So, I started playing today. I didn't know at the time that there were other starting islands than the 3x3 one. But I ran out of resources and needed to start over. I found out from another user about the /islands command (you should really have some information at spawn about useful commands like that) Anyway, I tried 3 times to create a new island and each time I kept getting the 3x3 one. What's also annoying is that I had to wait 10 minutes between each reset. I guess the question is, how are you supposed to choose a starting island or can you reset the island for me to the cottage one. Thanks for your time.
There is actually an sign at the spawn which will open the islands gui. Did you click on restart with this island below the island you want?