Welcome to the Islands Buyers Guide to Development Types article where we will detail out how different island development strategies, from dive resorts to single-villa private islands through to large beach resorts cater to diverse market demands and various development types. You’ll gain insights into each approach, enabling you to make well-informed decisions when selecting an island for development.
Although many islands may appear to cater to various development types, it is important to understand the physical attributes and other restrictions (legislative, customary) that may constrain sites to particular types of developments and not others.
We hope you enjoy this article, and as always, if you need more information on any islands for development, please reach out to sales@kepriestates.com. Happy island hunting!…
Author: [Kepri Estates] | Reading time: ~20 minutes | 28 February 2025, 11:30 AM (SGT)
Table of Contents
- Islands for Dive Resorts
- Islands for Glamping Resorts
- Single Villa Private Islands
- Islands for Beach Resorts
- Islands for Subdivision
- Islands for Private Villa Estates
- Islands for Multiple Resorts
- Islands for Water Villa Resorts
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – Dive Resorts
Dive resorts cater to adventure-seekers and marine enthusiasts who prioritise easy access to vibrant underwater ecosystems. Islands are selected for their proximity to coral reefs, shipwreck sites, or abundant marine life that draws both novice and experienced divers. From a business perspective, acquiring or developing an island near to diving hotspots is where they will want to be.
Infrastructure for Developing a Dive Resort
Establishing a dive resort requires reliable water and power supply, efficient waste management, and dependable transportation links. Investors might partner with local operators to run boat shuttles or build small docks for private vessels. In regions prone to monsoons or hurricanes, robust storm-proofing measures are essential to protect assets and ensure uninterrupted operations. Fortunately, the Anambas is not exposed to geological or storm events, so storm proofing is not required in the province.
Dive Resort Environmental Considerations
Because coral reefs and coastal ecosystems are easily damaged, sustainable practices are paramount. Limiting coastal construction near fragile reef zones and implement proper wastewater treatment systems are recommended. In addition, promoting responsible diving such as prohibiting anchoring on reefs will help maintain biodiversity, boosts the resort’s reputation, and aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly tourism.
Private Islands for Dive Resort Development
The Anambas archipelago is perfectly suited to dive resorts. With recognised shipwrecks and the rich corals, you would expect to see in the world’s coral triangle, the Anambas archipelago does not disappoint.
A private island for developing a dive resort is. Telaga Cina Island – it has expansive coral fields in relatively shallow waters all the way across to Mengkudu Island, offering quick access not just to experienced divers but snorkeller’s and those learning to dive also.
A private tropical beach for developing a dive resort is Batu Garam West South Bay 1 – On one of the outer islands this entire private beach has some of the best corals in the province right on it’s doorstep!
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – Glamping Resorts
Glamping resorts on the other hand, combine the allure of natural environments with high-end amenities, and are often terrestrial in nature rather than strictly beachfront. They appeal to travellers who want immersive outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort. Islands suited for glamping often feature lush landscapes, secluded beaches, or panoramic views that create an authentic sense of escape [3].
Glamping Resorts on Private Islands
Tents, cabins, or dome structures take precedence over traditional resorts, focusing on minimal environmental impact. Elevated boardwalks and stilt platforms are commonly used to preserve ground vegetation and reduce storm damage risks. Interiors may include all of the luxe fit out like air conditioning, and stylish furnishings. This fusion of rustic and luxurious elements is a strong selling point, especially for travellers seeking novelty and sustainability.
Sustainability Ideas for Eco Resorts
Renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines can be integrated into the resort design. Rainwater harvesting and composting systems further enhance green credibility and credentials. Emphasising a zero-waste philosophy is also a strong draw to this particular market.
Islands for Eco Resorts and Glamping Resort Development
The Anambas archipelago offers islands aligned with eco resorts and glamping developments. Lush tropical islands with ancient forest canopies provide the perfect backdrop for these types of developments. Unlike most low-lying tropical islands, the Anambas have rugged and tall peaks that are the perfect location for accommodation requiring immersion into the surrounding environment and still be able to take in panoramic sunrise or sunset views (or sometimes both) of the surrounding tropical islands.
An island for glamping development and eco resort development is Peninting Island. With it’s blend of development and forestry zoning, this will ensure no other nearby development can impact guest amenity in the forest areas of this site.
A private beach for an eco resort development is Batu Garam East South Bay. With its mesmerising sunrise views over the Natuna Sea and and at a petite 8 hectares with elevated land behind the bayfront offers guests panoramic views from within the dense tropical rainforest and it’s native flora and fauna.
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – Single Villa Development
For investors seeking exclusivity, single villa private islands epitomise high-end, personalised luxury. They cater to a niche segment of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and celebrities who value seclusion, bespoke services, and one-of-a-kind environments [4].
Logistics for Remote Single Villa Developments on Islands
Acquiring an entire island for a single villa can be capital-intensive. Budget allocations often include building a private jetty or helipad for convenient arrivals. Importing construction materials can be challenging if the island is remote investors must plan logistics meticulously to avoid costly delays. With the size of the development you are better off to stage all materials off site and then bring in a shallow draft barge with all required construction materials as a single lot, rather than piecemeal.
Privacy and Amenities
Owners or guests typically expect high privacy levels, possibly supported by security personnel and advanced surveillance systems. Amenities can range from infinity pools and private beaches to in-villa spas and gourmet kitchens stocked with premium global products. Low-density development ensures the villa blends into its surroundings, helping preserve the island’s natural appeal.
Islands for Single Villa Developments
The privacy and seclusion of outer islands is perfectly aligned with exclusive single villa luxury developments. Particularly for those who do not want to attract the attention of others (UHNWI’s) these islands will be a definite drawcard with little price sensitivity in the rooms rates that can be levied.
A island for a private villa development is Moso Island – A petite 1.8 hectare island with a private North facing beach and elevate granite headlands to the South. A perfect little island with both sunrise and sunset views over the archipelago and also suited to a water villa style private residence.
A large island for a private villa development is Nunsa Island – A large 27 hectare island in the secluded South East of the archipelago, perfectly suited to a large scale private villa development in seclusion and privacy.
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – for Beach Resorts
Large scale resorts cater to broader markets, have hundreds of rooms, expansive dining options, and multiple recreational facilities.
Operational Complexity
Running a large resort demands elaborate logistics, from consistent food supply chains to efficient housekeeping systems. Large infrastructure investments like water desalination, waste treatment facilities and backup power generators required for this type of development. In larger developments, separate large-scale on-site accommodation for staff will be needed. Developments should have a dedicated team (on site and off site) planning, scheduling and cost controlling the project.
Economic and Social Impact
Larger projects like these do boost local economies by creating jobs and increasing demand for local goods. So, although the negative environmental impact is larger, their positive social impacts are often larger too. They may also attract supporting businesses such as souvenir shops, transportation services and other guest activities in JVs with the local population. However, over-development can strain resources, so it’s important to collaborate with local authorities and environmental agencies early in the planning phase, particularly given the sensitive nature of the Anambas archipelago’s natural resources.
Market Segmentation
Large resorts typically appeal to families, group travellers, and corporate events. Offering a wide range of amenities like kid-friendly clubs, conference halls, and multiple swimming pools, that broadens the target audience. Some developments incorporate branded residences or timeshare options, providing additional revenue streams and diversifying the investor’s risk profile [6].
Islands for Beach Resorts
There are several islands, and also large beaches, in the Anambas archipelago suited to larger scale beach resorts, with expansive beachfront and larger flatter building envelopes for low rise construction. The calm tropical environment of the Anambas, and the uninhibited views are perfectly aligned to a wide range of the tourism market.
A tropical beach for a beach resort development is Mandariau Darat West Beach – 3.5 hectares with a large beach frontage and spectacular sunset views over the archipelago. The site has a large flat building envelope relative to its size.
A private island for a beachfront resort development is Mengkudu Island. With 2 southern islets as part of the package the island offers the possibility to develop over 500m of over water construction, leaving Mengkudu’s Western beachfront aside for a medium to large scale beachfront development.
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – For Subdivision
Islands for subdivision are not readily available in most jurisdictions but do offer a lucrative opportunity if the geography of the property is well suited. The basic process is to purchase the island and then apply to re-issue the land titles aligned with each plot you wish to sell.
Planning and Zoning
Before subdividing, developers must align with local regulations and obtain approvals. No master plans or environmental impact studies are normally required for this process.
Market Segments
Subdivision islands attract various buyer profiles: retirees, second-home seekers, or smaller-scale investors. By offering plots at different sizes and price ranges, developers can broaden the market appeal. Additional perks, like membership-based marinas or clubhouses, enhance community spirit and drive-up demand.
Islands for Subdivision
There are several islands, and also large beaches, in the Anambas archipelago suited subdivision, and 1 even has flexible payment plans, so you can subdivide and on sell, or subdivide and keep a site and develop it, before completely paying for the island.
A large private tropical beach for subdivision is Telebang South Beach – With it’s expansive building envelopes and superior corals just a short swim from the high tide line.
A large tropical island for subdivision is Ujung Island – A massive tropical island for sale with potential to hold up to 5 large scale integrated resorts, beachfront, elevated and over water with numerous development options
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – Private Villa Estates
Private villa estates combine the benefits of subdivision with additional profit generation. Instead of selling bare plots, developers can build premium villas and then market them to buyers looking for move-in-ready homes or income-generating rentals [9].
Community Design and Branding
Uniform landscaping, architectural guidelines, and shared facilities cultivate an exclusive atmosphere. Some estates include central amenities like a spa, a fine-dining restaurant, or a private beach club.
Revenue and Profit Streams
There are 4 main revenue streams in this type of development model.
- Subdivide and sell smaller lots
- Build and sell villas
- Ongoing supply of utilities and amenities
- Profit sharing on resort / accommodation revenue
Management and Rental Opportunities
Developers or third-party operators can offer rental management services, letting owners capitalise on tourism demand, or buyers who want a hassle-free investment while enjoying the property a few weeks each year. Revenue-sharing models can be highly profitable if marketed effectively, especially through luxury travel agencies.
Islands for Private Villa Estate Developments
There are a few large islands for sale that offer private villa estate opportunities, both terrestrial and also water villas.
A private island for villa estate is Dekar Island – With it’s numerous development areas offering forest, elevated, beachfront and over water villa estate development areas.
A private beach for a villa estate is Pantai Baruk – With it’s large flat building envelope and gently rising landscape plus plenty of room for over water villas also.
Island Buyer’s Guide to Development Types – Islands for Multiple Resorts
In some cases, a single island can be large enough to accommodate multiple resorts. This cluster approach benefits from economies of scale for infrastructure and utilities, such as shared desalination plants, waste management, or power grids [10].
Master Planning and Collaboration
A multi-resort model often involves multiple investors or development groups who coordinate their individual master plans under a central masterplan. Each resort could target a different market segment ensuring diverse revenue streams and no cannibalisation of market share. Common areas and guest amenities and also shared access to dining and activities will also allow each individual resort to capitalise on the footfall of the others.
Advantages
For the initial developer or purchaser, the ground rules can be set to their advantage, offering the opportunity of additional revenue streams from supply of amenities and utilities, as well as the profits from the original sub leasing or sale of the other development sites.
Enhanced Destination Appeal
A higher density shared island development can often multiply margins for each of the resort developers or operators, with economies of scale being significant. Everything from staff quarters to utilities can have much lower costs that if operators all did it themselves. Sentosa island Singapore is a good example of this.
Islands for Sale to Develop Multiple Resorts
3 islands are for sale suitable and have the appropriate zoning for multiple resorts or resort areas. These large sites have the right topography and outlook for each resort to have low density luxurious accommodations that will not impact on neighbouring developments.
A private beach site for multiple resorts is Penjaling Island – With 50 hectares of combined beachfront (and access to the whole 84 hectares) this island site will easily support multiple resorts.
A private island for multiple resorts is the Pejaul multi island development site – 2 whole islands and 30 hectares of a 3rd island will support multiple large scale resort developments without interference with each other.
Islands for Water Villa Resorts
Water villa resorts, famous in tropical locations like the Maldives, offer guests a direct connection to the ocean. From a design perspective, these accommodations are perched on stilts, letting travellers enjoy marine life directly beneath their villas [12].
Architectural and Environmental Considerations
Building over water demands rigorous planning to avoid harming coral reefs or disrupting marine life and environmental impact studies will most likely be required during the predevelopment process. However, water villas do not require the developer to purchase the seabed underneath the villas, so a large scale water villa development will often have minimal land cost relative to it’s size, further increasing development margins.
Luxury Features and Guest Experience
Water villas typically come with glass floors, private plunge pools, or personal steps leading into the sea, creating a sense of exclusivity. Upscale resort amenities like butler services, fine dining, and spas add to the luxurious appeal. Water villas often command premium nightly rates, reinforcing the high-end positioning.
Marketing and Demand
Aspirational imagery plays a big role in promoting water villas, often highlighted on social media and travel platforms. Many honeymooners and special-occasion travellers seek this once-in-a-lifetime experience, making targeted marketing campaigns especially effective. Leveraging user-generated content—photos and reviews—further amplifies the resort’s reach.
Islands for Water Villa Resorts
Almost all islands in the Anambas archipelago can support water villa developments.
A small private island for water villa developments is Temawan Island – With it’s South Eastern shallows over 2.5 hectares in size, this little island can support a significant over water development for it’s small size and economical cost.
A large private island for water villa development is Ujung Island – with it’s massive Northern bay, there are several hectares of over water villa development opportunity here, not to mention the ability to fit multiple resorts on the land areas.
Conclusion
Islands remain a fascinating (and generally expensive) frontier in real estate. Whether focusing on dive enthusiasts, luxury villas, or multi-faceted resorts, the core principles of private island development remain consistent.
- Thorough market research.
- Environmental stewardship.
- Effective collaboration with communities.
As global travel trends continue to evolve, developers who align their plans with sustainability and cultural sensitivity can not only assist to preserve valuable environments but also enhance profitability, both during development and in resort operations.
By embracing creativity and responsibility, you can create enduring value and memorable experiences on some of the world’s most remarkable island landscapes, including the stunning Anambas archipelago.
For further information on islands for sale to capitalise on the development types listed in this article, please contact sales@kepriestates.com.
FAQs 1 – Private Island Development Types
Which island type offers the best return on investment?
Islands that offer the best return on investment are those with which you can value add through developments such as.
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- Subdivision and selling large sections for resort development.
- Subdivision and selling private villas and supplying utilities.
- Building private villa estates for long term rentals and resale.
- Rezoning for development.
- Buying larger islands and developing multiple resorts to lease to known brands.
Do environmental regulations differ between forest and beach settings?
Yes. Forest resorts must address wildlife conservation and fire safety, while beach resorts face coastal zoning rules and erosion controls. Compliance with local environmental policies is vital for both. Fortunately the Anambas islands regulations are realistic and investor focussed.
What is the advantage of multiple resort developments on one island?
Shared infrastructure, reduced costs for shared infrastructure and boosting the destination’s profile are the main 3. However, they require coordinated planning to manage resource allocation and branding.
FAQs 2 – Private Island Development Types
What are the zoning regulations for islands regarding resort development?
There are 3 main zoning types in the Anambas archipelago.
- Forestry – limited to temporary structures on land (glamping and some eco resort styles)
- Forestry for conversion – Up to 10% structures on land
- Development -Up to 70% roof cover (not that you would ever want to!)
All 3 zoning types can allow over water construction for developments such as water villas.
Are islands suitable for commercial ventures such as hotels, eco-resorts, or retreat centres?
Yes, many listings highlight commercial potential for eco-tourism, and flexible government development legislation is aimed at increasing eco-tourism.
Can islands be developed for private residential villas?
Yes, although alternative developments on the larger islands is often more profitable.
Do islands allow for the construction of overwater bungalows or piers?
Yes, almost all islands of the archipelago are suited to water villas, and permit piers or jetties for access.
FAQs 3 – Private Island Development Types
Can islands be used for multiple purposes, such as a combination of tourism, agriculture, or conservation?
Yes. And a combination of all 3 is often the most efficient use of the sites. Not just for ESG credibility, but utilising agriculture for recycling and supply chain is also both environmentally sound and profitable.
What types of permits are needed to develop basic infrastructure on islands (e.g., docks, helipads)?
Permits and licenses will vary based on the development scope and style. sales@kepriestates.com can advise options based on the island and your development aspirations with it.
Are islands feasible for eco-friendly or off-grid projects, such as solar-powered villas?
Absolutely. The islands will require them, and they are a positive outcome for the environment, adding ESG credibility to the development and your brand.
Could islands be designated as conservation areas to protect coral reefs or wildlife?
Yes, most islands are zoned as such, and development sites and islands are in short supply as a result. It is most unusual to have development opportunities within such a pristine area.
Do islands offer government incentives for sustainable tourism developments?
No. However the government will assist with providing infrastructure and other services (like immigration) to add value, reduce development costs and add to your guests’ experience and amenity.
We Value Your Feedback
Thank you for exploring these island development insights! If you found this article helpful, please share it with fellow investors or on social media. Do you have further questions about these island types or want more details on environmental practices? We’d love to hear from you—check out the links below for additional resources and expert guidance.
References
[1] UNWTO Tourism Recovery Report 2023 (unwto.org)
[2] Sustainable Coastal Development Guide (unep.org)
[3] Global Glamping Trends 2024 (glampingbusiness.com)
[4] Luxury Travel Market Outlook 2022-2026 (luxurytravelmagazine.com)
[5] Global Residential Property Demand Trends (knightfrank.com)
[6] Emerging Island Business Models in Tourism (oecd.org)
[7] Logistics & Infrastructure Challenges in Coastal Regions (unctad.org)
[8] Coastal Zone Management and Regulation (noaa.gov)
[9] Economic Impact of Island Resorts Report (worldbank.org)
[10] Real Estate Finance in Niche Markets (jll.com)
Further Research
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To learn more about the full range of islands for sale in the Anambas archipelago, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive Islands for Sale page.