The rich left the city to move to the island after the pandemic

After a year “buried feet” at home, the Rick man spend more money on luxury travel.

Ignoring popular destinations, they choose islands, where life flows more slowly, has thriving local communities and still preserves natural beauty.

The development of island tourism combined with diverse services such as indigenous-inspired bungalows, luxury villas, high-class golf courses, beach bars, spas allow visitors to freely travel. but don’t feel isolated or bored.

As the aviation industry slowly recovers, the rise of remote work and on-site amenities has transformed the island experience. The pandemic contributes to accelerating the trend of “leaving the city to the island”, according to New York Times.

The famous islands, with many beautiful scenes, attract wealthy tourists. Photo: iStock.

Facilities on the island

Many real estate here has been converted into accommodation for wealthy tourists, in which the living and working spaces are completely renovated.

“Two years ago we had three families living here full time. By the end of this year, I guess that number will increase to 30.” Chuck Cary, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Kohanaiki, a private community on the large island of Hawaii (USA), said.

Many wealthy tourists spend heavily to buy large houses on the island. Photo: The Abaco Club.

Helping visitors spend more time on the island has increased the appeal of this type of living. Currently, the island of Hawaii is building more houses and adding new amenities for residents.

Perched on the slopes of Great Abaco Island, overlooking a crescent-shaped bay and white sand beaches, club Abaco offers a wide range of accommodations, from studio-style cabanas to 3-bedroom cottages to to large-scale real estate.

According to Matt Deitch, chief executive officer of Southworth Development, the developer of Abaco, the price of a unit ranges from $700,000 to $12.5 million.

Inspired by traditional Bahamian architecture – with sloping metal roofs and colorful planks – all feature expansive decks and open-air outdoor spaces.

Every year, Tim McGuire (from Toronto, Canada) and his wife come here for a 4-week vacation. This habit has been maintained since 2012.

“Life on the island is more comfortable than anywhere else. I feel like I fit in with everyone. My kids also spend most of their time here. I can also rent out houses to visitors through the club’s program.” Mr. McGuire told the New York Times.

The resident from Toronto describes his house as bright blue, located on Bahamian beach, overlooking Abaco Bay to the north, 2nd floor can watch the sunset.

The McGuires enjoy outdoor activities every day. Mr. McGuire jogs in the morning while his wife searches for exotic wildlife like the Abaco parrot. They spend their time fishing or kayaking chasing sea turtles.

Mr. McGuir plans to move here after stepping down as CEO of Mobile Klinik.

Disconnect from the world

Not only Hawaii, many islands in other countries also recorded a trend of long-term visitors.

Perched into the foothills of Tenerife’s Mount Teide in Spain’s remote Canary Islands, Abama Resort features a terraced landscape that allows most rooms to overlook the ocean.

Francesc Pujol, real estate director of Arum Group, which develops and manages Abama, said that since the pandemic broke out, tourists have lingered on the island longer.

“Usually they only stay for 2 weeks, but now they stay for 2 months, even many people have lived here for 6 months. In addition, they also make buying decisions faster, requiring only one home visit. If you want to disconnect from the outside world, this is the perfect choice.” Pujol said.

The Hawaiian Islands receive a large number of tourists after the pandemic. Photo: AP.

Abama’s diverse modern-style homes range in price from 580,000 euros ($637,000) to around 2 million euros ($2.2 million).

Kohanaiki located on the big island of Hawaii is also a suitable destination for those who follow the trend of “leaving the city to go home”. This place is known as an exclusive club for the rich with countless fun and entertainment activities.

Many rich people come here to buy fully furnished houses or design their own.

Brent Hallock and his wife completed their house in Kohanaiki last year and plan to stay there for six months every year.

“From the moment I came here, I felt an immediate reduction in stress. I make friends very quickly and easily.” Hallock said.

According to Zing