The owners of Hawkins Island hope to eventually turn it into an exclusive holiday destination similar to Richard Branson's private island.

Hawkins Island, which is the largest island in Hamilton Harbour, is owned by the Cox family who have drawn up plans with architectural firm OBM International to create a discrete, high-end private executive accommodations for a maximum of 20 people and add grass tennis courts to the 25 acre Island.

The proposed development would only take up 16 percent of the island and the aim is to highlight the charm and beauty of traditional Bermuda cottages. The land is owned by the Rosebud Trust owned by William Cox's family, the same group that own the Waterfront Properties Ltd.

Yesterday Colin Cambell, Regional Director of OMB International, told a public tribunal for the Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 they hoped to create a destination similar to Necker Island, owned by celebrity billionaire Richard Branson. The luxurious private resort situated in the British Virgin Islands can be rented out for a group of 28 at a cost of $53,000 a night. Dotted around the Necker Island are platforms that can be used for dining experiences or as look out points.

Mr. Cambell said the aim is to create a similar ambience on Hawkins Island, with a main house located in the same place as it stands now and two smaller cottage units.

They also hope to have platforms dotted around the island that could be used in a variety of imaginative ways. For example one could book a massage on one of the platforms or arrange for a private dining experience.

The developers have faced unique issues when it comes to planning regulation, Mr. Cambell said, because the concept is unlike anything else in Bermuda.

Parts of the land are designated woodland reserve, but they hope to create a path going through it so people can walk though it as well as a tennis court. As a concession the Cox family designated another portion of the Island as a woodland.

"We want to be able to preserve the environment but ensure visitors can experience it," Mr. Cambell said.

At the tribunal Mr. Cambell said they hoped to rezoning portions of the land for tourism development.

The plans have been supported by the Ministry of Tourism and supported in principle by the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Cambell said, and are still working with the departments of planning and conservation to resolve some issues.

Conservationist Jeremy Maderios said he was concerned that the two tennis courts would encroach on Bermuda Cedars.