The property offers over 1,000 feet of beachfront and is a five minute stroll along a flower and conch shell lined path to the only village on the island; population, less than 100. The acreage includes lush vegetation, thousands of coconut palms, a small banana grove, hundreds of pineapple plants and dozens of fruit trees inclusive of mango, papaya, tangerine and more. The island, named ‘Ofu, is a ten minute boat ride from the Old Harbor of Neiafu, the main town overlooking the famous and beautiful Port of Refuse. The Vava’u Island Group is known as one of the best sailing destinations in the world and one of only two or three places on earth where you can actually swim with the whales that migrate to these islands annually. Add to that the world-class sport fishing, scuba diving on pristine reefs, kayaking and snorkeling and this is truly a place like few others.
The property was operated as a small resort by the former Tongan land owner and his wife until approximately 2002. It then sat untouched—and unmaintained—for three years before we came along with a dream and a plan. We formed a Tongan corporation and secured a 50-year tenancy agreement from the native land owner. That was followed up with the acquisition of a bulletproof 20-year renewable government lease on the land and a 99-year renewable lease is in the works; less than a year away. In the world of Tongan real estate, this is as good as it gets and protects the landholders’ investment throughout their lifetime and beyond. Read more on this below.
In 2006, a fence was built around the perimeter of the property and the dilapidated bungalows (known as “fales” in Tonga) were demolished in preparation for constructing modern units to Western standards. The main two-bedroom “lodge” building was left standing, though gutted to allow for renovation. At the same time, a representative from a New Zealand building company was flown in to survey the property for the purpose of planning site location for new boutique resort bungalows and renovation of the lodge building. Design for a one-bedroom, self-sufficient bungalow was commissioned and is included with the purchase of the property. There is also an existing concrete slab awaiting construction of a storage/supply building.
A rough four-year plan was drawn up wherein years 1 & 2 would include: the construction of a fence around the property (completed); the construction of a new jetty (design and cost estimate completed); construction of the storage/supply building (design and cost estimate completed); construction of a new stairway to the jetty and two additional stairways to separate beach areas (design and cost estimate completed—note, a gentle slope already allows access to the beach); the renovation of the lodge building (cost estimate completed); and construction of two new bungalows (design and cost estimate completed). Years 3 & 4 would see: the construction of a new bar/restaurant; construction of ten additional bungalows; construction of a beachside storage shed for water sports equipment, beach chairs, etc.
Sadly, health issues have put an end to our dream. But our loss can be your gain; whether you share a dream of operating your own boutique resort, or simply crave a private tropical island getaway in one of the remaining unspoiled paradise locations on earth. We seek only to recover our investment to date.
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