The idea of owning your own tropical island is the stuff of daydreams and storybook fantasises. A chance to escape the daily grind and to create your own private sanctuary, a haven of peace and tranquility, far away from the hustle and bustle of the real world.
Certainly island ownership is seen as the pinnacle of wealth and achievement — if you're a member of the world's super-rich, then owning one is pretty much a prerequisite.
Aussie builder Chris O'Callaghan bought a French Polynesian island. Picture: Supplied
Turns out though, having a Richard Branson-esque bank balance isn’t a prerequisite to make your fantasies come true. In fact, owning a private island can be within the reach of mere mortals — as Chris O'Callaghan found out when he randomly bought his very own private atoll in French Polynesia.
“I found the island while sailing around French Polynesia in my boat, but it wasn’t for sale,” he told realestate.com.au. “After some digging, I found out who owned it, but it took four years of pestering him before he agreed to sell it to me!”
Aussie builder Chris O'Callaghan bought a French Polynesian island. Picture: Supplied
A remote, undeveloped speck of paradise situated northeast of the main French Polynesia island of Tahiti, the island lies on a private motu in the Tikehau Atol — a spectacular crown of coral and sand islands in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean.
“It was a scene straight out of a postcard,” said Mr O'Callaghan about the island when he first encountered it. “There was nothing at all but palm trees and beautiful white and pink sand as far as you could see — oh, and lots of crabs!
“Some people thought I was crazy — buying an island with nothing on it and no real plans — but I had the feeling that I could create something truly special."
Aussie builder Chris O'Callaghan bought a French Polynesian island. Picture: Supplied
Beginning his career as a carpenter, Chris soon migrated into building work with an apprenticeship that saw him amass skills in everything from land excavation and plumbing, to brickwork and roofing.
“It was hard work, but I learnt to do it all,” he said.
Years on the tools allowed him to build his own farmhouse in NSW, but a bad fall resulted in an injury that would unknowingly change the course of his life.
“I took some time off and studied Japanese and then got a job for Qantas as a flight steward in the '80s,” he explained.
"I flew all over the world, and it opened my eyes to a lot. Tahiti was part of my run back then and I fell in love with the place. However, after about 10 years, they cut Tahiti from the routes and started to streamline the airline and then the job wasn’t as appealing to me.”
Aussie builder Chris O'Callaghan built a resort on his private island. Picture: Supplied
Calling time on his airline career, the jack-of-all-trades then decided to buy a 70-foot boat in Queensland and set sail for his beloved Tahiti, where upon arriving, he set up his new business offering boat charters around the archipelago.
It was during this decade of boat life that the go-getter unexpectedly bought an island and decided to resurrect his building skills.
“Accommodation on the island was the idea, however, I didn’t expect it to evolve into a full-on resort!” he said of his initial plans.
What followed was a logistical minefield of shipping materials, battling the elements, and navigating the complexities of local regulations and labourers.
But his unwavering determination, fuelled by a passion for and a deep respect of the natural environment, kept him going. And in 2010, four years on from the purchase of the island, Ninamu resort was born.
Ninamu owner Chris O’Callahan greets arriving guest to the resort. Picture: Chuck Bennett
A collection of overwater bungalows, beachfront villas, and treehouses — all crafted with natural materials and designed to blend seamlessly with the stunning surroundings — the resort offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, with world-class surfing, snorkelling, diving, and a focus on sustainable tourism.
“Our small slice of paradise is the perfect spot for travellers seeking adventures off the beaten track,” said Mr O'Callaghan. “Our guests like to dive, fish, kite board, surf, paddle board, or to simply be one with the beautiful ocean surrounding our island.”
Aussie builder Chris O'Callaghan built a resort on his private island. Picture: Supplied
Living on a two-storey private home on the island (also built by him and his small team) Chris lives and breathes Ninamu day in, day out, and he admits that straddling both a home and business can be tough.
“Living in paradise is a nice life, but running a resort is not for the faint of heart,” he advises other would-be castaways who may be envious of his journey.
“It’s seven days a week, every day of the year. I’ve found that the best way to manage this is to not talk about it as a job. But, undoubtedly, you need thick skin and be able to handle the hardship of running a resort. Also, it’s a very laid-back life, which definitely doesn’t suit everyone.”
Aussie builder Chris O'Callaghan built a resort on his private island. Picture: Supplied
While life as the owner of your own tropical island resort clearly isn’t all swims and sundowners, clearly living in a literal paradise on earth does make Chris’s 9-to-5 equivalent easier to bear.
“The hard work is mixed in with incredible sunsets in the most beautiful part of the world,” enthused the 62-year-old. “I enjoy the ocean every day so, for me at least, it’s all worth it in the end.”
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