Laucala Island – Private Island Resort, Fiji
Laucala Island is a perfect island escape, for those who seek the total luxury of privacy and space, relaxing ambience, enjoying culinary delicacies, yet being sportive active. Anything is possible on Laucala – playing a round of golf, cycling the island, game fishing, diving or sailing the turquoise waters or being pampered in the spa.
Proclaimed one of the hundred most beautiful hotels and resorts in the world by Hideaway Hotels, Laucala Island (pronounced Lothala) opened in 2009 to guests seeking the utmost discretion and privacy amid almost unimaginable tropical splendor. Redeveloped by its new owner Dietrich Red Bull Mateschitz at a staggering $30,000,000, the island boasts of outstanding service, delicious cuisine, a exquisite wine cellar, and a stunning atmosphere.
Laucala Island – Private Island Resort, Fiji
You can take a Beechcraft King Air B200 or your chartered flight or personal yacht. Once there you can roam around in the electric club car which is parked in a cute thatched roof garage that will take you all around the Hugh coconut plantation and tropical vegetation. Since the island is equipped for 25 residences for as many as 80 guests privacy is guaranteed. The island also provides for a destination dining option where a staff of six trained professionals serves you a gourmet meal.
For absolute privacy, the expansive Hilltop Residence sits 360 feet above sea level, with three interlinked villas, two swimming pools, kitchen, and library. It’s an indulgent $26,000 per night. All residences include premium fittings and amenities. Hand-carved stone and timber bathtubs, both indoors and outdoors, Villeroy and Bosch bathroom fittings, iPod docks and Bose entertainment systems ensure guest comfort. In-room fridges and bars are stocked with premium wines and spirits, while freshly squeezed fruit juices and snacks are replenished throughout the day. Prefer not to be disturbed? Simply roll the red coconut in front of your villa gates and your privacy is assured.
Laucala Island – Private Island Resort, Fiji
Of course, which South Pacific resort doesn’t include an overwater accommodation? Laucala Island has it covered with its own version: a two-bedroom overwater residence, which appears to float above the emerald-green lagoon. The residence sports a terrace that ranges across several levels over the lagoon along with a private pool, which has been carved directly into the shore rocks.
With five separate restaurants and bars on the island, dining and entertainment are a treat. The Plantation House, the island’s fine-dining restaurant, is a mansion fashioned in its original colonial style. We hear the degustation dinner is a must-try. The 80-seat restaurant also has a private room with space for 50 guests. For a true alfresco experience, the Seagrass Lounge offers cuisine with a slight Asian touch. This being a private island, guests can also opt to have a dinner prepared for them and served directly on the beach.
Laucala Island – Private Island Resort, Fiji
Activities abound at Laucala, none more than golf. David McLay Kidd, of Bandon Dunes in Oregon fame, designed the par-72 layout, whose par-5 12th is considered the signature hole with the green extending onto the beach (high tide will mean wet feet!). Other activities at Laucala include horseback riding on the beach or a visit to a traditional Fijian village (complete with a bure kalou or temple), which was replicated on the island. A private sunset sail on the island’s yacht can also be arranged, as can an aerial tour of the island.
Laucala is destined to bask on many future best of lists. The island may be the one place that actually deserves to be called heaven on earth.
Laucala Island – Private Island Resort, Fiji
