Paradise up for grabs as owners sell dream island

OWNERS of Paradise Bay Island Resort on South Long Island (above) are seeking expressions of interest to sell their “truly unique” property

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

OWNING a resort on an island is a Lotto winner's dream, and what makes the dream all the more difficult to achieve is the fact not many people want to sell their piece of paradise.

However, the owners of Paradise Bay Island Resort on South Long Island (above) are seeking expressions of interest to sell their "truly unique" property.

CBRE Hotels regional hotel broker Don Watson-Brown said they've had just under 50 enquiries in the first week the property had been advertised.

"The current owners have done a wonderful job reinvigorating the whole resort and the surrounds," he said.

"They're very conscious of their obligations as far as looking after the surrounds and the ecology around it."

Mr Watson-Brown said the owners, Barry and Julie Pickering, had injected a lot of money, time and effort into the resort.

"In essence it was brought up to the standard they wanted to retire at. Unfortunately, their situation has changed," he said.

The resort has 10 upmarket beachfront bungalows and is not far from Hamilton Island. Mr Pickering, who purchased the resort as a 50th birthday present for his wife, said the decision to sell was bittersweet.

"Our heart and soul has gone into this project - family, friends and select guests love the resort - but things happen for a reason and someone will no doubt enjoy the fruits of our passion for many years to come," he said.

Expressions of interest close 1pm on July 11. Phone Mr Watson-Brown on 0438 081 088 for information.

Originally published as Paradise up for grabs as owners sell dream island