Pristine piece of paradise awaits purchaser

Elevated view of Yadua Island in Fiji's Mamanuca Island Group with artist's impression of possible tourism development inserted.

The leasehold interest in a pristine and uninhabited island is for sale within the Mamanuca Island Group at the heart of Fiji's premier tourism sector, 36 kms to the west of Nadi.

"This is a paradise island in a superb location," says Rick Kermode, resort island specialist with Knight Frank New Zealand who, with colleague Allen Beagley, is marketing the leasehold interest by deadline private treaty closing on July 31.

Kermode says the native leasehold island of Yadua is 10.9791 hectare with its highest point about 60 metres above sea level is Yadua Island is only a 10 minute helicopter ride from Nadi Airport.

It is roughly circular in shape with a surrounding coral reef that encapsulates a marine reserve protecting sea life and the reef itself.

"A magnificent white sandy beach with uninterrupted views out to the Mamanuca Islands is at the southern end of the island, while at the top of the island there is the remains of a volcanic crater which is rich in native bush and vegetation," Kermode says.

"Its elevation and solid base with a rock core will help resist any future rising oceans and storm damage."

Kermode says consent is already in place to erect a jetty and the surrounding reef area has a foreshore lease.

"Yadua Island has the potential to be developed into a boutique resort or a standalone residential development for private occupation and plans have been drawn up for over water and island based bures.

Aerial view of Yadua Island, Fiji, with its feature white sandy beach in the foreground.

"The sale of this island presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals or developers as it is one of the very few islands left to purchase in the heart of Fiji's main tourism sector," Kermode says.

"Surrounded by successful resorts and in an area well serviced by regular ferry services, this island could be the site of a private exclusive residence or a small tourism development."

Beagley says a purchaser will be buying the rights to occupy the land for the term of the native lease - in this case for 99 years. "In effect there is a demarcation between the lessor (the land owner) and the lessee. The lease is subject to five yearly ground rental reviews of the lease which allows development into a tourist resort or alternatively for residential use. The lessee has the rights to mortgage the lease and develop the island according to the town planning regulations so in effect the ability to utilise the land is not impeded by the leasehold tenure."

Rick Kermode of Knight Frank

Beagley says Yadua Island is also known as Nautanivono Island. "It is within the Mamanuca Island group which lie in an arc curving to the north-west and to the south of the Yasawa group of islands. The Mamanucas number 20 volcanic islands with seven of these covered by the Pacific Ocean at high tide."

Beagley says Fiji is about a three hour flight from Auckland International Airport or four hours from the eastern seaboard of Australia including Sydney.

"The Mamanuca and the Yasawa Islands are well served by regular ferry services and also by helicopter and fixed wing services during the daylight hours.

"This sale presents a rare opportunity to buy a completely undeveloped island near Nadi International Airport and tap into Fiji's rapidly strengthening tourism market," Beagley says.