoons in the North area of the bay, phase II will be completed by November 2008.  Phase III which is the South side of the natural bay will be completed late in 2009.

 
The invitation-only Jumeirah Private Island Phuket Yacht Club will feature a state-of the-art clubhouse with luxury accommodation, spa, gym and restaurants and will be host to regular regattas and exclusive Black Tie functions.

 
There is no tax on luxury yachts in Phuket and fuel, crew and dockage costs are up to 80 percent lower than those in Europe.

 
All property owners on Jumeirah Private Island Resort will enjoy full access to both the Marina and yacht club.

TGR Group Asia, the visionary developer behind Jumeirah Private Island Phuket has unveiled exclusive bespoke customization plans that allow buyers to design their home around their lifestyle.
Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will provide the ultimate lifestyle in sumptuous surroundings, housing 49 residential villas, 105 Jumeirah Hotel Pool Villas set amongst tropical gardens and a 101 berth deep water marina. All villas command open views of scattered islands.

The resort is scheduled for completion in late 2009/2010 and set to offer levels of luxury, privacy and security as yet unseen in Asia Pacific.

The residential villas and their private surrounding can be personalized according to the taste of the individual buyer. They are targeted at families that plan to make the island their tropical residence. These villas start at US$ 3 million. The plots of land have either beach or water frontage of between 42 to 217 metres and up to 25% of the land can be used for building on.
Buyers can specify for example the size of their pool, the number and size of the rooms and the layout; some buyers want a large games room whilst other prefer large guest bedrooms. All designs will be approved by the TGR architectural review committee, so as to maintain the privacy of its residents and natural feel of the Island.
All properties enjoy full access to a number of luxurious Jumeirah managed facilities including a super yacht marina capable of accommodating yachts of up to 70m with 24-hour access. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars as well as extensive leisure and fitness facilities including a large free form swimming pool, tennis court and Jumeirah’s signature Talise Wellness Spa.

In addition, the Island will offer a private yacht club, boutiques, a business centre and a library with dedicated reading room TGR Group Asia, the visionary developer behind Jumeirah Private Island Phuket has unveiled exclusive bespoke customization plans that allow buyers to design their home around their lifestyle.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will provide the ultimate lifestyle in sumptuous surroundings, housing 49 residential villas, 105 Jumeirah Hotel Pool Villas set amongst tropical gardens and a 101 berth deep water marina. All villas command open views of scattered islands.

The resort is scheduled for completion in late 2009/2010 and set to offer levels of luxury, privacy and security as yet unseen in Asia Pacific.

The residential villas and their private surrounding can be personalized according to the taste of the individual buyer. They are targeted at families that plan to make the island their tropical residence. These villas start at US$ 3 million. The plots of land have either beach or water frontage of between 42 to 217 metres and up to 25% of the land can be used for building on.
Buyers can specify for example the size of their pool, the number and size of the rooms and the layout; some buyers want a large games room whilst other prefer large guest bedrooms. All designs will be approved by the TGR architectural review committee, so as to maintain the privacy of its residents and natural feel of the Island.
All properties enjoy full access to a number of luxurious Jumeirah managed facilities including a superyacht marina capable of accommodating yachts of up to 70m with 24-hour access. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars as well as extensive leisure and fitness facilities including a large free form swimming pool, tennis court and Jumeirah’s signature Talise Wellness Spa. In addition, the Island will offer a private yacht club, boutiques, a business centre and a library with dedicated reading room

TGR will provide a minimum guaranteed yield of 5% for the first 3 years once the Resort opens. In addition and unusually for property developments, prior to the completion of the Resort a 5% return is also guaranteed during construction, once 60% of full payment has been made. The minimum yield is 5% although projections are in excess of 7% for those on the optional variable return basis. Buyers have sixty days personal usage at any time of the year.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket is scheduled for completion in late 2009/2010 and is set to offer levels of luxury, privacy and security as yet unseen in Asia Pacific. The island will be managed by Dubai based luxury international hospitality management group Jumeirah and is located less than 500 metres off Phuket in the Southern Gateway of Phang Nga Bay. Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will encompass 49 residential villas, 105 Jumeirah Hotel Pool Villas set amongst tropical gardens and a 101 berth deep water superyacht marina, yacht club and resort.

Anthony Franklin, Director of Marketing for TGR Group Asia commented: “Buyers are coming from across the globe. The rise in developments in the luxury sector has extended the island’s appeal to the international market. In particular, homeowners are drawn to Phuket’s yachting and marina facilities. The launch of Jumeirah Private Island Phuket’s superyacht marina will position the island as the yachting capital of Asia.” He further added; “we anticipate that sales will be similar over the Easter break and a number of viewing trips have already been arranged.”

The strong sales on Jumeirah Private Island Phuket were reflected across Phuket. David Simister, Chairman, CB Richard Ellis Thailand commented: “The recent high season is undoubtedly one of the busiest Phuket has seen. Post election, reports of viewings and bookings of resort properties at CBRE show a clear uplift in transactions.”

“This uplift is also supported by land price in Thailand’s coastal areas which have continued to grow unabated and indicates the strength of the market and long term prospects. The Treasury Department’s recent appraisal of land value shows that land prices in Phuket have increased on average a 160% in the past four years.”

“The general election held on December 23rd 2007 marks the return to democracy and puts the country back on the path to economic and political progress. We now expect a clear and positive policy towards foreign investment from the government.

This should play a significant role in further enhancing confidence in the market,”Simister added.

TGR Group Asia, the visionary developer behind Jumeirah Private Island Phuket, has today announced that Jumeirah Beach Villas have been released for sale, just in time for lovers seeking the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift! 

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket is an 80 acre exclusive island resort of 105 pool villas.  All villas command open views of scattered islands. 

The resort is scheduled for completion in late 2009/2010 and set to offer levels of luxury, privacy and security as yet unseen in Asia Pacific. 

13 of the pool villas offer direct beach access and are now for sale.  Jumeirah Beach Villas are an investment based purchase with a compulsory lease back to the Jumeirah Group. TGR will provide a minimum guaranteed yield of 5% for the first 3 years which, unusually for property developments, commences once 60% of full payment has been made. The minimum yield is 5% although projections are in-excess of 7%. Buyers have sixty days personal usage at any time of the year. 

Each Jumeirah Hotel Beach Villa has direct beach frontage, 220sq metre indoor living space, 350sq metre external living space and a total plot size of 650 sq metres.

If you would prefer to take up permanent residency on the island, there are just a few remaining properties of the 49 residential villas being constructed, starting at US$3 million.  So far homeowners from 14 different countries have committed to making Jumeirah Private Island Phuket their tropical residence

Two new exclusive island getaways will soon be providing luxurious lifestyles for those who wish to escape from it all, writes Reggie Ho Going to a resort is nice enough, how about living next to one and enjoying the luxuries that accompany such an arrangement?

That is what ‘on the table with Soneva Kiri & Six Senses Spa on Koh Kood, a remote island in the east of Thailand.

Like any islands in Thailand, Koh Kood has pristine waterfalls, crystal clear waters and unspoiled village life. It’s rather inaccessible, taking four hours by car from Bangkok plus two hour ferry ride to get to. But all that will change next year-for a small group of affluent people.

“Guests will fly there in a private plane, which is a Cessna Grand Caravan with a beautiful interior-leather seats and all the handling. You land at an airport a kilometre from the island.

I don’t know any other resort or residential development in Asia where you fly in with a plane,” Sonu Shivdasani, chairman and chief executive of Six Senses Resort & Spas, said. “I think it’s quite exotic”

The flight from Bangkok International Airport to Soneva Kiri Airport takes 60 minutes.

There are 20 private villas for sale, with prices ranging from US$4.5 million to US$7 million. Fourteen has all ready been sold at the time of going to press.

For US$3,000 a month, the villa will be maintained to optimal conditions and always be ready for the owner to live in.

There is also the option of putting the property into the rental pool, where it would be leased out for US$6,000 to US$10,000 per night. The money generated from the rental would be more than enough to cover the maintenance charges.

“So instead of writing us a cheque, we will be writing you a cheque,” Mr Shivdasani said.

Sharing the same site is the Soneva resort comprising 42 pool villas along the beachfront and on the hillside, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Other than providing accommodation space for visiting guests, it also caters to residential villas.

“It’s intelligent luxury, anticipating what customers want. People want choices. They want the finest beef; the wan Mouton Rohschild’66, or a special bottle from a small, unnamed vineyard in Australia,” Mr Shivdasani said.

“Every Soneva resort has a wine cellar and a sommelier, and he can come to your house
to serve your guests and help you put together a wine list. And we have winemakers coming in to have dinner with guests.”

Three restaurants are planned, and they will provide every thing from fine dining and a romantic dinner on the beach to casual home cooking or even popcorn and hotdogs to go your favourite DVDs. Each owner of a Soneva Kiri residential villa is entitled to up to eight complementary round-trip rides on the private plane between the resort and Bangkok International Airport.

“It’s the whole flight for up to eight guests, all free, and if they leave in a week we take them back free.”

For additional guess or trips, an other plane can be hired for US$350 return.

As with other Six Senses developments, Soneva Kiri is being developed with a host of ecologically sustainable designs.

“We’ve created a rustic experience in a tropical forest without using any timber from the forest. For the boardwalk we use pine that’s been preserved, and they are very thick planks and last a very long time. Then we sand-blast them so that they look like driftwood,” Mr Shivdasani said, Another exclusive residential development is Jumeirah Private Island Phuket, by TGR Group Asia.

The exclusive 33-hectare island resort, which looks out across Phang Nga Bay to the north and Ao Po Bay to the west, is scheduled for completion late next year and also aims to offer extremely high levels of luxury, privacy and security.

Reachable by a seven-minute helicopter wide or 15 minute drive from Phuket, followed by four minutes ride on a private motor yacht, Jumeirah Private Island Phuket is home to 48 residential villas and 105 suite and pool villas set among tropical gardens and a 101 berth deep-water marina.

The starting price of the private villas is US$2.8 million and 60 per cent of the development had been purchased at the time of going to press.

“[The buyers] have largely been professional families in their mid 40s seeking home or a base in Asia,” said Anthony Franklin, partner and marketing director of TGR Group Asia.

We are not seeking investment buyers, although Jumeirah Private Island Phuket is a solid investment. But we believe that between now and completion prices will rise in excess of 100 per cent.”

A number of the villas can be customised o buyers’ specifications, and the island will offer a private yacht club, boutiques, business centre and library.

Environmentally friendliness has also been incorporated in the design. Construction will be restricted to a quarter of the island and an integrated rainwater collection scheme will be in place, in additional to thermal insulation in all roof structures to reduce the need for air conditioning.

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Offshore asset Sometimes, even the fanciest upmarket hotel with the most unobtrusive service just doesn’t cut it. That’s when you realise you have to spend your holidays on a private island. Or even live on one.

Dodging the hoi polloi will be fasable about 18 months from now with the completion of Jumeirah Private Island Phuket. An exclusive enclave aimed at the well heeled, the island sits about 500 metres off Phuket in Phang Nga Bay, a short speedboat trip from James Bond Island. As a hotel, residential villa, super-yacht marina and yacht-club focal point, the 32-hectare island will provide the ultimate lifestyle in maximum privacy.

It can be reached by boat or helicopter (the trip from Phuket International Airport takes seven minutes) and, when fully functional, transport on the isle will be by electric car only. I addition to the hotel will be numerous single-storey properties of various sizes, including 20 estates, 28 residences, 12 pool villas and the mega yacht marina.

Although the developers have guaranteed only 18 per cent of the palm-tree covered island will be required for building purposes, it will still offer the usual upmarket facilities, including four restaurants, four bars, a spa, a gym, a 50-metre swimming pool, a 24-hour on-demand ferry service to Phuket, a tennis court, shops, a business centre and a library with a dedicated reading room. It will also offer, fittingly, two 450-metre-long white sand beaches. See www.tgr-asia.com for more details.

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The island, set to be managed by Dubai based luxury international hospitality group Jumeirah, is located less than 500 metres off Phuket in the Southern Gateway of Phang Nga Bay and will encompass exclusive residential villas, resort, super yacht marina and yacht club.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will provide the ultimate lifestyle in sumptuous surroundings, housing 48 residential villas and 105 suite and pool villas set amongst tropical gardens and a 101 berth deep water marina.

Starting at US$2.8 million, 60% of the development has already been purchased by individuals looking to take up residence on the island.

A number of the villas and their private surroundings can be customised according to the taste of the individual buyer. Buyers can specify a 40m infinity swimming pool, 200sqm master suite, cinema room, spa and sauna facilities, games room, wine and cigar room, study and library as well as many other benefits.

The hotel pool villas and hotel rooms face straight onto the beach or have views of scattered islands and the ocean and allow for direct beach access. All properties enjoy full access to a number of luxurious Jumeirah managed facilities including a super yacht marina capable of accommodating yachts of up to 70m with 24-hour access.

Facilities will include four restaurants and bars as well as extensive leisure and fitness facilities including a large free form swimming pool, tennis court and Jumeirah’s signature Talise Wellness Spa. In addition, the Island will offer a private yacht club, boutiques, a business centre and a library with dedicated reading room.

Partner and Managing Director for TGR Group – Asia, Mr. Dilokpol Sundaravej, commented:  The ground breaking is a major milestone in our development plan and we look forward to bringing the project to fruition in late 2009.”

Serge Zaloof, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, Jumeirah also commented: 
“This development is not just breaking ground, it is groundbreaking. Jumeirah is extremely proud to be managing the most exclusive private island in Asia Pacific”.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will offer spectacular views of the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the north, views of the beaches of Ao Po Bay to the west and two 450 metre white sand beaches with views of both Naka Yai and Naka Noi. 

The greatest care has been taken to protect the ecology of the island. Only 25% of the island will be built on, an integrated rainwater collection scheme will be in operation, thermal insulation in all roof structures will reduce air conditioning energy consumption, double block cavity wall and double glazed windows and patio doors will encourage thermal efficiency.

The resort can be reached by a seven minute helicopter rise or by a 15 minute car journey to Phuket followed by a four minute private motor yacht ride. Transport on the island itself will be by electric car only.