Thanda Island becomes a Jumeirah

As Her Majesty famously sang: another one bites the dust. In news so outlandish even The Onion couldn’t script it, Jumeirah is set to take over Thanda Island—the $33,000-a-night exclusive use private island that I, and many of our clients, hold dear. Yes, that Jumeirah. The one known for, uh, the Burj Al Arab and… no, I can’t think of another noteworthy property either. What does Jumeirah’s brand even stand for these days? Except a confused identity crisis.

Oddly enough, I find myself less ruffled by this news than I was when Marriott barged into North Island and proceeded to dismantle it. At least here, it’s a management change, not a full-scale ethos overhaul. North Island desperately needed major upgrades to its hard product, and bringing in Marriott was about as effective as calling your therapist to discuss childhood trauma while your house is on fire. Thanda, by contrast, is in a far better state—just a few tweaks needed here and there (a new gym, perhaps), but the rest keeps it firmly at the top of its game.

Still, it’s hard not to lament the growing trend: exceptional properties giving up their independence to survive. First North Island, then Laucala, and now Thanda. The list of independents are becoming smaller, or having to grow to avoid being swallowed up.

Let’s just hope they leave Thanda’s magic intact. And no one better lay their hands on my beloved Velaa.