Tropical Island Camp for Castaway Wannabes
July 13th, 2008
I have an idea that I desperately need your feedback on.
It’s an idea I think we’re uniquely qualified to implement and one on which you, as an island enthusiast, are just as qualified to give your feedback. In fact it’s very important that I do hear from you on this one. The more ideas, the better so give me everything you’ve got and I’ll use the info to make the right decision.
I’ve always loved camping and fishing. I’ve also had this little fantasy of being stranded on a deserted island just to see if I could survive. Even if it were just for a weekend, I think it would be a blast… just me and maybe a few friends hanging out, fishing, eating coconuts, and enjoying the beauty of the island. No, KT wouldn’t participate. She thinks I’m crazy for even having the fantasy. The very idea of going a day without a shower makes her skin crawl.
But what if we could have it both ways? What if we kept an island as untouched as possible but had all the major components there for comfortable camping? By that I mean a top notch tent or palapa with a decent bed, a cooking area, maybe a fire pit for the evenings, a toilet (that doesn’t smell) and yes a shower! Consider it hi-end camping on a deserted island.
All of this could be accomplished with practically no impact on the island at all. The gray water and solids could be boated out weekly in small removable tanks for disposal at the mainland. We can add a rain water collection system that would easily cover all the needs and we can boat in jugs of purified water for consumption during the trip. Small solar panels could provide power for a few florescent lamps and to charge a ship-to-shore radio and a fixed cellular for safety. Everything else is just logistics.
Personally, I’d add a grocery shopping and fishing component to this and stock the island with snorkel gear and a kayak or two. I’d also have a trusted caretaker nearby to help out where needed during times when “castaways” are on the island.
So here is where you come in. I’d like the answers to a few questions.
Categories: Island Fun, Island related businesses
Comments
I LOVE the idea.
You’re not weird at all. Uh, unless I am too! I’d better check…
…correction, I just asked myself and I answered no, so I think you are perfectly sane.
I’ve had the same desire. As I age, maybe I don’t really need to test my ability to survive but the deserted island experience would be incredible.
I wouldn’t want strangers with me. Only friends and family or by myself. If you look at it that way, then this is really a private island rental. In that case I don’t think $200 per night is unreasonable if you provide basic necessities, food and a comfortable bed.
Adding to the experience by fishing for my own dinner would by icing on the cake.
Do this, its a good idea!
Wow, I have totally had that dream! I think it is a great idea! I could go either way of having a small number of people on the island other than yourself, family or friends provided there is sufficient space between them. I would love the fishing, kayacking aspect as well. I think $200 a night is pushing it, but close. I think you should do it!
don’t forget the ice machine!
why not gather the luxury campers and condo an island? everyone would own their piece of paradise. restrictions could keep it semi-camping environment. tiny lots, nobody can stay more than a few weeks at a time, no hard walls, etc. a tiny bit of architectural control, like all thatch roofs, would help keep it from looking like a shanty town. commons could be virtually the whole island, permanent baths, dock, storage space, and not much else. private property could be an elevated platform with a thatch roof. pitch a tent on it, hang net, whatever you want. since, realistically, most of us are lucky if we can spend 3 weeks a year down there, we wouldn’t have to all have our own platforms. 15 first-come-first-served platforms for 50 families, splitting and $500k island with $100k of commons improvements is only $12k to get in! My only request is 7′ of water at the dock.
Lot’s of possibilities!
brillant idea just do it
What an amazing idea! I think payment for a whole package might be more attractive than a per night rate. I’m guessing people would want to be ’stranded’ on their desert island for at least a week at a time. If you ever need a doctor to look after your guests . . . Ah, I can dream . . .
I’ve always told my wife I wish I could get away from the rat race and be stranded on an island with nothing around but my thoughts. for me, it would be a dream come true. I’m looking at buying property now in the Honduras or Belize area. An island would be a dream, but I cannot afford that. I’m looking to move down from Texas as soon as I buy something.
Hi there. I just started researching info and a possible island to be ’stranded’ on for a few months. The plan is to find a deserted island, stock up on some supplies and basic building materials, and go there with my boyfriend this summer at the earliest. I’m graduating from college in May so for me I have plenty of time to work at a small scale Robinson Crusoe dream project. Currently we’re scouting google maps for unoccupied island territory. Just a start. Point being, yes! OF COURSE people would come and love it. Anyone who owns Castaway, the Blue Lagoon, etc is already there if the means are there. I prefer the simplest concept of it all to the #3 comment; I feel like that’s been done before and already exists- the result wouldn’t be as true to form if it’s not left in as raw and simple a state as possible. Also if it were me, I would book the island by the week and not by the night. To really get into the jive of things and have time to forget all your thoughts and find new ones- and perhaps actually get dirty- then a week is a solid amount of time. Or a 5 night min. And if I wasn’t a destitute college student then $200 a night would be fine- or more- for those who have the money and simply don’t want to deal with the logistics of being a castaway.
Hi, I am from Slovenia, if you know where that is. Europe near Italy…anyway, I am 22, and I am starting my travel agency, and I would love to have something like this in my program, I am dreaming about something like this since I was a child….i WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU SOME DAY AND DISCUSS ABOUT THIS IDEA….If you think it is possibility for some business relation please contact me on my mail
Best regards, Luka
Hi, i was searching for a place just like this for my husband and i, this is something we have talked about doing and dream of it actually happening. Please keep me informed as to your decision, i would love to do this!
Thanks!
That is wonderful when somebody can improve into a real life his dreams !! We want to do the same !
I would love to do something like this I have always wanted to have my own Island just to me for a few days. I think it is a great Idea. I could see paying $500-$600 a night
I love the idea. Think it is a great business venture. If I had plenty of money to spend I would probably be willing to spend more, but the fact that I can go to all inclusive resort like Beaches for about $1500 a week, I think this should be no more than about $700 a week. I guess it depends on what you are providing, but people will have to pay for their transportation to this island also.
I’m in awe! I am currently trying to plan my own mini island adventure. You obviously need people of like mind and based on the reports on this page, there will be plenty out there.
I agree with Melissa, $700 sounds reasonable for the experience. As i’m in the UK, that’s probably around £400 and that for me is a good price.
In terms of company, I would like to meet random people who have stories to tell and who different skills to offer a group trying to establish themselves on the island. I know that people may like family and friends around them too to offer support.
Either way, I’m not fussed, I love a challenge and any experience that you can learn from.
Good luck with your venture and kepp me posted if you have a spare place!
Annemarie.
We love this idea and have a potential twist. My wife is an interpreter for the deaf in the Palm Beach County School system and works with deaf, disabled and autistic youth. We used to spend a fair amount of time in the BVI and she always wanted to take a group of these kids on a trip to the islands so that they could experience island life, not resort island life but the real get down and dirty, feet in the sand, fresh catch kind of experience. Few people, relatively speaking, have the opportunity to have such an experience, much less those underprivileged and or mentally and physically handicapped. Maybe find a philanthropist or even a commercial sponsor of sorts to sponsor the trips. Just an idea, I wish you all the best.
Barry
I think this could be marketed as a real-world SURVIVOR idea…It is VERY do-able, and would be a niche market kind of idea! Being from the climate in Canada, I would pay good money to spend time trying to survive for a week at a time in the tropics. It is June 1st tomorrow, and we are seeing cool temps, and HAIL! I look at the islands on your website every other day, just to remind myself that there are places in the world were it is never cold! I would gladly quit my job, and move down there even to take a mediocre job and live in belize… This idea is awesome.
At 8 years old, my father took me on a business trip. One evening we went to see Disney’s movie “Lt. Robin Crusoe” (Dick Van Dyke, Nancy Kwan - 1966). I was about 8 years old and fell in love with tropical islands. So much so that I saved my allowance and purchased a Hawaiian music album. I would close my eyes and dream of being starnded on an Island and I guess this is one of the 1st crushes I ever had because it did involve having my own girl Friday (Wednesday in the movie). Then came Gilligan’s Island which I would not miss and my fantasy was sealed in my psyche forever.
Since then, I have Windjammed in the Carribean twice, been to Hawaii 4 times and once to Moorea, Tahiti as well as Jamaica and St. Thomas, USVI. The tropical vacation is what I imagine a vacation to be.
For the last few years, especially since the show “Lost” aired on ABC and the movie Castway, with Tom Hanks…which I’ve seen countless times, I have dreamed of winning the lottery and creating an eco resort with exactly this theme. An element of seclusion, fishing poles, grill, thatched hut on the beach, stocked bar and refrig/freezer. A freshwater waterfall would be a plus and trails to explore. I have searched the internet for a resort like this and simply can’t find it. The closest I have come is the Pension on a motu off of the coast of Moorea. Fiji has Robinson Crusoe’s Island but it is extremely expensive. Costa Rica has a camp resort but teh tents are too close for those that want seclusion.
I am actually shocked that someone has not created such a place. I like the idea of about 700.00 per week. Especially if the accomodations are a bit rustic. I do think that the bungalows should be far enough away to allow those who wish seclusion their wish. Maybe “do not disturb” signs on their perimeter of their accomodations could warn others to stay clear when exploring. Otherwise, meeting others would be a plus for some.
I f you decide to do this, I would definitely be interested in staying, maybe even being a caretaker for you! BEST OF LUCK AND KEEP US POSTED!
P.S. I even thought it would be cool to model it after the island in Lost, complete with Dharma runis to explore, etc. but this would cost allot more money and may turn some folks off. So keep it simple and comfortable but rustic.
its an awesome idea, and one i would love to participate in, but there are some things that you need to address… some basic necessities.
food- is fishing and coconuts all there will be? prolonged ingestion of coconuts leads to sickness (vitamin something), including diarrhea. will there be indigenous animals to hunt? wild fruits? for only 1 week you wouldnt need to exactly go out on hunting expeditions, but it would be unreasonable to think only fishing would do the job of providing sustenance…
shelter- you want to provide shelter, but just minimal? im confused there.. so its more of a camping trip than a survival one?!?!
water- you want to provide this? are there any freshwater sources?
It just seems like an awesome idea and one you are semi passionate about, however i believe you either run with this idea or not… none of this half survival game nonsense…
I’m only 16 years old, and that is all i want to do. It sounds like a really good idea, i have some experience, i can survive, i have spent many nights in the woods with little food and water. So it could work. As long as there is a freshwater source and some reliable food on the island that would be cool. That would be cool to try and parachute down onto the island, with your supplies.
Wow this is my exact idea! I was thinking of the same idea as one of the posters above. Sell off memberships to a private club of a limited amount of people, 20 or so add an extra hundred grand for some light improvements, I already do the safari camping thing as a camp caterer I have done hunt camps and festivals as well as a three month baja trip. I would really like to be involved in your project instead of starting my own project. you can contact us via our website or by email.
My children just watched “Nims Island” for the first time a few weeks ago, and have been lobbying hard for the deserted island life ever since. It would be a dream come true for my family. You should definitly do it. Please update us on your progress!
God talk about the oportunity of a life time ……. I am currently setlting up home in Fiji so when I retire I can do exactly what you have discribed. Way cool idea, I would do this alone first then come back a second time to bring my friends for the experiance of a life time. Cost wow as you said this would be a business but before giving an idea of cost I would have to know where in the world is the island, what is the climate, would there be any down time during any time of year say like huricane session. Anyways very very cool idea run with it man! ~Canada~
Hey, have followed this question for 6 months. Decided I might as well chip in with my two bits. Noticed that where two or more are gathered, there shall be differences of opinions amongst them, lol. My take on it is that everybody has a different opinion of “roughing it” or “basic necessities” or frankly, just about anything. You have to decide whether it’s a fun thing with friends, or whether it’s a business. Trust me when I tell you this, it’s never both at the same time, at least for very long. The reason? When people are paying for something, they quickly dispell (with their actions or attitude) any romantic notion of it being “all for one and one for all” kind of simplistic island living.
On the positive side of things, I say decide, plan, build, and people will come. That is, whoever whatever you built appeals to will come. It won’t appeal to all island lovers. It likely was never supposed to. I think it’s a smashing idea. My wife doesn’t. Roughing it for her is 4 star. I was looking at a very nice house on the beach in the Costa Maya. She said, now let me get this right so I don’t misquote…..”fat freakin’ chance”. She loves me, she just has a hard time showing it, that’s all :-)
Hi to start of I have no money but I’m healthy 54. Kids gone I have two months a year to give you Im an overall handy man work for you for free just give me shelter and accommodation. Will pay for my own flight there and back I sing and play guitar that’s not free. If any of this is good for you please get back to me Keep me in mined Tommy
If I had my choice..I would live on a deserted island. I am actually going on a simular trip next month out in Ten Thousand Islands. We are only going for a few days but I can’t wait. We plan on really roughing it. Bare essentials only. The only thing with people is they have a preconceived notion of how nice it will be and truthfully…it’s not…it is a lot of work setting up camp…gathering wood…cooking…fighting off bugs and simple fact that people get board. I love it and grew up camping…as did a lot of people. Those are the people you want to cater to. Our trip is $100.00 to be dropped off and brought back. We furnish everything else. Can’t wait…and good luck!!
Does this idea exist anywhere? Please let me know jaredwharton@gmail.com
I do like your idea but if I was “building” this deserted island retreat I would take a different approach. What I envision is a beautiful yet simple and small thatched roof building that appears to be deserted from the set of “The Blue Lagoon” or a local fisherman. Inside, you would find hand made furnishings and simple luxuries such as bedding and towels, bug netting, cooking utensils, and matches, maybe some old books and an oil lamp. I would have the wood cut for the first night but there after I would leave it up to the so called “Campers”. I would plant native fruit trees and leave behind fishing tackel and spears along with snorkeling equipment. Your island would need an ample amount of fish, fruits and animals. Along with emergency supplies such as the phone, medical supplies, and a boat to leave the island in case of emergency. A water cistern is a great idea but the idea of bringing in water is probably a necessity. I would pay $200.00 a night or more for an experience like this. It would be interesting to see a family work together as a team to make this work. That is the most interesting thing about this idea if you ask me. The thought that it could mean different things to different groups of people. A family might use this to reconnect with their children, a married couple to cement their marriage, a group of friends to test their survival skills. You could set up thing differntly for different clients, depending on their desires. Anyway you do this I wish you good luck!
Great idea I have always wanted to just camp at some of the islands that I have fished, so I’m right there in great fishing when i wake up.
if you need any help Im a willing fishing guide.
have you actually done this yet? i would love to take part. but my internet searches just keep on coming up short. you would corner the market if you actually started this!
Leave a Comment