Live Your Luxe Castaway Dreams on These Private Islands in Fiji
So you’re dreaming of total peace and seclusion in the lap of luxury? There's an exclusive private island in Fiji just for you. Start planning your escape now and you’ll be ready to go once international travel resumes.
Laucala Island
It’s A-list all the way at Laucala (pictured above and top), where a small army of staff members treat each guest like they’re Oprah Winfrey (yes, she’s stayed here). Sustainability meets luxury across the resort, from the 25 stunning residences constructed from natural Fijian materials to the organic farm producing not only fruit and vegetables but also cocoa beans for island-made chocolate, plus quail, coconut crabs and Wagyu beef for the multiple restaurants. And whether your whims extend to kitesurfing or game fishing, splashing on horseback through the lagoon or playing a round on the 18-hole championship golf course, Laucala will deliver. File under “magical”.
Royal Davui Island Resort
Be pampered at this small but perfectly formed island, where 16 elevated villas each boast a private deck with a plunge pool and mesmerising ocean views. You and your companions (all adults; this is a child-free zone) will feel like Robinson Crusoe sinking your toes into the ridiculously soft sand of the three beaches and swimming in waters that form part of a marine park. The feeling continues at the restaurant and bar; built around the sinuous lines of an age-old banyan tree, it’s a place where sunset cocktails segue into a modern Pacific menu. Local ingredients take centrestage in dishes such as mahi-mahi with spring pea risotto and chorizo coddled in a lemon beurre blanc.
Tavarua Island Resort
The world’s top surfers wax lyrical about this 12-hectare heart-shaped dot in the Mamanuca Island chain, about 25 kilometres south-west of Nadi. Tavarua boasts some of the world’s best breaks, as well as stunning views from the oceanfront restaurant and the balconies of the 16 traditional beachfront bures – each one a vision of low-key luxury.
Wakaya Club & Spa
It’s easy to see why Bill and Melinda Gates honeymooned on this stunning island, which emerges from the Koro Sea amid a vision of white-sand beaches encircled by tropical jungle. It may be beautiful but Wakaya also offers everything the modern traveller could wish for, from a nine-hole golf course to an indulgent spa. The 10 luxury bures mean you can invite the whole clan but be sure to reserve Vale O for yourself – a secluded hilltop sanctuary with its own tennis court and rock-rimmed pool with waterfall.
Kokomo Private Island Fiji
Gather the family or whisk your special someone away on the ultimate bucket-list escape at this jewel in the Kadavu Island chain south of Viti Levu. Accessed by its private seaplane or helicopter, Kokomo represents the epitome of barefoot luxury; a paradise of 26 villas set against a backdrop of pristine rainforest and the spectacular Great Astrolabe Reef. Snorkel with majestic manta rays, marvel at the kaleidoscopic coral or simply laze about on a pontoon over the warm turquoise waters while the young ones enjoy the kids’ club. Organic island-grown produce and locally caught seafood is celebrated on the menus at the island’s three dining venues. Don’t miss chef Shaun Thomson’s signatures, like freshwater prawn with citrus butter and Kokomo herbs, grilled in the Josper oven at the Beach Shack.
Matangi Private Island Resort
Curling around a dramatic horseshoe-shaped lagoon, Matangi Island’s startling natural beauty stands out even among the stunning Fijian surrounds. Volcanic cliffs and towering rainforest-covered peaks make a powerful backdrop to the nine villas and three dreamy treehouses, all just steps from the powder-soft beach. A 20-minute speedboat ride from Taveuni, Fiji’s third-largest island, the adults-only resort feels a million miles from anywhere – but you’ll never be far from a perfectly made piña colada.
Turtle Island
Lapped by the waters of the famous Blue Lagoon, Turtle Island is the Fiji fantasy from central casting. Part of the Yasawa Islands, this leading eco resort treads lightly on its 202 hectares of palm-fringed beauty, while making guest happiness paramount. With an individually appointed “bure mama” looking after each of the 14 airy villas (think of her as your island concierge), there’s no shortage of tailor-made suggestions such as a group dinner party on the sand or an intimate candlelit dinner for two on a floating pontoon. Normally hosting up to 28 adults only, at certain times of the year you can bring children as well, each of whom gets their own “bula buddy” carer.
Vomo Island
One stunning island, six sprawling private residences – each with their own pool, butler and nanny if required. A stay in gorgeous Vomo Island’s luxe residences, or its equally chic hilltop and beachfront villas, is quite the catch but it also comes with exclusive access to its smaller sibling island, Vomo Lailai. A 10-minute speedboat ride will see you “shipwrecked” in style, complete with a gourmet picnic, linen-clad dining setting and day bed – and a two-way radio to call a ride back when you’re done.
