A Gold Coast couple who are selling off their Micronesian island resort by raffle have already garnered more than $A2.5 million in ticket sales, with Americans leading the way in entries.
The draw for the three-acre Kosrae Nautilus Resort and associated business Nautilus Divers will take place on Tuesday after raffle tickets went on sale in April for $A49 a pop. More than 53,000 tickets had been sold by the weekend, to people from 150 countries.
Doug and Sally Beitz were desperate for their piece of untouched paradise to go to "someone who has dreamed of island life, not simply the person with the deepest pockets".
They built the resort, which is popular with scuba divers, after seeing the region on a travel show.
"We had no experience in tourism or hospitality, we knew we were taking a risk," says Doug. "But we were more petrified by the prospect of getting to 60 and wondering `what if' and the mind-numbing monotony of 9-5 corporate life. We knew we had to take a chance."
Doug and Sally raised their three children on the remote volcanic island, northwest of Nauru, but have now decided to relocate to Australia to be closer to family and friends.
As well as stunning reefs, the island of Kosrae has world-class surf, a business centre, an international airport and famous 14th-century ruins.
The resort and scuba business is debt-free, profitable and staffed by 16 long-term employees.
The winner can choose to run the operation themselves, or have a manager run things on their behalf.
A runners-up prize for Australian ticket-holders is an all-expenses paid nine-night holiday at the resort, including flights, accommodation, meals and tours.
