Launched on the Irish market by Colliers Jackson Stops, these beach-front villas set in a paradise-like environment are in a five-star resort in Sabah, on the Karambunai peninsula.

The resort is surrounded by 3,335 acres of natural landscape, part of which includes a 130 million-year-old tropical rainforest, and six kilometres of white sandy beach.

There are two types of villa on offer, currently selling from plans. Pool villas are upmarket beach-front units ranging in size from 331 to 687square metres (3561 to 7392 square feet). These are single-storey villas and include two large bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with kitchen, dining and reception areas.

Spa villas which overlook the South China Sea, although smaller, are also very spacious, ranging in size from 86 to 106 square metres (925 to 1140 square feet).

In a lease-back scheme, pool villas come with a guaranteed annual return of 7% over five years, while spa villas get a return of 7.25%. Onsite facilities at the resort include a spa, seven restaurants and an 18-hole championship golf course.

According to Gillian Ryan of Colliers Jackson Stops, Malaysian Borneo has a stable political climate, along with a pro-business government and a growing tourist industry, and Irish investors can avail of up to 70% local finance.

The resort is a 25-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu international airport.

Price: spa villas from 125,000 and pool villas from 230,000.

Agent: Colliers Jackson Stops (01-6333700)