Nation

Private Islands Online

Deep in the heart of every man burns the ambition to rule an island paradise -- or, in the case of Hervé Villechaize, two island paradises (Montalban and Christopher Lee were face-men -- check the deeds). Get yours from Private Islands Online

A private-island clearinghouse, PIO puts you in touch with the appropriate agents and/or owners of everything from palm-treed paradises to glorified wind-blasted rocks -- all available for sale or rent. The deets:

Rent: More than 200 isles, with weekly rates ranging from $175 up to $300,000+; amenities vary predictably, ranging downward from "butler" to "sand". To/from transportation's accounted for, and lodging's generally provided, although Robinson Crusoe-type destinations can be had, but are BYOF (Bring Your Own Friday).

Buy: While big-ticket Euro and Caribbean plots can run hundreds of millions, some 'lands can be locked up for as low as $35K. Pricier island = big, stuff already built; cheap island = tiny, how do I get contractors out there/what if they're late? Or need to come back with different parts?

Like all real estate, island-buying has its shady side, so PIO also runs a shadowy listing called Virtual Island Broker. Submit your preferences (location, size, price), and they'll get back to you with any off-the-book fits -- because within every man's soul also lurks a desire to buy isolated atolls out of the back of a van.

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