Own a FLOATING island

19.08.2015 10:00

Wealthy holidaymakers who are looking to sink a ton of cash in a private getaway spot will soon be able to buy their own portable island.

Christie’s International Real Estate has announced plans for the world’s first floating islands, with the first to be built in the Maldives.

While the price hasn’t been revealed, the chain of artificial atolls, called Amillarah Private Islands, will be ‘ultra high-end’, self-sufficient and eco-friendly, said Christie’s.

Christie’s plans to sell buoyant islands all over the world, and has already identified Dubai and Miami as its next markets.

Buyers will be able to customize their island to their liking, with renderings showing multi-level luxury pads, infinity pools just feet from the sea and private beaches.

Christie’s has partnered with architect Koen Olthuis and Dutch Docklands to design and build the islands, which it says will be ‘completely stable and safe from rising sea levels.’

The real estate firm has also hired Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society to help with design and research to make the homes environmentally-friendly and create new underwater habitats for sea life.

Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said in a statement: ‘The opportunity to literally develop a private island on a body of water is a testament to Dutch Dockland’s skills in this arena.

‘Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.’

Rick Moeser, the firm’s senior vice president, added: ‘Each of these homes is an eco-friendly work of art that can be lived in, allowing consumers to not only create, but enjoy whatever kind of paradise they desire.’

Dutch Docklands specialises in building on-water residences, and is already developing a spectacular resort, called the Ocean Flower, in the Maldives.

The joint venture with the country’s government will include 185 waterfront villas, all with a private pool, shops and restaurants.

(dailymail.co.uk)