Coconut Grove – Laucala Island
FINALLY FIJI…
It took me a while but I made it… to paradise… Laucala Island style. I was promised ultra luxe and I got it, from the private Laucala plane that meets you at Nadi airport (and the gorgeous Funga who greets you with the warmest smile) , you just know you are heading somewhere super special and fifty minutes later you land… in a paradise so perfect and yet utterly authentic.
Iconic pool – Laucala Island
It has taken me two weeks to start writing this piece, the resort is just so fabulous I didn’t know where to begin. Let’s see… the island’s glamorous estate like villas are super private and extremely comfortable – I had a Plantation Residence with living room, bedroom, bathroom (also with the obligatory and ultra romantic outdoor bathroom) a choice of outdoor dining areas, a massage bale AND my own expanse of private beachfront, complete with yoga deck. It’s ultra private and super sexy so you can do what you want, when you want. This is superstar luxury … the best of the best and I mean that!
Villa Pool – Laucala Island
DAILY DINING
It’s amazing how this chic retreat even exists way up off the coast of Vanua Levu in Fiji, you don’t want for a thing… all the restaurants open everyday, even if you are the only guests on the island (that’s rich!). Laucala is an ultra luxe hideaway that attracts the chic and fabulous, it’s understated castaway glamour, believe me! Breakfast daily was a civilised affair at Plantation House – I felt as if I were dining in a Bahamian Beach House each and every morning… all with a breathtaking coconut grove view. I was more than amazed by how this resort actually operates day to day, and learnt that the island is almost completely self sufficient… you can tour the “back stage” of the island yourself and they pride themselves on their sustainability. It’s an incredible experience as the island is complete with its own herb, vegetable and fruit gardens, chickens, pigs and even Wagyu quality beef cattle. The seafood is of course caught and delivered daily by local Fijian fishermen.
ISLAND LIVING
My days were spent swimming on the pristine reef, or in my dazzling private pool. Lunch was always at the Beach Bar where the addictive NoBu quality sushi was the order of the day… hello Maki rolls!! Afternoons back at the villa were relaxing affairs, helping myself to the in villa bar constantly (yes it’s fully stocked and replenished daily… so go for it!!) they also drop in delicious hors d’oeuves daily (think prawns with coconut and rocket). Pre dinner cocktails were always taken at Rock Lounge, motor up at sunset on your very own buggy that comes with your villa and enjoy a Vodka Martini or two with a view! Everything is complimentary in your rate, everything you eat and drink at any restaurant or choose to dine privately in your Villa, the choice is yours. Your rate also includes your daily laundry and all activities within the reef… want to take a jet ski for a burn around the island ?? Go for it, it’s ready and waiting.
Villa – Laucala Island
Uninterrupted Beauty
It’s exhaustive glamour really, and you never want it to end…it’s pristine and perfect in every way and I truly couldn’t fault a thing (and I have experienced some really fabulous resorts in my time!). Of course you can imagine the local Fijian staff are beyond divine and the General Manager David Stepetic and his gorgeous wife Risako will make you feel right at home. I left with a tear in my eye… and long for the day when I can return.
What to pack : Orlebar Brown swimmers with a bit of Mr Turk thrown if for some colour by the stunning lagoon pool and with daily laundry included, you don’t need to pack much into the TUMI!
How to get there: Fly to Nadi where the gorgeous Funga will meet you and escort you to the Laucala private plane that will whisk you direct to the island (24 hours a day of course… and if you have your own plane, the island will arrange for you to clear immigration right there on the island, it comes at a hefty price but am sure Oprah appreciated it!) Hot Tip: Skip all the mainland resorts pre and post your stay in paradise , they will only bring you down!
Villas from $5000.00 per night including just about anything your heart desires, contact me for all the details. Rates do include a complimentary 90 minute massage in the oh so chic spa, located on a breezy hilltop in a jungle village setting, it’s so serene and so ultra gorgeous it will be a daily addiction to your island schedule! Oh and you can also be whisked around the island to an ultra discreet beach for a very romantic beachside massage like I did … champagne included! It’s totally fabulous. Contact me to book your very own stay.
P.S A very big “THANK-YOU” to Vincent Pauchon - Laucala Island’s dashing Director of Sales whose enthusiasm and verve finally got me to this island paradise and helped arrange my flawless stay!
