Undercurrent has invited me to write this article about Tilagica Island in Fiji for its readership. Tilagica Island is a 53-acre island just off the northernmost island of Fiji, Vanua Levu. Vanua Levu is one of the two main, and largest Fiji islands. As discussed below, the island offers the opportunity for an individual or group of interested divers/fishermen/surfers to come together to purchase and own a piece of a tropical paradise.
Just north of the island is Cakaulevu, or, as it is also referred to, the Great Sea Reef. The reef is 125 miles long and stretches from the tip of Vanua Levu to Viti Levu. The website for the island is www.fijiislandforsale-tilagica.com, and the website has ample maps and photographs of the island. See the map page on the website for a map of the island’s location and the reef.
A 2004 survey found that the reef contains 55 percent of the known coral reef fish in Fiji, 74 percent of the coral species in Fiji, and 44 percent of all Fiji’s endemic reef species. The reef’s proximity to Tilagica Island creates magnificent opportunities for great experiences including snorkling, scuba diving, fishing, and surfing its incredible surf break. With a modest 35-foot boat, moored at the island as a home base, an owner of Tilagica Island is a short distance from these reef experiences.
With more than 300 islands in Fiji serving up crystal blue water, swaying palms, private beaches, and exquisite coral reefs in clear lagoons; there is the very tangible feeling of having found paradise. Within this tropical wonderland, this 53-acre Tilagica Island offers secure “freehold status” and sophisticated development that is ready for residency. Freehold status is the cleanest title available in Fiji and is akin to “fee” title in the U.S.
As noted, Tilagica Island is on the north side of the northernmost island, Vanua Levu, of the two main and largest Fiji islands (See map page on the website for details). The island is lush with the opportunity to cultivate native fruit trees and offering the opportunity to be self-sufficient with a beautiful garden and domestic animals.
There are three existing structures and caretaker’s quarters on the island, with a total of five bedrooms and five large, modern baths. The central Fijian-style bure (bungalow) home, constructed of sturdy concrete, features tall ceilings with fans, light-tiled floors, and beautiful dark wood appointments. A large kitchen occupies the airy great room. The lovely lawn slopes from the living quarters to the water’s edge, where the mountains of Vanua Levu can be seen in the distance.
Most importantly, the key infrastructure is modern, functional, and operational, and includes solar power, a substantial diesel generator, and a 12,000-gallon water storage facility. Cell phone service is also available. The buildings and infrastructure were constructed from 2012 to 2015, but the original owner never occupied the island. Although a caretaker resides on the island while awaiting sale, the homes have never been occupied; so new owners can truly make Tilagica their own.
The journey to Tilagica Island starts on the most southerly of the two main islands, Viti Levu. The recently upgraded Nadi International Airport—the gateway to Fiji on Viti Levu’s west coast—is your departure point for a 45-minute turboprop flight to Labasa Airport on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest but less touristy island. From there, it is a 90-minute drive north before departing on a picturesque boat trip along the Dogotuki River and then making a short open-water crossing to the island. Exceptional diving opportunities abound here, including the magnificent soft corals along the nearby reef. Recently designated a World Heritage Site, it is the world’s third-longest continuous barrier reef, stretching over 120 miles.
There is something special about private islands, especially when they are located in a tropical paradise. If that is something to which you aspire, then the 53-acre freehold Tilagica Island, Fiji, offers much.
This is the perfect opportunity to own a piece of paradise. Imagine owning a piece of an island that is completely private and self-contained. Whether you are a writer, fisherman, diver or environmentalist, this is a chance to own something truly unique in the world. The seller has the property listed for $1.7 million, but the suggestion is proposed that a group of 6 to 10 acquire the island as a joint venture. The possibility of such joint ownership is varied. For example, if 10 participants joined up, each would have 6 weeks on the island, if 8 participants joined up to acquire the island, each would have 8 weeks on the island, and so forth.
Inquiries should be directed to Richard Idell, richard.idell@idellfirm.com or (707) 799 – 5962.